Police News (Winter 2008) from PC Simon Gordon

This has nothing to do with a sudden outbreak of conscience amongst our criminal fraternity but may well have a great deal to do with the sudden decline in the price of scrap.
It is all about supply and demand and the price of lead, aluminium and other metals has plummeted. Export demand from countries such as China meant steel fetched £240 a tonne just a month ago but now the same load is worth £20 to £40.
Scrap aluminium, which was worth £700 a tonne at export price, is now worth about £300 and an old car, previously worth £150 to a breaker's yard, is worth £40.
The extremely high oil-price no doubt had a great deal to do with an increase in siphoning of oil from tanks in gardens, farms and business-premises. The significant fall in the price of oil has seen a great reduction in thefts of this nature - This is good news for our communities.

Your beat-team, including special-constable Gary Elliot, all turned-out to police the Metheringham Feast. From a policing perspective, we had very few problems. The atmosphere was excellent and apart from having to remove a small quantity of alcohol from a few youngsters, it went off almost without incident.

Unfortunately, whilst decent people were out enjoying themselves at the Feast, somebody took the opportunity to burgle four private properties in the Flinders Close area off Kings Road during the evening. Enquiries are being made by our CID.
I am also pleased to report that, unlike last-year, we had no problems whatsoever with eggs being thrown and other related damage on Hallow'een or 'mischief-night' by 'Trick or Treaters'. (unless somebody knows different)

With the exception of the odd incident, our youngsters have been pretty well-behaved recently and I feel our zero-tolerance policy of confiscating alcohol from under-age drinkers is having the desired effect.

Christmas is almost upon us again. This is a very busy time of year for everyone, including the criminal. However, a high percentage of crime is opportunist in nature and so this Christmas we are seeking your assistance in preventing this type of crime. Although presents look lovely placed under the tree in your home, they can also be seen by thieves. If they can be seen they can be stolen. Keep presents out of sight.
Are you going away for Christmas? Consider using automatic lights, cancel milk and papers and ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your house. If your house is in total darkness a thief will know there is nobody in. Ensure all doors and windows are locked. If you have a house alarm, USE IT!

Before opening your door to strangers, use a door chain. If you are not happy, send callers away. If they are from a reputable company they will always call back. Do not let people into your home unless you are 100% sure who they are.
Never leave you cheque book and card together. Keep your pin number confidential. Do not write your pin number down on a piece of paper, or make a note in your diary - thieves know where to look! Do not leave large amounts of cash in the house.
Sat Nav's and Laptops are currently high on the car thieves shopping list. When you leave your car, take them with you.
Having said all of the above, may I wish all, on behalf of the beat-team, a very happy Christmas.
To remind you: Your beat-team are:
PC 638 SIMON GORDON - COMMUNITY BEAT MANAGER - simon.Gordon@Lincs.pnn.police.uk
PCSO LISA DUCKWORTH - POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER
E-MAIL: lisa.duckworth@Lincs.pnn.police.uk
PCSO PAUL FLANNIGAN - POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER
E-MAIL: paul.Flannigan@Lincs.pnn.police.uk
Alternatively telephone directly on 01522 805718, or 805703. These are BBH numbers.
These details SHOULD NOT be used for reporting crimes and incidents, requiring an immediate police-response. Always 'phone the communications-centre on Lincoln 882222, or 999 in an emergency.