Cherwell Safer Communities Partnership
Local Policing - Crime Reduction Tips
Protecting You, Your Family and Your Property
Cherwell is a really safe place to live. Crime is comparatively low and following the national trend, it is falling year on year. Theft from motor vehicles and homes is rare, but with a little more vigilance we can reduce it still more.
How You Can Help Drive Down That Crime Rate:
Theft
Satellite navigation systems are becoming increasingly popular. But they are also the target of today's thieves who smash a window or force a door to steal the systems installed. Prior to this, laptop computers were the intended targets. Campaigns to make drivers more aware have lead to some reduction, but not enough. If you leave anything valuable in your vehicle, put it in the boot. Remove laptops and mobile phones from view. Remove satellite navigation systems and lock them away or take them with you if you can. Make it difficult for thieves.
Distraction Burglary
This is a nasty crime. Offenders often target those living alone or the elderly. The perpetrators are heartless and think nothing of using violence or force. They may pretend to be a utilities inspector, police or other official to trick their way into homes. Distraction burglars seldom work alone. They sometimes distract victims at the door while a colleague enters from another door or window. If you think you could be vulnerable, or if you know someone who could benefit from advice, contact your neighbourhood watch co-ordinator, Deborah Tonks at Banbury police station or crime reduction officer for Banbury Jane Taylor. Both can be contacted by ringing Thames Valley Police on 08458 505505.
Criminal Damage
Criminal Damage creates the illusion that crime is increasing. The statistics say otherwise, but that's not how you feel when your car is damaged. Vehicles play a large part in damage statistics. You can reduce the likelihood of damage by folding in wing mirrors and retracting aerials. Park in well lit areas. Avoid obvious places where groups congregate or heavy thoroughfares where people out celebrating will come into close contact with your vehicle.
Card Fraud
Watch out for unusual devices attached to ATMs. They may swipe your card. Devices are becoming more sophisticated and are hard to detect. Check the machine out. Does it look normal? Are there any attachments on the card slot or a suspicious metallic bar attached to the underneath of the front of the machine? These are magnetically attached and pull off quite easily. Can you use cash back in store or ATMs in the bank or shops? Can you use street machines regularly where you can spot changes immediately?
Crime Prevention
Purses, wallets and handbags are a target for thieves in local shops. These criminals seem particularly attracted to supermarkets and charity shops.
The advice from Thames Valley Police is to keep a close eye on your valuables while out shopping. Do not leave your handbag, purse or wallet on top of your trolley or basket.
Consider a key coil to attach your purse to your bag.
If you are unfortunate enough to have a credit or debit card stolen, beware of callers claiming to be from your bank, building society or from the police. They may say that your card has been found and ask for personal details "to establish your identity". If this includes a request for your PIN number - the caller is a criminal.
If you want advice about crime prevention ring Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505 for details of the local crime reduction officer.
Cherwell is a safe place to live, let's make it safer!
