Rural crime - Poaching / Hare Coursing

UPDATE 16/03/2020

Over recent months we have received reports from our local communities reporting concerns around poaching and hare coursing, both during the day and during the hours of darkness. Thank you for your support and information. We recognise how incidents of this nature can make residents in our rural communities feel distressed, uneasy and unsafe. 

We are absolutely committed to taking action against those causing harm to our rural communities.

We continue to patrol the rural area and respond to calls reporting Hare coursing or any rural based crime.  

We hold regular days of action, both during the day and hours of darkness to target those using rural Humberside communities for this type of offending.

We will do all we can to disrupt their offending behaviours and this includes seizing vehicles, dogs and applying for court orders to prohibit their return to our area in the future if necessary.

You can find out more about Rural and Wildlife Crime here. 

We have recently appointed a Rural Crime Officer for North Lincs.  PC Jane Proud will be supporting rural communities with issues relating to Rural and wildlife crime. 

We continue to patrol all areas of the Isle and deal with any offences if we see them.  Please continue to call us if you see any suspicious activity on 101 or if it is a crime in progress 999 as this is such an important part of our intelligence gathering and helps us to deal with issues as they arise.


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 (NW) 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 16/03/20

We now have dedicated patrols on the Isle in response to recent burglaries. These patrols include evenings and are supported by our Special Constable colleagues.  If you see anything suspicious please report it to us. 

Burglaries are still continuing in the area so please remain vigilant. Please report any suspicious activity to 101 ar 999.