Northamptonshire Police supports national robbery initiative

Northamptonshire Police is supporting Operation Calibre – a week long initiative led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council to tackle personal robbery, which launched on Saturday 10 December and will continue until Saturday 17 December.

The national operation, taking place across England, Wales, and Scotland, is part of intensified efforts to crack down on personal robbery.

Throughout the week of action, the force will be looking to target habitual offenders and take them off the street.

There will also be focus on the different strands of education, engagement, prevention, and enforcement, all of which are important in playing our part to reduce personal robbery.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Personal Robbery, Commander Richard Smith, said:

“Personal robbery has a devastating impact on victims, leaving them with trauma which can be lasting. We know criminals look for easy opportunities, often targeting some of the most vulnerable in society, such as children, with high levels of violence exhibited, making robbery particularly traumatic.

“We continue to see this impact and it is why tackling personal robbery remains a national policing priority. Whilst personal robberies are at their lowest levels since 2016, we cannot afford to take it for granted and must continue to target those habitual criminals who can be responsible for a large amount of offending.”

Detective Superintendent Rich Tompkins from Northamptonshire Police, said:

“We are pleased to support Operation Calibre given that tackling robbery is an ongoing force matter of priority, under the serious violence heading.

“Our activity will focus on both enforcement and prevention with increased visibility in hotspot areas and the arresting of people intent on committing crime. We will be actively seeking a number of wanted individuals as well as engaging with young people to show them the impact of robbery and how it effects the future of both the victim and offender.

“Finally, in an ideal world, the issuing of crime prevention advice wouldn’t be needed, however, sadly there are people out there who would look to steal people’s belongings in a street robbery and therefore, the tips below have been produced and will give people the best chances of not becoming a victim.” 

Personal Robbery Safety Tips

• Anyone can become a victim of robbery, make sure you do all you can to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
• You are less likely to be targeted if you look confident. Move with purpose and try to be aware of your surroundings.
• Plan your route and think about what to take with you, especially if you’re going somewhere, you haven’t been before. Keep to busy, well-lit streets, walkways and paths which are more likely to be covered by CCTV. Only take licensed taxis or minicabs booked by phone or a mobile phone app.
• Keep your mobile phone and valuables out of sight. If you’re using your phone, it’s more likely to be snatched from your hand as you’re not paying attention to your surroundings, so look around you.
• And never leave a mobile, any other device, wallet, or purse on the table of an outdoor café, pub, or restaurant. Same goes for any jewellery you might be wearing – keep it covered when walking down the street.
• Finally – and this is so important to remember – if you’re threatened with violence, don’t risk your personal safety. Property can be replaced, you can’t.
• It’s a good idea to scan the area around ATMs before you use them. Be aware of anyone standing close by and always check the machine to see if it’s been tampered with before you use it.
• Things to look out for are devices attached to the machine – some are more obvious than others. If you do see something suspicious contact the police and the bank.
• Remember, if it doesn’t look or feel right then steer clear and, if possible, go inside the bank where it will be safer. And always keep a regular check on your transactions.
• We know it’s not always easy but try to be aware of anyone near you when you’re at an ATM. Being aware of your surroundings and not being distracted makes it harder for people to take advantage and less likely that they’ll try to.
• 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.
• When you've left the ATM, put your card away immediately.
• You should also be careful with contactless cards. You can get a card holder to prevent your card details being inadvertently read.