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June 5, 2010
Metheringham Area Local Police News - Summer 2010
from Pc Simon Gordon
It's hard to believe that it's Summer again already. After a long and cold winter we deserve some decent weather and as I write this article, the forecast is for some hot weather. However, this said, it 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.
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'. 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.
Empty properties around Metheringham, Blankney and Nocton fens are being targeted by thieves, who are breaking-in and stealing boilers, metal-piping and other similar property. We have a lot of 'scrap collectors' going about, usually in white flat-bed lorries. If you think something suspicious is going-on, 'phone the police.
Having said all of the above, the crime rate in the Metheringham area is gratifyingly low.
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 minor incidents, we are having very few problems.
Some of our youths have been causing a nuisance with 'off-road' motor-cycles, by riding them on public footpaths, where people are walking their dogs. If you experience problems with this, try to get any details of the bike, or if possible, the registration number to us, and we will issue 'Section 59' warnings. After that, if the warnings are ignored, the bikes can be seized and crushed.
We had an incident of egg-throwing in the Westfield Close area of the village a little while ago. This is something we have not experienced for a long time, and it causes a great deal of stress to the occupants of properties targeted. Please check your child is not roaming around the village getting up to no good.
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, busy roads. Remember the dangers associated with lakes and gravel-pits.
Remember though, you are still living in a very safe village and one of the most peaceful counties.
Finally, I will have completed 30 years police service on 31 July of this year, and so sadly this will be my last article, as I am retiring. I have enjoyed being the 'beat manager' for Metheringham and my other villages, and thank you all for your valued support.
I like to think I leave Metheringham without too many problems. There will be a new community beat manager for the village; but as yet, I have no idea who it will be.
Simon.
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