Reducing crime in the winter time

As the evenings draw in, now is the ideal time to review your home security.

That's the message from the Royal Borough's community safety partnership which is hosting a series of winter crime reduction roadshows throughout the borough in November.

During the week beginning Monday 7 November a range of partners including community wardens, Trading Standards officers, Neighbourhood Watch, Thames Valley Police and Secure with Care will be available to offer advice and information on staying safe.

Stands will be at the following locations:
Monday 7 November - Age Concern Windsor Spencer Denney Centre, Park Corner,
Dedworth 11am - 1.30pm
Tuesday 8 November - WRVS, York Road, Maidenhead 11am - 1.30pm
Wednesday 9 November - Eton Bridge, Eton 11am - 1.30pm
Thursday 10 November - Nicholsons Shopping Centre, Maidenhead 11am - 1.30pm
Friday 11 November - Town Hall reception, Maidenhead 11am - 1.30pm

Monday and Tuesday's events have been organised in partnership with Age Concern Windsor and WRVS. Residents of all ages are welcome to attend.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety, said: "Darker nights are an ideal time to take stock and review home security.

"The psychological effects of being a victim of burglary can often be worse than the break-in and it is critical that, together with our partners, we provide advice, information and a support network for our more vulnerable residents.

"I encourage people to come along. It will be time well spent and could prevent crime. As with most things, prevention is far better than cure."

Supt Tim De Meyer, Local Police Commander, said: "People who work full time, and usually leave and return from work in the dark, are more likely to fall victim to opportunist burglars.

"It is vital that we engage with these people and others, and this year we will be encouraging people to look at our Twitter sites to receive their information. Officers will be promoting key messages at our local train stations, for example, by handing out business cards so that commuters can take a look at the tweets when they get on the train.

"We will also be using businesses in the area to ensure our message gets out to their staff.

He added: "Neighbourhood teams will also be patrolling in burglary hot spot areas and leaving calling cards at people's homes if they come across a house in darkness to ensure the occupants receive some crime prevention tips.

"If no light is on in your home, curtains are not drawn, and no car is in the drive, it's an obvious sign to an opportunist burglar that no-one is in. At this time of the year more than any other it pays to secure your home."

Catherine McLinden, Chief Officer, Age Concern Windsor, said: "When the nights draw in older people can feel very isolated and vulnerable. These road shows will be an ideal opportunity for older people to receive some support and information. So come and join us!"

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