Yes, it's that time of the year: Blue skies and the sun is shining and we can throw open our doors and windows with gay abandon to welcome in warmer climes. Yes, and all is right with the world.

Sadly I wish that were true.

Burglary

Leaving a door or a window open is all the invite any burglar needs. Even if someone is at home the opportunist will take a chance and could be in and out with your property before you know it.

Remember: THIEVES LIKE THINGS EASY. Window locks with the keys removed will often put them off and are cheap and simple to install. Moreover, please ensure that all garden tools are not left lying around and are locked away safely in the garden shed.

In the last year or two there have been a number of high value vehicles stolen from drives. Okay, you may say, "well my car is locked and the keys are placed safely inside on the hall table". BE WARNED your vehicle is still vulnerable. Leaving keys on the hall table where it can be seen through the letterbox is an open invite to the burglar. They will use a stick, with a hook or magnet attached to grab what they can see through the letterbox. So keep car and all other keys out of sight.

We could all help to prevent such crimes. Make a note of the registration of suspicious vehicles and pass them on to PCSO Steve Harvey or to me.

Broken Glass

With the warmer weather upon us, youths are again starting to gather on Gobions open space until late into the evening. That in itself is not a problem if, of course, there is no criminal activity. However, a resident of a house nearby, brought a potential problem to my attention. One young lad, amongst a group of youths, was seen removing a glass bottle from a recycling box and proceeded to smash the bottle against a wall leaving shards of glass across the pavement. The youth was, however, very apologetic when confronted by a resident. The issue here was the potential for maybe a nasty injury to a toddler, or to someone's pet or to anyone else for that matter.

Parents, if you are aware of your son or daughter is using Gobions please remind them of their duty to behave responsibly and respect the surroundings. That duty should also extend to their journey home from the open space.

To all residents, please ensure that recycled material is not left exposed to tempt idle minds.

Damage to property may result in police involvement. The worst case scenario would mean you getting a telephone call informing you that your son, or daughter is in custody.

General Matters

Steve Harvey is the Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for the rural beat of Hatfield. He not only covers Brookmans Park/Little Heath, but also Northaw/Cuffley and Welham Green.

PCSO's are uniformed civilian support officers, who provide high visible patrols, public reassurance and help to increase feelings of safety in the community. Moreover, they gather useful information from the local community about crime, suspected criminals and nuisance behaviour. They effectively provide an important link between the public and the ward constable.

My own view, despite recent negative press reports, is that PCSO's are very useful resources, who are invaluable additions to the police family.

You Can Contact Steve Harvey or myself at Hatfield Police Station on 01707 638112.

Non-Emergency Number

Hertfordshire Constabulary has a new non-emergency number for non-emergency calls: 0845 3300 222

Use it:

• To speak to a police officer or a member of police staff
• For a general police enquiry, advice or information
• To report an incident or a crime that has happened (not an incident or a crime in progress as this should be a 999 call*).

An emergency is when:

• There is a risk of injury to someone or a risk of serious damage to property
• You suspect a crime is in progress
• There is a serious incident which needs immediate police attendance.

PC Elvett Phipps