Cumbria Constabulary is committed to tackling festive crime

Cumbria Constabulary is reminding the local community to keep their home and belongings safe this Christmas.

It’s just over two weeks until Christmas Day and the majority of people will have decorated their tree, wrapped some presents, and will be thinking about exchanging gifts.

Security may not be at the forefront of people’s minds, therefore Cumbria Constabulary is issuing crime prevention advice to remind people not to let thieves steal their Christmas.

Superintendent Andy Towler said, “We will be strengthening police patrols in our neighbourhoods to reassure residents and deter thieves. There will be local initiatives to provide communities with all the information they need to keep themselves and their property secure this Christmas.

“Thieves can target houses with Christmas presents on view so we would recommend everyone to think about where to keep their presents. More advice about home security is available on our website at www.cumbria.police.uk/securehome.

“We are committed to tackling festive crime and ensuring that thieves don’t steal people’s Christmas.”

In order to help, Cumbria Constabulary will be issuing a version of the “12 Days of Christmas” in an online booklet which raises awareness to some key issues. This will be available on our website, Twitter and Facebook account from Monday 15 December.

“Superintendent Towler added, “The “12 Days of Christmas” focuses on twelve ways to help you stay safe this Christmas and includes helpful reminders to help people to be safe and secure over the festive period.

“Our aim is to try and ensure that everyone has a happy and safe Christmas.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said, “We would all do well to take notice of the advice that the Police will be providing over the next couple of weeks, to ensure that we keep our possessions safe.  Please take note of the guidance, and avoid becoming a victim of crime this Christmas.”

Please let us know as soon as possible if you see anyone behaving suspiciously in your neighbourhood.  Many criminals are apprehended due to information from members of the public. Simply telephone 101, or if a crime is in progress, 999.  If you have information regarding crime you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you would like to speak to someone in person, you can do so at the various police desks held across the county. Police officers and PCSOs are on hand to offer information, advice, answer questions, and speak to you about any concerns. To find out where your next police desk is, visit www.cumbria.police.uk/policedesks. If you are unable to attend one of these, please ring Cumbria Constabulary on 101 and ask to speak to a Crime Prevention Officer.

More crime prevention advice is also available at http://www.cumbria.police.uk/advice-and-information/crime-prevention and includes top tips on security for sheds, fuel storage, and vehicles. 

Stay secure away from home says Cumbria Constabulary

Cumbria Police are continuing to issue security advice and are highlighting the need to remain safety conscious when away from home.

Many people will enter the county to visit the many attractions that Cumbria has to offer. Despite the low crime rate, people can have their visit to our beautiful county spoiled by becoming victims of crime. In many cases this could have been easily avoided.  

Common targets are vehicles which have property on display, such as sat navs, mobile phone, handbags and laptops. These items are all desirable to thieves and being left in a car, even if locked, is still an easy target.

Another target can be caravans and tents. People will leave for the day to go walking in many of the scenic areas in Cumbria and sometimes security can be the last thing on their mind. Leaving expensive items behind in an insecure tent or caravan is not the best place. If you cannot carry it at all times, then leave it at home.

Inspector Jon Sherlock, responsible for the community safety departments in Cumbria, said: “Cumbria is an idyllic place to visit and we want to reassure people that we do have one of the lowest crime rates. It is not our aim to worry or scare people but we do want to ensure that they have security on their minds.

“By taking simple, common sense steps, we can beat the thieves at their own game. Criminals want an easy life, so don’t give them any opportunity to target you or your family, make sure all valuables are secure and safe.

Many people will be leaving the county to go on holiday and people want to return home without the heartache of finding they have been burgled.

Taking simple steps to secure your home when away can prevent you becoming a victim. Ask someone to check on the house, a neighbour or family member can report any suspicious behaviour to the police.

Also use light timers to have key areas in your home lit-up at night.

Make sure that you don’t give too much away on social media. Many of us stay in touch with friends and family whilst we are away. Cumbria Police are asking everyone to check their security settings on Facebook and Twitter or any other social network site.

Inspector Sherlock added: “When you post on social media that you are going on holiday or link your location when you are away, you’re advertising that your home is empty.

“We encourage people to make sure that their security settings are up to date and that they are not giving information to people they don’t know.

“Getting involved in groups and games on social media is great, but be aware that you are opening your profile to everyone else who is also in that group.

“Being mindful of what you post will help to ensure that everything is safe and sound when you get home.”

Reporting any suspicious behaviour could really help in preventing and detecting any crime in the area. We always encourage everyone to pass on information or details about anything they think is out of character to the police. It can be vital in building up intelligence and detecting crime.

Join in at: Twitter @Cumbriapolice. #lockitorloseit and/or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cumbriapolice

This will enable you to keep up to date with things that are happening in the local area and could be an important reminder to lock it or lose it.

Throughout the summer there will be Police Desks in various locations in Cumbria where you can go and speak to an officer, get crime prevention advice and safety information. There will be useful leaflets available for anyone who has a caravan or chalet providing important safety messages and useful security reminders. For more information about Police Desks, visit www.cumbria.police.uk/policedesks 

Police Commissioner agrees county-wide CCTV scheme

Commissioner Agrees County-Wide CCTV Scheme

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria, Richard Rhodes, formally signed off the proposals for Cumbria-wide CCTV, at the Public Executive Board meeting today.

The approved scheme  will provide a sustainable, scaleable county-wide CCTV solution with up to 54 cameras across the county, proactively monitored by a dedicated central team based at Police Headquarters in Penrith in liaison with  other communications centre staff and local Community Policing Teams.

Richard Rhodes said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm that the scheme, which is a joint project between the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Cumbria Constabulary and the six District Councils of Eden,  Carlisle, Allerdale, Copeland, South Lakeland and Barrow, will now go ahead. 

“CCTV can play a vital role in delivering a safe and secure environment for people who live, work  and visit Cumbria, and supports crime prevention, reduces antisocial  behaviour, and crime and disorder.  It also has a significant impact on bringing offenders to justice, potentially reducing investigative time and freeing up officers. 

“I am always keen to work in partnership with other public and private sector partners, and this scheme is a great example of what can be achieved in Cumbria by working together.  It will deliver benefits to the local councils and savings for the police and wider Criminal Justice System by faster working and sharing of information.” 

Deputy Chief Constable Jeremy Graham said:

“It is great news that the CCTV scheme has now been approved. The new system will provide consistent and improved CCTV coverage across Cumbria.  CCTV acts as a deterrent for would-be criminals, helps track offenders, and gather evidence.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner and local councils to provide an important tool to help solve crime and keep our local communities safe.”

Police urge people to keep their homes secure this summer

Summer is a popular time for holidays away to enjoy the sun – however it is also a perfect opportunity for a burglar.

Cumbria Police are asking people to follow some simple precautions to ensure while people are relaxing their home is safe and secure.

Claire Stevens, Community Safety Officer for Cumbria Constabulary explains “If you take some simple steps to protect your home you can enjoy your holidays with peace of mind. For example, while you are away make your home look like someone is living in it – don’t close your curtains in the daytime as this show the house is empty. You can use automatic-timer switches to turn your lights on when it goes dark.

“I would advise that you cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries – but be careful of who might overhear your conversation. Similarly, avoid discussing your holiday plans where strangers may hear details. Holiday season can be great fun, but it’s important to think ahead to prevent problems while you are away.”

Some other precautions people can take include:

• Arranging for a relative or trusted neighbour to occasionally check the house
• Cutting the lawn before you go and trim back any plants that burglars could hide behind
• Uncollected mail is a sign that you are away; the Royal Mail’s ‘Keepsafe’™  service will keep your mail for up to two months while you are away
• Consider leaving important documents and valuable items with other family members, in the bank, or lock them in a safe
• Do not put your home address on your luggage when you are travelling to your holiday destination
• If you normally leave valuable pedal cycles or similar items in your shed, consider putting them in the house
• Finally, make sure that you’ve locked all outside doors and windows and, if you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set (and know who has keys to reset it if it activates)

The Crime Prevention Website www.thecrimepreventionwebsite.com has a handy checklist to help you prepare your security measures before you go away.

Crime Prevention officers working hard during Community Policing Week

This week Cumbria Constabulary focused on Community Policing Week, with police officers being out and about in their local communities, providing advice and finding out what issues matter most to the residents.

Behind the scenes there is a lot of work that is done every day by our Crime Prevention Officers, who work hard to ensure that our communities are safe and that victims of crime receive the support and advice they need.

This week alone they have:

• Visited people who have been victims of a crime, these crimes include Commercial burglaries (Car Showrooms, Building Sites, Supermarkets, Schools) but also vulnerable victims whose homes have been subject of a crime.
• Visited domestic violence victims to provide practical security advice and target hardening measures to provide reassurance and help to ensure their safety when in their own home
• Spoke to vulnerable adults who have reported concerns about doorstep traders /cold callers
• Surveyed commercial premises to provide up to date security advice and target hardening methods

In addition to this, they are also involved in trying to secure funding from various organisations to help improve security, such as street lighting in their local areas.

Inspector Jon Sherlock, who oversees Community Safety, said “The work done by the Crime Prevention Officers is invaluable and it is beneficial to highlight this during Community Safety Week, as it has a positive impact on the local communities.

“They have a varied range of skills, all of which focus on preventing people from becoming a victim of crime, helping those who are in difficult circumstances to feel safer in their homes and trying to improve the neighbourhoods for our local residents. The Crime Prevention Officers within Community Safety are all ACPO accredited, so you know the advice you receive is both professional and appropriate.  The advice they give goes much further than lock your windows and bolt your doors, they provide professional crime prevention advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

“The work they do throughout the year helps to keep crime low in Cumbria, making it one of the safest places to live in the country.” 

For more crime prevention advice, please visit www.cumbria.police.uk

Information on the site includes tips to keep your house safe,  http://www.cumbria.police.uk/advice-and-information/security/home-security.

If you wish to speak to a crime prevention office, please ring Cumbria Police on 101.