Police News - Milnrow and Newhey

Increase in Shed Breaks
There were 12 burglaries reported to the police in February in the Milnrow and Newhey area – the majority of these were shed breaks.

Try not to store anything of high value in your shed, where possible fit a shed alarm and a secure lock.

Crime Figures for March

• Domestic Burglary - 2
• Burglary Other Than Dwelling – 5
• Robbery – 0
• Theft From A Vehicle – 1
• Theft of a vehicle - 1
• Criminal Damage – 3
• Assault – 2

Milnrow Beat Priorities: Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) Local officers and PCSOs will be focusing on these priorities over the next month giving a high visibility presence in the areas that have been affected.

A day of action will be held on Wednesday 9 April 8am-4pm, Milnrow Memorial Park.

Since anti-social behaviour has been made a neighbourhood priority there has been a significant reduction in the number of anti-social behaviour incidents reported in the Milnrow and Newhey area.

Surgery Dates
Police surgeries for 2014 will be at the Co-operative food store car park, Dale Street, Milnrow. The surgeries will all be held on Saturday’s at 10am- 12noon. The dates for the next meetings are: 19/04/14, 17/05/14, 14/06/14, 12/07/14. 

Domestic Burglary
9 March 12:00 – 10 March 7:30pm – Bowland Grove: an unknown offender/s approach rear of resident’s property by snapping chain and lock and entering garden through side gate. Offender/s enter conservatory through unlocked window and once inside they enter kitchen by breaking frame of internal window. Once inside the offender/s conduct a tidy search before stacking various items in the conservatory. Offender/s then exit as per entry without taking the items with them. Offenders make off via unknown means. Resident returns later to discover the offence and notices one set of keys missing.

7 March 07:00am – 12 March 08:00pm – Beechfield Grove: unknown offenders gain entry to insecure rear garden and using flat bladed instrument believed to be a screwdriver; prise open wooden frame on conservatory window gaining entry inside conservatory. Conducts tidy search before prising wooden frame on internal window and gaining entry to bedroom. Causes damage to alarm panel on wall before possibly being disturbed. Exit as per entry and making off in an unknown direction.

Crime Prevention:  
Thefts from sheds and outbuildings have been occurring in this area recently.

Many people go to a great deal of trouble to secure their homes and property but
at the same time overlook the valuable equipment in sheds, outbuildings and outside storage, which are either unlocked or not fit for the purpose - proving no obstacle to a thief.

The following crime prevention advice should help you to protect your shed from thieves.

• Secure the access to your shed or garage by locking gates and using obstacles such as trellis or bushes next to walls and fences. 
• Visibly mark the contents of your shed - make a note of serial numbers and photograph any valuables. 
• Use external security lights - that are activated by movement - as a deterrent. 
• Ensure shed doors are locked and windows are secure - use a strong padlock, such as a closed shackle padlock on the door. Use coach bolts or non-return screws to strengthen door hinges and locks or grilles on windows. 
• Chain cycles, mowers, ladders and tools to a strong anchorage point. 
• Alarm your property - small alarms for sheds and garages are available at most DIY stores for less than £20. 
• Check that your household policy covers you for theft from your garden or outbuildings. If not make sure you have the right cover. 
• A joint community approach can help to reduce crime so why not consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme? 

For further advice and information please contact your local neighbourhood police team: Rochdaleeast@gmp.police.uk or dial 101.