Christmas message from police at the heart of Scarborough community

Local policing officers are taking festive safety messages into the heart of Scarborough, Filey and Eastfield's communities this Christmas.
An Operation Cracker patrol gets underway in Eastfield earlier this month.An Operation Cracker patrol gets underway in Eastfield earlier this month.
An Operation Cracker patrol gets underway in Eastfield earlier this month.

Officers, PCSOs and volunteers from the Scarborough Community Impact Team and Neighbourhood Policing Teams across the borough will be on duty throughout the Christmas period, carrying out high-visibility patrols.

They’re also asking residents to play their part in keeping everyone safe, by following crime prevention and home security advice, and checking on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours.

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Insp Andy Short, of Filey and Eastfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Neighbourhood policing is a key part of what we do at North Yorkshire Police.

“Having our dedicated officers, PCSOs, volunteers, and local authority colleagues working in partnership with other agencies at the heart of our communities helps us support and keep people safe all year round.

“This is particularly important at Christmas, which can be a difficult time of year for those who may have little or no family support. We will be working hard to keep vulnerable people safe, and I know that the local community will come together and support them too.”

In Eastfield, police officers and volunteers, have been calling on residents – young and old – in areas where there is a high proportion of older people.

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Older residents are being offered crime prevention and welfare advice, while younger residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for their older and more vulnerable neighbours.

Partner agencies and organisations supporting the initiative, dubbed Operation Cracker, include North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Eastfield Town Council, 95 Alive, NatWest, Scarborough and Ryedale Carers Resource, the YMCA and Beyond Housing.

Insp Graeme Kynman, of Scarborough Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I’d also like to emphasise the importance of keeping your home and property secure. This may not be the jolliest of Christmas messages, but it’s one that I would like everyone to follow: spend a few minutes now checking your home security to reduce your risk. Being a victim of burglary can be devastating and have a life-long impact on individuals and whole families.”

Residents are urged to follow this Christmas crime prevention advice:

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* Lock all windows and doors – it’s an obvious one, but it’s worth reinforcing this most basic of crime prevention measures

* Always secure garages, outbuildings, sheds and gates

* Fit security lighting in your garden – remember, criminals hate being seen

* Keep Christmas presents, valuable items and car keys out of sight and out of reach

* Use timer switches to turn lights on while you are out – a well-lit home gives the impression that someone is in

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* Don’t leave curtains closed during the day, only in the evening and overnight

* Contact your local officers to arrange dot peen property marking free of charge. If items are lost or stolen, this helps the police identify its rightful owner and provide evidence vital in securing prosecutions

* Photograph those expensive gifts, and register them free of charge at www.immobilise.com

* Always report suspicious activity to the police by calling 101 for non-emergencies

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* In an emergency if a crime is in progress or you feel threatened, always dial 999

* If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can still pass information about suspected crimes to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/homesecurity or contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.