22 Feb 2008
In the spirit of the newly created web site for our Estate may I offer some friendly advice on Crime Prevention for your property through this web site.
There will be some residents who do not know me, so I will start by explaining that for 31/2 years I had the privilege and pleasure of serving Cheadle Hulme village as the Village Police Officer and which incorporated the Ramilles Estate, where I also live.
My position came about as a result of an individual from
Adswood burgling 35 houses for certain types of property in the space of 4
months. Shortly after I arrived,as a result of an operation involving area
officers and myself, he was arrested and dealt with by the Crown Court. During
my time on the Estate I was regularly wandering about seeing potential problems
where property could be stolen and gave regular advice.Although those days are
sadly over, you as householders can go a long way to reducing the reasons why
crimes occur.
In that vein, I'd like to offer some simple advice whereby your property can
be better protected.
The first thing is to remember is that a Thief is basically a lazy
person. That's why he is a Thief. He wants you to be lazy too, so that he can help himself to YOUR hard
earned property.
So what can we do to try to prevent them stealing?
These are invaluable. Why? Simply put, a thief does not want to be seen or heard, so
light him up and make a sound, he wont like it and move to the house without
them.
Dont forget, if you have an Alarm tell your neighbour who holds the key
and give them a give them a contact number if you are away, as there is nothing
worse that an alarm constantly going off. By Law, they have to switch off after
20 minutes now.
TVs, DVDs, computers, games consoles, cameas, mobile phones and all
electrical equipment should be post coded by means of a magic marker pen. These
are available from shops like Maplin and W.H.Smiths and cost under £5. This code
will show up under ultra violet light if found by the Police should it have been
stolen and recovered. So if the worst did happen, investing a few pounds
could make the difference between your property being returned to you or
not.
Also put a small mark somewhere on each item which would
distinguish it as yours and yours only. A small scratch would suffice, known
only to you.
Take photographs of each item.This will also help in Insurance claims should they be neccessary. Make sure anything particularly valuable is listed on your Insurance policy.
They cost a lot of pennies, maybe your own or a companies. Either way, they still contain YOUR property.
Do not leave items on open view, especially overnight. You would be amazed at how many people go through our Estate during the hours of darkness, some who
just look into cars and some who try every door handle just in case YOU forgot to lock it. It might be that the property is of no real value, but it will
inconvience you in some way if it walks.
It always intrigued me walking about, how many garage doors are left open during both day and night for all to see inside. They contain huge amounts of
equipment which cost equally huge amounts of cash to buy and replace but people seem to think it won't go 'walkabout'. It does and will continue to as long as
garages and sheds are not better secured. You can buy an alarm for your shed/garage for about £15 from stores like Maplin. For the best deals, do an internet search on "shed alarm".
If you have been a victim and ever thought "why did they steal my lawnmower, hedgetrimmers etc", the reason is simple; Car boot sales and Loot. It cost nothing to
steal but if they get a fiver it's a profit.
Throughout the year, new property is bought either as a present or to replace old or worn items and they all come with packaging.
Having unwrapped that new gift or item, what do you do with the packaging? Leave it by the bin. You might as well put up a sign NEW STUFF come and STEAL IT. With the new clear bin bags, even
putting it in the bin will not help.
Remember the thief is wandering around, he might not see anything to steal right away but he will be making a note of any packing thrown out.
Rip it up into small pieces, put it in the bin or take it to the tip as soon as possible. It takes away the 'intel' he's looking for.
The same applies to your personal information such as bank statements and bills. Rip them up or even better, get a cross-cut shredder and use it before throwing any items containing personal information out.
We've all left windows and doors open in Spring and Summer but remember that they are an open invitation to some miscreant to try to sneak in whilst
you watch the TV or listen to your Ipod with the headphones on. In the garden in Summer on your own, lock your back door if it's out of sight.
If seen and challenged, theives will make any excuse....LET THEM GO... DO NOT have a go. Remember their description, write it down so it is fresh in your mind for future reference. If you have a camera phone try a snap shot. Even a back view may be evidence.