Semilong Neighbourhood Watch
Community Messages
[NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COMMUNITY MESSAGING - Northamptonshire West - 02.10.09 - WB/CMS/1144/09 - OP GUARDIAN]
This is a message from Northamptonshire West Police to all Neighbourhood Watch members in Northamptonshire.
Northamptonshire Police - through Operation Guardian - are reminding residents to think about the safety message especially as the darker months of the year settle in.
Operation Guardian was set up in partnership with the police and Safer Stronger crime and disorder partnerships to reduce house burglary, vehicle crime and robbery.
Although crime in Northamptonshire is currently low, traditionally this time of year sees a rise in incidents associated with burglary, robbery and vehicle crime, as the darker weather can provide cover for would-be criminals.
Through Operation Guardian, officers in Wellingborough are leafleting 3000 homes with 'Bright Ideas' fliers reminding residents to think closely about turning a light on and offering advice.
In addition, officers are conducting a number of operational activities throughout the county such as issuing purse bells for personal safety, holding crime fighting days where property marking has taken place, and conducting high visibility patrols.
Police have issued the following advice to remind residents to implement crime prevention measures:
Burglary
1. Always lock your doors - in particular UPVC doors are often left unlocked when people are at home. Offenders will often approach UPVc doors to see if they can be used as an easy point of access.
2. Make sure that all doors, windows and access points are locked securely before leaving your property, even if only for a short period of time
3. Only leave ground floor windows open if you are in that room for a period of time
4. Do not leave back doors open if you are going to be away from that area for any length of time, and do not leave upstairs windows open if you are going out
5. If you are out in the evening make sure you leave a light on and draw the curtains
6. Use your house alarm if you have one and install outside security lighting
Robbery
1. Walk in well-lit areas and avoid short cuts through alleyways or wooded areas
2. Always let someone know where you are going, how they can contact you and when you are likely to be back
3. If you feel concerned about someone walking close to you, cross the road to avoid them and if necessary go into a shop or public building to ask for help
4. Never accept a lift from someone you do not know, if a car pulls up alongside you, turn around and walk in the opposite direction
5. Keep your possessions like mobile phones, out of sight.
Vehicle Crime
1. Don't leave items on display, even if you do not think it is valuable, it could tempt a thief
2. Where possible, park in a well lit and secure area. If you have a garage, use it
3. Fit immobilisers if possible, get an alarm and use a steering wheel lock
4. Never leave the keys in car if you are going to be away from it.
Ref: WB/CMS/1144/09
**Northamptonshire Police Contact Details**
Emergency: 999
Dedicated Watch Line: 01604 XXXXXXX
Northamptonshire Police Switchboard: 101
Alternatively Call Crime Stoppers Anonymously: 0800 555 111 |
