RURAL BURGLARY & SECURITY ALERT

RURAL BURGLARY & SECURITY ALERT

Dear Residents,

We are writing to make you aware of various reports & concerns being raised by members in our rural communities. This is regarding suspicious circumstances, particularly during night-time, weekend & evening hours where unknown individuals are appearing to scout properties, outbuildings & move through villages in a manner that has caused unease.

Just last week, on the back of a suspicious circumstances report from a concerned local in the Glaisdale & Danby area, a Whitby Police patrol intercepted the individuals and the car was surveyed.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of some simple but effective steps you can take to help protect your home and vehicles, and increase community resilience.

No mater how rural, isolated or quiet your property may be, please consider the following security advice - particularly if you have already been a victim of burglary or theft.

Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, especially during the evening and overnight.

Use external lighting such as motion-activated security lights to deter opportunistic offenders.

If you have an alarm system, ensure it is set correctly and in good working order.

Avoid leaving car keys, house keys, handbags, or valuables in view of windows and front doors/letterboxes. Secure keyless cars using an RFID blocking box. Do not leave them in vehicles.

If you are away from home, consider using timer switches for lights and asking a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property.

Lock sheds, garages, and outbuildings, particularly if they contain tools or equipment, and put trackers on vehicles and equipment.

Mark tools/trailers/quads/valuables where possible: free property-marking events happen regularly at Malton Library by Ryedale Neighbourhood Policing Team. The next event is 10:00 – 12:00hrs on Saturday 9th May (contact PCSO Geoff WYNN 3579 via 101 for more information).

Install doorbell cameras & CCTV where appropriate, ensuring they are used responsibly and legally (with some signage to indicate their presence).

Reinforce weak points on outbuildings, including roofs.

Consider ground anchors and door bars.

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For further trusted guidance on improving home security, residents may wish to visit the Secure by Design website. Secure by Design is an official police security initiative and provides practical advice on doors, windows, lighting, and crime prevention measures for homes and communities:

👉https://www.securedbydesign.com

Please remain vigilant.

If you see anything that appears out of place—such as unknown persons acting suspiciously, vehicles repeatedly driving slowly through the village or up to farm boundaries, people checking gates, doors, or windows without reason —please report this.

In an emergency that is in progress, call 999.

For non-emergency concerns or suspicious activity, contact 101.

You can also report suspicious behaviour anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Community awareness is one of the most effective ways to prevent crime. By looking out for one another and reporting concerns promptly, we can help keep our areas a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Why do we highlight the need for those who have already been victims of theft or Burglary?

Repeat burglary victims face a significantly higher risk of being targeted again, often by the same offenders returning for replaced goods or because of familiar, weak security. Risks are highest shortly after the first incident, making immediate security upgrades (target hardening) critical.

Nearly one in four victims face a repeat event.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.

Kind regards,

Whitby Neighbourhood Policing Team
North Yorkshire Police

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If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours, please consider checking in on them and ensuring they are aware of this advice.

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Luke Aaron
(North Yorkshire Police, PCSO, Whitby)