This week in Stoke and Wyken

This week in Stoke and Wyken

Dear Residents and Local Businesses, here is your weekly update from your local neighbourhood Policing Team, Stoke and Wyken.

Officers from the Stoke and Wyken team this week have been conducting foot patrols in our local green areas, such as Caludon Castle Park, Stoke Heath, Barras Green, The Lindfeild and St Margret’s Skate Park. We are also continuing our targeted guardian patrols in the areas of Walsgrave Road, Riley Square, Hillmorton Road and Edgwick Park due to high levels of ASB, so if you see us about feel free to come and say hello.

This week our team of officers from the Stoke & Wyken neighbourhood team have had one arrest whilst conducting our foot patrols in and around our local retailers for theft.

Officers participated in foot and vehicle patrols in and around our local residential areas with our traffic team in relation to OP WOODCORE in relation to crime prevention against burglaries.

Here are some burglary tips and advice on how to keep yourself and your homes safe.

Burglary Advice

Protect your home against opportunist burglars by remembering to ‘lock up’ and check on your neighbours.

Dark evenings can provide perfect cover for burglars who can easily spot an open window in an unoccupied room, see your valuables through open curtains or blinds, or try their luck with an unlocked door while you are distracted by fireworks.

Criminals will use the cover of darkness to act. Most burglaries happen through insecure doors and windows, so where you can close them, and lock them even when you’re in. If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours, ask them if they would like some help with their home security.

Remember to lock your outside gates to your garden, as this gives the criminals an easy opportunity to gain access to your property.

Here are some crime prevention tips to help keep your property safe:

Try to make your house look as occupied as possible when you are not there. Use timer switches for lights: Set indoor lights on timers to make it look like someone is home, even if you’re out.

Do not leave your house and vehicle keys in the lock or on a side table in view of a window.

Do not leave items in open porches that could be used to enter your home, for example, curved-handled umbrellas to open doors or keys through letterboxes

Always lock your windows and doors when you are in. If you have UPVC front doors take extra care to lock these as soon as you get into your property.

Cancel newspapers and milk if you are going away for a few days and ask a trusted friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your property. They can help by pushing post sticking out of the letterbox inside fully, or checking garden gates are shut.

Activate house alarms: If you have an alarm system, ensure its activated when you leave and use any zonal functions during the night.

Consider smart lighting: Motion-sensitive outdoor lights can help deter burglars by lighting up when someone approaches your property.

If you see anything or anyone acting suspicious, you can report this via 101 or on our online chat on our website.

Naturewatch

This week in stoke and wyken:

A heron was recently spotted in Coventry, drawing interest from local residents who were surprised to see the distinctive bird in an urban setting. The sighting was reported to officers when patrolling the local parks around the Stoke and Wyken area, who noted it as part of their ongoing Nature Watch observations. Herons are increasingly being seen in towns and cities, often near waterways, highlighting how wildlife continues to adapt and thrive alongside local communities. Here are some small facts:

Strong territorial awareness: They carefully monitor their area and will quickly react to unusual movement, reflecting the importance of vigilance in community safety.

Excellent eyesight: Herons rely on sharp vision to spot fish and potential threats, similar to how officers depend on awareness and attention to detail.

Adaptable to urban areas: Increasingly seen in towns and cities, herons demonstrate adaptability — a reminder of how both wildlife and policing evolve to meet changing environments.

Protected species: Herons are legally protected in the UK, and sightings reported to police help ensure their safety and wellbeing.

A message from your neighbourhood team

“We’re always delighted when residents share positive stories from the community, especially ones that highlight the wildlife living alongside us,”

“If you’re lucky enough to witness something like this, a photo is a great way to remember it — just be sure to keep a respectful distance and never intervene unless the animal clearly needs help.”

For non-emergency enquiries or to raise community concerns in the Wyken area, residents are encouraged to contact Coventry Police through their usual channels.

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Erin Butler
(West Midlands Police - Coventry, PCSO, Coventry - Stoke & Wyken)