🚨 Increase in Residential Burglaries – Crime Prevention Advice 🚨

(Received on 27.01.26 and we hope you find the information helpful - Neston Cyber Centre)


🔒 Crime Prevention Tips

• Keep your home looking lived‑in

Use timer switches or smart plugs to turn lights or radios on during the evening.

• Lock up securely
Make sure all doors and windows are locked, even if you're only out briefly.

• Don't leave valuables on display
Keep high‑value items out of sight, and avoid posting photos of new purchases online.

• Secure the perimeter
Check gates, fences, sheds, and garages. Make sure tools and ladders are locked away.

• Consider CCTV or video doorbells
These can act as strong deterrents and help with investigations.

• Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye out
They can collect post, open/close curtains, or park on your driveway if you're away.

• Report suspicious behaviour immediately
If you see something that doesn't look right, trust your instincts and get in touch.

📞 In an emergency, call 999
📞 To report suspicious activity or a non‑emergency incident, call 101
💻 You can also report online via your local police website.

Working together, we can help keep our community safe. Stay vigilant and share this advice with friends, family, and neighbours.

Message Sent By
Amanda Hughes
(Cheshire Police, PCSO, Ellesmere Port LPU - Whitby)


Suspicious Activity - Security Notice  (Received this on 16.01.26 and we hope you find the information helpful - Neston Cyber Centre)

Suspicious Activity Alert – Ellesmere Port

We've seen a rise in reports of suspicious individuals attempting to access vehicles and properties across the area.

Please help us prevent further incidents by:
Ensuring your vehicle is locked at all times
Removing valuables from sight
Securing your property, especially overnight
Reporting any suspicious behaviour to us immediately

If you or your neighbours have been a victim of this crime and have any further information or CCTV footage, please call 101.


If you witness someone committing such offences, ring 999 immediately.

With your help, we can bring justice to these offenders and keep Ellesmere Port safe.


Message Sent By
Amanda Hughes
(Cheshire Police, PCSO, Ellesmere Port LPU - Whitby) 


Personal Safety Advice

(Received this on 04.11.25 and we hope you find the information helpful - Neston Cyber Centre)

Dear Resident,

Christmas is just around the corner and many of us will be carrying more cash and valuables. Thieves will exploit this and often target people at this time of year.

Please have a look at the advice below, to help keep yourself and valuables safe when out and about:

When on the move

  • Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings - don't wear headphones or be distracted by your mobile phone, especially when alone.
  • Body language - criminals often target people who appear to be more vulnerable. Use body language to give the impression that you are confident, walk with your head up and make eye contact with others.
  • Avoid walking alone, use busy and well lit paths – avoid isolated, dimly lit areas and stay with a group if possible. Choose paths and walkways that are more likely to be covered by CCTV. Be mindful of hiding spots such as doorways, bushes and vehicles.

  • Change your routine regularly - criminals can observe routes and patterns and use them to target a victim.

    • Valuables

  • Don't keep valuables all in one place - Keep valuables in different pockets and compartments of your bag. Avoid carrying phones, wallets or purses in back pockets.
  • Never leave a bag open or gaping - Carry your bag with the flap closed and secured against your body to prevent opportunistic thieves.

  • Secure valuables – Where possible use purse dipping cables that secure loose items such as purses to bags. This will prevent pickpockets being able to easily remove valuables without your knowledge.

    • Withdrawing cash

  • Protect yourself from ATM theft – It's a good idea to scan the immediate area before using an ATM. Be aware of anyone standing close by and check the machine prior to using it to ensure it hasn't been tampered with.
  • Distraction theft - Thieves will watch as you key in your PIN or distract you while you're withdrawing cash. Be vigilant. Cover your PIN and keep an eye on your card at all times. If someone taps you on the shoulder or tries to speak to you, just ignore them.

  • Looking after your card – Always put your card away immediately after use. You should also be careful with contactless cards as they can be read and cloned with mobile devices. You can purchase a card holder to prevent your card details being inadvertently read.

    • We hope this information helps.

    Kind regards,

    Crime Prevention Team

    It is important to us that we know about the issues that cause you concern. We have set up a survey where you can tell us about the things you would like us to focus on in your area.

    Resident's voice | Cheshire Constabulary (click the link below)

    https://che01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs-url.co%2FLlwnAA&data=05%7C02%7C%7C244b58e7d20e4997850408de1ae03e37%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638977747572732574%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4QrSqT3CUk1u20sHHAL747G9XpWgogRb0KWsyFm5icc%3D&reserved=0  

    Message Sent By
    Beth George
    (Cheshire Police, Crime Prevention Officer, West) 


    Received this today, 31.08.25, and we hope you find the information helpful - Neston Cyber Centre