Police in Rutland are issuing crime prevention advice to people who are planning to visit the idyllic county. 

Rutland is visited by tens of thousands of people each year, with Rutland Water attracting those wishing to enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family.

Over half of the crime committed, is not committed by local people. Local police are working with neighbouring police force Cambridgeshire Police to identify instances of cross-border criminality, committed by those who travel into Rutland to commit crime.

Rutland Local Policing Unit Commander, Inspector Lou Cordiner of Leicestershire Police, said: “Whilst Rutland is a low crime county, and a wonderful place to live and to visit, we’d encourage the visiting public to be active in reducing the chance for opportunist thieves to steal valuables from parked vehicles.”

Local beauty spots in-and- around Rutland Water, have been targeted by thieves in the past.

Inspector Lou Cordiner added: “Car radios, mobile phones, high-priced clothing, and hobbyist or sporting equipment is often targeted by the opportunist thief. If thieves cannot see goods to be stolen, they are less likely to risk breaking into a vehicle.

“If you leave it on show, expect it to go.”

In an attempt to resist paying car parking costs visitors often opt to park on country lanes, out of the reach of CCTV cameras and other crime prevention measures which protect visitors’ property.

Inspector Lou Cordiner concluded: “Our advice is to use the car parks provided, where security measures are in place. Leave your valuable items at home, only pack what you need.”

Police will be handing out leaflets and circulating posters to raise awareness of how people can leave their property vulnerable due to their choice of location and time when parking their cars.
 
If you have any information about crime and anti-social behaviour in your area, please contact your local police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

Rutland LPU