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Cotswold BlogThe Cotswold Blog is a collection of diary entries, news, gossip and other Cotswold related information.
Police Stress The Need For Security AwarenessPolice in the Cotswolds and Stroud Division are taking another opportunity to remind the general public that they can take simple steps to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime.Criminals are quick to exploit any slackening of security, so police are calling on homeowners, businesses and vehicle owners to keep their guard up. APS Mark Godsland, Crime Reduction Officer for the Cotswolds, urged all residents to take a few simple precautions to prevent their homes, businesses and cars from being broken into. "Home and business owners should keep doors and windows closed and locked at all times - even if there is someone on the premises," he said. "Any valuable items, or items of great sentimental value, should be property marked to make them easily identifiable in the event of them being stolen. "Homeowners should also remember to never let a stranger in to their property, regardless of the reason. "Cold-callers and door-to-door salesmen should be turned away. If residents need goods, services or home improvements they should source these through reputable companies. "In the event of a stranger coming to the door who claims to represent an official organisation, such as the police or the council, homeowners must thoroughly check their identification, calling the relevant body to double-check if they are not sure. "Business owners should take stock of the security measures they have in place at their premises and consider installing extra physical security measures such as locks, security glazing, intruder and fire alarms, security lighting and CCTV." APS Godsland said that simple crime prevention techniques applied equally to preventing thefts from garden sheds and vehicles. "Sheds are a favourite target for criminals because many can be broken into relatively easily, and they often contain expensive items such as lawn mowers, power tools and bikes," he said. "Shed owners should check the vulnerability of their shed and make it more secure by investing in metal grills for windows, reinforced hinges and strong locks and shed alarms. "Property should be marked so as to make it identifiable and more difficult for the offender to dispose of. "Car crime can also be a problem, and criminals are quick to exploit any opportunity they are presented with. "Firstly, we would advise drivers to lock their vehicles whenever they are left unattended. It seems obvious, but we have had numerous examples of people having had property stolen from their vehicle after leaving it unlocked. "Some people think that they can leave vehicle doors unlocked if they live in a rural area, but thieves do not just operate in towns and cities. "Secondly, we would urge drivers to leave nothing on display in their vehicle when they park up. Leaving high value, removable items on display is just asking for trouble. This applies as much to items such as CDs or sunglasses as it does to very valuable items like laptop computers, Sat Nav and removable stereos. By doing this motorists can significantly reduce their chances of becoming a victim of car crime." Posted : 15/02/2007 20:55:59 PLEASE NOTE: This story has been archived and the information contained within it may no longer be correct.
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