COMPARED to this time last year, June has been a satisfactory month regarding crime in Ramsgate.
According to Ramsgate Community Policing Form chairman Peter Huson there has been a 40 percent decrease in crime since June last year. Furthermore, house robberies, considered priority crimes, are down by 50 percent in Ramsgate.
There was a house robbery reported in Ramsgate last month but the forum hopes the detective task team working on it will soon achieve a breakthrough. Regrettably and for the second consecutive month, a housebreaking resulted in firearms and ammunition being stolen.
Thefts are down by 50 percent, as are serious driving offences. There has been a slight increase in reports of malicious damage to property. Car windows were damaged, presumably in an attempt break into the vehicle.
During June reservists attended further requests for police assistance. These were about a drunk driving case, a hit and run accident where a pedestrian was injured, reports of suspicious vehicles, drunk in public and fighting in public cases, loiterers, domestic disturbances and other incidents.
A number of arrests were made during the month even though the sector vehicle was off the road for a lengthy period during the month and the forum had to rely on temporary issue vehicles. Generally these were either small saloon cars or open back light delivery vehicles. As conveying suspects or arrested people in these types of vehicle can be very risky, this understandably has had a negative effect on arrest figures.
Fortunately the Margate Police Station commander assisted the forum by providing an additional vehicle to patrol the area during selected periods and also provided additional personnel from time to time to supplement the regular patrols. The resultant increase in visible policing appears to have had the desired effect upon criminal activity.
The forum warns Ramsgate residents to be particularly vigilant during the holiday season and to report any suspicious activities.
“Please remember that all Ramsgate residents can assist us by being our eyes and ears. Get to know your neighbourhood and get to know who belongs and who doesn’t. Remember that criminals seldom commit a crime without carrying out some form of surveillance or reconnaissance first. This is particularly so in respect to house robberies and housebreak-ins,” said Mr Huson.
He asked residents to exercise basic security precautions at all times particularly with respect to identifying any strangers properly before allowing them to enter their properties.
Ramsgate residents should telephone 073 4868683, without delay, to report suspicious activities.
