Cheshire Police update

Update for week ending 29th November 2013

The past week has seen a large increase in the number of houses which have been burgled.
These offences are occurring both during the day / twilight periods when it is easy to see that no one is in and also overnight when occupants are away.

Offences have occurred in Weaverham, Hampton near Malpas, Tarvin, Cuddington (two!) and Coddington near Farndon. Please leave lights on, use timers and ask neighbours to park on your drive if you are away! These things all create the impression that someone is home.
There has also been a spike in the number of thefts of registration plates from vehicles, with plates being stolen in Great Barrow as well as a number from Elton. In Elton, some of the stolen registration plates were found discarded nearby which suggests that they have been used to commit an offence before being discarded. If you see anyone tampering with a vehicle, please contact the police.
There has also been a small increase in the number of thefts from motor vehicles this week, with vehicles being targeted in Church Lane, Farndon; Lampits Lane, Gt Barrow; pub car parks on the A56 between Chester and Helsby & Chester Rd, Sutton Weaver. Please do not leave any valuables in your car. Even if you hide them in your boot, someone could watch you put them there and break into the vehicle later on!
There have also been a number of garage and shed burglaries this week. Frodsham, Tarvin & Helsby have all been targeted.

Because of this seasonal increase in theft offences which are occurring all days of the week, there has been an increase in the number of patrols dedicated to the main targeted areas. There have been quite a number of reports of suspicious activity which patrols have been able to attend to immediately, with a number of persons being stopped and searched. I am confident that this activity has deterred a number of offences from happening. One resident reported an unusual car parked up in Tarporley, the occupants of whom seemed to be watching the local houses – this turned out to be police officers! This demonstrates good observations from residents about unusual activity – we would much rather people report this kind of thing, than wait until a burglary has happened and then be told "I thought that car looked suspicious"!

There is always an increase in thefts and burglaries on the approach to Christmas – Criminals need extra cash, and there is also increased opportunity as people have extra valuables in their cars and homes, whilst also leaving them clearly unoccupied! Please take extra precautions at this time of year, to make sure that you don't become a victim.

Regards

Inspector Keith Curbishley