Pocklington Police Update for November 2017

Pocklington Provincial Update for November 2017

1. Priority

Issue: Pocklington Town Centre area (Evenings):

Throughout November we are to continue our high visibility patrols of the Pocklington Town Centre area to deter potential anti-social behaviour. These patrols include regular checks on peripheral areas at Pocklington Infants’ School, Maxwell Road (periodic reports of criminal damage and youths causing annoyance), All Saints Church (periodic reports of anti-social behaviour on an evening), the Tennis Club (reports of anti-social behaviour, (ASB)) and town car parks (reports of low level anti-social behaviour). Criminal offenders will be challenged robustly, arrested or reported for summons. Penalty Notices for Disorder or warning letters may be used in appropriate cases however, those who offend should expect to be arrested and dealt with if their anti social behaviour amounts to criminal offending.  The exercise of discretion should not be expected.

2. Pocklington – Vehicle related nuisance

To reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) and its impact on the communities within the Pocklington area as well as taking positive action against offenders who cause ASB with their vehicles.  Hotspot areas in Pocklington will be checked regularly and any drivers using their cars to cause alarm or distress will be considered for warnings and possible seizure of their vehicles under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act.

3. Examples of crimes in your area

• A vehicle parked outside an address in Pocklington was damaged by a sharp instrument.
• A secure property in Pocklington was broken into and jewellery stolen.
• Number plates and various other vehicle parts were stolen from 2 vehicles from a unit on the Industrial Estate.
• The shield from the side of the Viking Longboat in Stamford Bridge has been stolen.
• Access was gained into a secure property in Pocklington and items stolen.
• A car parked in the car park at Canal Head was damaged (a sharp instrument was used to scratch most of the car).
• An object was thrown at a front window of a property causing the window to crack.
• A wheelie bin was set alight, which also caused damage to a hedge.
• Entry was gained into a secure property in Pocklington, which was searched and items stolen.
• Two secure sheds/garages in Pocklington were broken into and cycles stolen.
• There was an attempted break in of a secure shed in Pocklington, no entry was gained.

4. News and Appeals

GOING SHOPPING? GOING OUT?

Don’t give opportunist thieves the chance to bag your belongings.  It doesn’t matter if you are out shopping or going out for a social event, always make sure you stay alert at all times. By taking some simple steps you can help protect yourself and your belongings:

DON’T LEAVE YOUR HANDBAG UNATTENDED in shopping baskets, trolleys, pushchairs or mobility scooters.

In cafes and restaurants keep bags on your lap, between your feet or place the strap around a chair leg. 

Don’t hang your bag on the back of your chair where you can’t keep an eye on it.

DON’T LEAVE YOUR MOBILE PHONE ON THE TABLE. Mobile phones are frequently targeted by thieves and easily swiped when your back is turned even just for a minute.

KEEP HANDBAGS CLOSE TO YOUR BODY and closed at all times.  Choose a bag that can be zipped. Your purse and phone should be well hidden and tucked away out of sight and out of easy reach of pickpockets.

Be particularly careful on public transport, keep your bag where you can see it. If you carry a rucksack, wear it on your front rather than on your back or over your shoulder.

KEEP THE AMOUNT OF VALUABLES INSIDE HANDBAGS TO AN ABSOLUTE MINIMUM and do not carry large amounts of cash.

BE MINDFUL OF DISTRACTIONS.  Thieves working in pairs may try to divert your attention in order to steal your handbag or purse/wallet. Avoid carrying too much around with you, the more bags you’ve got the more vulnerable you are. If you need to take shopping back to your car, put your bags in the boot – don’t leave them where they can be seen.

This advice also applies if you are going out on an evening too.  Don’t ever leave your handbag/wallet unattended even if you are just nipping to the bar to quickly buy a drink, speak to someone or going for a dance as it only takes seconds for your belongings to disappear! Keep them with you at all times!