Stay safe in summer

The Force’s latest crime stats are out this week but while burglary continues to be on the downward slope we will never be complacent.

I’m pleased to announce the business community has got on board in the battle against shed and garage burglary.

DIY retail chain B&Q is offering a 10 per cent discount on certain security products to ensure Notts residents don’t lead thieves up their garden paths this summer.

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Just take along one of our SAFER SHEDS leaflets, which have been circulated among the community and are available at police station front counters.

The number of burglaries of this kind has reduced by 17 per cent in 2011/12 compared to 2010/11 – that’s 365 less victims – and these crimes have continued to decrease, with 48 less reports since April compared to the same period last year.

But shed and garage burglary can be as variable as the weather, with sunny, dry days and light balmy evenings meaning we tend to rummage through our garages and sheds for our bikes, gardening tools and barbecues, and this attracts the attention of thieves.

But it’s not just thieves who are out and about this summer. As of Friday school is out for the next month or so and this means our local children and young people will be looking to keep occupied.

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I urge parents to be aware of what their children are doing, to deter any potential nuisance behaviour. Where possible, involve them in supervised activities, so you know they are safe and enjoying themselves in a positive, harmless way, rather than their actions having a potentially negative impact.

For information about organised activities on offer during the holidays contact your local beat team or the district council.

On the flipside, I also appeal to residents to be tolerant. Don’t assume all groups of young people are up to no good. Talk to them, get to know them. Often calls about anti-social behaviour are simply misjudgments of intentions. Most kids are just looking for entertainment, not to cause harassment to their community.