Doorstep Trading

Rogue doorstep trading is a problem in the UK and the work carried out can sometimes be unnecessary, of a poor standard, and done on the cheap, leaving the householder out of pocket and legally responsible for rubbish which isn’t disposed of correctly.

An example from our area came to our attention when leaflets were delivered in the March and surrounding village areas. The A5 leaflets advertised Lady Gardeners. All kinds work undertaken, including window cleaning and shed clearance. The leaflet provided 2 mobile numbers as contacts and a female name. At least one member of the public made contact and when they attended, the quotes given for the work were extremely high.

 Although the leaflets did not appear to be delivered in Whittlesey, the advice is the same.

Read more: Doorstep Trading

Deter Burglars

Here are some precautions people can take to deter burglers

  • Make sure your home looks occupied. Ideally ask a trusted neighbour to look after house (collecting mail, watering plants looking after pets etc) Let them have a spare key but don’t put name and address on it.
  • Lock all windows and doors, and ensure devices such as alarms are working. Burglars only need a 23cm (9”) gap to get into a premises.
  • Don’t leave valuables on show, pull down blinds or store items out of view wherever possible.
Read more: Deter Burglars

Catalytic Converter Theft

A focus of vehicle related crime has been vehicle / metal related - with catalytic convertors being the favourite.

Catalytic converter thefts typically happen to vehicles that are parked for prolonged periods in car parks, such as shopping centres or company parking areas. Thefts have occured even in broad daylight on busy streets.

Vehicles that sit higher from the ground, such as vans  and 4 X 4s are particularly vulnerable to catalytic converter theft because thieves can slide underneath without having to jack up the vehicle to gain access to the converter. With just a few cuts of a battery-powered saw, the catalytic converter can be stolen in less than a minute.

Read more: Catalytic Converter Theft

Caravan Security

Crime prevention advice in respect of caravans and trailers Immobilise your caravan, even if only stopping for a short time.

  • A large number of caravans are stolen annually from service areas.
  • Use hitch locks, heavy-duty chains, good quality padlocks with a short shackle, locking wheel nuts/wheel clamps.
  • Consider securing each corner leg.
  • Lock the gas compartment or padlock the cylinders to fixing clamps
  • Consider fitting a tracking device. - The likelihood of recovering your caravan in a short period of time is greatly increased.
Read more: Caravan Security
  1. Burglars Target Car Keys
  2. Preparing for Winter Driving
  3. Are Smart Motorways Fit for Purpose?
  4. Clean Your Windscreen!

Subcategories

Information

Fraud (Scams)

Fraud, often called Scams, is the fastest growing area of crime and is often not reported.

ActionFraud is the UK’s national fraud and internet crime reporting centre.

They provide a central point of contact for information about fraud and financially motivated internet crime.

Click here to download a leaflet about Action Fraud.