Bracknell Forest Community Safety Strategy 2002 - 2005

The Community Safety Partnership.

Thames Valley Police
Bracknell Police Station
Bracknell
Berkshire RG12 1AD

Tel: 08458 505 505

PLEASE NOTE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS SITE RELATING TO THE POLICE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH REFER TO MATTERS IN THE THAMES VALLEY ONLY. ANY QUERIES ON POLICING MATTERS OUTSIDE THIS AREA SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE RELEVANT POLICE FORCES AROUND THE UK.

Welcome!

At the start of November 2003, PC Robert Crawford took up his position of Area Beat Officer for Binfield and Warfield, although his official start date is 12 January 2004. Robert has been a police officer for nearly 23 years, having worked as a patrol officer in Bracknell, Ascot, Crowthorne and Wokingham. He is also a qualified tutor constable, so from time to time we may seem him accompanied by a fresh new face and he hopes his training and be incorporated with his duties here. Robert is also involved in the recruiting process for new officers and he attends for force training centre about three times a year to take part in recruit assessments. With all these extra duties, he feels confident that he will provide Binfield and Warfield the time and dedication that we would expect of our beat officer.

Robert is looking forward to meeting residents, although he may already be known to some as he has lived in the village since 1987. I am sure you will all offer him a warm welcome and will look forward to seeing him out and about in Binfield and Warfield. Email address: robert.crawford@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk

A fond farewell!

PC Dave Wherry has now been moved to a different role within Thames Valley Police after spending 2 years as Community Beat Officer for Binfield & Warfield.

Dave passes on his thanks for the help and support from the many residents, associations and organisations within Binfield and Warfield. We wish him well and good luck for the future.

More information on Thames Valley Police for news, publications, community and recruitment, there is also some great pages for the kids.

In the event of an emergency please: Dial 999

If you are reporting a non-emergency crime, or would like to give information to Thames Valley Police, please call 08458 505505.

You can report some types of minor crime on the Non-Emergency Minor Crime Notification website

14.08.03.

Some Useful Links>>

13.11.03.

Advice for a Happy Christmas

As CCTV Radio links and store security improves and becomes more and more effective, Offenders like to Xmas shop by stealing from vehicles so think carefully about keeping your car secure and not leaving items on display.

It is not a good idea to dump present shopping in your boot and then go off and do extra shopping. Sometimes offenders sit in car parks and watch out for potential victims who do this.

Always park your vehicle in a well lit busy area. Don't rely on CCTV because it may not be monitored or even working.

Never leave receipts in car (Debit/credit) these can be stolen and used for cloning purposes

If you have a large load (Presents, alcohol etc) to unload from your car boot then close or preferably lock the boot every time you are going to leave items unattended. This applies even if you are parked on your drive.

Be aware of pickpockets. Never leave your mobile or cash on show or easy to steal. Rucksack style handbags for ladies are ideal for pickpockets. The best alternative is a shoulder bag, with a zip - Keep your hand over the zip at all times.

When paying with plastic, always keep sight of your card. Never allow anyone to walk away with your card.

It is not a good idea to leave presents under a well lit tree by a window in the run up to Xmas, especially if there is no one in the property.

Follow this simple advice and have a Very Happy Christmas.

Sarah Scales (13.11.03)

Everyone should know how to avoid becoming a victim of the horrible crime of distraction burglary. Strangers may call at your house and offer to do work on the roof or pathway, ask whether you want to sell antiques, or say they have come to read the meter. They may even use a child who asks to be allowed to retrieve a lost ball from your garden. Or they could just ask you for a glass of water. Some of these callers may be quite legitimate, but others could be trying to get your attention while their accomplice sneaks in and burgles your house, or they might be checking to see whether you are worth a return visit later.

The advice from Thames Valley Police is:

BE SAFE - if in doubt, don't let them in.

Crimestoppers is extremely effective. Nationally over 50,000 people have been arrested and charged in 15 years directly as a result of calls to Crimestoppers, this includes one murderer every week. In the last 4 years in the Thames Valley, 700 people have been arrested and charged from the information we have been able to provide for the Police.

Working for the community.

17.07.03.

Safer Homes - Holiday check list

Officers are urging residents to follow a simple check list before they go on holiday this summer to make sure their homes are secure.

House burglaries have increased by 9.6 per cent in Thames Valley between April and June this year, compared with the same period last year. Officers are conducting focused patrols and targeting persistent offenders to reduce the crime but a few simple crime prevention measures could also help beat the burglars.

To keep your home safe while you are away this summer, follow the advice on this simple check list.

· Set domestic alarms and give your monitoring station or police details of the key holder
· Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home. Ask them to collect your mail or push it through the letter box for example. If they are looking after your pets or watering your plants, ask them to open and close curtains and switch on lights to make the house look occupied. Also ask them to park on your drive if you have taken your car
· Financial documents and any keys should be hidden away
· Every burglar is an opportunist. Make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked before you leave.
· Remember to cancel milk and papers and make use of the Royal Mail letter and parcel holding service

· Have your home address on a piece of paper inside your suitcase, and not visible on the outside
· Operate a timer switch for lights and a radio
· Make sure no ladders or other equipment are within view or easy reach that could help burglars break in
· Even cutting the lawn before you go away can help to make it look less obvious that the house is unoccupied
· Safely lock away your jewellery , and don't leave cash in the house.

Sgt Ian Holt, Force Crime Reduction Officer, said: "If you follow this advice you can significantly reduce the risk of your house being burgled while you are on holiday.

"Many of these tips are useful even if you are not going on holiday. A simple precaution like shutting and locking doors and windows every time you leave the house can reduce the risks, whether you are on holiday or just out for a short time.

"Although it is tempting to leave windows open at night in the hot weather, opportunist thieves take advantage of this and often steal car keys and other property from houses even when people are in, or asleep upstairs.

"Most burglars just look out for opportunities like open doors and windows. Don't give them a chance - shut them out."

Holiday Checklist>>

29.04.03.

What is Distraction Burglary and who are those callers?

STOP, CHAIN, CHECK - How to beat the bogus caller  PDF 286Kb
Copies available with door stickers at Binfield Post Office, Binfield Library and Binfield Parish Council Office.

Distraction burglars - also known as bogus callers - are responsible for a distressing crime often aimed at the more vulnerable members of society. These people's actions can have serious consequences on the quality of life of many victims.

They will use every trick in the book to get inside your house and rifle through your possessions - taking anything of value they can find.

Bogus callers can appear to be very credible. They dress as utility workers, tradespeople, or even police officers. They are particularly persuasive and articulate and can easily talk their way into people's homes. Once in they will steal money and valuables.

Current research shows that older people are their main targets.

How can I stop them?

There are a few simple steps you can take to keep the bogus callers out and prevent yourself from being taken in by their act.

When answering the door,

STOP - and think, are you expecting anybody?

CHAIN - put this on before you open the door, it will give you that extra 'safe space' and barrier between you and the caller and then,

CHECK - ask for their identification card, take it and look at it carefully. Close the door and ring the number on the card if you are unsure

GO - take the door chain off to let them in only once you are sure they are genuine. If not, close the door, they will go away.

Lines to watch out for:
The things they will say to try and get in your house

• I'm here to check the pipes
• I need to check the water/turn the water off (I'm laying pipes up the road)
• The water is unfit for drinking
• I need to check for damp
• There has been a gas explosion up the road
• I've lost my football/kite/puppy/rabbit
• Can I use your toilet?
• Can I have a glass of water?
• Can I borrow a pen/a piece of paper to write a note?
• Can I see Michael/Fred (or any other fictitious name)
• I'm interested in buying books or antiques
• You have won a prize in a raffle - can I measure up for the prizes/write down your details?
• I'm from Age Concern - can I take down the number of your pension book

The Berkshire Bobby Scheme

Providing free home security for the vulnerable and those at risk...

The Berkshire Bobby Scheme is making a difference.
The scheme provides and fits door and window locks, as well as other security devices completely free and no charge is made for the labour.

The Bobby also gives helpful advice and reassurance to those that have been victims of crime.

The Scheme was launched by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in November 1999. Since then we have seen a significant reduction in the incidence of burglaries and the fear of crime.

The Scheme is aimed at those living in Windsor, Maidenhead, Ascot or Bracknell. If you would like to arrange a visit, call the Berkshire Bobby Administrator at Maidenhead Police Station on 01628 645 628.

Working in partnership with Victim Support and other caring agencies.

...helping you feel safe in your home

Ensure your handbag is still with you at dawn by following crime prevention advice

While the days of dancing around your handbag may be over, police are still urging revellers to keep their belongings close to them at all times during a night out, following growing concern about the number of thefts.

There have been 733 incidents of personal items being stolen between January 1 and February 3 this year (2003), compared to 813 last year. While the figures have actually fallen, there is still concern about the high number of thefts occurring.

Between those times, 15 per cent of the property stolen was mobile phones and almost 10 per cent was cash. Membership cards, make up, driving licences and keys are also being swiped.

The top two premises in which such thefts are occurring are pubs and nightclubs and the majority of offences are happening between 10pm and 3am.

Most handbags and their contents are being stolen when they are left unattended or on the floor next to someone’s chair. Phones are being swiped from the bar areas where they are left and items are also being stolen from the pockets of jackets left hanging on the back of chairs and from the back pocket’s of men’s trousers.

The vast majority of victims are females.

Although the majority of these crimes appear to be in the Reading and Wokingham area, residents from all areas should be aware of the problem, particularly as people travel out to find their evening/night entertainment. This is certainly the case for the younger members of the community who frequent the nightclubs and bars in those particular areas. There are 10 areas that account for the majority of the thefts. In Broad Street, there were 84 with 75 in Bridge Street and 46 in other parts of the town centre. There were 42 in Castle Street, 33 in London Road south, 30 in the north Oxford Road area, 27 in the station area, 27 in the outer town centre, 23 in Wokingham town centre and 20 in the Kings Road area. The remainder of the thefts occur in other parts of area.

Mr McNicholas, a former area beat officer for the Reading with Wokingham police area who has returned as a civilian worker following his retirement, said a number of the thefts were unnecessary and could be prevented by following a few simple steps.

He said: “One of the main concerns of pub and club workers is that people leave their bags by the side of their chair and then go to the bar or the dancefloor and return to find their belongings have been stolen.

“It takes seconds to swipe a handbag from the floor or the back of a chair and the same amount of time to take a phone which has been left on the bar area or a table.

“It is just as likely to happen in busy restaurants, cafes and takeaways as it is in busy pubs and nightclubs.”

He added: “I would urge people to take care of their personal belongings and only take what they need out for the night. Leave cards and documents you are not going to need at home.

“Use a rucksack style bag and wear it on your back or in front of you at all times. Keep mobile phones and wallets hidden inside jacket pockets and do not leave jackets hanging on the backs of chairs.

“It literally only takes an opportunist thief a few seconds to swipe your belongings.

Car owners urged once again to keep their keys out of the sight of burglars

A warning to all areas to protect their cars keeping their keys safe and out of sight, although the main problem seems to have been in the Reading and Wokingham area.

Residents across Reading with Wokingham are being urged to be on their guard against burglars who steal car keys from homes and then drive the vehicles from driveways and streets.

The warning comes following a two incidents in Reading this week in which people lost their cars as a result of the offence.

Police were called at 7am this morning by a St John’s Street resident reporting that burglars had entered their home in the night and stolen the keys to their brand new Seat Leon.

The car was then taken from the street outside the house.

At 10pm last night, police were called to the Mansion House in Liebenrood Road, Reading following reports the upstairs accommodation had been burgled that evening and car keys stolen. In this incident, a silver, M-reg Ford Mondeo was stolen.

In both cases, offenders had broken into the property and stolen keys. However, there have been previous offences where car keys have been put on hooks near doors or windows or been left on display in hallways, enabling offenders to simply put their hand or an implement through the letterbox or window to steal the keys and the car.

Many of the offences are committed by opportunist thieves and police have issued warnings to residents to be on their guard and to follow security precautions.

Pc Jeff Tibbey, from the burglary investigation unit, said: “Cars are now becoming more difficult to steal through the traditional methods because of increased security added by the manufacturers.

“This new pattern of offending is concerning and is increasing and we want to give the public guidelines on how they can prevent themselves from falling victim to such offences.

“In many of the past incidents, we have had incidents where keys have been taken off hooks or hallway radiators by offenders simply sticking their hands or another implement through the letter box.

“My advice to people is to keep their car keys safe and out of sight and, if they leave them in their bags overnight, to take their bags upstairs with them.”

He added: “It is also important that people use security measures in their homes, such as fitting an alarm and door and window locks and security lights which activate when someone enters their grounds.

“Join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and make sure you keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour in your area.

“Ensure your car is fitted with an alarm and is locked and secure overnight. You can buy steering wheel locks which are relatively cheap and easy to fit, which act as a good deterrent.

For further advice about crime prevention, call John Oblein, Crime Reduction on 01344 823482.

Shed burglars spring into action

The approach of spring heralds the start of the gardening and home maintenance season. Unfortunately, some people will go to their shed or garage for the first time in months, only to find their valuable gardening and DIY tools have been stolen. This time of year also sees an increase in purchases of new lawnmowers and other equipment, which makes the garden shed an attractive target for thieves.

Burglars see sheds and outbuildings as easy pickings, because many lack basic security measures. Sheds often contain items that can be readily sold, such as lawnmowers and bicycles, or implements that can be used to force entry to the owner’s home. John Oblein, Crime Prevention recommends a simple SHED check list to prevent this type of crime.

S - Secure your shed, garage or outbuilding with tamper-proof “clutch head” screws and coach bolts, together with a good quality hasp and staple, and close-shackled padlock. Windows should be locked or screwed shut, and fitted with a grille or chicken wire. Fit a ground anchor to secure expensive items such as lawnmowers and mountain bikes.
H - Hide your valuables from view by covering shed windows with curtains or reflective film.
E - Engrave or mark valuable property with your postcode and house number, using ultra-violet pens, indelible markers, etching or dye stamping.
D - Deter thieves by installing a sensor-operated security light and a battery-powered shed alarm. Plant thorny shrubs at access points to act as a barrier.

For further advice about crime prevention, call John Oblein, Crime Reduction on 01344 823482.

Protect your Car

The advert below was organised by Bracknell Forest Borough Council for use in your car. Why not print this page, cut out the left-hand advert and pop it in your car window. Working with Thames Valley Police to stop crime.

These small cards can be found at all local libraries and Council Offices in the Thames Valley area.

Protect your mobile phone

In the 12 months to August 2001 there were 15,114 offences involving mobilephones being stolen in the Thames Valley.

Young people are especially vulnerable to mobile phone robbery.

What you can do: To make it difficult for thieves to use your phone, please record the details listed below and keep the information in a safe place. These details will be needed by the police if you report your phone stolen. The 15-digit IMEI number is specific to your phone and can be accessed by keying *#O6# into your phone. These details can enable police and service providers to trace ownership quickly.

• Always use your phone's security lock code or PIN number.
• Security mark the phone and battery with your postcode and street number or the first two letters of your house name. Your police crime reduction office can advise on property marking.
• When using your phone, be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
• Avoid wearing your phone where it is in public view. Keep it with you at all times and do not leave it unattended. Do not give your mobile phone to strangers who ask to use it.

If you know who has taken your mobile phone, or have any information about anyone involved in criminal activity, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

If your phone is stolen, contact your service provider and give these details to the police:

• Model details
• Phone number
• IMEI number
• PIN number

Advice regarding cash card security

It is believed thieves use a device that holds the card in the cash machine so that it cannot be ejected. The offender will retrieve the card at a later stage. The advice is:

• At a cash point check behind you before you put your card in.
• If someone is standing too close behind you or you think someone is watching - either offer for them to go first or go to a different cash point.
• Always make sure no one can see you input your pin number at a cash point and keep your number secret.
• If your card does get stuck try to get it out. The device holds the card just inside the slot and is usually easily removable.
• If you still cannot remove the card. Go into the bank, or ring to cancel the card straight away, and note the time that the incident happened and anyone who was acting suspiciously. Then contact the local police station.
• Do not attempt to apprehend the offender yourself!
• Cardwatch website