Good Attention from Police
Discussion
Just got home this evening and found out we had been burgled. The scrote had thrown a rock through the patio door and gone upstairs and taken jewellery watches and on the way out my work lap top and case etc.
The police sent out a crime scene officer who did everything she could and this was followed by two PC's who asked around the neighbours. I was quite surprised by the response and unfortunately the person who did it was wearing gloves so no prints. I cannot complain at the guy's who came or speed of response.
Hopefully something will show up as the two most sentimental things were from the MIL after her death.
The police sent out a crime scene officer who did everything she could and this was followed by two PC's who asked around the neighbours. I was quite surprised by the response and unfortunately the person who did it was wearing gloves so no prints. I cannot complain at the guy's who came or speed of response.
Hopefully something will show up as the two most sentimental things were from the MIL after her death.
Glad to hear it!
I'm sure someone will manage to put a negative slant on it somehow.
Anyway, no prints doesn't necessarily mean no result, there are other avenues...places of disposal, house to house etc so don't lose all hope. At the same time though don't hold your breath. Burglaries have a notoriously low detection rate. But good luck!
I'm sure someone will manage to put a negative slant on it somehow.
Anyway, no prints doesn't necessarily mean no result, there are other avenues...places of disposal, house to house etc so don't lose all hope. At the same time though don't hold your breath. Burglaries have a notoriously low detection rate. But good luck!
Locks won't stop a rock through a window Hardened glass might.
ETA: Going with the thread title; the police turned up within three quarters of an hour when I reported the theft of my registration-plates. Couldn't fault the attentive service I received.
ETA: Going with the thread title; the police turned up within three quarters of an hour when I reported the theft of my registration-plates. Couldn't fault the attentive service I received.
Edited by Laurel Green on Saturday 27th September 23:33
They can be absolute stars sometimes, when you least expect it.
Back in the late '90's, I had a new-ish and expensive motorbike taken from outside a friend's house that I was staying at, in South London. Despite the bike being locked to a lamp-post with a monster chain and padlock, AND having an alarm....I awoke the next morning to an empty, bike-shaped space in the road outside.
What was worse was that I was only in my early 20's at the time, and insurance was so expensive, that I could only afford third-party only insurance cover. That as 800 quid at the time - fully comp would have been a few grand
Anyway. I was aware that loads of motorbikes go missing in London all the time, to organised gangs, and that the Met Police were extremely busy and over-stretched. Hence, I didn't expect much help when I called it in.
To my amazement, a Police car arrived only a couple of hours later that morning, and out got a uniformed copper, plus TWO civvy-dressed CID chaps. They sat with me for over an hour, taking down all the details of the bike, any distinguishing features for identification, basically going over the whole incident with a fine-toothed comb, giving me the benefit of some very very thorough attention.
I was really impressed, and very grateful. I just expected a bit of a brush off, and an 'oh yeah, loads of these get nicked, sorry Sir, you'll probably never see it again...'
They actually filled me with a bit of confidence - and even if the bike wasn't found (I had about 10% of hope for that) the fact that they did such a thorough job for me was really appreciated. I felt like it mattered to them.
Two weeks later - those beauties found my bike. The locks were smashed, and it had a bit of damage to the exhaust pipe and a broken mirror - but it was in one piece, running, and more or less in the same condition it was when it got nicked.
Long story how it was recovered, but suffice to say that it involved another very sharp, on-the-ball copper, who was switched-on and dogged enough to pursue a lead, and work hard to get the thing back for me, and secure two convictions for himself to boot.
As you can imagine, I was VERY grateful - and I hadn't lost 8 grand's worth of bike in the end, like I thought I had!
Thank you Met Police!
Back in the late '90's, I had a new-ish and expensive motorbike taken from outside a friend's house that I was staying at, in South London. Despite the bike being locked to a lamp-post with a monster chain and padlock, AND having an alarm....I awoke the next morning to an empty, bike-shaped space in the road outside.
What was worse was that I was only in my early 20's at the time, and insurance was so expensive, that I could only afford third-party only insurance cover. That as 800 quid at the time - fully comp would have been a few grand
Anyway. I was aware that loads of motorbikes go missing in London all the time, to organised gangs, and that the Met Police were extremely busy and over-stretched. Hence, I didn't expect much help when I called it in.
To my amazement, a Police car arrived only a couple of hours later that morning, and out got a uniformed copper, plus TWO civvy-dressed CID chaps. They sat with me for over an hour, taking down all the details of the bike, any distinguishing features for identification, basically going over the whole incident with a fine-toothed comb, giving me the benefit of some very very thorough attention.
I was really impressed, and very grateful. I just expected a bit of a brush off, and an 'oh yeah, loads of these get nicked, sorry Sir, you'll probably never see it again...'
They actually filled me with a bit of confidence - and even if the bike wasn't found (I had about 10% of hope for that) the fact that they did such a thorough job for me was really appreciated. I felt like it mattered to them.
Two weeks later - those beauties found my bike. The locks were smashed, and it had a bit of damage to the exhaust pipe and a broken mirror - but it was in one piece, running, and more or less in the same condition it was when it got nicked.
Long story how it was recovered, but suffice to say that it involved another very sharp, on-the-ball copper, who was switched-on and dogged enough to pursue a lead, and work hard to get the thing back for me, and secure two convictions for himself to boot.
As you can imagine, I was VERY grateful - and I hadn't lost 8 grand's worth of bike in the end, like I thought I had!
Thank you Met Police!
Even if they don't find finger prints, they may find something that connects your break to others in the past, or others in the future, and if/when they do slip up and leave a finger print/blood, it could be linked.
Can I add, if you have the time, it would be well received if you dropped someone an email at the Police to say what you've said here. Always nice to get some thank yous.
Can I add, if you have the time, it would be well received if you dropped someone an email at the Police to say what you've said here. Always nice to get some thank yous.
Ki3r said:
Even if they don't find finger prints, they may find something that connects your break to others in the past, or others in the future, and if/when they do slip up and leave a finger print/blood, it could be linked.
Can I add, if you have the time, it would be well received if you dropped someone an email at the Police to say what you've said here. Always nice to get some thank yous.
Agreed, drop them a line - but its a shame that expectations are so low that the minimum the local force should be doing is now seen as exceptional service - no, i'm not being negative just its a shame this is how things have goneCan I add, if you have the time, it would be well received if you dropped someone an email at the Police to say what you've said here. Always nice to get some thank yous.
Laurel Green said:
Locks won't stop a rock through a window Hardened glass might.
ETA: Going with the thread title; the police turned up within three quarters of an hour when I reported the theft of my registration-plates. Couldn't fault the attentive service I received.
Although a lock on the side gate to prevent / make it harder to get around the back of the house and also remove your swag from the house will have a significant difference.ETA: Going with the thread title; the police turned up within three quarters of an hour when I reported the theft of my registration-plates. Couldn't fault the attentive service I received.
Edited by Laurel Green on Saturday 27th September 23:33
dacouch said:
Laurel Green said:
Locks won't stop a rock through a window Hardened glass might.
ETA: Going with the thread title; the police turned up within three quarters of an hour when I reported the theft of my registration-plates. Couldn't fault the attentive service I received.
Although a lock on the side gate to prevent / make it harder to get around the back of the house and also remove your swag from the house will have a significant difference.ETA: Going with the thread title; the police turned up within three quarters of an hour when I reported the theft of my registration-plates. Couldn't fault the attentive service I received.
Edited by Laurel Green on Saturday 27th September 23:33
Edited by Bigends on Sunday 28th September 09:40
Bigends said:
Agreed, drop them a line - but its a shame that expectations are so low that the minimum the local force should be doing is now seen as exceptional service - no, i'm not being negative just its a shame this is how things have gone
It's not so much that, it's just that people are quite quick enough to phone to complain that the service is below their required standard (regardless of how unreasonable that standard is) that it's nice to have something to counteract it. We were burgled 5 years ago when we were asleep, the Police were great then too.
We left the downstairs small windows open, they got in through there however I don't know how as the windows were too small for someone to get through and I don't know how they managed to lean in and open the main windows as they have two handles; one at the top and one at the bottom and a very stiff button needs pressing on both handles too.
They were never found however with what was stolen; small, easy to take elecrical items and they had gone through our medicine cupboard in the kitchen, the Police said it was most likely an opportunist burglary and druggies.
Finger prints and shoe prints were found however nothing came of it but we were told they would stay on the database and something could well flag up in many years to come.
We left the downstairs small windows open, they got in through there however I don't know how as the windows were too small for someone to get through and I don't know how they managed to lean in and open the main windows as they have two handles; one at the top and one at the bottom and a very stiff button needs pressing on both handles too.
They were never found however with what was stolen; small, easy to take elecrical items and they had gone through our medicine cupboard in the kitchen, the Police said it was most likely an opportunist burglary and druggies.
Finger prints and shoe prints were found however nothing came of it but we were told they would stay on the database and something could well flag up in many years to come.
Glad to hear, and sorry to hear you've been burgled.
It's highly likely your local crime manager lives and breathes burglary (dwelling) data. The simple fact is they don't want to be in charge when burglaries increase. They'd much rather put on their CV they were reduced as they've so often been an integral part of police performance at a local / force level. There are probably other motivations, but that'll be the corporate one. The result is there will likely be a standard system / response in place to try and give a better service / increase the probability of detection.
It's highly likely your local crime manager lives and breathes burglary (dwelling) data. The simple fact is they don't want to be in charge when burglaries increase. They'd much rather put on their CV they were reduced as they've so often been an integral part of police performance at a local / force level. There are probably other motivations, but that'll be the corporate one. The result is there will likely be a standard system / response in place to try and give a better service / increase the probability of detection.
La Liga said:
Glad to hear, and sorry to hear you've been burgled.
It's highly likely your local crime manager lives and breathes burglary (dwelling) data. The simple fact is they don't want to be in charge when burglaries increase. They'd much rather put on their CV they were reduced as they've so often been an integral part of police performance at a local / force level. There are probably other motivations, but that'll be the corporate one. The result is there will likely be a standard system / response in place to try and give a better service / increase the probability of detection.
Not any more - i'm a crime manager - no interest in figures at all -record correctly and investigate. Performance and crime recording dont mix. If Burgaries increase - identify the problem and do something about it - in this case - minimum investigation standards should be met It's highly likely your local crime manager lives and breathes burglary (dwelling) data. The simple fact is they don't want to be in charge when burglaries increase. They'd much rather put on their CV they were reduced as they've so often been an integral part of police performance at a local / force level. There are probably other motivations, but that'll be the corporate one. The result is there will likely be a standard system / response in place to try and give a better service / increase the probability of detection.
Thanks for all the kind words. So far the damage is the door as the frame is marked where the broken glass was against it. The wall cracked around the door frame and the leather torn on the sofa foot stool plus a hole in the wall were the rock went through the plaster board.
Very messy, drawers out but they could have got more had they looked harder. My daughter had a jewellery box with gold in it that they missed, but to be honest it probably looked like it was burgled before so hard to spot stuff quickly.
Locks are all top notch on exterior doors as insisted by insurance so no issues, but they may ask for locks to be changed as apparently they like to make sure that things are done right.
Insured with NFU who so far have been on the ball, I don't suspect any problem except the time it will take to sort out.
One good news item is some of the jewellery that we thought had gone, when we started clearing up we found it in a different draw in the bedroom but not the sentimental lower value items.
I was expecting just a crime number to be honest at worst, at best a visit so let's see where it takes us. One high note is that it was not unusual to find criminals had defecated around homes before, but because of DNA they no longer do that so after changing all the sheets the clean up was a few hours work.
Very messy, drawers out but they could have got more had they looked harder. My daughter had a jewellery box with gold in it that they missed, but to be honest it probably looked like it was burgled before so hard to spot stuff quickly.
Locks are all top notch on exterior doors as insisted by insurance so no issues, but they may ask for locks to be changed as apparently they like to make sure that things are done right.
Insured with NFU who so far have been on the ball, I don't suspect any problem except the time it will take to sort out.
One good news item is some of the jewellery that we thought had gone, when we started clearing up we found it in a different draw in the bedroom but not the sentimental lower value items.
I was expecting just a crime number to be honest at worst, at best a visit so let's see where it takes us. One high note is that it was not unusual to find criminals had defecated around homes before, but because of DNA they no longer do that so after changing all the sheets the clean up was a few hours work.
Police have been very good on the couple of occasions when we were burgled (last time was 2 NYEs ago - not very nice to come home to after an evening of celebrating).
A week or so later in the post I received an offer of victim support/counselling. I wonder if this is funded by the 'victim surcharge' I've seen mentioned?
A week or so later in the post I received an offer of victim support/counselling. I wonder if this is funded by the 'victim surcharge' I've seen mentioned?
Bigends said:
La Liga said:
Glad to hear, and sorry to hear you've been burgled.
It's highly likely your local crime manager lives and breathes burglary (dwelling) data. The simple fact is they don't want to be in charge when burglaries increase. They'd much rather put on their CV they were reduced as they've so often been an integral part of police performance at a local / force level. There are probably other motivations, but that'll be the corporate one. The result is there will likely be a standard system / response in place to try and give a better service / increase the probability of detection.
Not any more - i'm a crime manager - no interest in figures at all -record correctly and investigate. Performance and crime recording dont mix. If Burgaries increase - identify the problem and do something about it - in this case - minimum investigation standards should be met It's highly likely your local crime manager lives and breathes burglary (dwelling) data. The simple fact is they don't want to be in charge when burglaries increase. They'd much rather put on their CV they were reduced as they've so often been an integral part of police performance at a local / force level. There are probably other motivations, but that'll be the corporate one. The result is there will likely be a standard system / response in place to try and give a better service / increase the probability of detection.
They will care about burglary data, as being at least an indication (as it should only be) as to how well a BCU is performing in an area important to the public. Anyone looking for promotion who can say they reduced burglaries (and can show the cause and effect) isn't in too-bad-a position.
La Liga said:
Bigends said:
La Liga said:
Glad to hear, and sorry to hear you've been burgled.
It's highly likely your local crime manager lives and breathes burglary (dwelling) data. The simple fact is they don't want to be in charge when burglaries increase. They'd much rather put on their CV they were reduced as they've so often been an integral part of police performance at a local / force level. There are probably other motivations, but that'll be the corporate one. The result is there will likely be a standard system / response in place to try and give a better service / increase the probability of detection.
Not any more - i'm a crime manager - no interest in figures at all -record correctly and investigate. Performance and crime recording dont mix. If Burgaries increase - identify the problem and do something about it - in this case - minimum investigation standards should be met It's highly likely your local crime manager lives and breathes burglary (dwelling) data. The simple fact is they don't want to be in charge when burglaries increase. They'd much rather put on their CV they were reduced as they've so often been an integral part of police performance at a local / force level. There are probably other motivations, but that'll be the corporate one. The result is there will likely be a standard system / response in place to try and give a better service / increase the probability of detection.
Agreed - still have to keep an eye on them trying to under-record or reclassify though
They will care about burglary data, as being at least an indication (as it should only be) as to how well a BCU is performing in an area important to the public. Anyone looking for promotion who can say they reduced burglaries (and can show the cause and effect) isn't in too-bad-a position.
Agreed - still have to keep an eye on them trying to under-record or reclassify though
Edited by Bigends on Sunday 28th September 14:03
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