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
Now the weather is better many people like to go for a bike ride. With increasing numbers of us owning bicycles, it’s important to know how to keep them safe. Especially as more of us are being encouraged to take up cycling both to improve our health and as an alternative form of transport to reduce congestion and emissions.
The most recent figures available (the 2005 report by the Office for National Statistics (new window)) indicate that in 2005 the UK imported some 3.3 million bicycles and sales of imports in the UK were worth over £164m. Unfortunately, more bicycles mean more opportunity for theft. The 2005/06 British Crime Survey reports that 439,000 bicycles were stolen in 2005/2006.
For security tips for cyclist, please read Steer Clear of Cycle Theft.
Help keep your bike secure by following some simple tips.
Protect your possessions
- take out insurance, either by extending your home contents insurance or through a separate policy. Cycling organisations and bike shops may offer specialist cover
- record and register your bike:
- register your bicycle model, make and frame number. Contact your local police station for further advice
- take a clear colour photograph of your bike and make a written record of its description, including any unique features
- security mark the frame
At home
More than half of all bicycle thefts take place from an owner’s property.
- keep your bike in a secure garage or shed and keep the door locked
- keep it out of public view
- secure it to an immovable object, or consider installing a floor or wall mounted anchor lock for extra security
Out and about
- always lock your bicycle, even if you are just leaving it for a couple of minutes
- avoid isolated places. Leave your bike where a potential thief can be easily seen
- park your bike safely and considerately where it will not cause a danger or obstruction to others – particularly the elderly or the very young, or people with a disability
- invest in a quality lock. Hardened steel D-shaped locks are recommended as the minimum standard. Check out Sold Secure (new window) for certified locks, or ask your local bike shop for a recommendation
- lock your bike to an immovable object – a bike rack or ground anchors. Remember that thieves can remove drainpipes and lift bikes off signposts
- make the lock and bike hard to manoeuvre when parked - stop thieves smashing it open:
- keep the lock away from the ground
- keep the gap between bike and lock small
- secure removable parts. Lock both wheels and the frame together. Take smaller parts and accessories with you, for example, lights, pumps and quick-release saddles
If you think you are being offered a stolen bike, ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. See the Crimestoppers website (new window) for more information.
