Scartho

Vulnerability – Child Criminal Exploitation:

Humberside Police continues to make a considerable effort to focus on Vulnerability. All staff within the organisation has a responsibility to ensure the most vulnerable people in our communities are protected, listened to and understood. Commonly, the police service can be first point of contact for many vulnerable persons and concerned associates. This contact enables us to identify vulnerabilities at an early stage, and act accordingly. Ensuring that people who need support and protection receive the correct level of service from both the police and our partners agencies; such as social care and mental health services.

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, NELC 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

As a local policing team, we are aware of youths who live in the Scartho area who are deemed to be at High Risk of Child Criminal Exploitation: where vulnerable children are coerced or threatened into committing crime on behalf of others.

The team are absolutely committed to the aim of abolishing Child Criminal Exploitation in the Scartho area. This would not be possible without every agency assisting, and as such we aim to be active on our ward and encourage the reporting of any concerns of vulnerabilities to ourselves via 101, or alternatively through our online reporting means.

Burglaries:

Throughout the summer months, we have seen an increase in burglary offences within the Scartho ward, continuing throughout September. We have increased patrols throughout the Scartho area, and continue to work hard to prevent burglary and bring offenders to justice, however, there are things that residents can do to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary.

We find that many homes are left unsecured with doors and windows left open or unlocked.  This is sadly easy access for an opportunist thief.

Follow our tips below:

Make sure your doors and windows are closed and locked when you’re not in the room. Nearly half of all burglaries are down to a door or window being open
Make sure nothing of value (including your car key) is left on show to tempt thieves into your property. 
Think about fitting a burglar alarm and security lighting – both to your home and outbuildings. It may be expensive, but they are very effective deterrents and can bring down your insurance costs.
 

Sheds, garages and gardens:

Security of gardens and outbuilding buildings is often not your first thought. However, by making a few modifications sheds and garages, along with the equipment stored in them can be made more secure.

Make sure sheds and garages have good quality lock and hinges.
Consider fitting deterrents in the garden like movement sensitive floodlights as these will leave thieves feeling exposed. Likewise alarms on sheds and garages will deter thieves as they would not want to be spotted in out buildings taking property.
Garden tools, DIY equipment and leisure items such as fishing and golf equipment should be locked away in storage cupboards within outbuildings to form a second line of defence to thieves. 
Motorbike and pedal cycles should also be locked even when they are in a shed or garage.
To assist the police in recovering and returning stolen property, people should register valuables onto www.Immobilise.com. Cycles, golf and fishing equipment and tools can be easily added onto the property register and then this assists the force in identifying property as stolen/lost, bring offenders to justice and stop the items being sold via second hand stores. The system can also allow owners to upload pictures of unique items.

As well as protecting property in sheds and garages people can also stop thieves stealing plants by using heavy plant pots which will be less desirable to walk off with and ensure that unused garden furniture and tools are stored securely out of sight.