By Inspector Maxine Cilia
Slowly things are changing and we will be coming out of the Lock Down period in a number of stages. This has been a difficult time for everyone and we appreciate all that our local communi-ties have done to protect each other and look after their neighbours. It has been really lovely to see how the commu-nities have pulled together to support each other and to also see the growth of Neighbourhood Watch.
Many of you will still continue to work from home but others may start to slowly return back to offices and work environments.
As we come out of Lockdown measures we know we will see an increase in crime activity. Take this time to review you home security. Consider visit-ing Surrey Police Website www.surrey.police.uk where there is a section on crime prevention. We ask all our residents to consider really basic security such as;
- Side alley gates- renew padlocks and remove anything that can assist someone climbing over.
- Sheds and outbuildings- look to see if they need new padlocks or locks or even basic shed alarms
- Bikes – if they are stored in garages or sheds are they also locked and secured so they cannot be removed easily? Get them registered with www.bikeregister.com
- Consider registering you property on immobilise
- Take pictures of items that are expensive or rare
- Consider joining your local Neighbourhood watch to get the latest updates and information.
We are also experiencing a high number of Catalytic converter crimes. This crime is often a crime that you may not even be aware that is happening. The offence is usually conducted by two persons and can take minutes. Usually the offenders will approach a vehicle with a hydraulic jack and lift the vehicle. You may think they are just changing a tyre. However it if looks suspicious it probably is. Please do not approach the offenders, consider taking details and calling police to relay as much information as possible so that we can respond as soon as possible. We know that the top vehicles to be targeted in this local area are Toyota Prius, Honda Jazz an Toyota Auris. If you have one of these makes of vehicles you may wish to consider some defensive parking to stop the vehicle being easily jacked i.e. next to a wall or high kerb, or put locked gates to your drive, We also need to find out more about where all these catalytic converters go. If you know, you can contact us direct on the website or if you would rather stay anony-mous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
As the weather is changing more people are about in the local parks and gardens. Although there is a level of expected tolerance to noise and playing we are well aware of the damage Anti-social behaviour has on people. Anti-social behaviours are actions that harm and is a lack of consideration for the well-being of others. It has been defined as any type of behaviour that is considered to be disruptive to others in society.
There are many ways Police and partners can tackle Anti-Social Behaviour and most of the powers come from the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014. In the next edition one of the Anti-Social Behaviour Officers Bev Gosden will be writing an article all about Anti-Social behaviour and Remedies. In the meantime please continue to reporting to us on 101 and on line via the website www.Surrey.Police.uk or Facebook DM’s on Spelthorne Beat Pages.
Lastly, we have seen a massive increase in neighbourhood disputes. We are all spending so much more time in our own homes and sometimes these disputes can become big problems. If you are a tenant of a local Housing association please make sure you report to your Housing association as well as the police. The local Council may be able to help with matters relating to noise, rubbish and planning disputes.
Consider whether Mediation could help. Mediation Surrey services provided locally https://mediationsurrey.org/community-mediation where you can complete a referral online. They can help with Noise, ASB, abuse and or threatening behaviour, rubbish, parking and so much more.
Take care and stay safe
Maxine Cilia
Spelthorne Borough Commander