Home Watch May

Basic Bicycle Security Advice
During the summer months there is often an increase in cycle thefts both out and about and from private property. Crewe & Nantwich has a high number of cyclists due to the flat layout of the towns and is therefore an appealing place for would be bike thieves. Make sure that you steer clear of bicycle by taking a few precautions and being mindful of where you leave your bike. Remember it can happen to you!

Invest in a good quality bike lock and use it every time you leave your bike unattended. Try to secure it in a busy area where passers by would notice if someone was trying to steal it. Never leave your bike propped up outside your house or the front of a shop even if you are only going to be a very short time.

Over half of bikes are stolen from the owner’s property as people will often leave their bike in the back yard presuming it will be safe as it is in the grounds of their property. Ensure that you lock your bike up when it is in your garden either with a bike lock, in the shed or garage or both. If your bike is particularly expensive consider extending your home insurance policy to cover it.

Consider security marking your bicycle. Systems usually include a visible sticker to inform potential thieves that the bike is marked making it less valuable. It also means that if your bike is stolen and recovered by the police they can identify the bicycle and return it to its rightful owner.

“Lock Up” Warning

People in Crewe are being warned to take more care about locking up.
In two days five burglaries were reported where the criminal simply walked in through an unlocked door. Most of the break-ins were carried out overnight.
Detective Sergeant Andy McGillan said, “We are doing everything we can to track down and arrest burglars but people must accept some responsibility for the security of their homes.
“Checking that doors and windows are locked should be part of everyone’s routine before going to bed. It only takes a few minutes.
“We also advise people to keep outside doors locked at all times, even when they are at home and in a downstairs room. Criminals who specialise in sneak-in burglaries can be into a kitchen or hallway, take a purse or bag and be out again in seconds.
“In nearly all cases the fact that you have left the door insecure will mean your home insurance will be invalid. People need to think about that.”
Police have also asked people to keep an eye open for anyone acting suspiciously.
“A sneak-in burglar will obviously move around trying doors until he finds one that is not locked,” said Andy McGillan. “If you spot anyone moving in and out of driveways or gardens and generally acting suspiciously call the Cheshire Police Information Line 0845 458 0000 and let us know. If you have any information about these burglaries you can use the same number, or leave information anonymously on Crimestoppers, 0800 555 111.
“Preventing a crime is always better than detection and these burglaries can be prevented, simply by locking your doors. If you do not do that, you are making yourself a potential victim of crime.”