Neighbourhood Watch - January News letter
| Published: 5th February 2007 14:44 |
JANUARY 2007
FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH MEMBERS IN LICHFIELD
BE INFORMED : BE AWARE : BE OBSERVANT
Please report all crimes and suspicious incidents immediately to the police on 08453 302010.
Your help may be vital, and is greatly appreciated.
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CRIME TRENDS
The number of burglaries in Lichfield continues to give cause for concern. While there were only 2 in the last 3 months in North Lichfield, there were 12 in the South Lichfield area, including Boley Park and Darwin Park. Most involve forcing entry at the rear, with jewellery, computers and car keys stolen. A significant number of burglaries in recent weeks have occurred while occupants have been away on holiday. This trend has continued at the beginning of January, with 5 burglaries reported in South Lichfield during the first week, 3 while owners were on holiday. In at least one case, the offenders stole car keys, then returned several days later to steal the car. In vehicle crime, a significant number of incidents could have been avoided if owners had removed items such as sat.navs, laptops and handbags. Several number plates have also been stolen, particularly from the Valley Lane, Trent Valley Rd areas.
BURGLARY SURVEY
We have recently carried out an analysis of house burglaries across the Lichfield District during September and October, contacting victims and attempting to establish why each particular property was targeted. The main findings are:
- Of 62 burglaries, 18 were in Lichfield, 12 in Burntwood, 5 in Little Aston, 4 in Shenstone, 4 in Mile Oak, 3 in Drayton Bassett, 3 in Fazeley, 2 in Stonnall, 2 in Armitage, and the remainder at various rural locations.
- Many victims believed this was because the property had been left in darkness during the evening or overnight, including several where the occupants were away from home, either for one night or a holiday. This gives further evidence that using time switches on lights, together with asking a neighbour to close the curtains if going away overnight, can make a significant difference to making the home appear occupied, and therefore a less attractive target. If Neighbourhood Watch members simply walk around your area during the evening, it is probably not difficult to identify the homes where no-one is at home. Unfortunately, burglars can do the same thing!
- A surprising number (around 25%) had a burglar alarm fitted, but in nearly half of these the alarm was switched off at the time of the burglary.
- The most common method of entry was forcing or smashing a rear window or patio door.
- Around 17% of victims believed offenders were targeting specific items, e.g. car keys for a vehicle on the driveway.
- 10% thought they had been seen leaving home by the offender, as the burglary occurred within a very short time scale.
NEW CONTACTS WANTED
We are always looking for new volunteers to be a point of contact, to receive email or telephone alerts regarding incidents in their area, and help to keep their neighbours aware. If you know anyone who may be able to help, please get in touch.
To find out more click here.
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