Burglary
South Gloucestershire Council's Safer and Stonger Communities Team works closely with the Police to prevent and reduce domestic burglaries. Burglaries across South Gloucestershire have reduced by 8% (July 2009-June 2010) when compared to the previous year (July 2008-June 2009).
One in four burglaries committed involves offenders gaining access through insecure doors and windows. Burglars also like to target properties where valuable items are left in view. The most common items stolen include laptops, mobile phones, games consoles, money and jewellery.
The Safer and Stronger Communities Team undertake local awareness raising campaigns to highlight and advise residents about securing their properties.
We also provide a Handy Van service which will help to increase security for vulnerable properties.
If you would like information on how you can reduce the risk of burglary please contact our team on 01454 868586 or visit www.secureyourmanor.org, this site offers practical steps to secure your home.
Vehicle Crime
Theft from a vehicle:
There are two types of car crime. the first is theft of a vehicle, the other is theft from a vehicle.
Vehicle crime is reducing in South Gloucestershire thanks to the close partnership working between the Police and the Council's Safer and Stronger Communities Team.
We have targeted our efforts to prevent the theft from vehicles by using CCTV in our local car parks, providing property marking kits and holding local awareness campaigns in our local shopping centres. We have reduced thefts from vehicles by 26% (June 2010) compared to the previous year (July2008-June2009).
You can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of car crime by locking away your valuables and not leaving them on display in the vehicle. This includes satellite navigation equipment.
A lot of car crime is committed by oppertunistic thieves, who walk past and see valuables, smash windows and take things. This includes stereo equipment.
Always lock your car and close your windows, including your sunroof in the summer months.
Theft of vehicle:
We have reducd the theft of vehicles by 23% (June 2010) across South Gloucestershire, when compared to the previous year of July 2008- June 2009, and we continue to work closely with our Police partners to raise awareness about car crime.
Purchasing a car can be the second largest purchase we make, so we need to make sure our car is secure and protected against theft.
A car immoboliser is a great deterrent for car theives and greatly reduces the risk of your car being stolen.
Always try to park in busy areas and well lit car parks and avoid leaving valuables on view which will attract opportunistic criminals. Always ensure all doors and windows, including sunroofs, are locked and don't forget to put on steering locks, even if you are away from your vehicle for a short time.
If your would like further advice on securing your vehicle please contact a member of our team on 01454 868586. or alternatively visit the Avon and Somerset Police website for help and useful tips on how to protect your vehicle.
Working Closely with the Police
The Safer and Stronger Communities team includes a dedicated Police Crime Prevention Team. The teams work closely together to share information and provide a coordinated approach to tackling crime, reducing Anti-Social Behaviour and reassuring South Gloucestershire residents.
A major development in improving safety in our town centres is the installation of CCTV cameras, permanently monitored by a CCTV Control Room.
Improving Street Lighting
Safer South Gloucestershire has installed thousands of pounds worth of street lighting in areas identified by local communities as vulnerable to crime or anti social behaviour. This has also helped people feel safer in their own neighbourhoods.
Police and PCSO presence in South Gloucestershire
The local police and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) provide a highly visible presence in town centres and communities across South Gloucestershire. They are represented at all major community events and a Police community safety exhibition trailer is available at community festivals, environmental action and community safety days.
Community Safety Walkabouts
Community safety walkabouts are regularly carried out in South Gloucestershire to identify local crime and disorder concerns and give local people a say in the actions needed to tackle them.
Safer and Stronger Community Groups
South Gloucestershire Council supports a number of Safer and Stronger community groups across South Gloucestershire. These groups are made up of loacl residents and agencies and focus on improving their local community in an effort to make them Safer and Stonger. They allow local people to riase concerns about local issues affecting them and are supported by representatives from the Council, Police, Fire and Rescue Services and other agencies. These agencies work together with local residents to improve the local area and tackle local issues.
If you would like to attend your local Safer and Stronger Community Group webpage
Street Cleaning
Council town centre cleaning teams work during the early hours and at weekends in order to enhance the appearance of town centres and promote a feeling of safety. They remove graffiti, illegal promotions posters, flytipping and drugs paraphernalia.
Removal of Abandoned Vehicles
South Gloucestershire Council and Police District deal with the investigation and removal of abandoned vehicles, to lessen the associated risks of arson and criminal damage
Contact Us
If you have any suggestions on how we can do more to help you feel safer and reduce your fear of crime and anti social behaviour, please contact us.