In recent weeks Brampton NPT has seen an increase in the number of sneak-in burglaries at homes in the area. These have occurred during the daytime and overnight from houses where doors or windows have been left unlocked. On a few occasions this has happened whilst occupants have been in the house and unaware of the burglary until later.
Nationally over 40% of domestic burglaries occur because of people leaving their properties insecure and vulnerable to attack by opportunist thieves.
The police would like to remind householders of the need to safeguard their property, and offer the following advice:-
• Please remember if you are upstairs, or in another part of the house, or in the garden, don’t leave your front or back door unlocked, or windows open. We encourage people to fit, and most importantly use, good locks on downstairs and accessible windows at all times.
• Remember to lock up even if you are only going out for a couple of minutes - that’s all the time a thief needs !
• Do not leave keys in the hallway or within easy view from the outside
• It is worth remembering that most household insurance policies do not cover the theft of property from within a home that has been left insecure. Victims are often left counting the cost and having to pay out themselves to replace their stolen property.
• Postcode all types of property to deter thieves and improve the chances of tracing the stolen items. Postcoding can be done with ultra-violet marker pens,engraving,stamping or even paint.
We have previously given advice regarding bogus builders/distraction burglars. These unscrupulous people are still operating in our area and police are currently investigating a local man and woman team. Please be on your guard and also if you have any elderly or vulnerable neighbours please be aware for them too.
Community engagement
During the Easter School holidays Brampton NPT police and PCSO’s arranged a number of football competitions in Alston, Brampton, and Longtown against young people in the area. In all over 30 young people were involved building on relationships between youth and police.
All the games were very close with the Police just winning their Brampton and Longtown games. However the Alston Game went to penalties and was won by the Alston team 5-4. There was great team spirit and everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable time.
On the back of this success it is intended to hold a 6 a side football festival at William Howard School on Sunday 29th July. If anyone is interested in taking part (minimum age 16yrs) please contact PC Mike Fordyce on 101 ext 53208.
Local police continue to work closely with Riverside Housing to ensure that residents quality of life is not marred by anti social behaviour and crime. During April tenants at a house in Moor Road Longtown were served eviction notices after allowing their house to be used as a ‘doss house’ by all and sundry; anti social behaviour from within had detrimental effects on the community.
Partnership working is continues as we are working with Riverside and Carlisle City Council to tackle the excessive fly tipping and rubbish left in the area of Lochinvar close area of Longtown. This obviously looks unsightly but also attracts vermin. Riverside are placing skips in the area to try and assist with the problem. They will be sending letter to all their tenants reminding them of their tenancy agreement. Failing that we will begin a period of prosecution. Litter has an adverse effect on people quality of life and encourages anti social behaviour by lack of respect for the area.
Brampton PCSO’s and members of Brampton Special Constabulary will be in attendance at the forthcoming Maddies Priors Stepping Stone Music Festival in Brampton on the Weekend of 5-6 May at Brampton Community Centre. We hope the sun shines and that this will be an enjoyable event for all attendees.
Arrests
A man has been arrested after a number of public order and assault incidents were reported on two separate occasions in Brampton town. The man has been charged with a number of offences and will appear at Carlisle MC on 10th May. He has also been issued with a 12 months banning order form all the Public houses not only in Brampton and area but also from Carlisle.
In Aprils issue of Longtown’s newsletter we reported on a spate of criminal damage incidents and graffiti in the Longtown area. Subsequently three local youths have been interviewed regarding these incidents but due to insufficient evidence no further action is being taken.
A house was searched at a house in Alston and a quantity of drugs found. The occupant was arrested and interviewed. Enquiries are continuing.
Police conducted a search of a house in Longtown. As a result of what they found two men were arrested for drugs offences. One man was charged with allowing premises to be used in the supply of drugs. He has been dealt with at Carlisle Magistrates court. The second man was arrested for possession of cannabis with intent to supply. Again he has been charged with the offence and is awaiting sentencing at Crown Court.
During the Easter break damage was caused to a window at William Howard School. Two students from the school admitted their part in the damage and have been dealt with through Restorative Justice
During the night 19/20th April thieves broke into a farm outbuilding at Cummersdale and stolen a quad bike. This quad was found nearby abandoned. As a result of police enquiries a Carlisle man has been arrested and interviewed and is currently on police bail pending further enquiries.
After a number of thefts from shops in Brampton town a local female was arrested, charged and placed before the court. She is now serving a period of imprisonment.
Crime issues
April has seen a rise in the number of burglaries across the NPT and Caldew has not escaped this increase. Houses under construction or insecure premises appear to have been the favourite target of the thieves.
Thieves entered an insecure porch at a house Wreay and snipped the wire security chain of a Giant mountain bike blue in colour making good their escape.
Between 9-11 April burglars attempted to gain entry to a house in Dalston. The house was unoccupied and the thieves left empty handed.
Staying with Dalston, overnight 16/17th April two houses were burgled. Thieves entered both houses via insecure doors. During one of the burglaries cash and a mountain bike were stolen. This reinforces the above advice of being particularly careful with securing your doors and windows.
Overnight 17/18th April a Brian James double axle trailer (car transporter type) was stolen from Orton Grange. The trailer was well secured with clamps and other security measures; the thieves went to a lot of trouble to steal it.
On the afternoon of 18th April unknown persons set fire to a disused building at the old brickworks at Brisco. A considerable amount of damage was caused to the structure of the building.
A garage was broken into at a house at Dalston overnight 22/23rd during which a mountain bike as stolen. This bike was found the next day abandoned in Carlisle and returned to the grateful owner.
Lastly overnight 25/26th April thieves entered a compound of a business premise in Carleton and syphoned diesel from a parked vehicle. An unsucessful attempt was also made on a diesel storage tank
If anyone has any information about the above or any other crime please contact 101 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111