Weekly Update from Westcotes

Westcotes Beat – Weekly Update

1) Rise in theft from motor vehicles – how to keep yours secure

We’ve seen a recent uptick in reports of items being taken from parked cars and vans across Westcotes, particularly overnight. Offenders are mainly targeting easy-to-grab valuables and vehicles left unlocked. Please help us reduce opportunities by:

Remove it or risk it: Take bags, laptops, tools, parcels, sat-navs/dashcams and their mounts/cables out of sight. Wipe away suction-cup marks that signal a device may be in the glovebox.

Lock up properly: Double-check doors, windows and the boot before walking away. Don’t rely solely on auto-lock—listen/try a handle.

Park smart: Choose well-lit areas, busy streets or secure car parks. At home, use a driveway or garage where possible and consider motion-activated lighting or a video doorbell covering your vehicle.

Mark and record: Security-mark tools and property; keep serial numbers/photos. Tamper-proof number-plate screws deter plate theft.

Keyless users: Keep fobs away from doors/windows and consider an RFID-blocking pouch.

If you catch someone in the act or a crime is in progress, call 999. To report after the fact or share CCTV/doorbell footage, use 101 or the online reporting portal.

2) Arrest on warrant

This week officers located and arrested an individual wanted on warrant in the Westcotes area. The person was taken into custody and will be placed before the courts.

3) Bike theft—caught in the act by PCSOs

Keen-eyed PCSOs on high-visibility patrol observed a suspect actively tampering with a locked cycle. The suspect was detained and enquiries are ongoing. Prevent theft by using two quality locks (a D-lock through the frame + an additional lock through the wheels), securing your bike to a sturdy stand, and registering your frame number on bike register. If we recover a bike, registration helps us get it back to you quickly.

4) East West Community Centre – Beat Surgery

Thank you to everyone who dropped in to our beat surgery at the East West Community Centre. We discussed personal safety and other questions relating to policing. These sessions are your chance to speak directly with your neighbourhood team, share intelligence and pick up prevention advice. 

5) Bede Park – increased late-night patrols

Following reports of antisocial behaviour—loud music and groups drinking late into the night—we’ve stepped up targeted patrols in and around Bede Park. Where necessary, we’ll seize alcohol, issue warnings and take enforcement action. Your reports help us direct patrols to the right places and times, so please continue to log incidents. If noise or ASB is ongoing and affecting you, call 101; if there’s a threat to safety or a crime in progress, call 999.

How to contact us & share intel

Emergencies/crime in progress: 999

Non-emergency/report information: 101 or online reporting

Anonymous information: Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Westcotes Team