Dear Residents and Local Businesses,      

Here is your weekly update from your local neighbourhood Policing Team, to let you know some of what we have been busy dealing with:   

PATROLS  

Christmas is upon us and with that come new challenges for the police and community as a whole. Naturally around Christmas time, retailers are extremely busy, and with this we see an increase in retail crime. In response to this we look to spend more time in and around retail areas. This week we have been spending significant amounts of time at the Warwickshire Shopping Park, Walsgrave Road as well as stand alone supermarkets such as Tesco Clifford Bridge Road, Lidl and Iceland on the Binley Road as well as Lidl on Brandon Road. Our increased presence over the festive period within retail areas has been greatly appreciated by store workers and members of the public, instilling more confidence in both during busy periods. 

As always we look to spend more time in areas suffering from anti- social behaviour. Known problem areas for us include Riley Square, Hillmorton Road aswell as Edgwick Park. Showing presence and interacting with members of the public/local businesses in these areas has shown to be beneficial for all involved and leads to a healthier community.  

ARRESTS 

This week, our team have made an arrest of a male in connection with multiple ongoing investigations as well as an individual under the influence of drugs while driving. 

Multiple vehicles linked with the sale of drugs and illegal items have also been processed suitably. 

Points on a driving license were given to an individual caught using their mobile phone while driving. 

Community resolutions and public space protection orders have been handed out to multiple individuals that chose to cause trouble and anti social behaviour, meaning that future breaches of these conditions will lead to more serious punishment.  

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK 

With Christmas here, Operation ‘Silent Night’ is in full swing. The operation aims to effectively manage resources to support the delivery of high visibility policing of the Night time economy across the west midlands, safeguarding and protecting the public over the Christmas and new year period.  You can catch officers out at all hours of the night and early morning providing support and safety for the general public, don’t be afraid to come and say Hello! 

With roads so busy around the Christmas Period, officers have had the chance to pull over large numbers of dangerous drivers, vehicles linked with crimes and those that chose to take to the road with no insurance or MOT. 

If you have information about people committing crime that you want to tell us about, you can contact us on the non-emergency telephone number 101 or by visiting us online at Home | West Midlands Police (west-midlands.police.uk) where you will find access to the LIVE CHAT facility. Alternatively, you can contact the CRIMESTOPPERS charity anonymously by calling 0800 555 111. This is a free phone number. CRIMESTOPPERS can also be contacted online here: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)     

LOOK OUT FOR 

Over this winter, let's not forget about layering up our home security. 

Criminals will take advantage of insecure windows and propped open doors, even if it’s the back door.  

Keep you and your home safe this winter by following these useful tips: 

·  Make sure doors and windows are closed and locked. Even if you’re just popping out, lock up and secure your home. 

·  Consider installing window locks to prevent intruders from easily opening your windows. 

·  Consider installing a home security system with visible cameras and alarm systems to deter burglars. 

·  Keep your valuables out of sight. Close blinds or curtains to prevent prying eyes from scouting your belongings. Shutting the blinds will keep your house warmer. 

·  Give a spare key to a trusted neighbour or invest in a secure key lockbox. 

·  Hosting family or friends in your garden - don’t invite burglars to the party. Keep your side entrance, back door, or garden gate closed/locked. 

·  Storing away bikes, gardening equipment, and summer activities? Lock up and keep that garage door closed. It takes seconds for thieves to spot and take expensive tools/bikes/motor vehicles. Consider securing your valuables inside the garage or shed as well. 

·  For extra security keep porch doors locked, wheelie bins away from low fences or garages, and sheds secure. 

Wishing you all Happy Holidays.

Please do not report crime via WMnow because it is not always monitored.     

Kind Regards,   

The Stoke & Wyken Neighbourhood Policing Team