There have been several incidents of crime over the past couple of weeks, which on the face of things to those not personally affected, may be considered minor. In reality, this is not the case, consider if you were the victim of: your car number plates being stolen or some aspect of your home targeted. In the past couple of weeks some people have experienced their car number plates being stolen or lead flashing being removed from their roofs.
There has also been an increase in scrap metal dealers touring the town looking to take away any metal items. Whilst its not suggested this is in anyway a crime, there have been incidents where metal items within sight of the road that have not been put out for scrap collection have been taken.
So the advice is clear, keep and maintain a sharp outlook at all times. Many crimes like these take place because we are not paying attention to what is going on in our surroundings, they are opportunist.
VEHICLE NUMBER PLATES
If you park in the street or even on your own drive check everytime you go to your vehicle that the number plates are on it. If the plates have gone then REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY! – This is critical because in most cases number plates are stolen to place on another vehicle that is going to commit crime. If you report it then the national Automatic Number Plate Recognition system used by the police and at many fuel garages can be updated.
PROPERTY THEFT
Keep a keen eye out for people loitering around or acting suspiciously and if you see such behaviour don’t be afraid to report it to the police whilst it is taking place. Make sure anything of any value is out of sight if possible or locked down to make stealing it difficult.
SCRAP METAL
Don’t leave metal items lying around and within sight of the road, it only takes one unscrupulous operator to make their move and your property will be gone forever.
THINK OF YOUR NEIGHBOURS
You may have an elderly neighbour who is less physically able than others. Please think of them and see if they need any help to follow this advice. They will be reassured to know you are looking out for them just by you asking and it only takes a short time.
If you have any concerns or want further advice then please contact Kenilworth’s Safer Neighbourhood Team on 01926 684404
Kenilworth Watch 
Hi Fraser, A sad reflection on the times we live in so thanks very much for this valuable advice for all of us. Lets also keep our windows closed and doors, sheds and garages locked even when at home and car keys out of sight. regards, Andy Garsed, Southbank Rd, NHW
Thanks Andy for your feedback, its much appreciated. Sometimes you can think there’s no one out there! Yes we are of like mind, its all about taking every precaution one can think about these days and keeping on with the advice so as many others do too. Thanks again, take care. Fraser