Now’s the time to mark!
OVERALL crime in the South Wards of Scarborough has continued to fall with 54 crimes less than in the same period last year; a reduction of 9%.
This is not, however, a time to become complacent as in recent weeks there has been a slight increase in the number of burglaries. Locations of these offences include West Street, Grosvenor Road and Westbourne Grove. Research shows that some of the burglars have entered premises via insecure windows and doors.
Many of these crimes could have been avoided if simple crime prevention advice had been followed. By carrying out basic security checks and ensuring that all windows and doors are locked prior to leaving your property will assist in reducing the temptation for burglars. If you intend returning home after dark consider leaving a light on, thereby giving the appearance that your home is occupied. We would also ask that you report suspicious incidents on our new 101 number.
With Christmas now a distant memory, now is a good time for you to ensure that all your expensive gifts are security marked. Writing your house number and your postcode on your property may assist the police in identifying stolen property and therefore assist with its recovery.
This can be done by marking your property with an ultraviolet pen or by contacting your local PCSO and asking them to etch your details on cycles etc. It is also advisable to take a photograph of your property and where possible keep a note of any serial numbers.
The winter weather has been very mild and many of you may have noticed the spring flowers already starting to bloom. In preparation for the spring, now would also be a good time to think about how to protect the expensive garden furniture you will be leaving in your gardens. Again I would advise that this is an excellent time for you to think about marking your property prior to placing it outside. If possible try and secure these items so as to avoid them being stolen.
Over recent months we have again responded to complaints made by you the public. Having received information of possible illegal immigrants residing at a property on South Cliff, the police and the UK Border Agency recently carried out a joint operation to address this concern. Enquiries are still ongoing.
As previously mentioned in my article, North Yorkshire police are focused on reducing crime and making your neighbourhood a safer place to live. We have a dedicated Safer Neighbourhood team who are willing to visit you at home and provide you with advice on how to keep your home and valuables safe.
PC Michelle Neighbour is currently on a three-month attachment with the Proactive Crime team situated within Scarborough CID. During her absence PC Craig Malia has taken over the responsibilities of the Southcliff Safer Neighbourhood officer and both he and PCSO Ian Fewster are more than willing to speak with any members of the public who have any community issues, they are also willing to attend your home address and mark your valuables or etch your cycles.
I would also like to remind members of the public that Safer Neighbourhood officers will be holding Street Briefings on the following dates and locations and all members of the community are welcome to discuss any community issues you may have:
St Andrew’s Church, Ramshill Road, 10.30am-11.30am
Sainsbury’s store, Ramshill Road, 5pm-
South Cliff Methodist Church, Filey Road, 2.30pm-3.30pm Co-op store, Westwood Road, 5pm-6pm
St Andrew’s Church, Ramshill Road, 10.30am-11.30am