Your Weekly Radford Update

Weekly Update from your local Radford NPT

Dear Members

Here’s your weekly update from myself and the rest of the team.

What’s Been Happening

Burglaries

We are advising all residents, not just Radford, but city wide to think about valuable items within your home. Can these be seen through a window or are they hidden away?

Criminals are on the lookout for jewellery, family gold, designer goods, and cash.  

Here are some ways you can protect your home and your possessions:

• Keep jewellery and other valuables in a safety deposit box – your insurer can provide suitable advice. If you prefer to keep jewellery at home, invest in a safe that is installed to manufacturer’s instructions.  

• Photograph your jewellery on a plain background with a ruler next to it to give an idea of size to help in its recovery or for insurance purposes.  

• Keep an inventory - this can be done in a paper version or online at https://orlo.uk/T4soP – secure asset register. Include identifying marks, images, value and the purchase date. You can also register your possessions for free at https://orlo.uk/kL3vs

• Keep your windows and doors locked even when you’re in. Double check if criminals can access your upstairs windows by climbing on to a garage roof or fence wall.

• Move designer goods and jewellery away from back doors, front doors, and windows.   

• Be careful when disposing of packaging, hide this from view or place in bin bags out of sight.   

• Be cautious about sharing photos and videos of large amounts of cash, jewellery, and designer goods on social media. Criminals are scouring social media platforms looking for easy targets. 

For more safety tips on how to secure your home, visit our crime prevention web pages: https://orlo.uk/lvG2n

Warrants  

On Monday the team assisted Coventry City Councils’ Safer Housing Team with simultaneous warrants at properties suspected to be unlicensed/ illegal houses of multiple occupation (HMO’s). Local authorities in the UK have the power to obtain warrants to enter and inspect such properties. 

We work closely with the Council to provide a presence to prevent a breach of the peace but sometimes warrants can uncover illegal activity, for instance, human trafficking, exploitation and drug production. 

At one address the property was found to be oversubscribed and at another, a cannabis farm was discovered. Approximately 70 plants were inside. A male was arrested at the scene. 

Awareness

A vehicle had its registration plates stolen on the Bablake ward. Plates are often used by criminals to commit other crimes. Tamper proof screws are inexpensive, widely available and an effective way of protecting your vehicle from this kind of theft. 

Also, good practice is to check your plates regularly that they are not loose and for any signs of tampering. If your plates are stolen, report it to the Police straight away. 

Crime Figures

Over the past nine days, there here been two reports of vehicle crime on the Radford ward. Reports include a theft from motor vehicle on DRAPERS FIELDS and an Audi A3 was stolen from MIDDLEMARCH ROAD but has since been recovered.

Over the same period, two business burglaries have been reported on FOLESHILL ROAD and HOLBROOK LANE and three residential burglaries on SOMERSET ROAD, BULWER ROAD and GRANGEMOUTH ROAD. 

Until next week

Stay safe everyone.

If you have any information about crime in your area you can let us know 100% anonymously by contacting CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111

Get Involved

Streetwatch is a community patrol initiative that helps you make a difference where you live. Street watch gives you and your community an opportunity to keep your area safe, including just walking round your neighbourhood, which can really help. Local police keep in regular contact with street watch members to share information and work in partnership with you.

If you are interested in taking part in a Streetwatch within the Radford area you can contact the Holbrook, Radford, Sherbourne & Bablake team on holbrookandradford@westmidlands.police.uk

For more crime prevention advice visit: www.west-midlands.police.uk /crime prevention