Dear Residents,

Your local policing team have noticed an increase in calls for service around suspicious activity where an unknown person(s) are attempting to gain entry into residential properties and when unsuccessful are then attempting to gain entry into their vehicles.

Although on this occasion nothing was taken, it does raise the concern that our area is being targeted.

Crime Prevention

Properties

There are two types of burglaries:

1 - Distraction burglary (Distraction burglars pretend to be someone they are not to gain entry to your home) 

Common methods used by distraction burglars:

·  Pretending to be from a care agency, the council or a utility company investigating a gas or water leak.

·  Seeking help to leave a note for a neighbour or even asking for a drink of water if they claim to be thirsty or unwell.

·  Claiming to be in a hurry or emergency and needing to get into your home quickly.

·  Working in teams, with one person distracting you while the other searches your home.

There are several things you can do to prevent distraction burglary. Always remember "if in doubt, keep them out":

·  Use your door viewer to see who’s there.

·  If you open the door, put the chain on first.

·  Always ask for ID and check it with the company before letting somebody into your home.

·  Use the phone number advertised in the phone book or online, as the number on their identity card could be fake. For a utility company, call the customer service department. Close the door while you do this.

·  Remember that genuine callers won’t mind checks. If you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there?

·  For pre-planned appointments with utility companies, a password scheme can be set up.

2 – Residential Burglaries (break into your property to steal items) 

There are a couple of things that we could consider when highlighting crime prevention, namely.

·  If you are going away, consider having automatic plugin time switch to operate a lamp or light at pre-set times when you’re away. 

·  Consider requesting a trusted relative/neighbour to look after your address whilst away.

·  Consider having external lighting.

·  Consider having a house alarm.

·  Consider purchasing CCTV or ring doorbell.

·  If you have gates or fences, please consider closing and locking them.

Vehicles

1. Always lock it

Fuelling up or popping back into your house to get something are perfect examples of how easy it is to turn your back for a moment and forget your vehicle is unsecured. So get into the habit of locking your vehicle even if you’re only going to be away from it for a moment.

If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked.

2. Close windows and the sun roof to prevent ‘fishing’

Leaving windows and the sunroof open invites fishing for items through the gap by hand or with, say, a bent coat hanger, which could also be used to unlock a door for them to get in. Thieves can be ingenious. Don’t give them the opportunity.

3. Secure your number plates with tamper-resistant screws

The easiest way to change the identity of a stolen vehicle or avoid speeding tickets and parking tickets is to fit stolen number plates. Using security screws to attach your vehicle’s number plates makes it harder for thieves to get your number.

4. Fit locking, anti-tamper wheel nuts to secure alloy wheels

Stolen wheels are valuable, either as parts or for their scrap value. Using locking wheel nuts reduces the risk of your vehicle’s wheels being stolen. 

5. Secure anything that’s on the outside of your vehicle

Anything left on roof-racks, tailgate racks, holiday top boxes or in tool chests are easily stolen when the vehicle is parked. The use of cable locks, padlocks and self-locking tools chests, which are secured to the vehicle, makes them more secure, but still, don’t leave things in them if you can avoid it.

For further information and advice, visit Sold Secure.
6. Take it with you or hide it

Your mobile phone, coins for the car park, sunglasses, packs of medication or other items that can earn quick cash are irresistible to the opportunist thief. Remember, the cost of replacing a window is often much more than that of what’s stolen. And it should go without saying that wallets, handbags, purses and credit cards should never be left in an unattended vehicle. 

7. Hide electrical items and leave no clues

Leaving sat nav mounts, suction cup marks on windows or cables on view gives it away that you have left a Sat Nav, smartphone or other device in your car. Even if they can’t see the Sat Nav or iPad they might still break in to see if it’s stored in the car, out of sight.

8. Tool theft from vans

Vans are often targeted by thieves for the tools stored inside. If you have to leave tools in a van overnight, it's a good idea to mark them clearly with your name / company name and address using paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray. Alternatively, you can use a variety of other property marking systems. Items that are clearly marked are less desirable and more difficult to sell on.

Consider using a lockable cabinet within your van to store tools – a number of security rated products are available. Small cameras are also designed to record inside vehicles. Visit Secured by Design for more details.

You can also take photographs of items of value, make a note of the serial numbers and consider registering them online at a property register site.

9. Park in well-lit and busier areas

It can take less than 30 seconds to break into a vehicle. Parking in well-lit areas and busy streets increases the chances of a thief being seen, so they’ll probably steer clear.

10. Take your documents with you

Having a vehicle’s registration and insurance documents could let a thief pretend to be the owner. Which means they could sell it on quite easily. So, never leave any documents in the vehicle.

11. Choose your car park wisely

If possible, always try to park in well-lit and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award. To find one, simply check out Park Mark.

Catalytic converter theft

The precious metal in catalytic converters has led to an increase in their theft. Find out what catalytic converter theft is and what you can do about it.

The plea from your local Neighbourhood team, is look out for each other – check in on your neighbours and family.

If you see or hear anything suspicious, can you please report it on 999 (in an emergency), 101 (non-emergency) or on-line. 

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Kind Regards

Dave

Cleethorpes Policing Team