Area Overview / General Information
Over October there has been a slight increase in crime reports compared with September’s figures.
Notably there has been 2 reports of theft from motor vehicles, involving the theft of sports equipment from an insecure vehicle and a theft of motorbike which was found nearby.
I would request that residents in the area are mindful of ensuring their vehicles are not only locked and secured, but also that no items of any value are left on show, especially bags, or sports equipment such as golf clubs. In nearby Hyndland there had been a spate of thefts from motor vehicles involving golf clubs over the last few months. Road Traffic incidents were also up with detections at Balshagray Avenue and Crow Rd, involving vehicles with no insurance, MOT and not displaying registration plates.
We also attended Broomhill Primary earlier this month to discuss the role of Police, where they had the opportunity to ask questions and were given a tour our police vehicle and sirens! We also managed to hand out high-visibility stickers and bike equipment packs to keep them safe on their walk to school and books were also handed out.
CRIME PREVENTION AND SECURITY ADVICE EVENT
An opportunity not to be missed
When: Tuesday 12 November 2024
Time 1000hrs-1500hr
Where: Home of Scottish Football -Hampden Park, Letherby Drive, Glasgow G42 9B
With crime increasing dramatically within the retail industry, it’s not only a burden on your business in relation to profit margins but can adversely affect the general day to day running. This in turn can have a detrimental effect on your staff which could include personal safety, morale, and possibly mental health concerns all of which can then contribute to an increase in staff absence levels
This is a drop in event where we will be providing information and advice in relation to crime prevention and home safety by supporting the principles of “Secured by Design”. Why not get new ideas by taking some time out of your day, come along and chat with over 20 exhibitors and see what’s on offer. This may be the inspiration you need to make small changes in relation to your security or to drive your business forward. In attendance will be representatives from Alarm companies, CCTV suppliers, Internal fogging type devices, locks and Hardware, Security fencing suppliers, Banking representatives, Police and Scottish Fire and Rescue as well as having a conversation with Retailers Against Crime and the Scottish Grocers’ Federation plus much more. This event is not only for retailers and businesses but for your personal and home safety. FREE PARKING
We hope to see you there!
Theft of Keyless Entry Cars
Across the west end there continues to remain issues with theft of motor vehicles in general and I’d advise all residents in the area to be particularly careful about where their car keys are kept within their property, as vehicles have been targeted by persons breaking into properties to obtain the keys within the surrounding areas. I would strongly advise not to leave car keys within visible reach of letterbox’s or even within kitchens or other rooms on ground floor where they would be visible to someone looking in. As mentioned last month there continues to be issues with regards to the theft of vehicles that use keyless entry, mainly 4x4’s. Reports have seen vehicles taken overnight from both driveways and the street, where offenders are using relay devices whilst standing outside a property to manipulate the signal from the keycards that are inside, before gaining access to the vehicles and driving off without the need for any keys. By placing your keycard inside a “Faraday” pouch, this prevents the offenders from picking up a signal and bypassing the security of the vehicle. Faraday boxes are also beneficial if you have several keys within your property and wish to house them in a secure way. Both are readily available from a number of retailers online.
‘Ex-offender’ Cold Callers
There have been a few incidents across the west end in recent months relating to cold callers as per the following scam.
The Scam
There has recently been an increase across Scotland in reports of cold callers who say they are selling goods door-to-door as part of an ’ex-offender rehabilitation scheme’.
In some cases, the callers say they have just been released from prison or a young offenders institution and are selling goods to try and make some money before starting a college course. Others claim to be taking part in a Government scheme to help them obtain employment in sales.
They typically offer goods such as household cleaning products, gardening equipment or craft supplies. Some may ask for donations for ex-prisoners. If a householder does not have cash, the cold caller may provide bank account details so that they can transfer money.
Although some of these cold callers show some form of ID card, they often don’t have a pedlar’s certificate or a licence from the police to allow them to sell door-to-door in the local area. The goods they offer are usually of poor quality and overpriced.
How to Avoid
Never feel obliged to answer the door to a cold caller – it is your home and you should not let anyone in unless you feel comfortable.
If you do answer the door, verify that the person is genuine and take a note of the company’s details. ID cards can be faked – close the door and, rather than phoning the number on the ID card, look up the company’s number on their official website or in an official phone directory to check their identity. Legitimate callers will be happy to wait while you perform these checks.
If you feel uncomfortable or suspicious about a cold caller in your local area, phone Police Scotland on 101, or call 999 if you feel threatened.
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Crimes of Violence
There was 1 crime report raised for threatening and abusive behaviour committed over October.
Crimes of Dishonesty
There was 1 crime reports raised for dishonesty committed over October
Crimes Against Property
There were 4 crimes against property reported this month including 2 thefts from motor vehicles and a vandalism.
Drugs Use and Abuse
There were no drug cases reported this month.
Community intelligence is key to detecting and preventing drug supply. As always Crimestoppers is an invaluable tool in preventing crime:
www.crimestoppers-uk.org Tel: 0800 555 111
Road Traffic Matters
There were 3 Road Traffic matters reported this month including No insurance, No MOT and No registration plates, across Balshagray Avenue and Crow Rd.