Bickenhill Weekly Update - 15/10/25

Hello, 

This week we hosted a beat surgery at Marston Green Library where we had lots of members of the community come and say hi. We gave out advice on how to best secure your home as well as listened to the community’s concerns about their area. We host these beat surgeries every month in every ward so if you are free next time and would like to meet the team or raise any issues to us then pop along – the next one will be advertised in advance.

What crime has happened in the last 9 Days?

Crime prevention advice:

As the darker nights are coming quicker, we are starting to see an increase in both burglaries and vehicle crime. Crime prevention is all about trying to make your home and belongings less desirable to anyone else.

All burglaries we have had reported recently have had offenders enter via the rear door (either being left insecure or having the lock snapped). Anti-snap locks are extremely useful in this case as it prevents such easy access to your home. All you have to do is switch out the barrel in your lock for an anti-snap one, no need to change the whole door or handle. 

Most vehicle thefts we are seeing are through keyless entry. Offenders can use what is a called a “relay device” to scan for your key’s signal. They can copy that signal onto a blank key and use that to enter your vehicle. This is how easy it is for offenders to drive away in your vehicle. To prevent this, you can use a Faraday bag which has a specific lining that blocks the signal from the relay device. Make sure to keep your key in the faraday bag – even when going to the shops.

To give your vehicle that added layer of protection, a steering wheel lock acts as both a visible deterrent as well as an extra obstacle offenders must get through. Most offenders would be put off attempting to steal your vehicle when they see a steering wheel lock as it adds that extra time and effort they would need to try and get it off. There have been many cases where offenders have been able to enter a vehicle but then struggled to get through the steering lock. 

CCTV is a useful tool for us to use in investigations as it allows us to see the offence happening, any offenders and what they are wearing or a direction of travel in their escape. If you haven’t already, sign up to our CCTV registry to receive alerts when your footage may help us with incidents in your area - CCTV Registry | West Midlands Police 

What are we up to next week?

Follow us on X - @ruralswmp to see what we are getting up to day to day.

Email the team at rural@westmidlands.police.uk for any questions, concerns, advice or engagements.

Thank you for your continued support,

PCSO Kiah Acton 31911