Village vigilance against burglars

House burglaries across Uttlesford district have decreased by over 15 percent comparing May to July this year, with May to July last year. However, some villages in Uttlesford, which generally have very low crime rates, have been suffering a higher than usual incidence of house burglaries recently, and local police and Neighbourhood Watch are asking residents to be more vigilant.

"Burglaries in villages are seldom carried out by local criminals any more," said Uttlesford district Crime Reduction Advisor, Peter Caulfield. "The burglars are opportunists who will travel many miles to find suitable targets."

Peter thinks that the fact they are 'outsiders' should make them easier to spot and he is asking villagers to be more alert to the presence of strangers.

"If you see an unfamiliar vehicle parked in your street, or an unfamiliar person on someone's driveway, it doesn't necessarily mean they are up to no good. However your curiosity should be aroused and it would be useful if you made a note of what you have seen, including vehicle registration numbers. Burglars don't like being noticed and if they become aware of your interest they will usually move on."
He also sees nothing wrong with villagers politely challenging strangers.

"It doesn't have to be confrontational in any way," he said. "Just a polite enquiry to see if they are lost, or need help locating someone. If they are up to no good, they will more than likely make their excuses and leave the area."

Uttlesford Neighbourhood Watch will be distributing vigilance reminder posters to local parish councils very soon.

Peter says that it's time that villagers closed ranks and worked together as a community to help to stamp out rural crime. One effective mechanism for doing that is Neighbourhood Watch. If your village does not currently benefit from a scheme, then contact Peter on 01376 556233 for details on setting one up.

If you have any information about “travelling burglars” in Uttlesford, please contact officers at Saffron Walden or Dunmow on 0300 3334444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

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