Good afternoon from Bloxwich Local Policing Team. A quick round up of what's been happening in your area in the past few days.

• Patrols of Bloxwich High Street and tackling shop thefts remain a priority for the team. Last week our officers arrested two prolific shoplifters from the High Street. Our patrols on the High Street will continue as we deter would be thieves and engage and provide reassurance to local shops and businesses.

• We have been patrolling the area near ASDA following reports of people begging. We hope that regular patrols will help us identify the individuals but also act as a deterrent.

• Foot patrols and Vehicle patrols were continued around Bloxwich Area due to report of Off-Road bikes being driven in areas which are causing ASB, we always on the lookout for this so we can create a safe and peaceful area without nuisance and crime.

• Our colleagues from the St Matthew's Local Policing Team arrested a male and female on suspicion of shoplifting from Bloxwich High Street, we assisted this arrest with further investigation.

National Stalking Awareness Week

This week is National Stalking Awareness Week (22nd – 26th April). We're here to help you understand what stalking is and how to stay safe. Stalking is a serious crime. It can make you feel scared and frightened to leave your home, but remember - you are not alone and there is help available.  Stalking doesn't always involve threats. In reality, stalking can be a pattern of any unwanted contact that persists and makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

To get more info & support, or If you are experiencing stalking, it's important that you record the behaviour and report it to us. Don't wait until it escalates. Get help now 👉 www.west-midlands.police.uk/campaigns/talking-stalking

Car Key Burglary

We are seeing increasing reports of car key burglary in the West Midlands. We know that thieves are targeting all types of cars at all times of day. We are advising local residents to layer up their security to help deter criminals trying to take your car keys.

It’s important to:

• Make sure your front, back, side doors are locked. Checking your windows are not left open when you head out and remember to set your home alarms can help keep your valuables safe. 
• Check your UPVC or Euro cylinder door lock to see if it is snap resistant. It should be stamped with a three-star Kite Mark. It is not, you get the lock changed to either a SS312 Diamond Approved Cylinder, TS007 3 Star Kitemarked Cylinder, or a 1 Star Cylinder with 2 Star handle for maximum protection.
• Keep your keys away from doors, windows, and back doors.
• Double check the security of your vehicles. When leaving your car unattended, check your fob has done its job and that it’s definitely locked.
• Secure a steering lock and make sure your alarm is on.

• Contact your vehicle manufacturer for security system updates.

   

If your car has Keyless Entry and Start (PKES), it can be stolen by ‘Relay Attack’. It takes less than 60 seconds for thieves to take your car from your driveway. Head to our YouTube channel to see how a relay attack happens: https://youtu.be/8pffcngJJq0

To stop this happening:

• Keep your keys in a Faraday pouch (a fabric pouch lined with metal mesh to block electromagnetic signals) and out of sight.

• If you have a location tracker, attach this to your keys and connect it to your device. 

   

If your vehicle is stolen, never put yourself at risk. Call police immediately on 999 if you see it being stolen, or if you discover it has gone you can report it to us online or call 101.

For further advice on how to protect your car from theft visit:  https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/theft-motor-vehicle/#prevention

Twitter/ X – We try and tweet as often as we can between our commitments. So, follow us over there for any updates on what we are getting up to. @BloxwichWMP