NEWS ITEM - WILLERBY AND KIRK ELLA

Burglary of sheds and garages increased sharply over the last two weeks in Anlaby, Willerby and
Kirk Ella, with bicycles being the main item favoured by the thieves.
Please keep these buildings secure, be vigilant, and call in any suspicious activity on the single contact number 101.
If you have bicycles in you’re garage or shed, it is recommended that you lock them to a strong anchor point and many insurers now insist that you do so.

BEGGING AT WILLERBY RETAIL PARK We received numerous calls in December about begging around the shops at Willerby Retail Park.

January update
We carried out regular patrols and visited the area whenever we received reports of begging.
We identified two men who were frequently begging and obtained sufficient evidence to arrest one man who was placed before the courts.
We discovered the man was living rough in a small tent near to the A164, and we assisted in finding proper accommodation and referred him to the benefits agency. The man has not been seen begging since that time.
The second man left the area immediately and has not returned.

FEBRUARY UPDATE
The second man mentioned last month returned to Willerby retail park during February and was regularly reported begging and being drunk there, as well as asking for money near the cash-point close to Waitrose.
We had repeated calls to say he was abusive and intimidating when drunk.
We carried out regular and frequent patrols of the area but did not obtain first hand evidence until the last week of February.
The man was seen and heard begging by a local officer on 28th February. He was arrested and processed, and on that occasion dealt with by means of a police caution. The man returned the following day and several local businesses reported complaints from customers.
Police again found him begging and arrested him for begging and for an offence of causing harassment, alarm and distress under the public order act.
Due to his caution the previous day and his blatant disregard of that opportunity, he was detained for court the following day.
We will be recording statements from shop staff and customers with a view to seeking an ASBO if he returns.

NEWS ITEM - Cycle theft / garage and shed burglaries. The following letter has been circulated to residents by PCSO Steve Clayton

Dear Resident,

Over the last few months there has been a spate of garage and shed burglaries where offenders have targeted owners for high value push bikes.

In most cases thieves have entered the buildings using force against the garage or shed door.

Once inside, high value goods have been taken, including push bikes, motorcycles, power tools and various accessories.

Over the last few months several garages have been entered in Anlaby, Kirkella and Willerby. The garages have been targeted overnight, whilst in most cases the occupants were asleep in bed, inside their homes.

I strongly believe knowledge is power, and that is why I am informing you of the run of offences which have occurred near to your home.

Please use this information and review your home and garden security. There is nothing worse, than waking up one morning to discover someone has taken your personal belongings and making you feel unsafe.

If you would like a free personal crime prevention survey on your home and garden, please contact me on the non emergency number 101.

A few simple steps you could take, to help beat the burglar include:

• If you have security devices and locks fitted on your shed or garage, use them.
• Don’t leave valuables on view through windows.
• A movement activated floodlight unnerves burglars and helps you at night.
• Consider a house alarm, with bell boxes to front and rear — burglars don’t always use the front path!
• Mark your property and put warning stickers on view at entrances. Keep a list of serial numbers, makes and model numbers for your property.
• Set up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme; this could even save you money on your home insurance.

Ensure that all valuables have had their photos taken and are uploaded onto www.immobilise.com. – this will assist Police and insurance companies should you become a victim of Burglary/Theft.

If you would like to speak to me about any concerns you may have or have any information which could help detectives investigating the crimes, please call the new non-emergency Humberside Police telephone number 101.

Kind regards

Steve Clayton
Police Community Support Officer 7802
Kirk Ella Police Station
01482 307213
Stephen.clayton@humberside.pnn.police.uk