Axholme South

Rural crime - Poaching / Hare Coursing

UPDATE 19/11/2020

To all residents please be mindful that the Hare Coursing season is in full swing now and we are getting unwanted guest on our area. We have already had calls for service with some positive results.  We have already implemented OP GALILEO for the season with patrols being out both during the day and night. So can I ask all residents to please be vigilant and if you see any suspicious activity or lamping or hare coursing  occurring or anything suspicious or something that might seem out of place then please report it.

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 19/11/2020 

We have still seeing an increase in burglaries, involving residential, commercial and Shed in the area along with reports of some rouge traders  as well as SCAMS taking place that are  target residents therefore, the Local Neighbourhood Team are asking residents to be extra vigilant regarding the security of their homes and vehicles, especially as we are also seeing vehicles being targeted with the night’s drawing in. If a stranger attendees your property then please make sure you have you door chain on before opening your door to speak with them, or speak to them from   window until you are happy that they are who they are, if they have any identification then ask to see it.

Please make sure car keys are not on show through a window, where possible keep car keys in your possession. Please report any suspicious vehicles/persons in our community.

High Visibility patrols are still continuing and will be continuing  in all areas all over the Isle, if you see us out and about and would like a chat to discuss any local issues, please stop us for a chat while adhering to government guidelines of social distancing.  

We continue to patrol the Isle of Axholme area, we are still getting calls in relation to off road motorbikes causing a nuisance for the local communities. The local neighbourhood team are asking residents to please call in on 101 and report any nuisance off road motorcycles. Operation YELLOW FIN is a police operation to tackle the crime associated with the use of motorbikes. 

Winter Driving – Now it is winter it is a good time to complete a check of your car. Check your battery; most have a life span of 5 years, top up anti-freeze and windscreen washer, make sure all bulbs are working and lenses are clear, check for chips in windscreens; a chip can be repaired but if left can crack a whole windscreen which can be costly to replace, check wipers are fit for purpose, make sure tyres are of the correct tread depth and pressure is correct. Please whatever you are doing as you defrost vehicle,  NEVER EVER LEAVE YOUR CAR RUNNING WITH THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION WHILST DEFROSTING IT, If it is stolen it may invalidate your insurance.