All posts by Megan Armitage

Crime, Immobilise, Uncategorized

Case Study: Empowering Safer Communities in Peterborough with Safer Streets 5 and Immobilise

Overview
In 2024-2025, Peterborough was selected as a pilot area for the government-backed Safer Streets 5 initiative led by Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner- the OPCC. The program aimed at tackling neighbourhood crime, including burglary, vehicle theft, drug misuse, and street violence, while building community confidence across the UK. Now in its fifth year, Safer Streets has been successfully rolled out in numerous regions. Peterborough’s unique challenges presented an ideal opportunity to test innovative community safety measures.

The Peterborough Neighbourhood Watch team played a critical role in the campaign, determined to empower residents with resources to protect their property and foster a sense of collective responsibility, the team approached Immobilise to collaborate on achieving these goals.

Challenges Identified
Crime data revealed that certain neighbourhoods in Peterborough experienced temporary but significant spikes in crimes such as residential burglary, garage theft, and vehicle crime. Although crime levels have since normalised, the initiative aims to establish long-term prevention measures and stronger community engagement through the following key objectives:

  1. Increasing Neighbourhood Watch membership to encourage collective responsibility for safety.
  2. Equipping residents with tools and knowledge to mark and register their property using the Immobilise National Property Register.

Focus Area
A detailed analysis of crime patterns identified 10 streets in Peterborough, from Central Park to Granville Street, as hotspots. These streets became the focus of targeted interventions under the Safer Streets 5 program.

Immobilise’s Involvement
To support the initiative, Immobilise provided security marking kits under the uniquely branded campaign, “Operation Mark It!”

Kits contained:

  • UV Marker Pen: For invisibly marking valuable items with identifiable information.
  • UV Thumb Torch: To view marked items.
  • Immobilise Leaflet: A tailored guide explaining how to register property on the National Property Register for free.

These kits empowered residents to take an active role in safeguarding their belongings while complementing the broader goals of Safer Streets 5.

Volunteer Engagement and Education
To ensure the initiative’s success, Peterborough Neighbourhood Watch volunteers received training and materials to effectively communicate the benefits of property marking and registration. Through direct engagement, volunteers emphasised how Immobilise can:

  • Assist law enforcement in recovering stolen property.
  • Act as a deterrent to thieves aware of marked and registered items.
  • Provide residents with peace of mind, knowing their belongings are secure.

Alan Paul, Head of Neighbourhood Watch Peterborough, shared his insights into the initiative’s impact:

“Through our involvement in the Safer Streets 5 scheme, we’ve been able to engage and recruit more Neighbourhood Watch schemes in areas of the city where community participation has historically been low. The Immobilise concept is an excellent practical tool that not only supports engagement but also strengthens our recruiting efforts. This partnership directly helps us achieve our association’s goal: fostering communities where everyone feels safe.”

The Broader Impact
By combining the resources of Safer Streets 5, the expertise of Immobilise, and the dedication of Peterborough Neighbourhood Watch, this initiative has:

  • Boosted community participation and trust.
  • Empowered residents with the tools and knowledge to protect their property.
  • Created a framework for long-term safety and engagement in high-priority areas.

Looking forward, the Peterborough Neighbourhood Watch team remains committed to expanding its reach and building on the success of this collaboration, ensuring that the city continues to thrive as a safe, united community.

For tips on how to protect your home against burglary visit Burglary Prevention
Are you part of a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme looking for promotional materials and marking kits to help residents protect their homes and valuables?

If so, we’re here to help! Get in touch at support@Immobilise.com
View resources at: immobilise.com/police/resources

Immobilise, Mobile Phones, Uncategorized

The Growing Menace of Phone Snatch Theft and How to Protect Yourself

In today’s world, smartphones have become indispensable—they are our communication hubs, navigation tools, and often, our wallets!

They are often our most valuable personal possessions, always with us and frequently on display. This makes them prime targets for phone snatch thefts, a crime that is on the rise. Thieves target individuals in crowded places, using stealth and speed to steal phones before the victim realises what’s happening.

In this blog, we’ll explore common phone snatch theft scenarios, offer practical advice on how to protect yourself, and explain what to do if it ever happens to you.

Understanding Phone Snatch Theft

Phone snatch theft is a crime of opportunity. Thieves often target individuals who are distracted—walking while texting, standing on the street using GPS, or sitting in a café with their phone on the table. These criminals are quick and can easily disappear into a crowd or speed off on a motorbike before the victim has a chance to react.

Male Thief Riding On Bicycle Snatching The Mobile Phone From Woman’s Hand Walking On Street

Common scenarios include:

  • Public Transport: Thieves may snatch phones from the hands of unsuspecting passengers while they are entering or exiting buses, trains, or trams.
  • Busy Streets: Walking while using your phone can make you an easy target for thieves who can grab it and disappear in seconds.
  • Cafés and Restaurants: Phones left on tables or held loosely can be taken by thieves who pose as customers.
  • Motorbike Drive-By: Thieves on motorbikes often target pedestrians using their phones close to the road, grabbing the device and speeding away.

The Impact of Phone Theft

Losing a phone is more than just losing a device. The contents of a smartphone—personal data, photos, banking information, and more—are often irreplaceable and can lead to further issues like identity theft. Moreover, the emotional impact of being targeted in such a crime can leave victims feeling vulnerable and anxious.

How to Protect Yourself

While phone snatch theft is a real threat, there are several precautions you can take to minimise your risk:

1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Always be conscious of where you are and who is around you. Avoid using your phone in areas where you feel unsafe or in environments that are crowded and chaotic.

2. Use Your Phone Discreetly
Try to keep your phone out of sight when not in use. When using your phone in public, hold it securely with both hands and close to your body, making it harder for someone to grab it.

3. Avoid Walking and Using Your Phone
If you need to check your phone, stop in a safe, well-lit area, preferably away from the edge of the pavement or street. Walking and using your phone distracts you, making you an easy target.

4. Invest in Anti-Theft Accessories
Consider using anti-theft phone cases, wrist straps, or phone lanyards that make it harder for thieves to snatch your phone easily.

5. Use Your Phones Anti-Theft Features
Enable ‘Find My Phone’ or Android’s equivalent, to help locate your device if it is stolen. Additionally, set up strong passwords, biometric locks, and remote wipe options to protect your data.

6. Don’t Leave Your Phone Unattended
Never leave your phone on a table in a café, restaurant, or bar, especially near the edge. Keep it in your pocket or bag, or hold it in your hand if necessary.

7. Be Cautious on Public Transport
On public transport, avoid using your phone near doors where a thief could grab it and exit quickly. Keep your phone in a secure pocket or bag when not in use.

8. Stay Alert to Suspicious Behaviour
If someone is acting suspiciously or getting too close to you, be cautious. Trust your instincts and move to a safer location if necessary.

9. Note Down Your Phone’s IMEI Number
You can access your IMEI by typing *#06# on your phone’s keypad. The unique 15-digit number can help track down the phone if it’s stolen.

10. Register Your Phone on Immobilise.com
Registering your phone increases the chances of it being identified and returned if it’s ever stolen. Our easy guide shows you how: Register a Mobile Phone (Immoblise.com).

What to Do If Your Phone Is Stolen

If you do fall victim to phone snatch theft, act quickly:

  • Report the theft to the police immediately, providing details of where and how it happened.
  • Use tracking apps like ‘Find My Phone’ to try and locate your device. Remember not to confront criminals yourself—always let the police handle it for your safety.
  • Notify your mobile provider to suspend your service and prevent unauthorised use.
  • Change all your passwords for apps and services linked to your phone, especially for banking and social media accounts.
  • Monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.
  • Report the theft as soon as possible on your Immobilise account.

Phone snatch theft is a distressing crime that can happen to anyone. However, by staying vigilant and taking some basic precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Remember, your safety is paramount—no phone is worth endangering yourself. Stay aware, stay secure, and keep your phone protected.

Stay safe and keep connected responsibly!

Bicycles, Crime, Immobilise, Immobilize, ImmobiTag, Lost Property, Mobile Phones, Report My Loss, Students

Safe And Sound: How To Have A Secure Festival Experience This Summer

Summer has finally arrived, and that festival you’ve been eagerly awaiting is just around the corner!

The UK is a nation of festival-goers. A study by UK Music shows that over 37 million people attended UK festivals and concerts in 2022!

Festivals are all about letting go and having a blast, but with so many people around, they come with unique security challenges.

It’s so easy to get swept up in the excitement of planning travel and other logistics that you might forget about securing your valuables.

Phones top the list of at-risk items at UK festivals, with over one in ten festival goers having lost, damaged or had a device stolen.

As with anything, planning is key to having a great time without any nasty surprises. Fortunately, there are steps you can take before and during the event to ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience.

Friends making selfies at the summer festival

Before you go…

Here are our top tips for securing your possessions before heading off to soak up the vibes.

  • Mark & register your valuables. Almost all of us will take a phone to an event, and it’s crucial to register it before you set off. Dial *#06# on your handset to reveal the 15-digit IMEI number(s) on the screen. Create an account on Immobilise.com and register the device’s make, model, IMEI, and serial numbers. It only takes a few minutes and is completely FREE. Add other identifiable marks using a UV pen or an asset label for an extra layer of security. Should you lose your phone and it is found, this will help the authorities return it to you. If you are taking other devices, such as a smartwatch or camera, register these as well.

  • Note important details. Write down the contact details for a friend and a family member you can reach, including your phone’s provider and your bank account information, in case you need to cancel cards or report the loss or theft of your phone. Keep these details on a piece of paper in a safe place—separate from your phone!

  • Check your travel insurance policy. If you have one, review it. You might be covered for trips in the UK lasting more than two nights, but ensure it includes tent stays.
    Additionally, consider personal possessions insurance. Check for policy exclusions or excess payments. This is often an add-on to contents insurance, so verify if you already have it with your home insurance.

  • Check if the venue is cashless. If not, use on-site cashpoints rather than carrying large amounts of cash.

When you’re there…

Following a few basic rules will help you enjoy the experience and keep yourself and your belongings safe.

  • Keep valuables out of sight. Don’t store them in outer pockets; instead, keep them in a secure location like a zippered pocket or money belt.

  • Use lockers if available. Some festivals offer free lockers where you can store items that might be targeted by thieves, like bikes or car keys.

  • Keep valuables to a minimum. If possible, leave your valuable phone at home! Consider taking an older phone instead of your latest model. Phone theft is common at festivals, so if you must take your phone, protect it with a passcode and turn on location tracking such as ‘Find My iPhone’. Additionally, consider using a crossbody lanyard case, making it much harder for someone to snatch it from you. Check out the latest phone lanyards of 2024 in the review below: Top 10 Best Phone Lanyards in 2024 – FindThisBest (UK)

  • Protect your phone. Use a waterproof cover to prevent damage from spills, being dropped in a puddle, or even a pint!

  • Secure valuables at night. Keep wallets, phones, cameras, car keys, etc., at the bottom of your sleeping bag where they’re inaccessible to others.

  • Be mindful of your surroundings. In the moment, you could get separated from your friends in a crowd. Knowing the layout will help you get your bearings. Make a note of where festival staff or security points are.

  • Look out for each other. Whether it’s your friends or other festival-goers, stay vigilant. If you see someone struggling, offer support by alerting the event staff.

  • Consider using a safeguarding app. These allow you to share your location with trusted contacts.
    Examples include:
    Imabi Community: a free tool for real-time safety alerts.
    Imabi Guardian: a free personal safety app.

  • Have a meeting place. Agree on a spot to meet up if you get separated. Just having a plan can reduce stress.

Festivals are tons of fun, and with careful planning, you can relax and enjoy them to the fullest. Get ready for an unforgettable festival experience!

Audience with hands in the air at a music festival

For more great tips on festival safety, check out Festival Safe.  

Bicycles, Crime, Immobilise, Immobilize, ImmobiTag

Secure Your Garden And Protect Your Home

When it comes to security, many people focus solely on their homes and the vehicles parked outside. However, gardens are often a primary target for thieves.

According to a 2022 study by Sunlife, a staggering 9 out of 10 household thefts occur in the garden (Ideal Home).

The ‘Hot’ Targets Lurking In Your Garden
Modern gardens are often filled with valuable items, making them lucrative targets for thieves, especially during the summer when we tend to leave them outside for convenience.

Ideal Home reported that the most frequently stolen items from outdoor living spaces are quality garden furniture, ornaments, power tools, lawnmowers, BBQs, and ladders (2022 data).

Securing Access Points To Your Home
While we like to view our gardens as peaceful sanctuaries, they are also often the first line of defence against burglars looking to gain access to our homes.

According to the ONS, in the year running up to March 2023, there were 525 burglaries a day in England and Wales; that’s one every 165 seconds!

To avoid becoming a statistic, remember that securing your garden not only prevents theft of the possessions you keep in it, but it also makes it much harder for intruders to access your home.


Two-Pronged Security Approach
To secure your garden effectively, consider a two-pronged approach:

  1. Secure high-value items.
  2. Make your garden less attractive to thieves overall.

Be Proactive!
Thankfully, there are plenty of proactive ways to deter burglars from considering your property an easy target.

Think like an intruder. Would you steal something that is clearly marked and registered to the owner? Probably not. Thieves aim to avoid anything that may link them to a crime and perceive it as not worth the risk.

Ways To Help Deter Theft:

  1. Register valuables: Immobilise.com is the world’s largest free register of possession ownership details and is searchable by all UK police. It is a powerful tool in the fight against property crime. Register your power tools, garden equipment, bicycles, and all other valuables with unique identifiers such as serial numbers or engravings. If your items don’t have identifiers, use a marking product like a UV pen, asset labels, or an etching tool.

  2. Visible warnings: Use window stickers and labels on items of property to warn potential thieves that your items are protected, both in vehicles and buildings. Often, the mere presence of a warning is enough to deter a break-in.

  3. Bikes: Bikes can be high-value, low-risk targets for potential thieves. If unprotected, they’re easy to resell in locations away from the theft. Statistics published by roadandmountainbikereviews.co.uk reveal that a bike is stolen every minute in the UK and fewer than 5% are returned to their owners. If you own one or more bikes, follow these steps:
  • Register them on Immobilise.com – our useful video below will guide you through the simple process.
  • Fit a security tag.
  • Use visible deterrents.

Enhancing Garden Security

A criminal will nearly always take the path of least resistance. They will choose the house with the overgrown hedge, unlocked gate or the house that has places to hide around it while they scope out what is worth stealing. Don’t let that property be yours!

We’ll explore some key ways to secure your garden:

  1. Boundaries: Ensure your fences and walls are secure. Adding a trellis or planting thorny climbers like Berberis, Hawthorn, Holly, or Pyracantha can be effective deterrents. These plants can also trap thieves, leaving behind valuable clues like torn clothes or DNA.

  2. Gates and pathways: Always keep gates locked and use high-quality locks. Gravel pathways can deter intruders due to the noise they make when walked on.

  3. Home entry points: Keep windows and doors closed when you’re not around. Installing proximity detectors, security lights, or cameras can add an extra layer of security.

  4. Sheds and outbuildings: Regular maintenance is crucial. A Which? report highlights that 22,500 households fall victim to shed burglary annually, with power tools and bikes being common targets (2019). Ensure your shed has strong locks and hinges, and consider motion sensors and security lights. Failing to meet the minimum standard or maintenance condition for your shed could result in an insurance claim being rejected if you’re targeted by criminals.

  5. Garden offices: Garden offices are becoming much more common. With computers and other expensive devices often left inside, it’s essential to secure the building. Check that windows and doors close properly and that the locks work efficiently. Consider adding an alarm system or CCTV and security lighting. Mark all your valuables with your postcode, register them on immobilise.com, and use deterrent stickers to let thieves know they are traceable.

Extra Steps You Can Take:

  • Be community-minded: As with many things, there’s strength in numbers, and this applies to home and garden security, too. Think about joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or just agree to look out for each other’s property, especially when a house is empty.

  • Avoid sharing your absence on social media: Some opportunists use social media to gauge when houses are vacant. Don’t post those holiday photos until you get home!

Summary
Securing your garden and everything in it makes it a much less attractive target and is a vital step in protecting your property.

Ensure your outdoor space remains a haven of peace and not an entry point to your home!

Immobilise, Immobilize, NMPR, Police

Immobilise Sponsor Police UK Disability CIC Multi-Sport Event For Recovering Police Community Members

We are thrilled to announce that the Immobilise team will be heading to the University of Nottingham in early August to support the inaugural Police UK Disability Multi-Sport event.

About The Event

This unique event aims to promote health and well-being through sports recovery. The adaptive sports offered are fully inclusive and open to serving and former officers and staff who are coping with mental health-related disorders, physical disabilities, or neurodiversity.

Participants will have the opportunity to try out Badminton, Sitting Volleyball, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball, and Wheelchair Rugby.

Life-Saving Results

Sarah, a beneficiary of this not-for-profit community initiative, describes her experience as life-changing:

“The impact that playing sports, especially Wheelchair Rugby, has had on me is profound. Coming to terms with my illness has been extremely difficult. Having a team of like-minded people who understand what being disabled in the police means is beyond anything I could have dreamed of. It has given me a new zest for life, the courage to embrace my new normal, and pride in being part of the disabled community.

PUKDS has shown me there is still work to do and many more members of the police family who need help like I did. The support from this team and Gary has been life-saving. The feeling I get on the court, knowing I have my team behind me, is fantastic. When we huddle and shout ‘Police UK’ at the top of our lungs, I get a shiver down my spine. My life has been immeasurably changed, and I am grateful every day for this opportunity. Thank you, Dylan and the team—you saved me.”

Event Sponsorship

Through the shared goal of crime prevention, Immobilise has had a close relationship with the police for over two decades through the National Mobile Property Register (NMPR). This connection and the remarkable work accomplished through the initiative have led to sponsorship and support from Immobilise.

Gary Callier, Founder and Managing Director of Police UK Disability Sport CIC, comments:

“The Police UK Disability Sport CIC Multi-Sport event is designed to provide a safe environment whilst giving everyone the opportunity to take part in a variety of sports, managed by qualified coaches. This builds confidence and a sense of community through sports recovery.

The sponsorship provided by Immobilise is a key factor in PUKDS being able to showcase these sports on such an accessible platform. The venue allows us to run each sport simultaneously, enabling everyone to participate in as many sessions across all the sports as they wish.

The sponsorship also allows us to make this event completely free for all participants and helps facilitate all the police charities and other organisations to exhibit their products and services to the police community. All share a common mission: to provide the best possible support to officers and staff when they need it most.

To put it simply, without the sponsorship from Immobilise, PUKDS would not be able to showcase these fantastic sports in the way that we are able to.”

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th August 2024
  • Venue: David Ross Sports Village, University of Nottingham
  • Time: 10 AM to 6 PM each day
  • Sports on Offer: Badminton, Sitting Volleyball, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby

More Information

The PUKDS is a self-funded, not-for-profit, registered community interest company.

For more information about the PUKDS Sport CIC event, or to sign up for membership, visit www.policeukdisabilitysportcic.co.uk.

Download the exhibitor’s pack (PDF document, 778 KB):
PUKDS Multi-Sport Exhibitors Pack 2024