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3rd June 2008
Please be aware that a marked Anglian Water van was stolen in the north of the county yesterday.
The van contained a uniform and ID card.
Please advise friends, neighbours and particularly the elderly and vulnerable not to open the door or let anyone into their home if they are not expected.
Check whether unexpected callers are genuine by phoning the company, using the number given in the phone book, not the number on any card that you are shown by the caller.
If you have any cause to suspect the caller is not genuine please phone the police immediately. Give as much information as possible about the caller and any transport they may have been using, including the registration number and direction of travel.
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4th June 2008
Updated information further to the Anglian Water message sent yesterday.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Police is appealing for information and warning residents to be vigilant after an Anglian Water van was stolen.
The incident took place at 2.25pm on Friday 30 May when the Vauxhall Vivaro van registration FE07 DNF was parked in Ashley Road in Middleton.
Anglian Water clothing and ID belonging to one of the water firm's employees were inside the van and also taken.
Police are now warning people to beware of offenders who commit distraction burglaries by posing as bogus water company officials.
Detective Sergeant Michael Chapman said: "We are concerned that the items stolen in this incident could be used to commit distraction burglaries.
"Distraction burglaries are a despicable crime and one of the most common methods used by offenders to carry out this type of offence is to pose as officials from a water company.
"We do urge people to not open the door to unexpected callers and ask them to remind elderly neighbours and relatives to do the same. Only open the door if you are expecting someone by written appointment or if you know them. If the caller is genuine they won't mind.
"Always call us if you suspect someone - it could prevent your neighbour becoming a victim.
"Anyone with information about this theft should call us as soon as possible."
The van, which was stolen with the keys, was driven off in the direction of Middleton by a man in his 20s.
There is some clear guidance for people with regard to avoiding becoming the victim of distraction burglars.
- If you are not sure, don't open the door.
- Keep your front door, back door and windows locked at all times - even if you are expecting someone.
- Fit a spyhole so that you can see who is there. Choose one with built-in intercom or speak to callers through a window to find out what they want.
- Don't be tricked. Only open the door if you know the caller - or if they have made a written appointment to see you. Genuine callers won't mind.
- ID cards are easy to reproduce so don't trust them. Never use phone numbers printed on ID cards to verify the callers ID.
- Set up a password with utility companies. If the caller doesn't know your password then they aren't genuine.
- Don't use tradesmen who call offering to do work. Good quality workmen will be too busy to look for business this way.
- Don't keep large quantities of cash at home - use a bank account instead.
- Avoid buying or selling any goods or services at the door.
- Ring Police if you have received a visit from anyone you are suspicious of - you may prevent your neighbour from becoming a victim. |
11th June 2008
The new Thomson Local Directories will shortly be delivered to your area. The directories will be delivered by private individuals in their own vehicles starting around the 30/06/08. The operation will take 2-3 weeks to complete.
The distributors have been instructed not to leave books on doorsteps and are generally aware of their responsibilities when making deliveries to private addresses.
Call the Northamptonshire Police switchboard on 08453 700700 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If you do not want to receive future Community Messages please email rushden@crime-prevention.co.uk if you live in North Northants or daventry@crime-prevention.co.uk if you live in West Northants. If you are not sure which area to email please click maps here to find which area you live in- http://www.northants.police.uk/sct/
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10th June 2008
Police in Northamptonshire North are cracking down on the market for stolen goods in a long term project starting this week.
People who handle or buy stolen property will find themselves under the spotlight as police seek to reduce burglary, robbery and other acquisitive crime by making it much more difficult for criminals to sell it on.
Behind many a so-called bargain is a victim, distressed by a burglary at their home or a break-in to their car. Police will be reminding people that if a bargain seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Detective Inspector John Fox is leading the initiative. He said: "Burglary has declined consistently in this county for a number of years* but there are still far too many victims. I would like people to ask themselves whether a bargain item they are offered could be stolen. If it is, they are only encouraging that criminal to commit more crime and they are also risking a prison sentence of up to 15 years for handling stolen goods themselves."
During the initiative, police will be writing to businesses and householders in Northamptonshire North reminding them of ways they can make their property more secure and keep themselves safe from crime. They will also be warning that buying and selling stolen goods simply encourages crime, and giving advice to businesses in particular on how they can protect themselves from buying stolen items.
Police will also be actively targeting known handlers of stolen property and known channels for disposing of it but they are asking everyone to play their part by:
· Registering their property free of charge on www.immobilise.com Any items with a unique serial number, such as a TV, phone or MP3 player, can be registered on the site
· Security marking items property with the Smartwater marking system
· Passing on information to the police or Crimestoppers about crime or the handlers of stolen goods
· Not buying any property that may be stolen
"I would like to remind everyone who is tempted to buy a bargain in the pub, that if you buy stolen property you are buying into crime. We are keeping our eye on the activities of people we suspect are involved in handling stolen goods and making their living at the expense of others but we need people to help us identify handlers and places where stolen property is being sold.
"This is not a short-term project but I am convinced that if we can reduce the market for stolen goods, we can reduce crime," DI Fox said.
Call the Northamptonshire Police switchboard on 08453 700700 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. |
9th June 2008
SHEDUCATION
The shed, garage or out-building - tucked well away from the house - is more often far easier to break into, and less likely to be alarmed. However it is an Aladdin's cave of swag and bounty for thief. Many sheds these days carry more stock than a small hardware cornershop, with household and garden DIY power tools neatly arranged on shelves or stowed on purpose made brackets and clips.
>From the villains' perspective such items are small, lightweight and easier to make off with than a TV, computer or mini hi-fi system. Although cheaper to buy than some household items they are expensive enough to buy new that they carry a healthy second-hand value and can be quite sought after. Consequently they're quite easy to "fence".
Sheds are notoriously easy to break into. A padlock (cheap or expensive), fitted on a flimsy clasp, held by a couple of tiny screws in a soft timber doorframe, offers no real protection. Windows are even less secure whilst some thieves have been known to jemmy off a whole shed panel or roof to get inside. Once in, the tools themselves are ready-to-hand and unlikely to be security marked.
The only solution is to spend a little bit more money. A better-designed or built shed is a good start but thereafter think about where the shed is sited. Consider having PIR floodlighting illuminating that part of the garden and fitting mains or battery powered alarms. Firmly secure the shed door and windows and make sure the shed is actually anchored to the ground. Again it has been known for shed to be lifted up and moved to gain access to the equipment inside.
A good idea is to fit a wire cage inside your shed where more expensive items can be stowed and locked away. You may not be able to stop determined thieves from getting into a shed, but you can delay them in terms of the time it takes to get their hands on your possessions. No thief wants to hang about longer than they have to.
So think about your shed and the equipment in it. How can you use some of those tools to make your shed more secure?
If your interested in distributing leaflets to your Neighbours, raising the awareness of Shed Burglaries please email paul.golley@northants.police or phone 08453 700700 then ext no 5198 |