Welford Incidents

• Suspicious Circumstances. Millers Close. Black Audi A4 seen acting suspiciously in the area. Occupants were two black males in the 20’s. Caller concerned regards their motives, plus they had seen on social media that this vehicle had been seen in similar circumstances by other people. 3pm Friday 9th June. 0182 16/06/2023

Summer Crime Prevention Advice

While the weather is hot it is tempting to leave windows and doors open, while you are away, in the garden or just in another part of the house. Unfortunately, this is a perfect opportunity for the passing thief. Here are a few tips to avoid being a victim of crime

• Close or lock windows and doors that are unattended.
• Remove any valuables from sight.
• Keep car keys away from the side of the house nearest to the vehicle and preferable in a faraday pouch if ‘keyless’
• Window opening restrictors allow you to ventilate your home but make sure they can’t be picked and unlocked from outside.
• Lower fences at the front around one-metre high are preferable to high fences as they allow for a clear view over the top and don’t provide cover for anyone wishing to hide.
• Planting prickly or barbed shrubbery along boundaries and fence lines acts as an effective natural barrier.
• Gravel driveways and paths will make sure you hear anyone approach.
• Make sure the side gate is locked.
• Lock your shed or garage.
• Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property or join a Neighbourhood or resident Watch Scheme.
• If your door has a letterbox, a guard fitted to the rear of the door will prevent someone reaching in with a stick and a hook to fish for any nearby items such as a handbag or keys – which should never be kept near exterior doors. Consider cat flaps and dog flaps too.
• Make your valuables less attractive to thieves by using property or police approved forensic marking solution only visible under Ultraviolet (UV) light.
• Consider an accredited burglar alarm system with audible alarm boxes mounted high at the front and rear of your home. Two visible audible alarm boxes are better than one. Mount them at the front and rear of your home, high up to resist tampering.

If you see or hear anything suspicious, call the police immediately on 101 or 999 as necessary.

Have your say – Public Survey

At Warwickshire Police, we recognise the importance of understanding the perceptions and experiences of Warwickshire’s diverse communities.

This survey is a platform for you to have your say and your voice heard. The survey is for anyone over 16 years old who lives in, works in, visits or travels through the Warwickshire Police region. The survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.

By completing this survey, you agree to Warwickshire Police using your anonymised data for analysis and reporting that will contribute to local policing. Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and stored securely.

Please use the following link to access the survey: https://bit.ly/3oex6RY

Feel free to share with your family and friends.

If you have any questions about the survey, please email the force’s Consultation and Engagement team via surveys@warwickshire.police.uk

Do you know how to spot the signs of a cannabis farm

• Strong odours – Cannabis crops take around three months to grow, odours can be potent in the final weeks.
• Covered up windows – Curtains always drawn up or windows covered/boarded up from the inside.
•  Excessive security measures – Excessive security measures such as extra locks or grilles on windows.
• Lots of condensation – Cannabis plants need a greenhouse like environment to grow. Look out for condensation on the windows, especially in the summer months.
• Lots of visitors – Frequent visitors at unsociable hours.
• Resident only visiting address twice weekly – Some cannabis growers are extremely organised and only tend to the plants a couple of times a week.
• Plant growing equipment – Look out for potential growers taking lots of plant growing equipment in and out of properties, such as soil/fertiliser and plant waste.
• Lot of cables and wiring – Cannabis farm set ups require lots of cables and wirings for all the equipment. If wires are still hanging from ceilings/walls after a week, this may be a sign of a grow.
• Excessive electricity bills (For Landlords) – Have the electricity bills suddenly spiked or dropped? It may be likely that the tenants are fiddling with the meter.
• Snow or frost – Cannabis farms produce a lot of heat. Be wary of a property without a snow-covered roof.
• Bright lights day and night – Cannabis plants need light to grow, look out for properties with bright lighting.
• Buzz of ventilation – The constant noise of a fan could be for ventilation for cannabis grows.
• Vulnerable adults – Sometimes foreign nationals are forced to tend to cannabis farms and are victims of human trafficking/modern slavery.

If you have any information that could help police identify a cannabis farm you can go to
www.warwickshire.police.uk/report or call 101. Alternatively, information can be provided
anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.