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Dear residents,
The darker evenings are drawing in as autumn continues apace. We at Hampshire Constabulary have a few tips for you on how to avoid being a victim of crime this season and some updates on what has been going on locally that may interest you.
Now that it gets darker earlier, it is much more obvious which houses are likely to be occupied and which aren’t. A potential burglar will always seek the opportunity that appears to be the easiest, and if he has a choice between a property that appears lived in and one that doesn’t because it is in darkness, the decision is a simple one!
You can easily help make your home more secure. Something as simple as having lights on in your property will help to give the impression of a home having someone on the premises. This is perhaps even more important in rural areas where streetlights are often non – existent. Timer switches (using low energy light bulbs of course!) can be programmed to come on as dusk sets in – particularly useful if you routinely return to your home after dark.
These timer switches and low energy bulbs are available just about everywhere these days as government continues to impress upon us the need to be energy efficient. Measures like these, together with good quality window and door locks – particularly for ground floor windows – will go a long way in deterring the would be thief.
With the recent wind and rain, there are plenty of leaves on the ground as nature prepares for a new season. Many of you will no doubt be using power / electrical tools to clear garden debris. These can be valuable items and thieves will be happy to take these of your hands so remember to lock these securely away after use in garages or sheds with good quality locks.
The festive season seems to start earlier and earlier, or at least the marketing and commercial side of it does, in order to help persuade us to part with our cash! It is easy to forget while some of us are swept up in the “excitement” of shopping and taking in the festive atmosphere, that it is important to keep those gifts bought for loved ones out of sight of prying eyes.
Do remember, thieves also have to pay for Christmas as well and if they can profit by your generosity to others, they will do so. Do not leave gifts or any other valuables inside cars or on show. Why not leave gift purchases with the store until the end of your shopping expedition? Or if putting them into the car really is unavoidable, and it is a multi- storey car park, why not drive to a different level and park up again so giving the impression of having just arrived? Then with items completely out of sight, an opportunist thief will be none the wiser.
At home, try not to pile lots of expensive gifts together in a place where they can be seen from the road. It does occasionally happen that burglars strike on Christmas Eve or thereabouts because gifts will be in mint condition, boxed up and easy to carry. Opportunist thieves strike when temptation is greatest, so keep things out of sight in a room at the back of the house or have the curtains closed to avoid this.
Don’t become a victim of crime. It could spoil the run up to your Christmas or that of a loved one!
It may be of interest to you that since the middle of September, 25 persons have been arrested for a variety of countryside matters in the greater Winchester rural district. This includes offences such as poaching, theft of horse tack, plant and power tools, trailers etc.
In addition, vehicles and long dogs have also been seized. This is in no small measure down to the vigilance of the rural community, particularly those associated with Country Watch membership.
In addition, the proactive patrols of our full time Country Watch officer PC John Radcliffe, based at Meon Valley (Bishops Waltham police station) has a continuing disruption effect on these criminals who travel into our area attempting to commit crime against the rural community.
Our sincere thanks to all of you for remaining alert and I ask you to continue to be so.
Remember, often the fear of crime is greater than actual crime levels, so please keep safe, be sensible, but do not worry unduly. We hope you enjoy the festive season and will be patrolling the towns during the busiest shopping times to help to keep you safe.
Best wishes,
PCSO 14039 Helen Carthew
Bishops Waltham, Owslebury & Upham
helen.carthew@hampshire.pnn.police.uk |
