The next meeting of the Sawston Neighbourhood Panel will take place at Sawston Village College on 7th January 2008 starting at 7.30pm. The meeting is being hosted by South Cambs District Council and Cambridgeshire Constabulary. This is your chance to get involved with deciding which issues are tackled in your area, which means you’ll be able to play an active role in helping to make your neighbourhood safer. If you are unable to attend the meeting but would still like to contribute your priorities, please contact a member of the team on 0845 456 456 4 and ask for the Sawston Neighbourhood Police Team.
Police are offering security advice following a spate of break-ins at churches in the south of the county.
Between June 10 and July 24, there were 22 burglaries - 17 in South Cambridgeshire, four in Cambridge City and one in East Cambridgeshire.
Many of the incidents happened overnight and most were break-ins, although in some cases the intruder got in through an unlocked door or window.
Cash was stolen in a number of the burglaries but in just under half there was only damage caused and nothing was taken.
However, laptops, DVD and CD players, food, alcohol and a vacuum cleaner have also been stolen.
Crime reduction officer Ellen Muirhead, from Parkside Police Station, said: “We are urging people who are connected with churches to be aware of security issues.
“Gates, entrances and windows should be locked at night and cellars should be locked from the inside. Offertory boxes should be emptied regularly and ideally should be set into the wall and bolted. It is also worth advertising the fact that money is not kept in the church overnight.
“Most importantly, keep an eye out for unusual vehicles or suspicious behaviour and call police on 0845 456 456 4 with any information, such as car registrations or descriptions, you may have.”
For more crime prevention advice visit the Cambridgeshire police website or www.churchcare.co.uk
