I would like to start by thanking Marlow Chamber of Trade and Commerce for asking me along to their meetings and for giving me the opportunity to write in this newsletter.  Since taking up my post in October of last year I have realised that the links between the business community and the police are not as strong as they are in other areas.  My intention is to strengthen those links for the benefit of both parties. 

These harsh economic times have a huge impact on all business and they also have a noticeable effect on crime in the area.  This ranges from the audacious and very violent robbery in Marlow High Street to the high numbers of vehicles that are now being broken into in and around the Marlow area.  The main target for these thefts from vehicles is laptop computers and satellite navigation systems. 

Can I ask you all to emphasise to your staff – do not leave these items in vehicles at anytime.  The mark of a sucker pad on a window is enough to get a window put in just to search for a sat-nav.  The Criminals have even worked out that if your laptop is blue tooth enabled and is on standby they can detect its whereabouts with any mobile phone. 

It still amazes me how many people go to a pub or restaurant after work and on seeing the crime prevention notices in the car park take their laptop out of the car and hide it in the boot.  This doesn’t help when the thieves are watching you.  I would suggest that you ask the restaurateurs or landlords to think about providing some secure storage for your laptops.  Who knows this sort of service could be good for their business.

Finally some of the members have asked me about which number to call to get hold of the police.  If the reason for your call requires police to get there immediately such as a crime in progress or where somebody’s life is in danger then ring 999.  For any other reason ring 0845 8505505.

Inspector Ray Wilks (Marlow police station)