14
May
2015
By Calvin at 12:51 GMT, 10 years ago
I’m really happy to reproduce some crime prevention advice issued by my friends in Cumbria Police concerning security when camping and caravanning in Cumbria.
Here’s their press release:
DON’T GIVE CRIMINALS AN EASY DAY AT WORK
Valuables left in tents, expensive property on full view in caravans, and bikes not secured make it an easy day’s work for professional thieves who target the area, as well as opportunists.
South Cumbria Crime Prevention Officer Terry Belshaw, said: “Cumbria is a very safe area, but that doesn’t mean that you should forget about securing your property while on holiday here.
“Unfortunately there are professional, full-time criminals who know what people will have with them, they know where property will be, and they are very good at what they do.”
West Cumbria Crime Prevention Officer David Thompson added: “We are a county with low crime but that doesn’t mean we have no crime, and thieves will seize the opportunities created when people forget to keep an eye on their belongings.
“It’s a simple message that we are giving out – do not leave valuables anywhere where they are vulnerable to theft.”
Don’t let a thief ruin your break
- When you leave your tent, ensure you don’t leave any valuables in there either;
- Make sure valuables are not left unattended in campsite communal areas;
- Be aware of where you are storing your bikes – make sure they are secure. Don’t just lock them to a small post where they can be easily lifted;
- Remember that your caravan / chalet isn’t as secure as your home – don’t leave valuables inside or if this isn’t possible, don’t leave them on show;
- Lock the doors and windows of caravans / chalets.
There have also been a number of thefts in recent weeks where offenders have targeted cars left in rural areas, making off with handbags, cash, phones and cameras that have either been on show or hidden in vehicle boots.
David Thompson said: “People think it’s OK to leave their valuables in their boots or glove compartments in cars parked in a remote location, while they go walking.
“It could still be there when they return, but unfortunately this is not always the case and our advice is never leave anything of value in your vehicle.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said: “I would urge people to heed this simple advice and take the necessary steps to avoid becoming a victim of crime.”
Cumbria Police are actively tackling the issue by producing and distributing safety leaflets to caravan and campsites and by making available cards to deter potential thieves by letting them know there are no valuables left inside in a car. They have also been carrying out targeted patrols.
Crime prevention advice can be found at www.cumbria.police.uk/camping. If you would like to speak to some in person, please ring Cumbria Police on 101 and ask to speak to a Crime Prevention Officer in your area. They will be happy to talk to you about security.
Holiday tips and reminders about crime prevention will be on Twitter @Cumbriapolice #lockitorloseit #DontMakeItEasyForThieves, and / or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cumbriapolice
TCPW Comment. Timely advice as ever, which is the same for wherever you might be going this summer and I thought I would add to that by suggesting you take a look at these two pages on this site as well:
