Police Officers say the case of a man who is beginning a lengthy prison for burgling 32 homes in Crewe underlines their "Lock your doors" warning.All the burglaries carried out by Stephen Crimes were sneak-ins. He simply walked into the houses through unlocked doors.Crimes, aged 36, was jailed for four years and three months by a judge at Chester Crown Court. He had pleaded guilty to two charges of burglary and asked for thirty similar offences, plus one offence of stealing from a car, to be taken into consideration.All the burglaries were committed while Crimes was staying with various friends and acquaintances in Crewe. He had a home address in Tatton Close, Winsford.
Detective Constable Darren Hebden said, "In all these cases he simply walked into the house and took items he could carry easily, such as laptops, mobile phones, ipods, cash and cards.
"He specialised in the sneak-in burglary and he is not the only criminal doing that. Currently a third of all burglaries in this area are carried out by people who wander the streets and nip into people's gardens trying doors until they find one that is unlocked. In most cases the occupiers will be in bed, but even if they are in another room downstairs the burglar will take what he can and make a quick exit.
"We can only repeat our warning about this and encourage people to get into the habit of keeping doors and ground floor windows locked at all times. A check-round before you go to bed is vital, too. Crime prevention doesn't get much simpler than that!
"The sentence on Stephen Crimes means that a professional criminal with a long record will be removed from the streets for some time. The courts, like Cheshire Police, take burglary very seriously and only the fact that he was frank about the offences he had committed saved him from an even longer sentence.
"We and the rest of the Criminal Justice System are doing a lot of work to protect people's homes from burglars, but the responsibility does not stop there. Everyone has a duty to take reasonable precautions to protect their home."
Friday, December 18, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
“Beat the Purse Dipper”
Last minute shoppers in Crewe and Nantwich are being urged “Don’t fall victim to a Christmas purse-dipper!”
Specialists will give crime prevention advice in the town centres, and hand out free bag alarms and purse bells.
Crime Reduction Adviser Mark Cotton said, “Pickpockets and bag snatchers see the Christmas shopping period, and especially the last few days of it, as a boost to their own particular trade.
“They can work among big crowds of people, and they know many of the shoppers will have their minds on other things. They can take full advantage of a lapse of concentration and a bit of carelessness.
“Police Officers and partners are putting a lot of effort into tackling town centre crime. Some officers are out and about in uniform as a deterrent. Others, in plain clothes, are identifying and arresting shoplifters and purse dippers. But shoppers themselves can beat these thieves. It just means taking a few simple precautions.
Those precautions will be highlighted by Mark and the Watch Co-ordinator, Hayley Goodwin, who are setting up advice stalls in both town centres.
Mark said, “We will also hand out some bag alarms and bells. These will be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and we will limit them to one per person. They are a useful crime prevention device. Anything which can raise an alarm if a thief tries to take a purse or bag, is a useful last line of defence.
“Keeping an eye on your cash and cards and making sure they are somewhere which is difficult for a thief to reach, is something we should all do at all times.
“Other criminals are busy at Christmas time, too. We are warning people who are out buying presents not to leave them on view in their cars. We have distributed postcards to shops which have a cartoon picture of a thief eyeing up cars loaded with presents, and carrying the slogan, ‘Display and You’ll Pay’.
“Having property stolen at Christmas time is particularly distressing. Having your bag, purse or wallet taken can also cause you a lot of inconvenience when you have to cancel your cards and set up new ones. At this time of year it can put a damper on what should be a really enjoyable occasion.”
Times/ dates of The Purse Dipping Campaign stalls are as follows:
Crewe: Tue Dec 22nd in The Market Centre 11am until 2pm
Nantwich: Wed Dec 23rd in Town Square 11am until 2pm
Advice to beat the Purse Dipper
v Walk with confidence. Avoid looking distracted or confused. Thieves target people who appear vulnerable. Be aware of what is going on around you.
v Be careful in crowded areas. Thieves often bump and jostle people as a distraction technique.
v Avoid carrying your wallet in a back pocket.
v Carry your bag and purse in front of you where you can see it. If the bag has a zip or flap, keep it closed.
v Never leave a purse or bag unattended on a supermarket trolley or shop counter.
v Be careful at cash machines. Pickpockets watch people collecting money to line up potential targets.
Last minute shoppers in Crewe and Nantwich are being urged “Don’t fall victim to a Christmas purse-dipper!”
Specialists will give crime prevention advice in the town centres, and hand out free bag alarms and purse bells.
Crime Reduction Adviser Mark Cotton said, “Pickpockets and bag snatchers see the Christmas shopping period, and especially the last few days of it, as a boost to their own particular trade.
“They can work among big crowds of people, and they know many of the shoppers will have their minds on other things. They can take full advantage of a lapse of concentration and a bit of carelessness.
“Police Officers and partners are putting a lot of effort into tackling town centre crime. Some officers are out and about in uniform as a deterrent. Others, in plain clothes, are identifying and arresting shoplifters and purse dippers. But shoppers themselves can beat these thieves. It just means taking a few simple precautions.
Those precautions will be highlighted by Mark and the Watch Co-ordinator, Hayley Goodwin, who are setting up advice stalls in both town centres.
Mark said, “We will also hand out some bag alarms and bells. These will be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and we will limit them to one per person. They are a useful crime prevention device. Anything which can raise an alarm if a thief tries to take a purse or bag, is a useful last line of defence.
“Keeping an eye on your cash and cards and making sure they are somewhere which is difficult for a thief to reach, is something we should all do at all times.
“Other criminals are busy at Christmas time, too. We are warning people who are out buying presents not to leave them on view in their cars. We have distributed postcards to shops which have a cartoon picture of a thief eyeing up cars loaded with presents, and carrying the slogan, ‘Display and You’ll Pay’.
“Having property stolen at Christmas time is particularly distressing. Having your bag, purse or wallet taken can also cause you a lot of inconvenience when you have to cancel your cards and set up new ones. At this time of year it can put a damper on what should be a really enjoyable occasion.”
Times/ dates of The Purse Dipping Campaign stalls are as follows:
Crewe: Tue Dec 22nd in The Market Centre 11am until 2pm
Nantwich: Wed Dec 23rd in Town Square 11am until 2pm
Advice to beat the Purse Dipper
v Walk with confidence. Avoid looking distracted or confused. Thieves target people who appear vulnerable. Be aware of what is going on around you.
v Be careful in crowded areas. Thieves often bump and jostle people as a distraction technique.
v Avoid carrying your wallet in a back pocket.
v Carry your bag and purse in front of you where you can see it. If the bag has a zip or flap, keep it closed.
v Never leave a purse or bag unattended on a supermarket trolley or shop counter.
v Be careful at cash machines. Pickpockets watch people collecting money to line up potential targets.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
December 09 newsletter
Dear Members,
It’s been a while since I sent something out so please find a reminder of things to be aware of.
Distraction Burglaries
Please be aware of some of the MO's (Modus Operandi / Modes of Operation) that have been used throughout Cheshire recently to try and gain entry to residential properties. Offenders tend to be male and in the majority of cases target elderly or more vulnerable people.
Please remember that although the more standard MO for distraction burglaries involves males posing as tradesmen that women / smartly dressed individuals can also be involved in such incidents so exercise caution regardless of who is at your door.
Lock your doors and Windows
This is very pertinent as I believe a similar robbery happened down the lane.
People in Crewe are being warned to take more care about locking up. In two days five burglaries were reported where the criminal simply walked in through an unlocked door. Most of the break-ins were carried out overnight.
Detective Sergeant Andy McGillan said, “We are doing everything we can to track down and arrest burglars but people must accept some responsibility for the security of their homes."
"Checking that doors and windows are locked should be part of everyone’s routine before going to bed. It only takes a few minutes.“
"We also advise people to keep outside doors locked at all times, even when they are at home and in a downstairs room. Criminals who specialise in sneak-in burglaries can be into a kitchen or hallway, take a purse or bag and be out again in seconds.“
"In nearly all cases the fact that you have left the door insecure will mean your home insurance will be invalid. People need to think about that.”
Police have also asked people to keep an eye open for anyone acting suspiciously.“A sneak-in burglar will obviously move around trying doors until he finds one that is not locked,” said Andy McGillan. “If you spot anyone moving in and out of driveways or gardens and generally acting suspiciously call the Cheshire Police Information Line 0845 458 0000 and let us know. If you have any information about these burglaries you can use the same number, or leave information anonymously on Crimestoppers, 0800 555 111.“Preventing a crime is always better than detection and these burglaries can be prevented, simply by locking your doors. If you do not do that, you are making yourself a potential victim of crime.”
Vehicle burglaries
Please be aware that there has been a recent increase in theft from vehicle via smashing windows for access in some areas of Crewe so I believe it is beneficial to remind all members of the importance of removing valuables from vehicles. As well as removing items from show make sure that you shut windows and sunroofs every time you leave you vehicle no matter how long you intend to be.
Did you know that in the UK a vehicle is broken into every 23 seconds? Try to follow this simple crime prevention advice to minimise your risk of becoming a victim.
A large proportion of vehicle crime is committed by opportunist thieves. Don't make it easy for them, remember that your vehicle can be like a shop window for thieves so don't advertise your goods to them. Would be thieves are not only interested in seemingly valuable items they will steal almost anything from a vehicle so make sure you consider removing some of the more obscure items that might be in your car.
If you leave any of the items in the following list on show in your car you are making your vehicle vulnerable:
If you can see any items left in your vehicle so can a thief!
Driveway Thefts
In a similar vein.
As the first frosts of the winter arrive, Cheshire Police are keen to get off to a head start in combating a crime trend associated with the cold weather Detective Chief Inspector Darren Hebden, Strategic Lead for Vehicle Crime in the force is promoting the following message about a crime with a sting in the tail…. “Christmas may come early for criminals who use the cold weather to steal cars. The arrival of frost- filled mornings normally brings a series of "De-frosting" thefts. Thieves target cars which have been left with their engines running to defrost the windscreens.
“For years opportunist thieves have been seizing the opportunity to steal cars whenever they are left unattended for a few minutes - whether from petrol station forecourts or outside schools and shops. Now they have caught on to the idea of nipping in while motorists try to multi task and save time in the mornings. As the driver pops into the house for a quick cup of tea or to grab a packed lunch, leaving the car engine running, the thief makes off with the vehicle, complete with keys. “The moral of this one is obvious. Never leave keys in the ignition and doors unlocked when your car is unattended, even if it is only for a couple of minutes and the vehicle is sitting on your own driveway!
“We always urge drivers to be sensible and defrost their screens before moving off, because driving with only a few inches of the windscreen clear is dangerous. “The sensible approach is to build in extra preparation time to allow the car to defrost and for you to stay with the vehicle while it warms up. Alternatively, use a de-icer spray and windscreen scraper.
“Any solution which involves leaving the car and the keys unattended should be avoided at all costs. The consequences of losing your car in this way could be more far reaching than most people realize. “When making an insurance claim in a situation where a driver has left a vehicle unattended insurers may argue that reasonable care has not been taken. This invalidates the claim. Victims are then faced with the loss of their vehicle with no means of replacement, even though they are fully insured.”
It’s been a while since I sent something out so please find a reminder of things to be aware of.
Distraction Burglaries
Please be aware of some of the MO's (Modus Operandi / Modes of Operation) that have been used throughout Cheshire recently to try and gain entry to residential properties. Offenders tend to be male and in the majority of cases target elderly or more vulnerable people.
- Male approaches property claiming that he is from the water board and he needs to turn the water off for 48 hours as there has been an explosion. He asks her to take him through to the kitchen and to empty cupboard under the sink whilst he turns the taps off. At this time a second offender has entered the property, made and untidy search downstairs and removed cash from the property.
- Male knocks on door of property stating that he needs to change the battery in the gas meter. When questioned as to where he was from he retorted 'do you want it doing or not'. The resident declined and the male left.
- Male calls at residential address asking if resident wants any work doing to his guttering. Resident declines but later sees same male coming out of elderly neighbours house. He enquires with neighbour and learns that the male claimed that he had done some work for the lady and she has given them £10 and is now unable to find her purse.
Please remember that although the more standard MO for distraction burglaries involves males posing as tradesmen that women / smartly dressed individuals can also be involved in such incidents so exercise caution regardless of who is at your door.
Lock your doors and Windows
This is very pertinent as I believe a similar robbery happened down the lane.
People in Crewe are being warned to take more care about locking up. In two days five burglaries were reported where the criminal simply walked in through an unlocked door. Most of the break-ins were carried out overnight.
Detective Sergeant Andy McGillan said, “We are doing everything we can to track down and arrest burglars but people must accept some responsibility for the security of their homes."
"Checking that doors and windows are locked should be part of everyone’s routine before going to bed. It only takes a few minutes.“
"We also advise people to keep outside doors locked at all times, even when they are at home and in a downstairs room. Criminals who specialise in sneak-in burglaries can be into a kitchen or hallway, take a purse or bag and be out again in seconds.“
"In nearly all cases the fact that you have left the door insecure will mean your home insurance will be invalid. People need to think about that.”
Police have also asked people to keep an eye open for anyone acting suspiciously.“A sneak-in burglar will obviously move around trying doors until he finds one that is not locked,” said Andy McGillan. “If you spot anyone moving in and out of driveways or gardens and generally acting suspiciously call the Cheshire Police Information Line 0845 458 0000 and let us know. If you have any information about these burglaries you can use the same number, or leave information anonymously on Crimestoppers, 0800 555 111.“Preventing a crime is always better than detection and these burglaries can be prevented, simply by locking your doors. If you do not do that, you are making yourself a potential victim of crime.”
Vehicle burglaries
Please be aware that there has been a recent increase in theft from vehicle via smashing windows for access in some areas of Crewe so I believe it is beneficial to remind all members of the importance of removing valuables from vehicles. As well as removing items from show make sure that you shut windows and sunroofs every time you leave you vehicle no matter how long you intend to be.
Did you know that in the UK a vehicle is broken into every 23 seconds? Try to follow this simple crime prevention advice to minimise your risk of becoming a victim.
A large proportion of vehicle crime is committed by opportunist thieves. Don't make it easy for them, remember that your vehicle can be like a shop window for thieves so don't advertise your goods to them. Would be thieves are not only interested in seemingly valuable items they will steal almost anything from a vehicle so make sure you consider removing some of the more obscure items that might be in your car.
If you leave any of the items in the following list on show in your car you are making your vehicle vulnerable:
- Bank Cards,
- Briefcases,
- CD'S / Tapes,
- Cheque Books,
- Coats or Clothing (Old or New),
- Credit Cards,
- Handbags,
- Loose Change,
- Mobile Phones,
- Purse/Wallet,
- Satellite Navigation Systems,
- Shopping Bags (Even if used to store an item of no value - remember it might be worth a passing thieves while to break in to see what is in the bag),
- Sports Bags and Equipment.
If you can see any items left in your vehicle so can a thief!
Driveway Thefts
In a similar vein.
As the first frosts of the winter arrive, Cheshire Police are keen to get off to a head start in combating a crime trend associated with the cold weather Detective Chief Inspector Darren Hebden, Strategic Lead for Vehicle Crime in the force is promoting the following message about a crime with a sting in the tail…. “Christmas may come early for criminals who use the cold weather to steal cars. The arrival of frost- filled mornings normally brings a series of "De-frosting" thefts. Thieves target cars which have been left with their engines running to defrost the windscreens.
“For years opportunist thieves have been seizing the opportunity to steal cars whenever they are left unattended for a few minutes - whether from petrol station forecourts or outside schools and shops. Now they have caught on to the idea of nipping in while motorists try to multi task and save time in the mornings. As the driver pops into the house for a quick cup of tea or to grab a packed lunch, leaving the car engine running, the thief makes off with the vehicle, complete with keys. “The moral of this one is obvious. Never leave keys in the ignition and doors unlocked when your car is unattended, even if it is only for a couple of minutes and the vehicle is sitting on your own driveway!
“We always urge drivers to be sensible and defrost their screens before moving off, because driving with only a few inches of the windscreen clear is dangerous. “The sensible approach is to build in extra preparation time to allow the car to defrost and for you to stay with the vehicle while it warms up. Alternatively, use a de-icer spray and windscreen scraper.
“Any solution which involves leaving the car and the keys unattended should be avoided at all costs. The consequences of losing your car in this way could be more far reaching than most people realize. “When making an insurance claim in a situation where a driver has left a vehicle unattended insurers may argue that reasonable care has not been taken. This invalidates the claim. Victims are then faced with the loss of their vehicle with no means of replacement, even though they are fully insured.”
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