Sidney Sussex

1) Burglary - We have noted an increase of burglaries being committed within the Sidney Sussex ward area. We are committed in addressing this swiftly. Regular patrols will be conducted to help prevent burglary offences, However please make sure you are doing your best to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of crime- 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.

2) Anti-Social Behaviour - Although seemingly minor and low level, anti-social behaviour can have a huge impact on individuals and businesses in the community. Due to this, ASB will feature as one of our ward priorities this month. We will be paying particular attention to Sidney Park as recent reports have shown an increase in ASB at this location. More proactive action will be taken to curb the behaviour from a minority of individuals in this area. We have a number of ways in which we deal with ASB, from Acceptable Behaviour Contracts to Community Protection Warnings/Notices. We work closely with the local authority ASB teams to ensure these issues are dealt with appropriately. We will continue to patrol the Hotspot areas especially over the 6 weeks school holiday. Please contact us if you are experiencing ASB issues, We are keen to hear from anyone that have concerns about anti-social behaviour and encourage people to report via 101, our non-emergency contact number.

3) Drugs - We understand there are concerns in respect of drug dealing across the Sidney Sussex ward and we are absolutely committed to taking robust action. There have been a number of proactive warrants executed over recent months within this area already. The local team are continuing to gather intelligence which will support more warrants being done and will do plain clothes work in order to catch anyone dealing. WE NEED YOUR HELP. We cannot get Warrants from the Magistrates Courts and Closure Orders without your help, we need information from the community to be able to do this, you have an important role and we need to work together. We urge you to continue to report your concerns to your local team, through the 101 number, by using the online links below or alternatively, by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers (0800 555 111). If you suspect it, report it.