May 2021


This month I thought I would go back to basics to remind ourselves of some of the straightforward crime prevention advice which can really make a difference.  I fully endorse the principle that ‘prevention is better than cure’ (and I know I find it useful to have my memory jogged from time to time!)

 

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF BEING A VICTIM OF SOME CRIMES:

DOORS AND WINDOWS

Don’t leave exit/entry doors and windows of your property insecure.

It is advisable to keep your doors locked even when you are in the property - to prevent anyone ‘sneaking in’ unbeknown (it does happen!).  You should only have windows open in rooms that you are in and secure them before you go out or go to bed.

 

VEHICLES

Ensure you lock your vehicle.

Lock your vehicle every time you leave it - including when it is on your driveway, when you are at a fuel station etc., even if you are only going to be away from it for a minute.  Check that it is secure (especially if using a remote device). Never leave your car keys in your vehicle, not even for a second.

 

KEYS

Do not leave keys in an exit door or on a nearby surface (whether you are in or out).

Be careful with all keys - ensure you keep them in a safe place out of sight. (Keep keys for exit doors handy in case of emergency – but not on view). Never put a spare key in a convenient hiding place outside or in a garage or shed.

Don’t tag keys so they can be easily identified (or hang them on labelled hooks) – if they get into the wrong hands it makes life easy for the criminal!

 

Relay theft exploits a vulnerability in passive keyless entry systems (those which allow drivers to open and start their cars without removing the keyless fob from their pocket).

Although the relay device signal can pass through doors, walls and windows, it cannot penetrate metal, so storing your ‘keys’ inside a metal container, a signal blocking wallet / Faraday bag or even a microwave will safeguard your vehicle against such an attack.

 

LIGHTS

When you go out at night leave lights on in your property.

A property in darkness tells a burglar that it is empty - which they prefer. If you go out before it is dark use timers to switch on lamps / lights.

 

GARDENING EQUIPMENT

Don’t leave garden equipment, tools and ladders out.

Please put all garden tools away, if you have to leave your ladder outside ensure it is chained up, with a good quality chain and padlock, to a secure anchor point.

 

COLD CALLERS

Say ‘No thank you’ to cold callers - those visiting at the door, calling on the telephone or contacting you online. 

If you want a particular service or item, shop around; ask for recommendations from friends or family.  Alternatively, use the Trading Standards Approved 'Buy With Confidence' scheme (website: www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk) or the Citizens Advice Consumer Service (tel 0808 223 1133).  Ideally, get 3 quotes.

 

 

 

CRIMES* REPORTED 13.04.21 – 12.05.21      *Acquisitive Crime + Damage

(Excludes crimes of a domestic nature, neighbour / employment disputes, non-payment of goods, e.g. shop thefts)

Date

Time of Day

Crime

Location

Comments

16.4.21

1959 - 2015 hrs

Criminal Damage

Gorse Hill

3 unknown teenage offenders (2 males, 1 female) caused damage to fencing posts in front garden of a property

22.4.21

2015 - 2100 hrs

Theft

Church Drive

Offender stole cabinet (used to house books for book-swap scheme) located on driveway, after removing the books from within

18 - 23.4.21

Not Known

Theft

Rosedale Lane

Offender stole a pedal cycle which was locked / chained in back garden of property

7.5.21

1830 - 2115 hrs

Burglary - business premises

Leisure Centre, Longdale Lane

Offenders entered Leisure Centre and stole a fire extinguisher which was subsequently discarded on Gorse Hill

 

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Unfortunately, I have received a couple of further reports of anti-social behaviour within the village recently.  As mentioned in the March newsletter, Inspector Pearson (Head of our Neighbourhood Policing Team) is aware of the situation and he has arranged for extra patrols to visit the area.  Over the weekend of Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th April he issued a 48-hour dispersal order* and officers were in the village using these powers to move people on.

 

*A dispersal order can be issued, in certain circumstances, by a senior police officer, which contains powers that enable officers (including PCSOs) to direct a person who has engaged / is likely to engage in anti-social behaviour, to leave a specified area and not to return for a period of 48 hours.

 

If residents witness anti-social behaviour (ASB)** they can report it to the Police on 101 at the time (you may recall that Insp Pearson encouraged us to do this; I would recommend this course of action is taken – to ensure the Police know it is still occurring and, just as importantly, where / when it is occurring so they can plan appropriate action).

 

**ASB is defined on the Nottinghamshire Police website as: any intimidating or threatening activity that scares a person or damages their quality of life.  Examples of ASB include:

Rowdy, noisy behaviour / ‘Yobbish’ behaviour / Vandalism, graffiti and fly-posting / Dealing or buying drugs on the street / Fly-tipping rubbish / Street drinking.

 

[Note: to be committing ASB people need to be doing more than just sitting / standing around or walking through an area – just being there isn’t enough, (up to 30 people can now meet outside under the coronavirus guidelines); they need to be doing something which can be considered intimidating or threatening – such as those activities listed above].

 

 

DON’T FORGET

Please report all crimes and any suspicious activity to the Police on 101 (if you have reason to believe that a crime is in progress dial 999). 

Sue Harris

 

For further advice please visit our website: www.ravensheadneighbourhoodwatch.co.uk

To contact RNW email us at rnwinfo@yahoo.co.uk or leave a message for us on 07583 296 466