Operation Promenade Is Launched

The Crime Reduction Unit Manager for Cambridge area is informing people about the number of recent incidents, largely in rural areas where elderly residents were being burgled. There has been extensive publicity about these crimes and you will recall the suspects either entered homes through insecure doors and windows or used bogus stories to gain access. For example, they claimed to be police officers or used a variety of stories to justify their presence. Cambridgeshire Police set up Operation Promenade in response to this series of crimes. The operation consists of high visibility patrols, detectives assigned to the operation and preventative measures and advice by the Police Crime Reduction Unit and partner agencies. The Crime Reduction Unit have already received a number of very helpful telephone calls; identifying vehicles and sightings of possible offenders (They have a photo-fit ID for one suspect and footprints from another site): these are providing useful lines of enquiries – so do please continue to be vigilant and keep calling! (See below). The Crime Reduction Unit, the Distraction Burglary and Rogue Trader Task Group and South Cambridgeshire Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership have all made significant contributions towards raising the awareness of the problem and the simple steps you can take to keep you safe. If you would like a talk from one of the Crime Reduction Advisers, please do call Hilary Conner, manager of the Police Crime Reduction Unit on 01223 823479. The Crime Reduction Unit would like to thank you for everyone for their continued support and hope that you will continue to help them keep our communities safe. We must keep up our guard. Here is a reminder of a few simple steps that you can take: Ensure your front and back doors are locked (to prevent anyone just walking into your home) Ensure all windows, especially those on the ground floor are fitted with locks. An intruder can gain entry through an opening no larger than 9” (22cm) so please take care with open windows. When answering the door to a caller remember the following:- Locked:Before opening the front door, ensure the back door is locked. Stop:Think – Are you expecting anyone? Do you normally get callers at this time? Chain: Always put the door chain or door bar across before you open the door. (This presents a physical and psychological barrier which shows the caller that you are in charge) Check: Never assume that what the caller is saying is true. Always ask for their I.D., take your time to check it and feel free to close the door whilst the checks are being made. Be aware that a bogus caller will have bogus I.D. so don’t always believe what is on the card e.g. telephone numbers especially mobile numbers. Always use the phone directory to authenticate identification. Remember a genuine caller will not mind waiting or will call back at a more convenient time. If you are still not sure, don’t open the door. If you or a neighbour have any information about suspicious callers/vehicles in your area please call the Police on 0845 456 456 4 quoting Operation Promenade. If you feel you are the victim of a crime and the suspect is still in the vicinity or you are witnessing a crime dial 999 immediately.

External link for this news item
Added on Friday 08th of February 2008 at 07:33:01 PM
See more News items | Add a News item