Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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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.