|
Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch in conjunction with Hassocks
Neighbourhood Watch present:
   
Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter
|
Summer 2007 Issue No. 19 |
| Current issue: Summer 2008
Previous issues: Spring 08 | Winter
07 | Summer 07 | Spring 07 | Winter
06 | Summer 06 | Spring
06 |
Beware
the doorstep caller
|
|
BEWARE the doorstep caller! Is he genuine or bogus?
Recent messages to the community from our
District Commander, Chief Inspector Chris Ball, have reported that
burglary and other criminal activity continues to decline in our district
and that is certainly good news.
However he does give warning that there is concern about criminals who may
seek to practice their mean ways upon those community members who they may
perceive to be easy targets and more readily vulnerable to being robbed or
cheated.
Unexpected doorstep callers can use a variety of tricks to gain entry and
will often work in pairs or small teams so that whilst one talks to the
householder the other may be out of sight in another room seeing what can
be stolen.
Taken at face value?
Many of us may be vulnerable, particularly those who are living alone
or are elderly, but often we are fairly trusting of people who call at our
homes and who appear to have good reason to do so and seem respectable
enough.
In particular those who claim to represent some authority or other may
perhaps be taken at face value and allowed access to check the water
pressure, look at the gas or electric meter or suggest that there is a
problem with the roof tiles.
An article in the Sunday Times a few weeks ago reported that the Centre
for Policy Studies had stated that 'officials' have some 266 ways of
seeking entry into your home. Most of these you will never encounter, but
the few that may affect our lives are varied and inconsistent. Who knows
when these entry powers require prior notice to be given?
Someone with criminal intent can easily pose as an authorised 'official'.
Producing home computer made documents, that appear to be genuine identity
documents, can be misleading when flashed in front of you on the doorstep.
So how do you know if the caller at the door is genuine? Opening comments
such as: "I'm from the Water Board, there's a leak next door/up the
road, and we need to check your water". Or "I'm working on next
door's fence, give me £200, and I'll fix yours". Or "Do you
have any gardening work I can do?"....should all ring warning bells.
It can be simple
Beating the bogus caller can be simple...
Remember:
'STOP' Is anyone
expected? Make sure the back door is locked.
'CHAIN' Put the
door chain on BEFORE opening the door.
'CHECK' Ask for
identification, if they have none do not let them in, but if something is
produced take time to look at it. If in doubt telephone the authority
which they are supposed to be representing.
|
Remember also, many of these callers will target elderly people, who
they hope they will be able to trick more easily.
For somebody who is partially sighted or blind and can not check an
identity card, show a nominated neighbour card at the window which directs
the caller to a nearby neighbour who, if appropriate, will call back with
them to assist.
It is your home and you should not let anybody into it unless you are
satisfied you know who they are. A door chain can be relatively cheap to
fit and could save a lot of inconvenience.
Doorstep Caller cards placed at the front door/window, can act as a
deterrent to unwanted callers, but can also help remind you to use the
door chain.
Suspicions aroused?
If you are not happy with the caller and your suspicions are aroused
call Sussex Police
on 0845 60 70 999 or Trading
Standards on 08454 040506. In an emergency dial 999.
If you have vulnerable relatives, neighbours or friends urge them to
establish good practice so that it becomes second nature to be cautious.
And where possible encourage them to secure help from a neighbour before
allowing any stranger to enter the home. The Nominated
Neighbour pack is aimed at assisting that arrangement and packs are
available from our Police Crime Prevention Co-ordinators:
Hilary Winfield on 01293 583952
email:
or Shirley Deakin on 01444 445848
email:
Some of the more serious crimes have been committed by 'rogue traders'
who may appear to be genuine and will carry out work to your home or
garden and then charge a grossly excessive price for what has been done.
Such actions can cause great distress and it is here that Trading
Standards may be able to provide speedy help and advice to avoid you being
cheated. Rarely is it wise to employ a casual caller to do work for you.
Whenever possible go to a known or reputable trader and get one or more
quotations for the work.
There is a well produced handbook provided by WSCC
Trading Standards entitled 'Think Twice' which gives clear advice
about doorstep sellers and bogus callers. Ask your local Neighbourhood
Watch Co-ordinator about securing a copy from Hilary Winfield or Shirley
Deakin, as above.
|

Security of perimeters, paths and outbuildings
|
|
THE border of your property should show a physical and
psychological boundary beyond which an offender should feel uncomfortable.
It also promotes natural surveillance from those passing. At the front of
the property keep perimeter fencing or planting low, and where
surveillance is not practicable, fencing/planting should be as high as
your planning authority permit, usually two metres. Prickly plants at the
perimeter help deter entry. Side gates should be at least two metres high
and lockable.
Surveillance
A well lit property deters trespass and protects owners on arrival.
Passive Infrared (PIR) detectors were once the favourite but so often they
are not activated until an offender has entered the curtilage of the
property - too close for comfort! In many locations wild animals or pets
will persistently activate the PIR. A low voltage light on a photoelectric
sensor and/or timer should give adequate light.
Effective surveillance can be on your own property,
CCTV, neighbours, or community members passing by. Check that foliage is
not blocking effective surveillance. If you are considering CCTV ensure
that you adhere to regulations controlling the use and it is of evidential
quality. Sussex Police can provide 'Smile you are on CCTV' posters.
Paths and Driveways
Simple path/driveway alarms can be used
to alert you to a visitor. Pebble surfaces can deter offenders as the
stones crunch both when driven over or on footfall. Lock-down bollards can
be used to prevent vehicular access and protect property on driveways.
This is particularly important if caravans and drive-on garden equipment
is stored.
|
Garages and Sheds
Even if you are a modest gardener or a DIY amateur, your shed or garage
will house equipment running into four figures to replace. Is your
security commensurate with the value of the goods within? Burglars can
often find the tools of their trade easily accessible right on site; the
spade to lift off the patio door or the shears to force the window, are
those tools easily accessible on your property?
Obscure windows so that property cannot be seen, install ground anchors as
appropriate and check door security. Exposed hinge fixings and poor
up-and-over door locks are the most common features that make these
outbuildings more vulnerable. Doors integral to the home should be treated
as external doors when installing security (BS 3621 five lever mortice
locks).
Security mark property, remember that these are the sort of items that
next appear in an auction or boot-sale so overt marking should be added to
covert methods. Show that you have marked your property with signage
available from your local police station: Sussex Police - 0845 60 70 999,
in an emergency dial 999.
For further information:
www.locksmiths.co.uk
finds a member of the Master Locksmiths Association
www.hassocksnhw.org.uk - Local NHW and
products for sale such as shed alarms
www.soldsecure.com
- Sold Secure is a non-profit making company dedicated to reducing the
risk of crime by the assessment of security products. Also try:
www.crimereduction.gov.uk/burglary/burglary45.htm
www.selectamark.co.uk/property_marking.html and
www.sussex.police.uk
|
No Cold
Calling Zones
TWO No Cold Calling Zones (NCCZ), which are designed to deter
rogue doorstep traders, have been set up in Crawley Down. They are at The
Martins and in Woodland Close.
The Zones have been set up in response to concerns voiced by NHW
Co-ordinators Carole Williams and John Killick and following consultation
with local residents who said they were in favour of the measure. NCCZ are
multiagency crime prevention initiatives involving WSCC Trading Standards,
Sussex Police and NHW. On the launch day 29th May, residents received
crime prevention information packs and NCCZ signs were put on lampposts.
Trading Standards Officer Alison Wheeler and CPC Hilary Winfield were on
hand to offer advice to the residents. These zones will help protect
people from the sort of criminal that sees the most vulnerable as an easy
target.
|

Pictured
(from left): Alison Wheeler, Carole Williams and
John
Killick with the newly erected NCCZ sign.
|

Home
Fire Safety Checks
WEST Sussex Fire and Rescue Service offer a free
Home Fire Safety Check to any householder within West Sussex whether
it is a private dwelling or rented accommodation.
This service provides:
Advice on Kitchen
Safety
Advice on Electrical
Safety
Advice on Electrical,
Portable or Open Fires
Advice on using candles
and other naked lights around the home
Information allowing
you and other members of your household to make a Fire Plan
Advice on your Bedtime
Routine, ensuring you carry out the simple tasks to make you safer within
your own Home
Fit Ten Year Smoke
Alarms where required, free of charge
Every year in the UK there are over 59,000 Dwelling Fires and latest
statistics show that nearly 400 people lose their lives in Fires within
the Home every Year!
By taking action now you will make your home a safer environment for you
and other household members:
Ensure you have a
working Smoke Alarm, at least one on each floor of your home
Make a Fire plan,
ensuring that all household members know what to do in the event of a fire
occurring
Before going to bed
turn off electrical appliances not designed to stay on, switch off
portable heaters, ensure cigarettes, cigars or other smoking materials are
fully extinguished and put in a place of safety (outside the house)
Always close
doors to all rooms
|
Remember in the event of a fire in your home:
Get out
Call the Fire Service
and STAY OUT!
For a FREE Home Fire Safety Check, please Freephone on 0800 3286487 or apply
here.
Useful
numbers
Police crime
prevention co-ordinator for Haywards Heath and the southern part of Mid
Sussex
Shirley Deakin: Tel: 01444 445848.
email:
Police crime prevention
co-ordinator for East Grinstead and the northern part of Mid Sussex
Hilary Winfield: Tel: 01293 583952
email:
Crimestoppers:
Telephone: 0800 555 111
Web: www.crimestoppers-uk.org
NHW Special Teams email addresses:
General mail:
Team leader Sgt Alexander:
Team leader Sgt Rachel Mundy:
Team leader Sgt Jo Webb:
|
|
Security Products
New
Stock now available from Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch
|
|
Shed
Alarm
3 way alarm incorporates movement detector and chime
Cost: £12 each
Driveway
Alarm
For use on driveway/ outhouse to alert you to visitor
Cost: £20 each
Vehicle Alarm
(not shown)
Cost: £20 each
Personal
Attack Alarms
Two silver alarms shown are supplied with a key ring. Choose from the
new louder and larger (10cm) style or the compact version.
Cost:
£5 each either large or compact
Name......................................................
Telephone or email.................................
|
Personal
Attack Alarm
The black one shown can also be used as a door alarm.
Cost: £6 each
Window Alarm Cost: £5 each

Door Alarm Cost: £12 each
Sneak In Alarm (see page 4) Cost: £6 each
Glass Guard Alarm
Sounds when windows are attacked. Cost: £5 each
NHW Gatepost Sign Cost: 50p each
UV pen (permanent) Cost: 50p each
UV torch Cost: £7 each
UV Key ring torch Cost: £5 each
Total (cheque only payable to Mid Sussex NHW)........
If you wish to purchase any of the above items please contact Hilary
Winfield, Crime Prevention Co-ordinator,
East Grinstead Police Station, East Court, East Grinstead, RH19 3LX. Tel:
01293 583952 or email:
Address......................................................................
..................................Post
Code................................
|

|
Out and
about
Driving mini-motorbikes legally
Mini-motorbikes are becoming increasingly popular with young people and
those using them can easily find themselves on the wrong side of the law.
The bikes are driven with petrol engines or electric motors and are
capable of speeds up to and over 30mph.
The only place where the machine can be used legally and safely is on
private land with the permission of the landowner. If they are driven
elsewhere, riders need a driving license, insurance, MOT, and safety
equipment. Prosecution may also extend to parents who allow their children
to ride the machines illegally.
Most complaints relate to bikes being ridden in an anti -social manner on
roads, open spaces and beauty spots. The police will deal in a robust
manner with anyone who uses these bikes illegally.
Any sightings can be reported on 0845 60 70 999 giving as much detail as
possible. The use of the bikes can be very dangerous and with the amount
of publicity over the last couple of years there is no excuse for people
not to know the law regarding their use.
Trailer information
Owners of Ifor Williams trailers may be interested to know that the
company keep a central registry of trailers. They will 'flag' stolen
trailers on their records and, all they need is the address of the loser.
If you have an Ifor
Williams trailer stolen ring them on 01490 412626. There have been
arrests and recovery of property through the central register and they are
surprised that more losers do not report losses. All horse trailers are
covertly marked with Datatag
micro chips. However, it is still essential to fit a good quality
trailer hitch lock - see: www.soldsecure.com
for a list of quality products which have been tested for resilience.
Sneak in alarm
A simple new alarm designed to combat sneak in burglary prevalent
during warmer months. This clever device fits over the door handle. If
anyone touches the external door handle it triggers a 120db siren. This
means the Sneak in Alarm can also be effective when doors are left
slightly ajar. A variety of applications are suggested such as low cost
home security, students/nurses accommodation and hotel rooms. It is
battery operated. It costs £6 and is available from the address on page 3
in the Security Products section.
Members handbook
Preparations are underway to produce a Neighbourhood Watch Members
Handbook for distribution to all households that are members of NHW
schemes in Mid Sussex. These number some 15,000 homes.
The previous handbook was produced about 10 years ago and much of the
information then provided needs to be brought up-to-date. There are no
copies left for current distribution.
The handbook will give a range of information and advice upon various
aspects of community safety covering items such as crime prevention,
personal and home safety, fire safety, property marking, dealing with
bogus callers, internet security, etc. It is intended to provide a basic
guide to aid the safety of you, your family, your home environment and
that of your neighbours.
|
Production is being supported by grant aid from a number of public
bodies including Sussex
Police, WSCC
Fire & Rescue Service, Trading
Standards and WSCC County Local Committees. A full list of sponsors
will be given in the next issue of Watch Out.
It is hoped that printing and distribution will take place later this
summer.
Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Association
The Annual General Meeting of the Association took place on 2nd May.
The Chairman, Geoffrey Coe, retired as Chairman after serving in office
for four years. No replacement Chairman has yet been appointed. David
Norton from Chanctonbury NHW at Burgess Hill has been appointed as
Vice-Chairman and Jerry Butler, from Albourne, continues as Treasurer. The
office of Hon. Secretary is also vacant at present. In addition, our
editor Jennie Lisney would like to relinquish her position for personal
reasons as soon as a new editor for Watch Out is found. If you are
interested in taking on one of the vacant officer posts, or know of
someone who might be willing to serve please contact Shirley Deakin or
Hilary Winfield - address details on page 3.
North Downs NHW search team
There are now over 100 members of the Search Team, most of whom have
received full training. Many have participated in practice training
exercises in rural locations to gain experience and learn the realities of
this vital work.
There is still a need for further volunteers to build a large enough team
to provide ample support for call-outs. This is a very worthwhile way of
aiding your community when help is needed to search for a missing person.
YOU may like to join the team and develop the skill that is required.
However, it is not just a 'stroll in the park'!
Contact: Kathryn Hayhurst at email:
or Sgt Rachel Mundy at:
See also website: www.sussexsearch.org.
Unmarked
police cars
We received a couple of comments on the above article in the Spring
issue of Watch Out regarding the use of the police number 112 and
words like 'flashing red lights' and 'police dispatcher'. Paul Huntley
writes: "The article would have had far more credence if there had
been a full explanatory note as to what exactly 112 was. The fact that it
clearly is mainly for mobile phones should perhaps have been highlighted
and perhaps mention made of the fact that 112, just like any other mobile
phone service, requires a signal to work."
Editor: I hear and understand your remarks about
'Unmarked Police cars'. The article was taken from a much longer one sent
in by one of our NHW members and, obviously, I presumed too much in
cutting it to fit the space. Nevertheless I hope the majority of members
understood the advice behind the message. It goes without saying that all
mobiles used while driving should be hands free.
Next
issue
Articles for inclusion in the Autumn/Winter 2007 issue of 'Watch
Out' should be forwarded to either Hilary Winfield or Shirley Deakin (details
on page 3) or to the editor, Jennie Lisney on email:
The closing date is 21st October 2007.
|
|