Author: Fraser Pithie

With the onset of colder weather, darker nights and mornings comes the need to defrost motor vehicles when there has been a frost.

Please DO NOT defrost your vehicle by starting the vehicle and then leaving it unlocked and running.

Warwickshire Police are advising all motorists in and around Kenilworth that while defrosting a motor vehicle if the driver/owner leaves the vehicle unattended they are running a serious risk of the vehicle being stolen by vehicle thieves.

In addition, in most cases where motor vehicles have been left unattended and running to defrost, the vehicle insurance company WILL NOT pay out for the vehicle theft/loss and/or any other associated loss.

Motorists need to check weather forecasts and allow adequate time to defrost their motor vehicle and that BEFORE driving on the public highway make sure that the windscreen and side windows are fully clear of frost so adequate visibility is available for the driver.

Motorists are reminded that it is an offence to drive a motor vehicle on the public highway with inadequate visibility.

Bicycle owners are again advised to review their security and the robustness of bicycle locks as news of a bicycle theft in Kenilworth Town Centre has come in.

Please be aware that between 1045hrs and 16.30hrs on Monday 29 October 2018 offenders have cut the chain lock and stolen a blue Marin Nail Trail mountain bike which was secured to the bicycle racks outside Kenilworth Library, Smalley Place, Kenilworth.

For information about robust locks and bicycle security click here:

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/7-of-the-best-bike-locks-5221/amp

This is incident 324 of 29 October 2018

If you think you may have seen or heard anything or have any information about this incident please contact Warwickshire Police on 101

All burglaries are distressing for the victims of such a crime. However, the latest burglary reported in Kenilworth has an additional element, the theft of military medals and war diaries.

Warwickshire Police have reported that offenders have climbed onto a flat roof and entered a property through a bedroom window at Manor Road, Kenilworth. Once inside the property the offenders have stolen military medals and war diaries belonging to the householder.

This is Incident 261 of 28 October 2018

If you think you may have seen or heard anything suspicious or have any information about this incident then please contact Warwickshire Police on 101

KENILWORTH residents are advised to remain vigilant about their neighbourhood following a burglary that took place in a residential area near to the town centre.

Please be aware that between 0800hrs and 2000hrs on Saturday 27 October 2018 offenders have tried unsuccessfully to force the rear doors of a property in St Nicholas Avenue, Kenilworth. Consequently, the offenders smashed a rear window of the property and gained entry. Once inside an untidy search was carried out with jewellery boxes from upstairs taken. The jewellery boxes were discarded in the rear garden with several items of jewellery removed and stolen.

This is Incident 335 of 27 October 2018

If you think you may have seen or heard anything suspicious or have any information concerning this incident then please contact Warwickshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Warwickshire Police have issued the following advice today suggesting householders should check and review their home security. Kenilworth Watch fully supports the message and advice from Warwickshire Police.

While we need to our police to protect our lives and property each one of us also had to take responsibility to do all we can with sensible measures to protect ourselves and our property by deterring criminals. This advice enables householders to audit their own home and consider what, if any, gaps may exist and what additional steps can be be taken.

The clocks are put back by one hour this evening (27 October 2018) and consequently the evenings will be drawing in.

We want residents in and around Kenilworth to remain safe so we have listed some key steps that everyone can consider taking that  enable householders to do all they can to protect their homes and property by deterring criminals, particularly burglars.

It’s a good time to look at your home and personal security and ask the question

How easy would it be?

Here are our tips and advice to close any gaps and minimise yourself and your home from becoming a victim of crime.
If you’re going away or even going out for the evening, set a timer switch to turn your lights on when it gets dark. Unlit houses are a giveaway that no one is at home.
When going out or going to bed at the end of the day, remember to lock your doors, patios and downstairs windows. Also lock any windows on the first floor where access can be gained via a flat roof.
If you’re at the rear of the house or in the garden, lock your front doors and windows. This simple act will deter opportunistic criminals.
If you have a house alarm… USE IT. Make sure you set it when you go out and when you go to bed. If you don’t have a house alarm why not consider one? Monitored alarms deter burglars.
Don’t leave car keys, ID cards, or valuables near windows, doors or letterboxes, where burglars can reach through to steal them. If you have keyless entry with your motor vehicle then put your keys in faraday wallet (metal container or sleeve) to stop electronic interception of the key by offenders.
Lock your garden gates and side entrances. Don’t leave tools lying around in the garden which could be used to break in to your home.

Don’t forget about garages, sheds and outbuildings – make sure they’re locked and secure too

Try not to leave your house in silent darkness. Just leaving a radio on could make a potential burglar think twice
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Never leave a spare key outside your house, burglars know all the usual hiding spots
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Keep bins away from windows when they’re not being used as they can be used as a climbing aid for burglars
Property mark your valuables. Use Cre-Mark to visibly mark items http://www.creproducts.co.uk/shop/default.asp and SmartWater to covertly mark items http://www.smartwater.com/
Register your property on Immobilise, the UK national property register https://www.immobilise.com/
Register bikes on https://www.bikeregister.com/

And remember… if you see anything suspicious please report it by calling Warwickshire Police on 101. If you think a crime is being committed or there is immediate danger to life and/or property then dial 999 and ask for POLICE.

This message has been sent by Warwickshire Police’s Kenilworth Safer Neighbourhood Team