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In the Sandwell area—including West Bromwich, Oldbury, Smethwick, and Rowley Regis—local policing teams frequently use the "prying eyes" message on WM-now to combat opportunist theft. When thieves "window shop" in Sandwell, they aren't just looking for TVs; they are looking for car keys and small electronics that are easy to grab and go. Sandwell WM-now Message Samples: "Prying Eyes" The Dusk Alert: "As the nights draw in, remember: if you can see them, they can see you. Close your blinds and curtains as soon as you turn the lights on to keep prying eyes at bay."Vehicle Key Safety: "Don't leave your car keys on the hallway table. If a thief can see your keys through the window or letterbox, your car is at risk. Keep them shut away and out of sight."The 'Empty Box' Warning: "Putting out a box for a new 50" TV? You’re advertising to prying eyes. Fold boxes inside out or take them straight to the tip at Oldbury or Smethwick." Specific Advice for Sandwell Residents West Bromwich & Smethwick: In high-density housing areas, police recommend vertical blinds tilted at an angle. This allows light in but prevents someone walking past on the pavement from seeing your laptop or phone.Oldbury & Tividale: If you have a conservatory, these are prime targets for "prying eyes." Use internal blinds and never leave handbags or wallets on conservatory furniture overnight.Rowley Regis & Wednesbury: For homes with large front gardens, keep hedges trimmed to one metre. This stops thieves from having a "hiding spot" while they peer through your windows. Action Steps for Sandwell Safety Check your 'Sightlines': Stand on the pavement outside your house tonight. What can you see? If you see your car keys, iPad, or wallet, a thief can too.Use Light Timers: If you're working late or out for the evening, use a timer to turn a lamp on before it gets dark, and ensure the blinds are already closed.Report Suspicious "Scouters": If you see someone lingering or looking into properties in your street, report it via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website or call 101. In Tipton and Great Bridge, local WM-now alerts often focus on "prying eyes" because these areas have high volumes of terraced housing and street-front properties where valuables are easily visible from the pavement. The Tipton Town and Wednesbury South (covering Great Bridge) Neighbourhood teams frequently send out these specific reminders to residents in the DY4 and WS10 postcodes: WM-now Message Samples: Tipton & Great Bridge The "Window Shopping" Warning: "Burglars are like window shoppers; they look for what’s easy to grab. Keep prying eyes at bay—close your blinds as soon as you turn your lights on. If you can see out, they can see in."Car Key Security: "Tipton residents: Don't leave your car keys on the hook by the door or on the stairs. Thieves use the 'hook and cane' method through letterboxes or look through windows to spot high-performance car keys. Keep them shut away in a drawer or a Faraday pouch."Garage & Shed Privacy: "In the Great Bridge area, we've seen an increase in shed break-ins. If your shed has a window, prying eyes can see your bike or tools. Use a cheap internal blind or even a piece of cardboard to block the view."Local Safety Tips for DY4 & WS10 Angle Your Blinds: If you have slat blinds, angle them upwards. This lets light into your room but prevents someone walking past on the street from seeing your laptop or TV.The "Empty Box" Giveaway: After a big purchase (like a new TV or console), don't leave the box outside your house in Tipton. It tells prying eyes exactly what new tech is inside. Fold it inside out or take it to the Shokers Green (Tipton) or Oldbury recycling centres.Tipton 'Safe & Local' Meetings: The police often hold "pop-up" surgeries at places like Tipton Library or Great Bridge library to hand out free window sensor alarms and anti-theft kits.Reporting Suspicious Activity If you see someone "scouting" or looking into windows along Tipton Green or near Great Bridge High Street: Non-Emergency: Use Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website (8 am–midnight).Phone: Call 101 to report suspicious loitering.Emergency: Always dial 999 if you see someone actively trying a door handle or looking through a window with a torch.Thank you from your Tipton and Great Bridge team.
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