Weekly round-up from your local Neighbourhood Team

Dear Bloxwich West Residents,

As the week comes to a close, our team wanted to share a quick update on what your local neighbourhood policing team have been up to. It has been a busy and productive week for the Bloxwich Neighbourhood Team and a challenging time for many of us as we all braved the snow and ice over the past few days.

✅ Good News from Your Local Policing Team ✅
Here’s a snapshot of this week’s activity:

🔹Our PCSOs this week attended a drop-in session at the Local Hub on the Mossley and spoke to local residents and members of the Hub. 

🔹Officers have been on proactive patrols around Mossley, Dudley Fields, the Turnberry Estate and Bloxwich High Street, targeting ASB deterring crime.  

🔹This week we have welcomed Sergeant Greenaway who is the new supervisor on the Bloxwich Neighbourhood Team!

✅ Crime Prevention Tips:

💬 This week we are sharing advice on preventing car and vehicle theft.

Lock your vehicle - Locking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunistic thief. It is actually illegal to leave your vehicle running unattended while you de-ice it or warm it up in cold weather - if someone takes it while it's left like this, your insurer won't pay out because you won't be covered. 

Keep the keys safe - Keep keys out of view when at home, and away from your front door. 

Be aware of carjackers - Being in your car does not always deter someone trying to steal it. In traffic, drive with your doors locked and when queuing leave enough space in front of your vehicle to enable you to get out of a tight spot. 

Park responsibly - It's always advisable to avoid parking in dark and secluded areas. Always try to park in illuminated and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award. 

Watch for illegal tow trucks - If you see a towaway truck crew acting suspiciously - especially if their vehicle isn't branded or if they're not in uniform - then please report this immediately. Car parks with height-restricted entrances help prevent illegal tow trucks and removal vehicles. And fitting a Thatcham rated category 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors can help protect and trace your vehicle.

Fit good in-car security locks - Additional physical security can help your vehicle being driven away even if a thief gains entry. Sold Secure test a range of security products that can help secure your vehicle, such as steering wheel locks, pedal boxes and gear stick locks.

Double-check electronic locking - Electronic devices can be used to jam electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle. Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away. 

Before owning , check for cloning - Changing the identity of a vehicle, known as vehicle cloning, can be as simple as adding stolen number plates. When buying a vehicle, always check the DVLA V5 document and make sure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the vehicle is the same as on the document. 

Secure your port - Many modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can unlock and start your vehicle. If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover.

For more information about preventing vehicle theft, click on the following link - Preventing car and vehicle theft | Crime Prevention | West Midlands Police

📅 Upcoming Police & Community Engagements 📅

Bloxwich Neighbourhood Team are attending Bloxwich Library for a drop-in session. Please come in and speak to us, whether it’s to ask for advice or just a chat!

The dates for the next Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting for both Bloxwich East and Bloxwich West will be released soon with all the relevant details. We are hoping to be holding these meetings in February and May time, so keep your eyes peeled! If you have any suggestions on community engagements you would like to see from us or get involved in, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please see some suggestions below-

💬 Suggestions:

📞 How to Contact Us or Report Information 📞

💬 Stay Connected with Your Local Team:

If you are also interested in taking action to reduce crime in your area, you can start your own neighbourhood watch group! These schemes can help cut crime and the opportunities for crime; help and reassure those who live in the area; encourage neighbourliness and closer communities. To get set up, you can find out more by visiting Neighbourhood Watch. 

🤝🏼 Thank you for working with us to keep Bloxwich safe and informed. See you out and about! If you see something suspicious or have concerns in your area, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help.