25
Aug
2016
By Calvin at 15:36 GMT, 7 years ago
Until last year Cumbria police were one of those police services that linked to the Crime Prevention Website.
Then they changed their policy about linking to external sites like mine and launched an all new look version of their own website.
I wrote to them about the loss of the link and got no reply.
I wrote to them again and asked them to stop sending me press releases because, as they were no longer interested in what had been a three year partnership, what was the point. I still get their press releases and I occasionally republish the odd one that I think would be of interest to my readers, nationally.
For example: Yesterday they published the following advice (edited):
Police are again urging residents in Carlisle to help reduce the number of burglary offences in the city by taking the simple precaution of locking windows and doors overnight.
Last month police released figures that 40 out of 124 burglaries within Carlisle, during 2016, were from insecure properties.
These crimes can be preventable by being vigilant and taking simple steps to ensure that your possessions and money are protected.
Acting Detective Inspector Vicki Coombes, North Cumbria CID, said:
“Opportunist burglars are continuing to profit in Carlisle from insecure homes. Would-be burglars are at times finding the ideal situation of simple access to a property with expensive possessions in full view.....Locking windows and doors is a simple measure that increases your safety and deters criminals from committing offences.....Being a victim of such offences is not a nice feeling.....I ask that you avoid this happening to you by taking on the crime prevention advice that we issue on a regular basis........
For more information on securing your property please visit www.cumbria.police.uk/Advice-Centre/Crime-Prevention/Home-Security.aspx.
When you follow the link you are given the advice shown below on a single page with a couple of links to take you elsewhere for some more very minimal advice; so minimal in fact that I have added some links next to their bullet points:
Top Tips to keep your house safe
- Lock doors & windows before you go out [and at night? How about promoting a locking up routine – see KOPCAR]
- Remove keys from locks & keep out of reach of windows & doors [Big subject this and more advice needed. Maybe this might be useful?]
- Ensure side gates & sheds are locked [Yes, but how? This and This?]
- Keep gifts, cash & valuables safe & well hidden, so they can’t be seen or reached by thieves [No,no.no! Things get found in fridges, sock draws, under the bed etc. See this research. Promote the use of a fire resistant safe, preferably one that is insurance rated]
- Consider fitting a burglar alarm & low energy dusk to dawn lighting, check regularly to ensure they work [Yes to the alarm and yes to the lighting, but where is the advice?]
- Ensure your house is secure, preventing someone entering when you are busy elsewhere in the house or garden [How? What are the things people should be thinking about?]
- Postcode your valuables with a UV pen, consider registering them on www.immobilise.com [UV pen marking has been superseded with products that meet police promoted security standards. Yes, any mark is better than none, but some are better than others]
- Leave a light on in a room & draw curtains when you go out at night [Which room? Why not say that the lights left on should reflect your domestic routine to give an impression that someone is at home – what about timers?]
- Look out for your neighbour’s property [What property? Their house/flat or things that have been seen down the car boot sale that have been marked?]
- Consider joining a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme [How about a telephone number or an email address or website for them to use – further advice is on Cumbria’s website, but is not linked to from this bullet point list]
- Cancel newspapers, milk etc when you go on holiday [Refer them here to Holiday Security Checklist, like the one on my website]
- Make sure callers to your home are genuine, always ask for ID [Yes, but more advice needed]
Sadly the advice on the newer Cumbria Police website for home security has been rather stripped to the bone and is not up to the standard you should expect from a professional police service. I am also disappointed that there is no mention of repeat victimisation in the article; the knowledge of which might garner some extra response from the public to better protect their homes. I think Cumbria police can do a lot better and I hope they take another look at what they have done with their website
I doubt I shall get a response.
