You are more than likely a group member of the Crimes In Bramley Facebook Group. If you are, you have probably witnessed from posts on the group the increase in attempted Burglaries and Theft from property and vehicles caught on CCTV.
Here’s the problem, the Burglar is unaware that their potential victim will be posting their traumatic experience and, or CCTV footage on the CIB Facebook group for community awareness, possibly getting themselves recognised. If the burglar was aware then maybe they would not target the property. Unless the Burglar does not know what the CIB group is, in which case they are not local to Bramley or they have been living under a rock for the last few years.
In years gone by, various community watch Projects both National and Local have been introduced with the aim to reduce crime in localised areas. The most recognisable and distinct is the neighbourhood watch scheme set up by West Yorkshire Police in the early 1980s, you will probably recognise the iconic sticker and image produced, featuring a Policeman and a family.
This previous 1980’s scheme was a great success, not only did the crime rates reduce but communities became united and looked out for one another. Residents even went as far as appointing Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators on each street as a point of contact and main organiser of monthly residents meetings. Unfortunately, over the years, as residents have moved away or passed on the scheme lost its momentum and popularity sadly it has faded into the past.
Thankfully there is no need for painful monthly meetings regarding Community Watch as technology is now on the side of Community residents, we now have Facebook, Twitter etc and best of all Whatsapp. This platform is the most ideal for local residents in a certain area of streets to create a local WhatsApp group and all the members keep in touch about all local news and happenings. There are many WhatsApp street Community Groups established within Bramley, ask your neighbours if you are unsure or even take the plunge and set one up yourself. We recommend all residents to be part of a local WhatsApp group, you will get to know your neighbours and who is living in your area at the very least.
If you are a member of the Crimes In Bramley FaceBook Group you are already a member of the CIB Community Watch Project because you have the resource to make local residents aware of crimes in and around your property. The only thing missing is the visual deterrent to potential criminals at your property. So, to kick start the awareness of the CIB Community Watch Project, we are going back to basics by producing a window sticker to put inside the windows of your property, or on your doors, sheds and garages. The sticker highlights the message to potential Burglars that the occupants of the property are security conscious and in the CIB Community Watch Project.
The sticker is currently in the testing and manufacturing stage at the moment. It is circular, 100mm x 100mm, UV and water resistant, double sided so it can be applied on the inside or outside of the property. The sticker will be available shortly, we will update this post when it is available. Distribution will be through the local Newsagents shops in Bramley.
After the project launch, further updates and progress about the Project will be relayed through our CIB Quarterly Newsletter which will be delivered straight to your email inbox. The Newsletter contains everything from News, Community Updates, Crime Prevention and more. This is only available by free subscription, you can subscribe for free by clicking Here or by the link on our Main Home Page. Please leave any comments and suggestions in the comments box below.
