Humberside Crime Prevention Partnership Message

Humberside Crime Prevention Partnership Message

Dear Resident

You are receiving this message as member of the Humberside Crime Prevention Partnership (HCPP), it is my intention to send out regular messages to update you about current crime trends and provide suitable advice relating to them.

Feel free to pass on this information to anyone you believe may benefit from it.

The first trend I would like to discuss relates to dwelling burglaries, we are currently seeing ‘hotspot’ areas in Hull, Goole and on the Isle of Axholme.

We have identified different Modus Operandi (MO) or how the offence took place. These include lock snapping, doors being forced, or entering insecure properties.

So, what can we do to reduce this.

We use My Community Alert to send out targeted messages to each area that is identified, so residents are aware of what they can do to reduce the risk that they become a victim of crime.

Below is an example of the type of information that will be sent out.

Lock snapping –

For those who may not have heard of lock snapping, this is where the cylinder in a door lock is attacked using grips or pliers and normally snapped in half. This is an easy method and is very quiet if a standard cylinder is fitted. When the cylinder snaps in half, it then allows access to the door locking mechanism that can then be opened using a screwdriver.

Unfortunately, there are many videos available on the internet to show how this can be done, and it is normally UPVC doors with multi point locks that are susceptible to this kind of attack.

To prevent this type of offence taking place, a 3 star or 3 diamond cylinder can be fitted, these are cylinders that are designed to break if they are attacked, but they break at a specific point, with most of the cylinder remaining in place and protecting the access to the locking mechanism.

Offenders that use this method do seem to be aware of these types of cylinders and will just target standard cylinders.

Below are some pictures of the kite marks to look out for on the cylinders, you can also see the weak points built in to them that allows them to ‘snap’ and protect the locking system.

Below is a picture that shows how the cylinder should be fitted, if it isn't fitted correctly, it is easier to snap.

Other advice we send out to protect property is below.

Lock external doors even when you are in property

Close ground floor windows when not in the room

Remove the keys from locks, this prevents offenders making a small hole in galls in the door or a window, and then reaching in unlocking it, allowing easy access.

If you have a house alarm, ensure it is used. An operational alarm is a deterrent as it will limit the time someone is able to spend in a property without detection.

Consider fitting motion activated CCTV that will provide a warning if anyone is near the property or vehicle outside.

Consider fitting dusk to dawn lighting, this has been shown to be a deterrent as it makes it easier to see someone near the property.

Lock any side gates to make it more difficult to get to the rear of a property (In 63% of burglaries in Humberside, entry to the property is gained from the rear)

Consider additional security locks for patio doors if they are not covered by motion activated CCTV or an alarm.

If you would like any further information in relation to this type of offence, please reply using this system, and I will be happy to discuss things further.

Please feel free to provide feedback as well, so I can ensure I am tailoring the future messages correctly.

You can also use the following link to access more crime prevention information on the Secured by Design Website.

Regards

Jamie

Crime Reduction

Humberside Police

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Message Sent By
Jamie Steel
(Humberside Police, Crime Reduction Officer, Community Safety Unit)