Sandwich Kent England UK: Community Police

Message from PC Woodland

“Prevention is better than cure…”

In my line of work, this phrase seems to become more and more appropriate. I am a Crime Reduction Officer. Although I fulfil the function of a uniformed foot patrol, which I hope provides the community with a sense of protection, my main function in Sandwich is the reduction of crime and incidents of disorder.

Crime reduction is not solely a Police responsibility. Whilst I agree that nobody has the right to commit crime, I would argue that it is also the duty of every person to protect his or her own property. Just ask your insurers!

Sandwich is currently suffering from what we call in Police circles “Non Domestic Burglaries”. These are burglaries into sheds, garages, outbuildings, and commercial premises. I would therefore urge residents to consider their security in terms of what they have stored in such buildings, and the means they have taken to secure them.

I would warn residents that padlocks are being overcome using bolt-croppers, and investment in high security locks and door hasps should be considered.

Another approach to consider is the removal of high value and high-risk goods from outbuildings and storing them inside the home. This is sound advice.

Bicycles are being targeted either left insecure in gardens or outside the fronts of houses, and they are also being stolen from sheds and garages. Consider locking them to a suitable bracket inside a shed or garage, and make sure to lock your bike wherever you leave it – even if you are only going to be a couple of minutes. That’s all it takes for a thief to cycle away on a free gift!

Intelligence and evidence from local residents is of great importance to us. If you know someone that may be involved in crime locally, please get in touch. Any information you can give will be treated in the strictest confidence. I would urge the whole community to make a united stand against crime in Sandwich. I will lend my support to your own efforts.

PC Ian Woodland, Sandwich Community Police