As I write this for the June edition more lock down restrictions have been lifted. It is lovely to see that we can visit our locals, out of the rain, go for dinner in the warmth at the local restaurant and visit gyms and cin-emas. However as we all get out more and more, that leaves our property empty and vulnerable. I know I constantly repeat myself when I say please review your security. People spend a fortune on all the nice things that go into a house, expensive TVs computers and sound equipment but when it comes to spending on home security, often it is a last thought and an expense that is avoided.
There is so much you can do on a budget, such as defensive planting of shrubs and bushes at perimeter fences . Replacing a lock on a back gate, fake cameras, easy solar light-ing of dark areas. Other really easy tips such as lock away tools so they are not accessible, put away ladders and wheelie bins so it is harder to climb over gates and walls, and lock garages and sheds. Joining your local Neigh-bourhood Watch costs nothing https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/.
Current crime trends include thefts of bicycles once again from sheds and gardens. The fa-vourite type of bike is an electric bike due to their value. Please consider a really substan-tial bicycle lock if you have an expensive bike and lock it to a substantial pole or fitted bracket. Please also register you property on the National Property Register https://www.immobilise.com/ or bike register https://www.bikeregister.com/. We have also seen a trend of persons not locking their vehicle properly and finding miscellaneous items missing in the morning such as loose change, sunglasses and wallets. Please remember to lock your vehicles and do not leave credit cards and cash in you vehicles overnight. One of the other common complaints that we are receiving is the use of Electric scooters. In Spelthorne and the whole of Surrey, Electric scooters are illegal to ride on public roads and pavements . There are few trial areas in the country where pilot projects are looking at the use of electric scooters provided to hire with safety equipment and helmets. If you are riding an electric scooter on the road or pave-ment in Spelthorne you are committing an offence. All electric scooters are classed as powered transporters and they are covered by the Road Traffic Act 1988, so essentially all the law you would expect to cover a motor vehicle. This means that in order to ride them they need to be taxed, have an MOT and meet legal requirements including a number plate and signalling ability. As that is clearly not possible you cannot ride an electric scooter on a public road! The Highways Act prohibits them from being used on the pavement, and they cannot be used in cycle lanes as they do not have pedals! It may be after the trials have finished that certain types of electric scooter will be al-lowed with conditions however at this time you are committing an offence and Police can seize your scooter. The only place you can legally ride an electric scooter is on private land. Other than this you face a Fixed Penalty notice for no insurance and up to £300 fine and 6 points or a Fixed Penalty Notice for no driving licence and up to £100 fine and 3 points. There are also other penalty notices for riding on a footpath, using a phone, going through red lights and drink driving offences. Thank you for on-going support and look out for ‘meet the beats’ in your area coming soon now restrictions are lifting.