New drive to beat thieves and robbers
Thursday, 17th March 2011.
Suffolk police are appealing to the public to take some simple steps to avoid becoming victims of theft and robbery, particularly in relation to mobile phones.
Ch Insp Kerry Pauling of community safety said: “Part of policing involves stopping crime happening in the first place and the public can play a huge part in this by protecting their property.”
To help reduce the risk of mobile phone theft residents are advised to following these simple tips:
• Never leave your bags or other valuables unattended in public places.
• Be discreet with your belongings; displaying expensive jewellery or electronic devices, like mobile phones or music players, could attract unwanted attention.
• Don’t tempt mobile phone thieves. Be aware when making a call in public places; keep calls as brief as possible, as the longer you talk, the more likely you are to be spotted by a potential thief.
• Don’t walk and text at the same time, you will be less aware of what is happening around you.
Police are also suggesting that people make the most of their smart phones to ensure their property is secure.
New technology means modern phones can download applications to trace or track the owner's phone via GPS. An example is the free 'Find My iPhone' app from Apple, a GPS tracking system which can trace a mobile phone if it's lost or stolen.
Mobile phones can also be logged on www.immobilise.com along with any other precious belongings. The site is free to register and helps to combat the sale of stolen items.
Its database is linked directly to police systems, so when officers recover any property, for whatever reason, they can check it against logged items and return them to their rightful owners.
Any item can be registered on immobilise. The easiest items to log are electricals, or anything that has a serial number, but you can even log jewellery or ornamental items using the photo upload and description functions.
You can register as many items as you like, and then if they are lost or stolen you simply log back on to register them as such.
Police will also be doing their part to combat street robberies. High-visibility patrols are out in town centres in a bid to deter any would-be thieves, and undercover officers often patrol the streets in a bid to identify people committing these crimes and bring them to justice.
Ch Insp Pauling said: “Most offences occur simply because a victim happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, often in possession of desirable property.
"You can cut the risks by planning your routes and trying not to display desirable items or cash. Trust your instincts - avoid being alone in quiet secluded places.
"Choose busier, well-lit streets over less used short cuts. Try to minimise the time you spend using the phone while walking, especially if you have the latest, most desirable make or model.
"We are asking residents in Suffolk to help us so we can help you. By working together we can reduce the amount of thefts and robberies in Suffolk.”
Police urge anyone sold a stolen phone, or with information in relation to anyone receiving such goods to call 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Ch Insp Kerry Pauling of community safety said: “Part of policing involves stopping crime happening in the first place and the public can play a huge part in this by protecting their property.”
To help reduce the risk of mobile phone theft residents are advised to following these simple tips:
• Never leave your bags or other valuables unattended in public places.
• Be discreet with your belongings; displaying expensive jewellery or electronic devices, like mobile phones or music players, could attract unwanted attention.
• Don’t tempt mobile phone thieves. Be aware when making a call in public places; keep calls as brief as possible, as the longer you talk, the more likely you are to be spotted by a potential thief.
• Don’t walk and text at the same time, you will be less aware of what is happening around you.
Police are also suggesting that people make the most of their smart phones to ensure their property is secure.
New technology means modern phones can download applications to trace or track the owner's phone via GPS. An example is the free 'Find My iPhone' app from Apple, a GPS tracking system which can trace a mobile phone if it's lost or stolen.
Mobile phones can also be logged on www.immobilise.com along with any other precious belongings. The site is free to register and helps to combat the sale of stolen items.
Its database is linked directly to police systems, so when officers recover any property, for whatever reason, they can check it against logged items and return them to their rightful owners.
Any item can be registered on immobilise. The easiest items to log are electricals, or anything that has a serial number, but you can even log jewellery or ornamental items using the photo upload and description functions.
You can register as many items as you like, and then if they are lost or stolen you simply log back on to register them as such.
Police will also be doing their part to combat street robberies. High-visibility patrols are out in town centres in a bid to deter any would-be thieves, and undercover officers often patrol the streets in a bid to identify people committing these crimes and bring them to justice.
Ch Insp Pauling said: “Most offences occur simply because a victim happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, often in possession of desirable property.
"You can cut the risks by planning your routes and trying not to display desirable items or cash. Trust your instincts - avoid being alone in quiet secluded places.
"Choose busier, well-lit streets over less used short cuts. Try to minimise the time you spend using the phone while walking, especially if you have the latest, most desirable make or model.
"We are asking residents in Suffolk to help us so we can help you. By working together we can reduce the amount of thefts and robberies in Suffolk.”
Police urge anyone sold a stolen phone, or with information in relation to anyone receiving such goods to call 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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