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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