Police Matters
COLD CALLERS
Three men were seen at lunchtime today cold-calling at homes in the Bowling Green Close area of Oakham, they were offering to clean drives for cash, all three were described as being dressed in scruffy clothes.
Please be aware and do not let cold-callers/strangers into your home.
If you have any concerns about people calling at your home, cold-calling, please call Leicestershire Constabulary on 101
Cycle D-Locks for Sale. Get one NOW
CYCLE D-LOCKS NOW ON SALE - ONLY £5
You now have the chance to protect their bikes from theft.Rutland Local Policing Unit has obtained a number of cycle D Locks up for sale from Thursday 17th November at a discounted price of £5.This is a Rutland Local Policing Unit initiative to encourage cyclists to upgrade their bike security.Crime reduction officers say that their experience is that D Locks are much more resistant to theft attempts than cable alternatives. They urge all cyclists to consider using one to protect their bike"When you consider the cost of replacing a stolen cycle, a good quality lock is well worth the money"Other security tips for cyclists include:
- Secure your bike to something solid, such as a bike rack or metal fence. This should be in a well-lit location which has lots of people passing it. Ideally it should be overlooked by a CCTV system;
- Take any easily removed accessories with you, such as lights;
- Security mark your bike, keep a photo and record its make, model and serial number;
- Register these details on the free property-marking website www.immobilise.com
Burglaries at dusk
The Leicestershire Police are advising householders not to leave their homes in darkness, particularly around dusk, as burglars are targeting houses which do not appear to be occupied. A recent review of all house burglaries, that occurred at all times of the day and night has shown a small, but worrying increase in that category of crime, up from 39 to 43 crimes across the area in a month. The Police say that burglars are watching houses at dusk, when daylight is failing, and people switch on electric lights in their homes. They target those houses where no electric lights are showing, believingno-one is at home. Most of the targeted premises have been entered through a rear, ground floor window or door, which has been forced open Residents are asked to be vigilant and report to the police any suspicious behaviour near their home. DO: 1) Switch your lights on at dusk, and if you are not going to be at home at that time, buy an electronic timer, which are available at low cost to switch on a lamp, television or radio. Create the impression someone is at home; 2) Don't leave tools or other items in your rear garden or yard. Don't make it easy for burglars by giving them the means to break into your home. Lock those items away in a garage, outbuilding or other suitable location; 3) Speak to your neighbours and look after each other. Ask them to contact the police if they think an intruder is in your home; |
POLICE ISSUE ANTI-BURGLARY ADVICE AS NIGHTS GET LONGER
Leicestershire Constabulary is advising members of the public to take steps to deter burglaries as darkness gets earlier.
This coming weekend the clocks will be put back, so it will be darker an hour earlier. That will mean many homes will be left in darkness before the occupants return home from work.
PC Alan Cook, one of Leicestershire Constabulary's crime reduction officers, said: "According to figures published last week, domestic burglaries in the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland area have fallen by 20 per cent in the last year.
"However, we would like to cut that further. Householders can greatly reduce their chances of being a crime victim by taking some simple steps.
"Burglars are very unlikely to break into a home that is occupied, or appears to be occupied. When a house or flat is in darkness during the early evening, burglars will assume there is nobody home.
"You can easily give the impression that someone is in even when there isn't."
Steps to consider include:
- Leaving a light attached to a timer, set to illuminate just as it gets dark. Simple timers which fit into a plug are available from electrical and DIY stores from about £2. Others can be fitted to the light unit. For best results, use in more than one room, and adjust them through the autumn and winter to take account of darkness arriving earlier;
- Leaving a radio on or connected to a timer;
- Using a device which mimics the flicker of a TV (but uses a fraction of the electricity).
You should also:
- Consider installing a burglar alarm. A professionally installed system for a three-bedroomed semi-detached house may cost up to £500, or you can fit it yourself for around £150;
- Fit and use good quality door and window locks;
- Keep your valuables where they cannot be seen through your windows;
- Register your valuables on the free property-marking website www.immobilise.com; in the event they are stolen this increases the chances of the police returning the property to you, and could help us prove the items have been stolen.
DONT LET ANYONE PINCH YOUR CAR!
Leicestershire Constabulary is asking people to avoid the risk of car theft this winter. Frost is forecast in the next few days, which may result in frozen windscreens. Last winter dozens of cars were stolen in Leicestershire while owners left them defrosting with their car engines running. Chief Inspector Chris Baker said: "These days vehicle security means it is very difficult to steal a car unless you have the keys. "Thieves know this, and see frosty mornings as an opportunity. They get up early, and will be looking for cars to steal. "While it may be tempting to nip back into your house or flat while the windscreen is clearing, I would ask you to stay with your vehicle. "If you find your car has been stolen while you have left your keys in it, you may find your insurance will not cover you. You could also be guilty of an offence if you leave the engine running while it is parked on the road
METAL THEFT
HOLD ONTO YOUR PRECIOUS BICYCLE AND OTHER METAL BITS AND PIECES.
There are metal thieves around and they are looking at unlocked sheds and at open or unlocked garage doors. Please ensure your precious belongings are kept under lock and key.
THEFT OF MOTOR CYCLES
We are currently experiencing a rising trend in the theft of motorcycles through out the Lincolnshire region.
Thefts are taking place between the hours of 18.30pm and 09.30am over the full seven-day period. Offenders are gaining access to garages and private driveways and it is suggested that they are armed with bolt cutters or rolling bikes directly onto a van/low loader.
They are targeting both 50cc and 125cc bikes although higher engine sizes may also be at risk. Please ensure that your motorcycle is stored with increased security and out of view if possible.
Please report suspicious activity (any time) on 0300 111 0300.
