Good evening, 

Here is your crime update for St Alphege for the last week. 

Burglaries

There have been no burglaries or attempted burglaries this week.

Vehicle Crime

At around 10:30pm on Wednesday 8th May, a black JAGUAR E-PACE was stolen from BLYTHE WAY. Offenders have used relay methods to enter the car and made off towards WARWICK ROAD. 

Between 6pm on Tuesday 7th May and 1:15am on Wednesday 8th May, a white FORD MUSTANGE has been stolen from PROSPECT LANE. Offenders appear to have used relay methods to enter the car and made their escape.

Between 4pm on Friday 10th May and 12pm on Saturday 11th May, offenders have unscrewed the registration plate of a black KIA PICANTO parked at the COACH HOUSE, HERBERT ROAD before making their escape.

Between 3:30 and 3:50pm on Monday 6th May, offenders have cut the lock off an unattended pedal bike in MELL SQUARE and made off in an unknown direction. 

Between 2pm and 2:10pm on Saturday 11th May, an unsecured bike was taken from HIGH STREET. Offenders have made off in an unknown direction.

At around 6:20pm, an electric bike was stolen from THEATRE SQUARE. Offenders have used bolt cutters to break the lock and have made off towards STATION ROAD.

GOOD NEWS

The town centre Streetwatch group have been out on a high visibility patrol this week. 

Officers from the St Alphege and Blythe neighbourhood team held a community beat surgery at SMITHTONS FOOD MARKET to speak to members of our local community about their concerns. 

Officers from the St Alphege and Blythe neighbourhood team have been on the HIGH STREET this week to speak to members of the public about personal safety and knife crime awareness. 

Facebook Marketplace Scams

We have had a number of reports about cases on Facebook Marketplace where individuals have been scammed for money on goods that have not been for sale at the addresses they have attended. They have been asked for a deposit only to arrive at the location and be told they had been given incorrect locations and have lost out on the money. Do not agree to pay a deposit for Facebook marketplace goods and arrange cash for collection/delivery. Please report any incidents of this type to ACTION FRAUD.  

CRIME PREVENTION

If you use a bike to get out and about think about the lock that you secure it with. Please consider a good quality lock for your bike. A D lock is one such type of lock. Simple chains can be cut through in seconds.

Please consider anti-snap locks to all outside doors. Look for at least 3 stars and the Kitemark when purchasing them.

Please consider a good steering lock for your vehicles, and check that your vehicle is locked before you walk away from it.

Pickpockets and purse dippers are active in the town centre. Always make sure handbags are zipped up, never leave your handbag or purse unattended on a shopping trolley, pushchair or wheelchair. Always be aware of your surroundings and the people around you when withdrawing cash. A simple tactic against this type of crime is to attach small bells to your purse so that they jingle when purses are being moved.

Please be extra vigilant when using cash machines.  Make sure you are not overlooked.  Be aware of anyone making conversation with you at a cash machine.

Tamper proof screws for number plates are a good idea to protect number plates from being stolen.

Please take 5 mins to read about ways you can prevent burglary and vehicle theft

Residential burglary | Your Options | West Midlands Police (west-midlands.police.uk)

Theft of motor vehicle | Your Options | West Midlands Police (west-midlands.police.uk)

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