Garage break-ins across the estate

Over the past few weeks (and the past few nights in particular), there have been a number of break-ins into garages on the estate. The police were called on occasion and some suspects were caught. However, the problem continues. There have been break-ins reported in Hornbeam Close, Lime Close and Lockholt Close and possibly other locations. Garages were locked, but their padlocks had been cut.

Advice is usually to make sure that garages are locked, but as locks are being cut, this doesn't help much. All I can suggest right now is to change your garage locks with a closed shackle type (shown above) that conforms to British Standard which is harder to get bolt cutters onto.

I shall make contact with our PCSO regarding any additional action that could be taken to prevent break-ins of this nature and report back to you. In the meantime, we need to remain vigilant as a community and report any suspicious activity around the many garages and garage blocks around the estate.

What could help is to have more members of the Neighbourhood Watch, as we only have a handful of members in those area affected. Membership means I can get messages sent out to you via email en masse as well as using the Godinton Park Community page to send alerts. To join, click here or go to the Godinton Park Neighbourhood Watch (GPNW) site, go to Links and click Become A Member.

Also, you could register on the Immobilise site and record details of any items of value you have inside your garage (as well as inside your home) so that the police can identify stolen items if they are recovered. It's free to use. You can also get to the site via the Links section on the GPNW site.

Lastly, please remember that when members of Neighbourhood Watch call Kent Police using the 101 system that they clearly identify themselves as members of Neighbourhood Watch to the call handler and ask for the call to be "tagged" for the attention of Neighbourhood Watch. This will ensure that any incidents reported by Neighbourhood Watch are brought to the attention of the East Kent Coordinator who can make any necessary follow up calls. Calls to 101 (from both landlines and mobile networks) cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day you call, or how long you are on the phone. The 15p cost of the call goes to the telephony providers to cover the cost of carrying the calls.