South Wales Police Advice for Clubs

4th June 2020 | Mallory Gray

The following advice has been prepared for the information of cricket clubs. By following simple steps, you could reduce your chance of being a victim of crime.

The perimeter of the ground 

• Wherever possible make sure that access to the site is secure and that gates and barriers are locked when the ground is not in use.
• Keep the ground tidy and make sure that there is nothing left out that could be used to assist the thief or vandal on the site.
• Put up signs informing the public that Alarm systems/CCTV are in operation/No cash on premises

Security lighting

• Check it is working.
• If you have camera security lights regularly check that they are working and any recording media is not full or corrupted.

Clubhouse, changing rooms, equipment stores

• Test your alarm and  get it serviced ensuring it is fully operational. Alarm monitoring systems are available.
• Identify any vulnerable areas and take steps to secure them.
• Ensure security gates, bollards and fire exit doors have been secured prior to closure of the premises.
• Make sure you have list of key holders who can be contacted in times of emergency. If you keep cash on the premises make sure that you use an insurance rated safe which is securely fastened to the building.
• Ensure keys to the premises or other venues are not left inside and are instead with dedicated key holders.
• Consider timer switches or ensure sufficient lighting is left on at the premises/surrounding area.
• Ensure there are no combustible materials left in the proximity of the building - consider the risk of arson.
• Review your CCTV to confirm it is operational, provides good quality images and positioned to cover public and private areas. You may wish to consider a mobile phone app that allows connectivity and a speaker to engage with any intruder.
• All staff should remain vigilant and report any crimes or suspicious activity to the police.

Equipment stores/changing rooms

• Make sure that they are locked on leaving.
• Check that all doors and windows are in good condition and have good quality locks conforming to insurance standards.

Ground equipment

• Check your inventory make sure it is accurate and up to date.
• Record the Make, Model and Serial numbers and photographic inventory. Property mark clearly with club details and postcode.

Tractors Trailers etc.

1. Consider fitting a tracking device.
2. Clearly mark them with the club details and consider painting the Registration mark/post code on the roof.
3. Consider registration with Immobilise or The Equipment Register. https://www.ter-europe.org/ https://www.immobilise.com/

Community

• Consider placing a post on social media asking the community to be vigilant and report any unusual behaviour around the club.
• Speak to neighbouring properties asking them to be observant and report incidents to South Wales Police  
• All staff should remain vigilant and report any crimes or suspicious activity to South Wales Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency