Police News from PC Simon Gordon - Spring 2009

In my previous article, I highlighted the problem of thieves stealing metal - copper wiring, lead from roofs, metal road-signs, metal drain covers from the road and even ornaments from private gardens. I am please to report that these crimes have greatly reduced. The extremely high price of oil no doubt had a great deal to do with an increase in siphoning of oil 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 all good news for our communities.

Unfortunately, I fear that the "Credit-Crunch" is going to have a lot to do with a real increase in acquisitive crime. The Devil makes work for idle hands, and we have indeed already seen a real and sudden increase in house-burglaries, which is a crime that had been in steady decline in recent years.

Metheringham village has recently suffered. There were seven burglaries to private houses spread around the village in January. Almost all of these happened during the night where small portable items were stolen so I suspect this person(s) was on foot. I can also tell you that in some cases burglars entered through unlocked windows and doors. If residents are going to make it as easy as that for burglars I will need to remind everyone of some basic security requirements:

When you retire to bed for the night: LOCK YOUR DOOR!

If your house is going to be left empty, make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked. Leave some lights on. I personally use 5 light-timers if I am going away.
Do not leave your curtains drawn - or worse still, half-drawn, as if you can not quite decide!

Tell a trusted neighbour if you are going away.

If you have a burglar-alarm: use it, even if you are only going out for a short time. A burglar can be in and out in a few minutes.

There are many alarms on the market. They range from the expensive, top of the range alarms, which are professionally fitted, to cheaper alternatives, which can be purchased from a DIY Store. Ensure the systems meet British Standard BS4737 and BS6707.

Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding-place, such as under a doormat, flower-pot or wheelie-bin. If you have a garage, use it. I see so many expensive cars parked on the driveway, whilst the garage is full of "stuff". If your car is locked inside a garage the chances of it being broken into, driven into, vandalised or anything else are dramatically reduced. Modern cars have become very hard to steal, with their immobilisers and alarms and so thieves are keen to get hold of the car key. Do not leave your car keys where they can be easily seen and stolen. Some have been occasionally "hooked" through the letter-box from a hall table.

Lock your garden shed with a good padlock and hasp. Do not leave ladders around your property.

Before opening the door to a stranger use a door-chain. If you are not happy, or elderly and alone, do not open the door. Do not let people into your home unless you are 100% sure who they are. Although I wear a police uniform I will be more than happy to produce my warrant card for your inspection. Don't just glance at any I.D. produced, inspect it

Never leave your 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. Banks are safer (I think!)

Please report anything / anyone suspicious. Don't assume someone else will. Don't be afraid to get involved. This is your community.

Having said all of the above, remember that you are living in a very safe and law-abiding part of the country. A belated Happy New Year to everyone.

PC 638 Simon Gordon.