Margaret Jones

Burglars are often opportunistic thieves who prey on houses and flats. They seek out any opening that they can take advantage of, specifically doors and windows that are left open or unlocked or are easy to force. Anything of value that they might spot through a window will only spur them on. But it really doesn’t take much to deter these thieves – just smart thinking.

Burglar facts
Burglars target homes that they think will contain valuables. A sure giveaway is leaving packaging from expensive items outside your front door

Burglars often look for homes with windows or doors left open or with vulnerable features that they can exploit.

Burglars are aware of the times when someone is expected to be away from their house such as during the school run or holidays

Burglars typically do not want to be seen or heard and if they feel that they would be noticed by a neighbour or passerby then they are more likely to feel exposed and may move on to find somewhere else to burgle

Burglars often choose a home because they’ve spotted a specific vehicle, motorcycle or bicycle they want to steal – and the keys are more than likely to be inside the residence

Sheds and garages are often vulnerable as they are not that secure and contain tools which the burglar can use to assist them to gain entry to a home

It’s a fact that many burglars return to homes that they’ve previously burgled because the homeowner failed to upgrade security following the first burglary. They sometimes return to an area to try to burgle a nearby home that they spotted while committing a previous break in. Even more reason for you to ensure you keep your home as safe as houses.

Kind regards,

Davina.

Lichfield District Council is pleased to announce an extension to the operating hours for LinkUp, its on-demand community transport service.
Launched in December 2024 in partnership with transport specialists WeMove, LinkUp is designed to connect villages across the district without existing public transport links to Lichfield city and Burntwood town centres.
Following positive community feedback, from Monday 28 April to Friday 6 June the service will trial running from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday—making it easier for commuters, students and shoppers to access amenities.
The service is £3 per journey, free for children aged 11 and under and concessionary bus pass holders and allows residents to book a ride on the LinkUp app and be picked up from their nearest virtual bus stop.
A spokesperson for Lichfield District Council said: “The response to LinkUp has been encouraging and we are delighted to extend the service hours to offer residents even more flexibility.
“LinkUp is easy to use and whether it’s for work, education, appointments, or meeting up with friends, this extension gives our rural communities greater access to our high streets.
“For many people the service is their only direct link to Lichfield and Burntwood and we’re proud to support them.”

To book a journey:
• Download the LinkUp app on Google Play or the App store
• Or call 0808 134 6632, Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm. Standard call charges apply.
• Whilst you can pay by cash on board, all journeys must be booked in advance. If you want to pay by cash, just select ‘pay on board’ when booking and pay the driver as you board.
LinkUp is a six-month pilot scheme, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
For full information and FAQs please visit linkup.lichfielddc.gov.uk .

Local closures

1. A513 Chetwynd Bridge closure – 13th May 18.45 to 23.45

2. Through Harlaston on 27th May – Road Notice 27_5_25

Please find attached our MayMay newsletter events newsletter, there are loads of great events coming up, please take a look and add the dates to your calendars – why not make the most of these local events.

Are you interested in joining Edingale Parish Council? We have a vacancy for a parish councillor.

Becoming a parish councillor is a rewarding and valued form of public service. Councillors contribute to the work of the Parish Council by:

• Having a say about the things they care about
• Putting forward ideas for better services
• Responding to the needs and views of parishioners
• Seeking the best outcome to local issues
• Getting involved in decision making
• Helping to make Edingale a better place to live

We normally meet on the first Monday of each month, (except August). Meeting are held at 7.30 pm at Edingale Village Hall and last up to two hours. Councillors are expected to attend meetings on a regular basis.

If you are interested, we would love to hear from you. Contact the Clerk to find out more clerk@edingale-pc.gov.uk

Please read our past minutes and policies which are on our website – www.edingale-pc.co.uk

Closing Date for applications: 2nd May 2025
For co-option at meeting being held on: Tuesday 13th May

Edingale and Harlaston Parish Councils have been working together to improve an avenue of diseased Ash Trees that line the Harlaston Road between the two villages. The trees are in private ownership and many of them are subject to an older Tree Preservation Order that supports Harlaston’s Conservation Area, but the trees are all in the Parish of Edingale. In cooperation with the owner, the Councils have liaised with Lichfield’s tree officer about taking out some of the diseased trees and noting the limited life of others. Volunteers from the two councils then planted out some 50 whips and saplings along the hedge/tree line. The new trees are a mixture of Wild Cherry, Hornbeam and Common Oak. The Councils have agreed to share the costs of the project.

Residents need to be double checking that car doors, front doors,  porch doors, garage doors, side gates and so on are secure and locked at all times.

These incidents have been taken very seriously of course at Lichfield Police Station with requests from the Lichfield LPT Commander for extra patrols to be put in at the location, (both plain and marked).

If residents do experience what they believe to be suspicious activity we urge them to contact Staffordshire Police on 101 to report the incident. In the case of an emergency of course call 999.

Reports can also be made on the Staffordshire Police website www.staffordshire.police.uk

Using either of these methods will then create an official log and incident number for the caller/ reporter.

We also encourage residents to subscribe to www.staffordshiresmartalert.co.uk

This is a service that can be subscribed to ‘free of charge’ where you submit your details and location of interest. You will then receive updates via email or text (your preference) with regards to what is going on in your area such as shed break ins, burglaries, suspicious behaviour and so on.