Crime prevention is the key message from Rushcliffe South Neighbourhood Policing Team this month – following the release of their latest list of reported incidents in our village during February.
These included thefts from the Nottingham Heritage Centre site, shoplifting offences at our Co-op, motorbike thefts and another overnight raid on one of Ruddington’s housing development sites.
Ruddington Beat Manager PC Cai Kemish says: “It appears that there has been a number of thefts this month, from both business and residential premises. Below are a number of crime prevention tips that will help deter criminals and prevent similar offences.”
Home security checklist:
• When you go out, always close and lock external doors and windows, even if you are just going out for a short time
• Fit a five lever mortice lock (British Standard 3621) to all exterior wooden doors. If you are having new windows or doors installed, ensure they are certified to PAS 24:2016 standard for Enhanced security performance requirements for doors and windows in the UK
• UPVC or composite doors have multipoint-locking systems, but it is strongly recommended they are fitted with an anti-snap lock cylinder (TS007) of 3* standard as a minimum
• Window locks can be seen from outside and could deter a burglar from forcing the window
• If you have deadlocks, use them. They make it more difficult for a thief to get out again. But don’t leave the key near the door or in an obvious place nearby
• If you have a flat roof extension the windows above it should always be locked
• Ensure your keys are kept in a safe place out of sight and well away from your letterbox
• Never leave garages or sheds unlocked, especially if they connect to your property
• Installation of intruder alarms if you do not already have one installed
• Leaving a light on when you’re out, or using a timer for when it drops dark, to make it look like someone’s home
Security tips for your motorbike or scooter:
• If your motorbike or scooter doesn’t already have one, get a Thatcham or Sold Secure approved electronic immobiliser professionally fitted
• If you have a security device fitted, always use it. A wide variety of locks can be used, such as chains or padlocks, disc locks and D locks
• The most important thing to remember is to secure your motorbike to a solid object that can’t be moved
• Always put a steering lock on
• When you are not using your motorbike or scooter, put it in a garage or a secure outbuilding with a fixed or ground anchor to secure it to inside the building. If you can, fit a good lock and an alarm system to your garage or outbuilding
• Don’t leave your garage open and make sure your vehicle is covered up, even when you are at home. Some motorbikes and scooters are stolen to order, so a motorbike spotted by a thief today could be stolen tomorrow
Car security:
• Where possible ensure that your vehicle is parked on your driveway or in your garage if you have one. Alternatively, ensure your vehicle is parked in a well lit area
• Have an alarm and immobiliser fitted if your vehicle doesn’t already have one. This is an effective way of deterring criminals. A Thatcham-compliant immobiliser or steering lock can help secure older vehicles
• Locking wheel nuts are cheap and easy to fit to prevent your alloy wheels being stolen
• Catalytic converters can be marked using a specialist metal security marking chemical and secure labels to warn potential thieves that the catalytic converter carries an identification mark
PC Kemish adds: “If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, call the police on 101 or in an emergency ring 999 immediately.”
The local team is appealing for information relating to the following crimes reported via 101 or online for the past month from 1st February – 28th February 2022:
1st February – Unknown suspect/s in transit vans attended the Great Central Railway Heritage Site on Mere Way and loaded metal railway walkways into the back of the vans.
1st February – Unknown suspect/s stole a securely locked Red Honda GLR motorbike by unknown means before the time of 08:45 hours from where it had been left parked on Leys Road.
5th February – Unknown suspect broke a flower pot to the rear garden of the victim’s address, on Easthorpe Street, at approximately 02:00 hours.
5th February – 3 unknown suspects took various items without making payments at approximately 16:40 hours from the Co-op store on Church Street.
9th February – Unknown suspect/s broke into a shed on Asher Lane and stole a Green Kawasaki ER motorbike at approximately 19:30 hours: believed to be 2 males dressed in black clothing.
21st February – Unknown suspect/s stole vehicle registration number plates from a Black Mercedes ML320 Sport whilst parked on Sheepfold Lane between 22:00 hours on 21st February and 10:30 hours on 22nd February.
23rd February – Unknown suspect/s entered Avant Homes building site on Musters Road and stole a number of tools. This occurred overnight from 23rd to the 24th February.
28th February – Unknown suspect stole 3 bottles of spirits from the Co-op store on Church Street at approximately 18:10 hours.
Please note that this list no longer includes incidents where suspects/offenders have already been located nor incidents which are of a ‘sensitive’ nature.
If you can help PC 1930 Cai Kemish and his team with further information about any of the reported incidents above, or may have captured CCTV footage which could be helpful, you’re asked to get in touch as soon as possible.
You can contact Nottinghamshire Police online >>HERE<<. Otherwise you may call officers on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Remember, you should dial 999 only in an emergency – if you see a crime actually taking place.
