Your Weekly Bablake Update

Weekly Update from your local Bablake NPT

Dear Members

Here’s your weekly update from myself and the rest of the team.

What’s Been Happening

Burglaries 

A burglary and an attempted burglary have been reported. On Monday 1st December between 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm a property was entered on NORMAN PLACE ROAD. Entry was gained by an insecure door and a laptop and phone stolen.

On Wednesday 3rd December at 02:30 am on BARNFIELD AVENUE suspects have gone into the rear garden and used a lock snapping device or crowbar to try and force a rear patio door. Thankfully entry was not gained. Lock snapping is a surprising common burglary method where thieves break the cylinder of a euro-cylinder lock which are often found in uPVC and composite doors. Entry can be gained in seconds; minimum tools are required and unlike smashing a window it is silent. 

The best protection is installing anti-snap locks and reinforcing door security. If you have uPVC or composite doors, confirm whether your euro-cylinder locks are anti-snap rated. Upgrade to British Standard locks. Look for TS007 3-star or SS312 Diamond-approved cylinders, which are tested against snapping. Stronger door frames and strike plates also reduces vulnerability. 

Keep burglars out of your property | West Midlands Police

Parcels 

Whilst out on patrol, we have seen quite a few parcels left in visible locations. Parcel theft, sometimes known as “porch piracy” increases this time of year. Thieves target parcels left on doorsteps and communal areas. It only takes a few seconds to grab an unattended delivery.   Stolen parcels can be difficult to claim compensation for so please don’t chance it. 

To reduce the risk:

–  Track your parcel to ensure that you or somebody else in the household will be in at the time of the delivery.

–  Install a doorbell camera which can be connected to your mobile phone. You will be notified of any deliveries.

–  If you will be out, arrange for the parcel to be delivered to a trusted neighbour or other family member.

–  Use an off-site locker service.

Horses 

Police horses have officially returned to the streets of West Midlands after a 26-year absence. Please meet Belgravia, Bruce, Yonkers, Yve, and Yvonne who have begun their patrols including Coventry this December. Police horses are used for crowd control, public reassurance, and tackling football-related disorder. 

Mounted policing in the West Midlands dates back to the 1840s. Here's some historic facts which I hope you enjoy reading: 

1840s – Birmingham Police introduced the first seven horses marking the start of mounted policing in the region.

1883 – An armed mounted escort was used for guarding a prisoner being taken to Birmingham Gaol.

1894 – The Duke and Duchess of York were provided with mounted escort during their visit to Birmingham.

1923 – Chief Constable Sir Charles Haughton Rafter officially created the Birmingham City Police Mounted Section, giving the unit permanent status. Before this, horses were loaned for special occasions. Coventry and Wolverhampton also used police horses.

1985 – Kay Weale became the first female mounted officer in the West Midlands. 

1999 - The last police horse to serve West Midlands Police retired, and the Mounted unit disbanded. 

You can find out more about the history of West Midlands Police horses, in our award-winning museum. https://museum.west-midlands.police.uk 

Crime Figures

Over the past nine days, I am pleased to say, there have been no reports of vehicle crime on the Bablake ward. We have received reports of other offences including one theft from shop which happened on BIRMINGHAM ROAD, theft of metal (non-infrastructure) on BUTTS LANE. One residential burglary on NORMAN PLACE ROAD and one attempted residential burglary on BARNFIELD AVENUE. 

Until next week

Stay safe everyone.

If you have any information about crime in your area you can let us know 100% anonymously by contacting CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111

Get Involved

Streetwatch is a community patrol initiative that helps you make a difference where you live. Street watch gives you and your community an opportunity to keep your area safe, including just walking round your neighbourhood, which can really help. Local police keep in regular contact with street watch members to share information and work in partnership with you.

If you are interested in taking part in a Streetwatch within the Bablake area you can contact the Holbrook, Radford, Sherbourne & Bablake team on holbrookandradford@westmidlands.police.uk

For more crime prevention advice visit: www.west-midlands.police.uk /crime prevention