Burglary and property marking.

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1 Rural South & West Safer Neighbourhood Policing Newsletter Newsletter Volume 4 Issue 2 Summer 2016 Summer News Letter The Team PS Rebecca Thomas PC David Harte PCSO Robert Taylor PCSO Lyn Birch Inside this issue: Introduction Burglary & Property Marking Drink Drive & Speeding Rural Crime Dangerous Dog Act Sheep Worrying Door to Door Salesmen Crime Advice Contact details Security Tips Fuel Theft 5 Purse theft Holiday crime prevention advice 6-7 As we hurl headlong towards the summer months it will be quite apparent to a number of villagers that something has changed. Over the first few weeks of June we have been busy putting a new initiative into place. From 1 st of June the SNT team has been conducting extensive foot patrols in the main villages across the area. These include Bayston Hill, Condover, Cressage, Cross Houses, Uffington, Upton Magna and Withington PCSO Rob Taylor has also been doing a number of cycle patrols across many locations. The reason for this is to help provide a high visibility profile as well as helping to deter opportunist criminal behaviour. I have to say that so far it s been quite an enjoyable experience due to the amazing positive response from the public. I have had a one hundred percent endorsement from every person I have come in contact with, and as a result the team will endeavor to continue with this type of patrol throughout the summer. Actually a number of community have expressed that it s been quite a number of years since they have seen an officer wearing the traditional Bobbies police hat walking the streets of their villages. Over the winter and Spring period we have suffered a number of very disturbing and annoying breaks in relation to out buildings and sheds. These often occur in small groups and quite often happen after a visit a few days before by someone in a white panel van asking if the victim has something to sell. Please be vigilant when strangers or suspicious vehicles turn up at your address, if possible note descriptions and obtain registration numbers. Please mark valuables and note down serial numbers to help police re-unite recovered property to their owners. We have also seen an increase in dog attacks across the area which we cover in more depth inside this issue. Property Marking Scams 8-9 Burglary and property marking. If you have information relating to any criminal activity you can pass this on by calling either West Mercia Police on 101 or anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on The New Non Emergency Number The fear of Burglary still remains the number one issue focused on by the community. Although the incidents of burglary remain low, we have seen a number of high value thefts involving expensive quad bikes and petrol driven tools such as chainsaws. We urge all residents to keep serial numbers of equipment and if possible mark all tools with postcodes or some form of marking symbol that will help identify property. There are numerous products on the market including a local product called Smartwater. Check them out on the internet, we are sure you will find a product that suits you. Doing nothing is not an option if you want to protect your property.

2 Page 2 Rural South & West Safer Neighbourhood Policing Newsletter Newsletter Rural Traffic Issues Drink Drive & Drug Drive West Mercia Summer Drink Drive campaign is starting and therefore its not a time to become complacent, the campaign this year will also comprise of Don t Drug Drive to target people who drink and drive or use recreational drugs.. The police urge all those who wish to enjoy a drink to avoid using their cars when out enjoying a drink or a meal at some of the excellent pubs and restaurants on the area. However to the few drivers who feel they can get away with drinking and driving in rural areas. We have one message. You will prosecuted if caught. Speeding Speeding can KILL please consider those that live in the rural community and drive with due caution and consideration. The rural area, especially during the summer months is a very busy location. Over the past few years we have seen huge increases in cyclists using rural lanes and more and more visitors walking across the hills. This has resulted in a huge increase of traffic across the area. We have also seen a massive increase in the use of heavy agricultural vehicles. Windows of opportunity in the weather means farmers have to maximise the use of contractors and they also often have to hire specialist agricultural machinery to carry out harvesting, sowing or ploughing. Farmers therefore often have a very short time period in which to work before crops are potentially spoilt. This means they will during these times, often work late into the night. We rely on their work to feed the population, without it, food costs would spiral and everyone will suffer, please be patient and understanding. We also urge all parents to act with due care and caution when dropping off and picking up children outside the schools as these are often areas of congestion. Rural Crime Fly Tipping This is still a very annoying problem on the rural and one that affects all of us. Its costly to clear up, its unsightly and very dangerous to domestic animals and wild life. If you see anyone dumping rubbish in the countryside report it to the Shropshire council or the police. Remember every time the council has to clean up other peoples waste, it costs the tax payer money. In other words, you are the one who is paying the bill for others criminality and thoughtlessness. Can we once again remind all farmers to clean up their mess when leaving fields. The roads are already in poor condition from months of rain without the addition of tons of mud from the fields. This includes hedge cuttings as well. Dangerous Dog Act This year we have seen an increase of incidents involving dog attacks. With the changes in the Dangerous Dogs Act, The new additions to the act not only cover banned breeds it also covers the fact that there have been changes relating to persons being attacked on private property, as well as public locations. Dog owners NOW have to be more vigilant in the control of their animals whether its in their own garden or in a public park. Dogs MUST be on a lead or kept in control at all times. There is little defence even if the dog is on your own land or in a garden, if a person is attacked or in fear of being attacked by your dog, you may be liable to prosecution. To be safe keep your dog on a lead when out and about and ensure you have adequate signage on your gates if the dog is loose in the garden. If you believe your dog may bite or nip, then use a mussel. Don t take chances or you just may face being prosecuted, repeated offences may even see your beloved pet being seized by the courts. Make sure you have dog at large signs displayed on your property.

3 Volume 4 Issue 2 Page 3 Sheep Worrying IIt is the responsibility of all dog owners to keep their animals under control at all times. Once again we have to appeal to all dog owners to take responsibility for the control of their dogs? Sheep farming is a major part of rural life, and many sheep are out in the fields all year long. Thus we often suffer sheep worrying incidents. This can have a devastating impact on both the farmer and the dog owner if it occurs. In extreme incidents, not only does it result in the death of the sheep, it can even result in the dog being shot. It is imperative that dog owners keep their dogs on a lead, especially near livestock. It s also important that they clean up after their dogs as dog mess can have a serious affect on the health of livestock. Injury to any stock may also possibly result in the owner of the dog being prosecuted for criminal damage to the farm animals. This may result in a fine as well as a hefty insurance claim from the farmer. We all love the countryside but we all must face up to our responsibilities and remember that there are those in the countryside rely on it being a safe place in order to make a living. Door To Door Salesmen There are many legitimate businesses that sell products door to door (Window cleaners, solar panels, cleaning products, home maintenance etc) Gas Electric and water companies will also visit to read meters. Charities also visit to ask for donations or they post collection bags for you to fill and leave out for collection. However scammers also do the above to part you from your money, gain entry to your home to steal, or profit by posing as legal charities in order to collect donations. Gaining entry by posing to be a legitimate service with the intent to steal is also known as Distraction Burglary. What You Should Know. Door-To-Door scams involve selling goods or services that are not delivered or are of very poor quality, you won t get value for money and you may get billed for work you didn t want or agree to. Some scammers conduct surveys so they can obtain your personal details or disguise their real intent to sell you goods or services you don t want or need. (e.g. unnecessary roofing work or patio replacement.) Door to Door sales are normally uninvited and the people selling must leave if you request them to do so. Even when a genuine business and product is being sold, unscrupulous employees can sometimes still act illegally. If someone knocks at your front door claiming to be from a company always check their I.D. If you are not happy then don t let them into your home. A good policy is not to allow anyone enter your home without them making an appointment first. This gives you the opportunity to check whether they are genuine or not. Even so never let anyone in without I.D. Even if you are shown and I.D. card. Never ring the telephone number on the I.D. card. Tell them to wait outside, shut the door, and ring the genuine number from the telephone book or website. Even if you are shown and identity card. Never ring the telephone number on the identity card. Tell them to wait outside, shut the door, and ring the genuine number from the telephone book or website. Try and ensure that you are not alone in your home when you have an appointment, and always check the identity and credentials, preferably in advance. Remember Always check them out, If in Doubt, Keep them Out. Sound Security Advice Summer brings long warm evenings resulting in windows being left open all night, West Mercia Police is urging local residents to review their nighttime security measures to keep their property safe and secure. Burglary numbers remain relatively low in West Mercia, but there has been a recent spate of shed breaks and fuel theft across the force. Local residents can reduce their chances of being targeted by taking a few simple steps to keep themselves and their property safe: Lock windows and doors before go- ing to bed. Secure gates. Don't leave your front door unlocked for relatives who are out and about - it is much safer to give them a key. West Mercia Police has an active operation in place to target burglary A well-lit home gives the impression that someone is at home. Leave a light on while you are out during the evenings. Don't leave side gates open or unlocked, Keep all Sheds and Garages Locked, Keep Valuables out of sight., Keep car keys out of sight.

4 West Mercia Police Burglary is Now The NO 1 Priority of West Mercia Police Address: Shrewsbury Police Station, Clive Road, Monkmoor, Shrewsbury, SY2 5RW Phone: shrewsburyrsw.snt@westmercia.pnn. police.uk Shrewsbury Rural South and West Safer Neighbourhood Team You Can Help us By Helping yourself to keep YOUR Property Secure. Lock Doors and Windows, Lock Sheds and Garages Lock Your Car. Keep valuables out of site both in your car and Home. Don t leave shopping on view in an unattended car. Don t Allow the Thief the chance to get their hands on your property shrewsburyrsw.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk - if your requires a response, a member of your safer neighbourhood team will get in touch as soon as practicable. Phone: 101 (In an emergency always call 999) Visit our website on Secure And Safe Security Tips. Do not leave valuable items on show in your car whether it is out shopping or parked at home. Never, Never leave the car unlocked, or with the keys in the ignition when it is unattended. Not even for a couple of minutes. Doing so could affect your insurance. Do Not leave your car running unattended whilst it defrosts, this is a traffic offence on a public road and it leaves your vehicle vulnerable to THEFT. Keep your outer buildings locked and consider whitewashing windows of sheds to stop people looking inside. Close gates, this makes it time consuming for a person to enter your property. Close windows and ensure all doors are locked when you leave your property. Mark property to help identify it. This can be done either invisible with ultra violet pens or Smart Water. Or visible with paint. Don t leave Lap tops on view or other valuable items. Don t leave Car Keys on hooks in the kitchen or on hall tables, this is the first place a thief will look. Do not leave handbags in shopping trolleys in supermarkets, and then wander off to look at goods along the isle waysdo Not leave garden tools around the garden or yard, doing so provides a thief with the tools to break into your house. At night take your handbag and wallet upstairs with you. Safety If you need to arrange transport home after a night out, either book a taxi or use a black cab. A good idea when using a cab or a taxi to go home at night, or even a car belonging to someone you have only just met. Is to TEXT the car registration number to a friend prior to getting in to the vehicle? Look after each other on a night out. Do not leave a friend who is very tipsy or drunk to walk home on their own, especially near to deep water or rivers. Never leave your drink unattended. Leave it with a friend or visit a restroom between drinks. Stay Safe

5 Fuel Theft Advice Leaflet

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7 If you are suffering with Anti Social Behaviour Anti Social Behaviour Hot Line Contact the ASB Team

8 Property Marking

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