Crimes such as burglary, robbery, drug offences and anti-social behaviour are falling across Slough police area at present, compared to the same period last year, but did you know that a high percentage of some incidents could have been easily avoided?
Since the beginning of this year to earlier this month, approximately sixty-seven of burglaries and seventy thefts from motor vehicles occurred as a result of insecure doors and windows across the Slough borough.
This is a large percentage of avoidable Slough crime where burglars and thieves have been encouraged – albeit not intentionally – to break into people’s cars and homes.
With the summer months and holiday season well and truly upon us, it is timely for Slough Thames Valley Police and their partner agencies to remind people of some crime prevention tips to avoid being targeted by burglars and opportunist thieves.
Burglars don’t like locked windows as the sound of breaking glass attracts attention to them. With an insecure property their job is easy and they can be in and out of your property in seconds. If you are in the garden make sure a thief cannot sneak inside your home through an open door or window.
Sadly, thieves will also not let an opportunity to break into a vehicle pass them by when valuables are left on display. The first place for them to search is glove boxes where, more often than not, motorists will leave their sat navs and mobile phones. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so the advice is always to remove valuables.
As the warmer weather brings Slough people outside to socialise, it is also important to remember the effects that anti-social behaviour can have on others. This ranges from loud music, street drinking, and rowdy, inconsiderate behaviour or noise. However, it is worth noting that overall levels of anti-social behaviour have reduced by 19 per cent in the borough, which is good news.
The Slough Community Safety Partnership, made up of representatives of Thames Valley Police, Slough Borough Council and other agencies, works hard all year round to try and prevent people from becoming victims of crime. Their work includes holding crime prevention road shows in prominent locations; delivering talks in local schools; visiting vulnerable people in the community; chasing the ‘bad guys’ and putting them before the courts when efforts to rehabilitate have otherwise failed.
Supt Richard Humphrey, Slough police commander, said: “Slough is becoming safer all the time, and it is really positive to see that crimes such as burglary, robbery, anti-social behaviour and assault have reduced.
“We are working hard with our partners to identify those responsible for these offences and do all we can to bring them to justice.
“We are improving our ability to detect crime, through the use of advanced forensic techniques and good old fashioned police work. As a result, we are currently detecting more crime in Slough than we have for some time.
He added “However, we need the public to play their part and take sensible precautions to reduce their chances of becoming a victim – open windows and valuables on display are like an open invitation to thieves.
“I have made it clear to local criminals that if they do not take responsibility for their offending and, with support, stop committing crime, then my officers will pursue them relentlessly.
“I want offenders to know that there is an alternative to a life of crime but if they do not take it we will catch up with them and will deal with them robustly.”
He concluded: “My primary aim is to reduce crime. We will continue to serve victims tirelessly and investigate crimes thoroughly, but we need the public’s help in doing so. I need everyone to be vigilant and make it difficult for the thieves to operate in Slough.
“If you have a neighbour who needs a bit of support, take the time to make sure they are keeping themselves and their property safe. If you see windows open or property on open display, tell them as you may just prevent a crime yourself.”
If you have any information regarding Slough people committing offences or ideas on how police and their partners can reduce crime, and keep people and property safe, please contact a member of your neighbourhood team by dialling 0845 8 505 505. This is Thames Valley Police 24 hour non emergency number. If you do not wish to speak to police or leave your name, then call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Thames Valley Police ~ Slough
