A bit of a longer message today as our newsletter for September is below.
We have visited Burbage inf/Jnr’s, Sketchley Primary and Hastings throughout this week in response to complaints regarding parking in these areas.
Burbage juniors – Concerns relate to parking on Grosvenor crescent where some parents are parking in front of residents drives and blocking vehicles in. Whilst we understand parking is limited around school areas, we ask for motorists to be respectful of residents as it is unfair that people should be late for work etc because someone has dumped their car where it shouldn’t be.
Hastings – Parents driving up St Catherine's Close at 15:05 when hundreds of children are leaving school. It is not sensible to be trying to get a vehicle up this road at this time, just to have to attempt a 3-point turn outside the gates. Please Park in a sensible and safe manner away from the immediate school gate area.
Sketchley Primary – Issues with taxis dropping off children to the area, where drivers are not paying attention or following instructions from the lolly pop man. We have completed follow up work with Sketchley Hill Menphys.
We will continue to patrol the immediate school areas as and when our duties allow.
We visited the First Britannia Beavers as requested, to support with their badges. We spoke about road safety, personal safety and community. Thanks to PC Welch and PC Vankroonenburg for popping along with the Police car. It was a pleasure as always and the kids had lots of fun. We had lots of fun with the Police car, uniform and talking with them around a range of subjects.
WhatsApp SKY TV Scam Alert. Sent in by a resident to raise awareness.
"We received a WhatsApp message from "SKY TV " stating we were capable of a free full fibre upgrade.
We called Sky. They informed us that was not possible as they don't use WhatsApp as a form of message. If you upgrade to full fibre, it would be Openreach that would contact, you in first instance.
There were two hyperlink buttons, with yes or no options."
If you get offers or requests for payment, please do as this resident did and call the company directly using official numbers, not links or numbers provided on messages or emails.
Issue: Autumn Update September 2025
Sgt James Cross and PCSO Darren Stretton
Welcome to my monthly update for the residents and communities of the Burbage. Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA). This newsletter will be circulated on a regular basis and will provide an insight into what is happening at the NPA.
We have listened to you and the concerns you raised and prioritised the following: Below are our new priorities which we will be actioning this month.
Priority 1: Burglary
You Said – Burglaries of sheds and other outbuildings continue to be a problem on the area and as we grow nearer to the holiday season house break ins have notoriously increased due to people being away from their homes on holiday for protracted periods giving offenders time to commit the offences without being disturbed.
Priority 2: Anti-social Behaviour
You Said – Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) around local parks and streets in Burbage is a cause for concern, residents have noted what is suspected to be drug use and drug dealing taking place blatantly on streets and in open spaces across the village and the upcoming school holidays always increased the likelihood of further ASB as young people find themselves with spare time on their hands and warmer weather to enable them to be outside.
Priority 3: Vehicle Crime
You Said – Being the victim of a vehicle crime is a concern for local residents, concerns raised include both vehicles being broken into and property stolen and vehicles themselves being taken.
#WeDid - What we are doing
Burglary - One report from Hanover Court (Azalea Drive) where a suspect has entered an insecure property and taken two handbags and a mobile phone, this appears to be opportunistic. There has also been several reports to us of suspicious activity in the early hours of the mornings (persons in balaclavas). These reports have come from multiple locations around Burbage but we please ask that if you witness this type of behaviour, it is vital that you call 999 immediately. This will be the best way of protecting yourself and supporting others from being victims of crime. We continue with patrols and supporting residents on an individual basis around crime prevention.
Anti-social Behaviour – We have seen a slight increase in reports this month as the school holidays draw to an end in relation to youth related Anti-social Behaviour. These incidents are more isolated issues such as criminal damage, egg throwing and youth related arguments as the schools returned, rather than any particular locations being an issue. We are communicating with schools to identify those involved. We continue to work on drug activity and reports of neighbour disputes, where HBBC will support in positive outcomes. We have completed home visits, communication with parents, Anti-social behaviour warning letters and Police interviews are being completed where appropriate.
Vehicle Crime - During August, there were very limited reports of vehicle crime with one report at the start of August from Sketchley old village, and one motorbike theft from Newstead Avenue, but there has been reports of suspicious activity which we expect was vehicle related. Whilst reports remain low please continue to be mindful, by using RFID wallets, steering locks and driveway bollards. Vehicle crime in Burbage tends to come and go sporadically so if you see a crime in progress, please call 999 immediately. If you would like any support or have any concerns, please get in touch.
Meet your Team - Upcoming public engagements
Below are our community engagement events for September. Feel free to pop along and meet your local beat team.
We will also be completing local group events such as Beavers, visiting schools and other group talks to support all residents with a range of crime concerns.
