A new Community Safety Booklet produced by Isle of Man Constabulary will be delivered to all Island households from next Monday (25th January).
The booklet contains commonsense advice on such issues as house and vehicle security, and how to be on your guard against 'rogue traders' and bogus callers. It also has information on a wide range of subjects including road safety and domestic violence, and a useful contact number section.
Force Crime Reduction Officer Mike Radcliffe (Mike Radcliffe) reminds people that they can play an active role in preventing crime in the community by being more safety and security aware:
"Whilst records show that the crime rate has continued to fall over the last few years, analysis of our records clearly show that a large number of offences could have been prevented.
"Let’s not forget that there is no such thing as a ‘victimless crime’. Behind each report there’s a human story, at least one person or family who has paid a price and become a victim of crime. My job is to try to prevent this from happening to you."
"I sometimes feel like a record with the needle stuck in the groove. I keep telling people the same messages – Lock your house, close your windows, secure your vehicle and ensure that you look after your property. Unfortunately, a significant number of residents fail to act upon the advice.
"They appear to wear ‘rose tinted spectacles’ and think that it will never happen to them. Remember, criminals are opportunists – if you don’t look after your property – they will!"
Chief Constable Mike Langdon said, "Continuing reduction in crime is one of our priorities. Denying criminals the opportunity to commit crime is critical to this approach and if we are to sustain or improve our Community Safety levels restricting opportunities is essential."
Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw MHK comments, "The police have packaged a lot of useful crime prevention information into a handy sized booklet and I hope people will take the time to read it and retain it for reference.
"We are fortunate to live on an Island with a low crime rate but we can all do more to reduce our chances of becoming a victim of crime."
