Stop and search begins in Cookham to stop "escalating" car crimes (From Bucks Free Press)

Stop and search begins in Cookham to stop "escalating" car crimes

1:05pm Wednesday 20th January 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(1)

A STOP and search operation has begun in Cookham to stop a spate of car crime escalating.

Three vehicles were broken into in two days, with thieves taking golf clubs and a satellite navigation system.

PC Marc Chapman said there had been a specific pattern to the break-ins and it was important to be “pro-active”.

In each case the lock had been forced before a search of the boot was carried out.

The items stolen came from cars in Church Road, Cookham Dean on January 16 between 8pm and 11.30pm.

Nothing was taken from the vehicle in which was broken into in Graham Road, Cookham Rise on January 14 between 7pm and the next morning.

PC Chapman said: “We have increased patrols to stop and search any one out late at night who looks out of place. It's trying to get on top of the game and be more proactive to crime.

“We are trying to prevent anything escalating.

“The victims are very upset and what people expect is for us to be high visibility.”

Three people have so far been stopped as part of the operation but no arrests have been made.

Figures show there were five thefts from cars in the same period last year.

PC Chapman said: “On paper it looks good – it's minus 40 per cent and it's a reduction - but it's not good enough for my team and me.”

He asked residents to keep their eyes peeled for suspicious behaviour and appealed for anyone with any information to contact him.

Either call 0845 8 505 505 or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

HOUSEHOLDERS can have their say on what policing priorities should be in their neighbourhood.

A consultation survey has been launched by Thames Valley Police and the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) to decide the three key issues in 2010 for the Cookhams, Walthams, Bisham and Hurley.

Go to the following address to take part: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KBTQTNL