Saturday, September 22, 2012

Officers descend on crime hit area

Police will be joined by special constables and officers from Chorley Council and South Ribble Council to warn residents about the importance of locking their doors and windows after an increase in ‘opportunist’ crime in the area.
Police say incidents of bike thefts and garden and shed break-ins are on the up on the newly built estates of Buckshaw Village - and now it’s time to take action.
Sgt Andy Bramhall, who is leading the action on Wednesday, said: “There has been a spike in crime in the Buckshaw Village area of Chorley purely because people are failing to secure their property.
“On Wednesday we are going to having as many officers working in the area as possible wearing high visibility jackets.
“They will be trying car doors, garages, houses and tracing the owners of valuable left out such as bikes to advise them and offer security advice.”
The operation, being called an ‘Evening of Action’ will take place between 4pm and 10pm on Wednesday.
Sgt Kev Mountain, of Chorley Police, said police needed to show residents these incidents were being taken seriously, and people needed to do their bit in keeping the area safe.
He said: “There has been quite a few sneak-in type burglaries in garages which have been left unlocked.
“It seems to be concentrated at the moment around the Buckshaw Village area.
“People don’t seem to be taking any notice, so we just want to put on a show of strength so people will hopefully notice the uniforms and come and speak to us to see what is going on. We need to get the message across and encourage people to lock their doors.”
Kaye Davies chairman of Buckshaw Village Community Association (BVCA) said: “I think it is great initiative that the police and council officers from both Chorley and South Ribble are going around to do this.
“It is very important that the residents and locals do what they can to try to discourage crime in the area.
“I think news of a spike in crime is concerning for people in the village but from what we are being told there is a lot we can do to stop it, especially the opportunistic crimes.
“It is all about trying to secure our homes and then at the same time talking to our neighbours so that they can also take action.”
(Reproduced from Lancashire Evening Post, 22nd Sept)

No comments: