Burglaries

Although the Pensford and Chew Valley beat is a safe place to live and has relatively low crime levels, there have been sporadic incidents of burglaries, at some dwelling houses, sheds, and garages across the area.  The team are conducting regular patrols both to provide public reassurance and identify and deter offenders.

We would like to remind residents to keep their properties secure and report any suspicious activity, noting registration numbers of suspicious vehicles where relevant and safe to do so.  If you think there is a crime in progress please use 999.

Below is some crime prevention advice;

*Do not leave valuables in insecure outbuildings, particularly overnight.  Fit outbuildings with sturdy doors and locks where possible.

*Do not leave tools outside; they could be used to break in to your property.

*Make sure garage doors are kept locked and secure.  Consider ground locks for the doors, and ground anchors to secure bikes etc.

*Keep records of serial numbers, photograph your valuables, and mark your property using a property marking kit.

*If you have horse tack, get it marked with your postcode with a leather punching kit.  We will be running periodic tack-marking events so keep a look out on our events section.

*If possible, install security lighting, cameras or alarm systems.

*If you have gates, keep them shut whenever possible and ideally keep them locked, particularly overnight.

*Register off-road vehicles with the DVLA for free.  See www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration.  Think about fitting trackers to high value vehicles.

*Cut back vegetation that might shield a burglar from view, and remove items that a burglar could use to climb over walls and fences, eg. piles of pallets, recycling bins etc.

*Trailers and horse boxes could be stolen and used to transport other items, so keep them locked away or use a hitch-lock.

*Alert police if you see people who seem out of place or behaving suspiciously, such as vans loitering by your yard or vehicles idling outside of properties after dark.  Keep notes of vehicle registrations if you can, but don’t put yourself at risk to take them.

Actions

• 1 July 2023
  

  The number of burglaries on the beat have thankfully remained low, but please keep on top of home security and don’t give opportunist thieves the chance they are looking for.

• 24 January 2023
  

  We are seeing fewer burglaries in the area over the past few months.

  Regular police patrols continue to act as a deterrent to, and identify offenders.

  Please keep on top of your security around the home and report any suspicious activity.