Latest updates from Safer Neighbourhood Panel for the Copers Cope Area

Burglaries

The efforts of our local police have been successful in stopping the recent worrying rise in the number of burglaries in the Copers Cope Area. For blocks of flats the police initiative using a combination of striking ‘Home Watch’ posters for front doors and windows and personal advice to residents and management has resulted in a significant reduction.

But break-ins are still happening, so the police are keen for residents of blocks to be aware that their households are more vulnerable where there is a trades’ button. Trades people know of the hours of access – and so do the criminals. New designs of entry systems do not have trades’ buttons, and they record which flat gave entry to every caller. Think about de-activating your trades’ button and reminding all residents not to blindly open the communal door to anyone who buzzes saying they have a parcel to deliver to another flat. They may do – but equally they may be gaining entry to steal your neighbour’s possessions. Prevention is the best safeguard against criminal activity.

Motor vehicle crime

As theft of vehicles from the Copers Cope area is on the rise, the police are offering prevention advice for keeping cars safe when parked at home, on the drive or in the roadway:

• Keep car keys far enough from the car to prevent them being linked to electronic devices (tablets for instance) held on the street (or put the keys in a Faraday box -or simply wrap them in tinfoil – or in the fridge to stop the electronic link being made.
• The easiest recommended method is to use a simple steering lock!
• There is also a high volume of theft of tools from vans. Do warn any builders and gardeners you contract to keep their vehicles locked at all times.

Copers Cope police priorities and promises

Centrally set priorities are Safe Guarding, Violent Crime, Burglary & ASB. The promises set by the Copers Cope Ward Panel for the next period is to target speeding traffic. The team will set up speed gun operations in key areas and increase Road Watch activity over the next few months.