If you have ever been the victim of crime, which I have, you will know that when it happens to you it is 100% personal. We all want to be safe, be it at home or out and about, and we trust that everyone else thinks the same and leaves us or our property alone. Unfortunately that isn’t always true.
Yes, we have a Police Service but the fact is that they can’t be everywhere and do everything. We need to take collective responsibility by the things we do or don’t do! There are numerous simple measures that you can do to keep one step ahead of the criminals. I was staggered to hear recently that there had been several cases of things being taken from cars in the Rushcliffe area. In the majority of cases the cars had been left unlocked and/or property left on display!
In Ruddington there are some “Neighbourhood Watch” Schemes where residents have decided that by getting together with their neighbours and “looking out” for each other they can cut local crime by reporting anything suspicious.
Do you think we need more of these schemes?
Would you be prepared to be involved to establish one for your road / street / neighbourhood?
If you have a computer, did you know that you can register on the free Neighbourhood Alert System which gives you up to date information about crime and things to be aware e.g. scams etc. in this area.
(Visit www.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk ) It also lets you report information confidentially to the Police and Neighbourhood Watch. Register at www.rushcliffecommunity.co.uk
If you feel that as a village we could do more to “look out” for ourselves please send your comments to Cllr Barbara Breakwell c/o the Parish Council Office or email councillorbb@ntlworld.com