Coventry Community Safety Partnership

Beware of un-secured burglaries as the nights draw in.

The Coventry Community Safety Partnership is reminding people to be on their guard for bogus callers, distraction burglaries and unsecured break-ins as the darker nights draw in. Opportunist burglars will always look to take advantage of open or unlocked windows and doors.

Whilst Coventry has experienced significant reductions in burglary including a reduction of 1729 offences between 2000 and 2008, there is still a persistent level of un-secured break-ins that could otherwise be avoided.

Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, Andrew Williams said, "it's an annual message with Halloween and Bonfire Night coming up for the public to be on their guard against opportunistic criminals.  There is so much we can all do to prevent and reduce the likelihood of becoming victims of crime and I would urge all members of the public to be aware, vigilant and to make sure that you are taking responsibility for keeping your house and belongings secure. "

Police are urging people, particularly the elderly, always to be wary of "cold callers" purporting to be from the police, gas, water, electricity or household repair companies.
The force has issued the following tips to elderly and vulnerable people as well as family, neighbours and friends:

1. Look out for any suspicious people hanging around your street, be they men, women or children (distraction burglars/rouge traders come in many shapes and forms).

2. Listen out for your neighbours calling for help or arguing with people on their doorstep.

3. Help to install spy-holes, locks and chains on their front door, which will help to provide some extra security.

4. Take time out to pop in and see your elderly neighbours regularly.

5. Don't be afraid to get involved especially if you think people are acting suspiciously.

6. Take a note of any suspicious vehicles or descriptions of possible offenders.

If someone calls at your door the advice from West Midlands Police is:

1. Check to see who it is by using the spy hole if you have one, or look through a front window.

2. Always put the chain on before you open the door. (If you don't have a chain, it's a good idea to get one.)

3. If you don't know the caller, ask to see their identity card. Check it carefully, and keep the chain on while you do this. Genuine callers won't mind if you close the door while you check.

4. If in doubt, telephone the company to verify that they are genuine by using a number from the telephone directory and not a number given to you by the caller.

5. Bogus callers sometimes work in pairs. Beware of one distracting you while the other steals your property. The best practice is not to let them in.

6. Always make sure any rear or side access doors are locked before opening the front door.

7. Utility companies operate password schemes whereby, if you register a password with them, any caller purporting to be from that company will give you that password if they need to enter your property, otherwise don't let them in. For more information contact your service provider.

8. If in doubt, keep them out. Phone the police if you are worried on 0845 113 5000. In an emergency dial 999.

For more information and interviews contact:

Tim Coleman, Coventry Partnership Communications Officer on 02476 83 1743 or 07967709931 E-mail: tim.coleman@coventry.gov.uk

Notes to Editors:

The Coventry Community Safety Partnership (CCSP) is a statutory partnership which includes Coventry City Council, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service, Coventry Teaching Primary Care Trust, registered social landlords, Coventry Youth Offending Service, local service providers and representatives from the voluntary, community and business sectors. The work of the CCSP is guided by a three year local strategy (Community Safety Plan) that outlines how it aims to cut crime and anti-social behaviour and address drug and alcohol misuse.