Police Report & Seasonal Advice
Dear All,
With the ending of British Summer Time last month, the darker evenings draw
in as autumn continues apace. From the perspective of keeping your
properties as secure as possible ,the net result of this of course is that
to the casual observer (or potential burglar ), it is obvious which
properties are likely to be unoccupied as early evening sets in. The
potential burglar will always seek that opportunity which appears to be the
easiest and if he has a choice between a property that appears occupied or
lived in and one that doesn't because it is in darkness, the decision is a
simple one! You can easily help make your home more secure.
the impression of a home having someone on the premises. This is perhaps
even more important in rural areas where street lights are non existent. Timer switches using of course low energy light bulbs can be programmed to
come on as dusk sets in particularly useful if you routinely return to
your home after dark. These timer switches and low energy bulbs are
available just about everywhere these days as government continues to
impress upon us all the need to be energy efficient etc. Measures like
these, together with good quality window and door locks particularly for
ground floor windows will go a long way in deterring the would be thief.
With the recent blow, there are plenty of leaves on the ground as nature
prepares for a new season. Many of you will no doubt be using power/
electrical tools to clear garden debris. These can be valuable items and
thieves will be happy to take these of your hands so remember to lock these
securely away after use in garages or sheds with good quality locks.
The festive season seems to start earlier and earlier, at least the
marketing and commercial side of it to help persuade us to part with our
cash. It is easy to forget while some of us are swept up in the "excitement"
of shopping and taking in the festive atmosphere, it is important to keep
those gifts bought for loved ones out of sight of prying eyes. Do remember,
thieves also have to pay for Christmas as well and if they can profit by you
generosity to others, they will do so. Do not leave gifts or any other
valuables inside cars or on show. Why not leave gift purchases with the
store until the end of your shopping expedition or if putting them into the
car really is unavoidable, and it is a multi- storey car park, why not drive
to a different level and park up again so giving the impression of having
just arrived and the items are completely out of sight. One never knows who
is merely sitting in the car waiting for someone to return to unload their
recent purchases and return to the shops.
Don't become a victim of crime. It could spoil the run up to your Christmas
or that of a loved one!
Towards the end of October two commercial premises were attacked. One was an
agricultural premises on the outskirts of the village towards Farley Mount
where diesel and power tools were stolen. This location had been targeted
earlier in the month. Also South Winchester Golf Club was entered and property stolen.
It may be of interest to you that since the middle of September, 25 persons
have been arrested for a variety of countryside matters in the greater
Winchester rural district. This includes offences such as poaching, theft of
horse tack, plant and power tools, trailers etc. In addition vehicles and
long dogs have been seized. This is in no small measure down to the
vigilance of the rural community particularly those associated with Country
Watch membership. In addition the proactive patrols of our full time Country
Watch officer Pc John Radcliffe, based at Meon Valley ( Bishops Waltham
police station) has a continuing disruption effect on these criminals who
travel into our area attempting to commit crime against the rural community
. My sincere thanks to all of you for remaining alert and I ask you to
continue to do so.
Please feel free to disseminate this as widely as possible
Nigel Harding
Police Constable
Twyford Police Station
nigel.harding@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
