Doorstep Crime

To further support the prevention of crime in our communities, we have been working with North Lincolnshire council and launched Trade Watch to help stop residents in rural areas being a target of crime.

The voluntary scheme has been created following reports of door step crime across the county.

It will enable residents to feel safe in their community and send out a clear message that rogue traders and criminal activity will not be accepted.

As part of the scheme, residents will agree not to commit to any work offered on the doorstep and report any suspicious companies or activities to the police.

Residents in rural areas can sign up to the scheme, once they do, they will receive a Trade Watch window sticker and supporting information.

Where full streets or villages take part in the scheme, street signs are available for them to display.

Living in a Trade Watch area will reduce the risk of being approached or becoming a victim of door step crime.

To find out more about Trade Watch, contact the council’s Safer Neighbourhoods team on 01724 244665 or email.

Vulnerability - keeping people safe

Over recent years Humberside Police has made considerable effort to focus on Vulnerability. Everyone in the organisation has a responsibility to ensure the most vulnerable people in our communities are protected. Very often as a police service we are the first point of contact for many people. Having this contact enables us to identify vulnerabilities at an early stage. This will ensure that people who need support and protection receive the correct level of service from both the police and our partners such as social care, mental health services and services in the third sector.

A person is vulnerable if as a result of their situation or circumstances, they are unable to take care or protect themselves, or others, from harm or exploitation. Protecting vulnerable children and adults.

What do we do ?

• by providing public reassurance through effective deployment of our resources
• by working with our partners (ONGO, other social housing providers, NLC Safer Neighbourhoods, Victim Support, REMEDI)
• gather intelligence in relation to any incident involving a vulnerable person to minimise the risk to them
• maximise opportunities to secure evidence when offences are committed against vulnerable people to ensure offenders are brought to justice and reduce the risk of further victimisation

How do we do this ?

• complete vulnerable adult assessments and share information with our partners
• complete vulnerable child assessments for those under 17 and share information with our partners
• complete Antisocial Behaviour risk assessments to decide on what support is required and work with partners to deliver this
• ensure that high risk victims are referred promptly which triggers discussion at the Monthly ASB Panel meetings where all partners agree actions to support the victim and reduce their risk

Seasonal Crime

House/shed/garage burglaries have featured over the last  month as the dark nights have set in.Whilst we do not want to concern residents, we would like to remind everyone of some basic home security measures which can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of burglary.

 The most likely entry point for a burglar is via the rear so do not neglect security there. Fit an alarm or a dummy alarm box. Many people point out that when an alarm sounds nobody takes any notice these days. The burglar will though. Install a security light which works on a movement sensor to light up areas which a burglar may use for cover. Use timer switches to turn lights on when you are not in. Ensure any gates at the rear are locked, not just with a bolt near the top which can be opened by reaching over.

Thieves do not want to be seen and surveillance is often provided by neighbours who live opposite or who overlook your property. Do not allow bushes and hedges to grow too high.

Consider the security on your shed. Is it proportionate to the value of items you keep inside such as cycles and garden equipment? e.g. an expensive cycle stored in a wooden shed with only a £2.50 padlock for security. It is also worth noting that a burglar will sometimes use an item which is easily taken from a poorly secured shed to facilitate their entry into a house. Fit trellis along the top of fencing at the rear as this will break if a burglar tries to climb over your fence. Spiky / prickly bushes and climbers are also a deterrent.

Report all suspicious circumstances. Door-to-door salesman appertaining to be selling energy or double-glazing are often checking out and planning future burglaries or even trying their luck there and then if they get no reply to knocking. In rural communities, local residents know when someone or something looks out of place far more than in urban areas.

Join your local Neighbourhood Watch Group or start one up yourself. The role of co-ordinator does not have to be a burdensome role and your group can be as small or large as you wish. In effect the key role of a NHW co-ordinator is to act as a conduit for police information which in today’s world is literally the touch of a button. The vital part is that police have that single point of contact in as many areas as possible. NHW is proven to reduce and prevent crime and it is an initiative well suited to rural communities where traditional community spirit still exists. We would also ask for your assistance in keeping an eye on any properties where you know the occupants are away or out for whatever length of time. Our intelligence suggests that the offenders are ‘doing their homework’ in identifying properties from which to steal. If you see any suspicious activity then please call 999 if you believe a crime is about to be committed or 101 if you noted suspicious activity which has now passed. If you are able to get descriptions of persons or vehicle details without putting yourself in any danger, then that would be valuable information.

Update 23/11/19

Please remember to leave leave extra time in a morning to defrost your car and not to leave it running unattended as this is an ideal opportunity for theives to steal your car.