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Stoke & Wyken - End of week update. |
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The Stoke & Wyken Neighbourhood team have been busy this week in preparation of bonfire night, this is where we generally aim to actively patrol, engage with the public and try and deter anti-social behaviour in areas that usually experience problems in relation to fireworks. Although it can be a spectacle in the skies it can also become quite problematic if it gets out of hand. There are also greener alternatives which can be less harmful for the environment, attending light shows and choosing fireworks that are sulfur free and have metal free compositions can all make a difference.
We have also spent time engaging with shop staff who sell fireworks, in order to try and clarify the situation with selling fireworks to those who may be underage.
This week we have had four arrests, all of which were prolific shoplifters, retail crime will generally be on the increase due to Xmas being over the horizon, we have hopefully mitigated this to a certain extent prior to any further offences being committed.
Darker nights may be here but our green space patrols continue, such places always include Caludon Castle Park, The Lindfield, Stoke Heath, Barras Green & Tick Tock Park. Targeted Guardian Patrols also continue to include areas that are not necessarily in Stoke & Wyken- support is provided regardless, these areas always include Edgwick Park, Hillmorton Road and Riley Square, we do however have Walsgrave Road towards St Michael's Church as our focus for an area within the Stoke & Wyken area.
Fireworks Everyone should be able to enjoy fireworks safely, whether at an organised display or in their back garden. Here you’ll find out the law around using fireworks as well as how to stay safe, and report those using fireworks in a dangerous or threatening way.
Fireworks and the law
Exceptions are: Bonfire night: 7am to midnight New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year: 7am to 1am the following day
Categories of fireworks categories two and three: ‘Adult fireworks’ available in shops category four: Professional display fireworks available from specialist suppliers
Who can use fireworks? anyone over 18 can buy, carry or use category one, two and three fireworks anyone over 16 can only buy, carry or use category one fireworks anyone over 12 can buy Christmas crackers only licensed professionals can buy, carry and use category 4 fireworks unless part of an organised event by licensed professionals, fireworks cannot be used on the street or in a public place it’s an offence to throw or set off any firework (including sparklers and category 1 fireworks) in or into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public space
What is the impact of firework misuse? This is why members of the public may only use fireworks on private property, such as their back gardens, and only licensed professionals can use them in public places.
What you can do If children are setting off fireworks in your area, our first advice is to ask them politely to stop. It’s possible they’re unaware that they are breaking the law. If you know their parents, perhaps ask them to intervene. If you’re having an ongoing problem with people setting off fireworks, please report antisocial behaviour to us.
Winter being here means nights are darker which also unfortunately can mean it can give opportunists cover for vehicles being stolen, here are some useful tips in order to secure your vehicle. Having your car broken into and losing your things to thieves can be very distressing. Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep your vehicle, and what’s in it, safe.
1. Always lock it Fuelling up or popping back into your house to get something are perfect examples of how easy it is to turn your back for a moment and forget your vehicle is unsecured. So get into the habit of locking your vehicle even if you’re only going to be away from it for a moment.
If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked.
2. Close windows and the sun roof to prevent ‘fishing’ Leaving windows and the sunroof open invites fishing for items through the gap by hand or with, say, a bent coat hanger, which could also be used to unlock a door for them to get in. Thieves can be ingenious. Don’t give them the opportunity.
3. Secure your number plates with tamper-resistant screws The easiest way to change the identity of a stolen vehicle or avoid speeding tickets and parking tickets is to fit stolen number plates. Using security screws to attach your vehicle’s number plates makes it harder for thieves to get your number.
4. Fit locking, anti-tamper wheel nuts to secure alloy wheels Stolen wheels are valuable, either as parts or for their scrap value. Using locking wheel nuts reduces the risk of your vehicle’s wheels being stolen.
5. Secure anything that’s on the outside of your vehicle Anything left on roof-racks, tailgate racks, holiday top boxes or in tool chests are easily stolen when the vehicle is parked. The use of cable locks, padlocks and self-locking tools chests, which are secured to the vehicle, makes them more secure, but still, don’t leave things in them if you can avoid it.
6. Take it with you or hide it Your mobile phone, coins for the car park, sunglasses, packs of medication or other items that can earn quick cash are irresistible to the opportunist thief. Remember, the cost of replacing a window is often much more than that of what’s stolen. And it should go without saying that wallets, handbags, purses and credit cards should never be left in an unattended vehicle.
7. Hide electrical items and leave no clues Leaving sat nav mounts, suction cup marks on windows or cables on view gives it away that you have left a Sat Nav, smartphone or other device in your car. Even if they can’t see the Sat Nav or iPad they might still break in to see if it’s stored in the car, out of sight.
8. Tool theft from vans Vans are often targeted by thieves for the tools stored inside. If you have to leave tools in a van overnight, it's a good idea to mark them clearly with your name / company name and address using paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray. Alternatively, you can use a variety of other property marking systems. Items that are clearly marked are less desirable and more difficult to sell on.
Consider using a lockable cabinet within your van to store tools – a number of security rated products are available. Small cameras are also designed to record inside vehicles. Visit Secured by Design for more details.
You can also take photographs of items of value, make a note of the serial numbers and consider registering them online at a property register site.
9. Park in well-lit and busier areas It can take less than 30 seconds to break into a vehicle. Parking in well-lit areas and busy streets increases the chances of a thief being seen, so they’ll probably steer clear.
10. Take your documents with you Having a vehicle’s registration and insurance documents could let a thief pretend to be the owner. Which means they could sell it on quite easily. So, never leave any documents in the vehicle.
11. Choose your car park wisely If possible, always try to park in well-lit and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award. To find one, simply check out Park Mark.
Catalytic converter theft The precious metal in catalytic converters has led to an increase in their theft. Find out what catalytic converter theft is and what you can do about it.
Please be aware that this inbox is NOT monitored 24 hours a day and is purely for non-emergencies. In an emergency please call 999. To report a crime in a non-emergency situation please call 101 or visit Report a crime | West Midlands Police to do this online.
Kind Regards,
The Stoke & Wyken Neighbourhood Policing Team
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