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August 31, 2009
Police News - Autumn 2009
News from Neighbourhood policing team.
As I am writing this article, it is already early August, and raining heavily outside!
However, we have had some decent weather, and summer weather gives the 'sneak-in burglar' his opportunity. We all like to relax at home; but if you are all down the bottom of the garden, think about how easy it is for somebody to sneak into your house and take a wallet or handbag. Lock your front door.
We have had a number of burglaries very recently in Dunston, as well as some thefts from cars. No damage was done to any property, as the burglars simply climbed through open windows; and in one case, entered through the unlocked house-door (in the middle of the night). Similarly, the cars were left open all night.
Luckily, in late July, a resident of Drury Street Metheringham returned home in the middle of the day, and caught a male at the rear of the property in the process of breaking-in. He ran to the rear of the house, confronted the male, (holding two hammers), tackled him, and restrained him, after a violent struggle, until police officers arrived. Excellent and brave work by that gentleman.
The arrested male later admitted all the Dunston crimes.
Burglars and thieves prefer not to make a noise by breaking or forcing windows or doors, or setting-off car-alarms.
I visited and spoke to the various victims, some of whom made comments like "It's my fault" Let's make one thing clear. It is not their fault, any more than it is the fault of the police.It is the fault of the burglar and thief. However, if we are going to make it as easy as that, we all need to think seriously about crime-prevention.
Home Security, Crime Prevention Advice
Home security is the best way to reduce your chances of been burgled. Here are a few tips:
- - When you go out lock external windows and doors.
- - Lock windows and doors at night or if you are in another part of your home, e.g. do not leave the back door unlocked if you are in the front room.
- - If installing new windows and doors get ones which are British Standard BS7950 (windows) or PAS 24-1 (doors).
- - Window locks, especially on older windows, will help stop people getting in (and remember - a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window)
- - Take your house keys to bed. Do not leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed, and put car and garage keys out of sight in the house.
If you would like a free home crime prevention survey please contact Simon, Lisa or Paul on the numbers below or send us an email.
Please be aware of 'bogus' traders. Although we have not suffered particularly in the Metheringham area, this sort of thing seems to be on the increase generally in Lincolnshire. These people tend to target the elderly and vulnerable, who always tend to be more trusting than most.
Do not accept the word of somebody who arrives at your door to tell you your roof or guttering needs fixing.They may quote you £40 for the job. They will be very persuasive. They will then do the 'work' on your house, and invariably tell you they quoted £400, or some other ridiculous price. If you argue, they can get nasty.Never let these people take you to a 'cash-point'.
One elderly gentleman in Billinghay was recently targeted by these people, and handed over something in the region of £3,000!
Some of these criminals may state they work for the water-board, or the gas-board, and may even have some type of uniform on.
Always ask for some identification. Don't just glance at it. If there is a contact 'phone number on the I/D, you can always 'phone the company. Do not let anybody into your property unless you are 100% happy.
We run a 'nominated neighbour' scheme.
You need to ask a trusted neighbour, or a member of your family who lives nearby, to be your nominated neighbour. Ask them if they will be prepared to help you check out the identity of any person who calls at your door, and accompany them into your home while they speak to you.
We will provide you with a proper card which you can display, which will ask them to go to the address of your nominated neighbour. You do not let them in unaccompanied.
If anybody would like one of these cards, please contact your neighbourhood beat team.
Most of our youngsters are okay. The minority who behave in an anti-social manner will always be with us, I fear. But apart from a few incidents, we are having very few problems.
Some of our youths are being 'diverted' by organisations like 'Extreme NK', who are taking them to Caythorpe during the summer months, where they can let off steam doing all sorts of activities such as tackling climbing-walls, 'quad-biking'etc.
Every year, there are tragedies involving children or teenagers during the long summer holidays.
I think it's great that the kids can all go out and enjoy themselves. Just make sure they don't play on building-sites, railway-lines, motorways. Remember the dangers associated with lakes and gravel-pits.
Remember, you are living in a very safe area, in a very safe county. To Remind you:
Your local Beat team is:
PC638 SIMON GORDON - COMMUNITY BEAT MANAGER................................... Simon.Gordon@lincs.pnn.police.uk
PCSO LISA DUCKWORTH - POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER Lisa.duckworth@lincs.pnn.police.uk
PCSO PAUL FLANNIGAN - POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER
Paul.Flannigan@lincs.pnn.police.uk
Mike Jones Sector Inspector, North Kesteven Rural
Telephone: (01522) 805708 Mobile: 07769 881101
www.lincs.police.uk
Policing with PRIDE - Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Empathy.
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