Knowle Weekly Update - 30/07/26

Hello, 

This week we have conducted multiple Speedwatch sessions around Knowle, catching over 30 speeders. We aim to improve the road safety in the community by educating drivers of the dangers of speeding with the warning letters sent out. If you have any roads you think would benefit from a Speedwatch, please get in touch.

What crime has happened in the last 9 Days?

Burglary:

Anti-snap locks can prevent offenders from easily breaking the barrel in the lock and walking in. They usually have a heart / diamond symbol on the barrel and can be fitted simply into your existing door. We have seen that the anti-snap locks do work in preventing easy access to your home when offenders have attempted to snap the lock. 

CCTV is a really useful tool for us to use in investigations as it allows us to see the offence happening, any offenders and what they are wearing or a direction of travel in their escape. If you haven’t already, sign up to our CCTV registry to receive alerts when your footage may help us with incidents in your area - CCTV Registry | West Midlands Police 

Vehicle crime: 

We are seeing an increase in offenders opening vehicle doors and rummaging through possessions. Please don’t leave any valuables in the car overnight and remember to always lock your car. 

Most vehicle thefts are through keyless entry. Offenders can use what is a called a “relay device” to scan for your key’s signal. They can copy that signal onto a blank key and use that to enter your vehicle. This is how easy it is for offenders to drive away in your vehicle. To prevent this, you can use a Faraday bag which has a specific lining that blocks the signal from the relay device. Make sure to keep your key in the faraday bag – even when going to the shops!

To give your vehicle that added layer of protection, a steering wheel lock acts as both a visible deterrent as well as an extra obstacle offenders must get through. Most offenders would be put off attempting to steal your vehicle when they see a steering wheel lock as it adds that extra time and effort, they would need to try and get it off. There have been many cases where offenders have been able to enter a vehicle but then struggled to get through the steering lock.

Follow us on X - @ruralswmp to see what we are getting up to day to day.

Email the team at rural@westmidlands.police.uk for any questions, concerns, advice or engagements.

Thank you for your continued support,

PCSO Kiah Acton 31911