Police focus on rural crime

AS part of their on-going operation to reduce crime in rural areas the police are urging people to work more closely with them to prevent crime from taking place and in an effort to deter criminals from operating in the North East.

Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Shields said: "We recently asked rural communities to work together to make the countryside a safer place for everyone, and we know that people have done just that and have been keeping each other informed of local events and happenings.

"I am now asking everyone to take this process to the next stage which is to contact the police and to tell us about any activity that has raised your suspicions just as you would your neighbour. I realise that some may not want to trouble us with something they think may to too trivial, so let me put your mind at rest – nothing is too trivial. We welcome the opportunity to check out all reports of unusual activity, and if the report turns out to be something about nothing, that is fine and there's no harm done. We would much rather this were case than not be told about an event which later turned out to be a crime that has taken place in your area.

"At this time of year there is a golden opportunity to convert the Christmas spirit into a year round community spirit and local people who look out for their neighbours will themselves reap the benefits of being part of a close knit community that includes, having safer streets and lower crime rates all of which can result from simply being neighbourly.

"We want to hear from you, if you see an unusual vehicle parked on a road near where you live, anyone who is not from the area towing a trailer, or anyone that you don't know loading livestock or items of plant onto a trailer or larger vehicle. Remember too that criminals can only steal something if they know it is there, so be suspicious of people calling and asking for directions. They might be checking out what property is lying around unsecured and more importantly the level of farm security.

"Criminals are always on the lookout for valuable items that they can easily re-sell. Quads, trailers, tractors, forklifts, and other high value items of farm machinery should therefore be kept locked away in secure garages or outbuildings when not in use. And, for added security, people should consider locking gates, on farm lanes and at farm yards using 'British Standard' closed shackled padlocks to prevent unauthorised vehicular access.

"Being crime prevention aware will help to protect your property. Don't make life easy for criminals. Putting frequently used machines away and locking up sheds and outbuildings may seem like a chore, but it won't be as inconvenient and having an important piece of equipment stolen, just when you need to use it most.

"Always make your property unique to you by permanently marking all items with your postcode and house number. The marking should be placed on parts of the equipment that will be difficult for the thieves to disguise or expensive for them to replace. Remember to take a photograph of the machinery and keep a list of makes, models, serial numbers, colour and a record of any damage. Owners should also seriously consider using anti-theft systems such as CCTV, security tagging, and electronic tracking devices in addition to wheel clamps and hitch locks.

"Farmers should not overlook the security of their livestock either, and in addition to keeping records of stock numbers and making regular checks to ensure all is in order; farmers should also record the colour and location of dye markings. Where sheep are concerned owners should consider the benefits of the retinal eye scanning system that was first trialled in North Antrim. Access to fields is another area that should not be forgotten about. Gates leading to fields should be securely locked at all times.

"Remember even an hours delay in reporting is enough to give criminals a 30 or 40 miles head start. It is time for everyone to play their part, so why not get involved and work with us to reduce the level of rural crime here in the North East."

D/Chief Inspector Shields continued, "The theft of heating oil occurs in both rural and urban areas and it is perhaps not a great surprise that reports of heating oil thefts tend to increase during the winter months but it doesn't make this type of crime acceptable by any stretch of the imagination.

"Not all reports turn out to be thefts, and this is why householders need to establish how much oil they use and how long each 'fill' should last. It is important that you do this so that if your heating doesn't come on as expected, you will have a good idea if the oil has been used or stolen. Keeping a receipt of your last oil delivery and a realistic record of how long the heating is on each day will help when it comes to establishing whether or not a theft has occurred.

"We are concerned that those involved in this type of crime may attempt to commit further similar thefts in the North East, and I would again urge the public to deter those involved by being vigilant, and by promptly reporting all unusual activity to us.

"Consider fitting sensor lights to brighten up dark areas around their home, and particularly areas where the oil tank is sited as thieves don't light being in the spotlight.

"Remember to keep a look out particularly for vehicles that would be capable of transporting oil, that you see in your area. It could be tanker lorry, a van, or even a car towing a trailer loaded with storage containers. Similarly if you hear a generator or a pump operating during the early hours of the morning it could be an indication that a crime is in progress."

"And, to minimise the risk of loss, order smaller amounts more often."

CARAVAN CRIME

The Detective Chief Inspector added, "The North East has a coastline that is the envy of many and it is no wonder that this part of the Province has become popular with holiday makers and caravan enthusiasts alike. However, during the winter months fewer people are making use of their caravans and with fewer people on site, criminals may think they have stumbled upon an opportunity to good to overlook.

"Let's prove them wrong! If you have left anything in your caravan make use of the festive holidays to remove television sets, DVD players, microwave ovens, alcohol and other items of value. Leave the curtains open so that if criminals do happen to visit they can easily see that you have not left anything for them to steal."

HOME SECURITY

D/C/I Shields said, "Now that Santa has come and gone for another year, many people across the North East will be enjoying their gifts and enjoying a well earned break too. Unfortunately not everyone will be on holiday and now that you have recycled all the wrapping paper and cardboard boxes, criminals could well be planning their own version of the January sales."

"Now is the time to protect those new gifts against crime. Indelibly mark each item with your postcode and house number and if you have a camera why not use it to photograph all your valuables. Smaller items should be placed along side a ruler to give a proper indication of size."

CLOSE IT LOCK IT CHECK IT

"Many burglaries occur as a result of a door being left unlocked or a window being left open. That is all the invitation criminals need to gain access to your home and your valuables. It doesn't take a genius to work out that if there is only one house in a row of houses with an unlocked door that that will be the house they will pick.

"So, shouldn't you view the time taken to close and lock all doors and windows and to check your house is properly secure, as time well spent? Taking a few minutes to lock up properly before you retire for the night is surely much better that waking to find an intruder in your home or waking to find all your valuables and treasured possessions have been stolen and that the thieves have added insult to injury by using your car to make good their escape. Remember that no amount of insurance cover can compensate for such intrusions or for the loss of something that has great sentimental value."

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

"If you are making new year resolutions then here are a few ideas to consider: Don't make life easy for criminals; Take better care of your possessions; Help to reduce crime in your area; Report incidents quickly to police; Get to know your Neighbourhood Police Officers; Be a better neighbour; Help to generate community spirit where you live; Join or start a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme; Drive safely; And, enjoy a better quality of life," concluded Detective Chief Inspector Shields.

Anyone who would like further crime prevention advice on these or any other subjects is asked to contact their local crime prevention officer.

Anyone who has information regarding recent burglaries, the theft of livestock, trailers, tractors, quads, farm machinery or heating oil, in the North East is asked to contact their local police. The telephone number to ring is 0845 600 8000. Alternatively, information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111.