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« Thread Started on Feb 4, 2008, 1:23pm » | |
CHESHIRE CONSTABULARY
Press Release
February 1st 2008.
Fortnightly article – Mark Gammage
It’s sometimes difficult to know what’s best to write about. I could be unbearably cheerful about how well we are doing, or alternatively I could end up sounding like an edition of Crime Watch and having to end all my columns with a sound bite like “Don’t have nightmares.”
Unfortunately this week I do need to cover some bad news. There have been several distraction burglaries around the Borough over the last few weeks. This is a particularly unpleasant type of crime committed against some of the most vulnerable members in our community. The offenders target elderly people and gain access to their homes by pretending to be utility workers (from the gas, electric or water companies) or through elaborate stories. Sometimes they work alone and steal once allowed inside, or alternatively whilst one engages the householder in conversation, another sneaks in.
To stop these types of crimes occurring it is essential that the local community pulls together. Fair enough, violent crime in our town centre – a visible and effective police presence can deter the majority of assaults taking place. Vehicle crime we can all help ourselves by securing our vehicles & not leaving valuables on display, but to stop distraction burglary needs us all to work together.
This means we look out for each other, especially those who are most risk at being targeted. The vast majority of utility providers will operate their own form of security password scheme…….does an elderly relative of yours have a password? How about the elderly couple next door, why not pass on the message next time you see them in the garden?
We also need to know if you have any callers or suspicions about people walking around your neighbourhood. Genuine visitors will not mind being checked out by police officers, they understand the harm these individuals cause to their profession. If you’re unsure then please phone us (0845 458 0000) and let us check things out.
We are working hard in the police to stop these offences from happening. One of our colleagues in the emergency response team at Congleton had an excellent result before Christmas when as a result of a stop he arrested an individual who had just committed one of these offences. Some quick work with the local team and some officers from the burglary squad led to two more arrests. These individuals were identified as being wanted for a large series of these types of offences all across the UK and are now locked up.
In terms of prevention, we are setting up No Cold Calling Zones (NCCZ) in areas that may be targeted. These tend to be streets where the majority of residents tend to be elderly, sometimes near to the motorway network. NCCZ are where a group of residents decide that they do not want any cold-callers to their street and empowers them to turn people away. If you are interested in this scheme then please contact Alison Gabbott on 01244 613576 for further information.
These criminals tend not to be local and may travel hundreds of miles to commit these offences. We are making use of the Automatic Number-plate Recognition System in order to identify vehicles of interest to us. We have developed good links with surrounding forces so we can be notified promptly if they have any suspicious incidents within their areas. We also put out warnings on local radio stations in the event of any reported activity.
I would like to assure you that we are working hard to prevent these offences from happening, and the chances of being a victim are extremely small.
To finish, I could do with a better line than “Don’t have nightmares”, although this does present an opportunity for a caption competition! Next time I’ll try and be less depressing.
Mark
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Headmaster
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Location: Congleton
Karma: 0 | | Police Newsletter 24 June 2008
« Reply #1 on Jun 25, 2008, 11:04am » | |
On the traffic enforcement theme we have issued a significant number of
FPN for motoring offences, especially mobile phone usage. A press release
highlighting the dangers and offences has also been sent out to local
press.
This month has seen an increase of anti social behaviour related
incidents at a local country park involving young persons. This area has
been given extra attention and numerous containers of alcohol have been
confiscated .One youth has been arrested for being drunk and disorderly
and a press release was sent out highlighting the issues in the area.
This seems to have had some impact.
The team have been instrumental in placing two youths on Acceptable
Behaviour Contracts with another three pending.
The team have also identified a local youth responsible for high value
damage at the market area by stripping lead from the roofing. He has been
reported for summons.
The team have been busy seeking sponsorship and applications for the
police Summer fishing competition.
The team have been supporting a number of youth diversionary activities
namely, a youth club set up by the Youth Services at Bromley Farm, The
Like to Bike course, Respect.
The team have carried out the final pedal cycle safety course at
Congleton high School for this year. Further courses are to take place
in the spring.
A local male was sentenced to 5 years custodial sentence for a serious
assault with a golf club.
Another local man was sentenced to 5 years for supply of controlled
drugs.
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I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. |
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