Barrow police invite community to take advantage of crime prevention tools

Police in Barrow are teaming up with the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and local businesses to launch an initiative to prevent thefts in the area.

In a bid to stop thefts from gardens, sheds and outhouses and to make bikes less attractive to thieves, local officers and staff from the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership will be hosting a ‘crime prevention day’ on Tuesday 16 August.

On Tuesday 16^th August 2011 between 11.30am and 1.30pm, officers in the Neighbourhood Management Office in

Dalton Road

will mark cycles free of charge. A member of the ‘Topmark Cycle’ outlet will also be in there to offer visitors specific information on cycle security.

During the same period, separate teams of officers will be at Homebase and Tesco on Cornerhouse Park to offer crime prevention advice and UV marking on electrical items and power tools.

Sergeant Caroline Milligan from Barrow is leading the initiative. She said: “I hope that as many people as possible take the chance to meet one of our teams on Tuesday and help us as we work to prevent and detect thefts in the area.

“We have arranged this crime prevention day because, as I’m sure people will realise, it can be easy to become relaxed and less vigilant about security in warmer weather as doors and windows are left open. Unfortunately, thieves know this too and I can’t stress enough how important it is to remain security conscious.

“Free cycle marking should appeal to all owners as it makes bikes less attractive to thieves and makes them far easier for us to trace if they are stolen or lost. It is an incredibly valuable service but please keep in mind that it does not stop criminals stealing bikes - so being vigilant and securing your property is essential.”

In addition to cycle marking, officers will be handing out crime prevention advice and offering UV marking on valuable items.

Sgt Milligan continued: “To avoid becoming a victim of theft, invest in a quality lock and secure your garage or shed properly. Always lock your bicycle, even if you are just leaving it for a couple of minutes. Lock your bike to an immovable object – a bike rack or ground anchor and secure removable parts and lock both wheels and the frame together to make a thief’s life harder."

For further crime prevention advice and information contact the South Cumbria Community Safety Unit on 0845 33 00 247, or visit the Constabulary website at http://www.cumbria.police.uk/.