Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch in conjunction with Hassocks Neighbourhood Watch present:

Watch Out Neighbourhood Watch

Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

Autumn/Winter 2006 Issue No. 17

New search team for Sussex

Search volunteers
Volunteers during a search.

Lynne King and Mike Cheetham, from Hurstpierpoint, express their view as to what is involved as a Search Team volunteer.

Previously in Watch Out a short item was included about the proposed North Downs Neighbourhood Watch Search Team which had its inaugural meeting last February. Since then almost 100 volunteers have completed all or part of the required training and many have already participated in a training exercise or in a real search operation near the Hampshire border looking for the burial place of a murder victim, believed to be interred in farmland.

Professional

The need for a Search Team in our part of Sussex developed from experience gained during the hunt for the little girl Sarah Payne some years ago. The police soon found that calling for untrained members of the Public, appreciated though their help was, revealed all sorts of problems, and so a more "professional" team of volunteers was formed in the West Downs policing district (Worthing and Chichester areas), with training developed from experience in the United States, Canada and Northern Ireland etc.

As this system proved successful, it was decided to form a similar team in the North Downs policing district - Crawley, Horsham and Haywards Heath areas. More volunteers are now needed to come forward as only a small percentage of the team members may be available for call-out on each occasion. So I thought you might like to know a little more about what is involved from one who has tried it, and will continue to be active.

You do need to be fit, and possess the stamina to go out in any weather and push straight through more-or-less any vegetation, any ground condition or steepness of slope encountered (within the limits of "health and safety" - of course!). You will need to be able to make a quick decision, on being telephoned, as to whether you can leave your home or workplace for a period of up to approximately eight hours. (You need to take some food and drink, although depending on the search this maybe provided). N.B. there is no pay, or expenses. And you need to consider whether you could cope with making a very unpleasant discovery, although, in fact most searches involve locating the living - either old, young or mentally disturbed. You will not be asked to search for dangerous criminals or others of that nature.

In addition, you need to undertake four evenings of excellent training, which includes map-reading and the use of the compass.

It is likely that members will be keen walkers, but from what I have already found, there is a great team spirit, and the feeling that you are doing something important and worthwhile.
Mike Cheetham, NHW. Coordinator, St Georges area, Hurstpierpoint.

It's not a walk in the Park !

It is a gloriously sunny Sunday, just the day for a ramble along the South Downs. Except that is not exactly what I'm doing... So, what have I got myself into and how on earth did I get here?
A few months ago I responded to a Neighbourhood Watch e-mail which asked for volunteers interested in finding out more about being on call to look for missing persons in Sussex. It seemed more interesting than most of my e-mails and, in a fit of enthusiasm, I rashly forwarded my name and promptly forgot all about it.
Fast forward to February and suddenly I find myself on a list of "interested persons" invited to a meeting at Slaugham Manor to find out more. Feeling rather foolish, I grudgingly gave up a Monday evening and went along to listen to the spiel, thinking I will never, ever volunteer for anything ever again. That might have been the end of it except... they needed volunteers to form a committee. Without a committee the whole enterprise may never get off the ground, they said. And that's when I looked around and thought: "How many of these people are thinking exactly what I'm thinking - that someone else will do it?" And what if no-one else will do it? Do I really want this brilliant enterprise to fail at the first hurdle?
So, I volunteered. And I'm really glad I did. Because the next stage was an invitation to join a training exercise, set up by the West Downs Neighbourhood Watch Search Team, to find out exactly what I was letting myself in for.
Which explains why I found myself, on a sunny Sunday, not strolling across the South Downs, but watching a group of dedicated volunteers in bright yellow jackets, searching through woodland high on the Downs. These people are scanning every square inch of ground. And if the ground is covered in brambles, they don't have the option of walking round. They have to go through the obstacle, looking for clues (if any) to the recent passage of the missing person.
And these people are thorough. If there is anything there to find, they have been trained to find it. They are dedicated, dogged and determined. They are exactly the sort of people I would want to be out looking if the missing person turned out to be someone from my family.
It's not a walk in the park. It's not undertaken for fun but with a deadly serious purpose.
Over the course of the weekend around 100 people participated in an exercise designed to aid them if, and when, they are called out for real. Aren't you glad they've chosen to give up their time to this? Aren't I glad I volunteered? Bet your life. It was the best Sunday afternoon I've spent in ages.
Lynne King, Hurstpierpoint.

Additional volunteers are needed
If you are interested please contact Kathryn Hayhurst at 01444 445965 or 0845 60 70 999 extension 84211 or her email: kathryn.hayhurst@sussex.pnn.police.uk Alternatively view the Search Team web site at: www.sussexsearch.org Mike Cheetham also says you are welcome to phone him if you think he can be of assistance. Telephone 01273 835210 or email him on cheets@f2s.com.

Crime Hotspots

Garages and outbuildings have formed crime hotspots; they are targeted by the offender when access is out of view of caring neighbours. Theft, criminal damage and squatting have recently been dealt with by Sussex Police in both rural and urban areas of Mid Sussex.
Check your security now! Use what you have got to secure your building but consider adding more. Ground anchors, alarms and additional locks may be essential to provide sound security. Sold-secure test and grade security products, log on to www.Soldsecure.com or pick up a leaflet at the Police Station, check that your locks meet the standard. Give careful attention to 'up and over' doors, you may need to install additional locks.
Take the time to security mark your property, readily identifiable property is less attractive to the offender and more easily returned to the rightful owner. Tamper resist labels and permanent pens are cheap and easy to use, more costly items are often marked with sophisticated tracking and covert identification methods.
Make your building and surrounding area appear secure at all times; could lighting and signage be enhanced? Litter, graffiti and damage can cause 'the broken window effect' encouraging crime and anti-social behaviour. A clean-up campaign can be the first step to enhance security. Looks count!
The aftermath of crime at garages and outbuildings can be devastating in terms of both cost and time:
Replacing locks and bolts and perhaps even doors and windows
Repairing criminal damage
Replacing stolen property
Obtaining eviction orders from the courts
Clearing up debris of those who have entered the building
Trust your instincts, if you see something suspicious let the police know.
If you think a crime is about to happen or crime is in progress dial 999.
The non emergency number for Sussex Police is
0845 60 70 999
or email
Information can be left anonymously by ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Fireworks and the use of Penalty Notices

With the arrival of darker evenings the likelihood of fireworks being used in an anti - social or irresponsible way also increases. Misuse often causes distress or anxiety to people and animals and can result in injury damage to property.
The Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 allows Police officers to issue penalty notices ( £80 ) for the following recordable offences:

Offenders aged 16 or 17 should only be issued with penalty notices for recordable offences in the custody centres.
Prohibition of possession of adult fireworks by persons below the age of 18 years in a public place. Indoor fireworks and sparklers are not included in the definition of an adult firework. (Penalty Notice offence code DA15)
Prohibition of possession of category 4 prohibited fireworks anywhere when not exempt from liability. Category 4 fireworks are the type used by professional display operators and organisers and these people along with suppliers are exempt from liability. Category 4 prohibited fireworks tend not to be produced in colourful packaging and are likely to marked with the following warning - 'This device must not be sold or used by, a member of the General Public'. (Penalty Notice offence code DA14)
Use of adult fireworks during night hour 11pm to 7am the following day. This prohibition starts one hour later on 5th November allowing people to use fireworks up to mid-night and two hours later on New Years Eve allowing use up to 1am. (Penalty Notice offence code DA13).

£80 penalty notice

Additionally, an £80 penalty notice can be issued for: Section 80 of the Explosives Act 1975 - throwing or casting a firework in a highway, street or other thoroughfare or public place. This is not recordable on PNC and could be issued on the street to a 16 or 17 year old. An appropriate adult is not required. (Penalty Notice offence code DA05).

No cold calling zones

Trading Standards have launched an initiative to discourage "cold callers" from troubling householders who may be pressured into buying goods or services from callers at their doorstep. Called "No cold calling zones", residents in a Zone will receive free crime prevention advice and information packs, plus details about a nominated neighbour scheme, where callers will be shown a card asking them to call on another address to have their identity verified. Signs will be put up warning that residents will say NO to doorstep callers. The area will be patrolled by Trading Standards and Sussex Police and any suspicious callers will be reported to the Police.
In urgent cases, Sussex Police or Trading Standards will respond to the call and intervene on behalf of the residents. Genuine callers will either be vetted thoroughly or asked to make a prior appointment. Companies found to be ignoring the 'No Cold Callers' on the doorstep message will be contacted by Trading Standards and advised of the residents' wishes. There have been incidents where people have been "ripped off" or cheated by door step callers with large amounts of money being demanded for minor building repairs and drive re-surfacing, etc. Always be very careful and say NO. Lionel Barnard, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: "Rogue traders are a menace, who prey on vulnerable and older people, sometimes robbing them of thousands of pounds for shoddy work. While these are not common occurrences, we are determined to protect older and vulnerable people in West Sussex. No Cold Calling Zones are one way of protecting them and we are planning more in the future".

Cuckfield no cold calling zone launch
Fire Service support for a recently arranged zone at Cuckfield.

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
NHW Special Teams email addresses:
General mail:
Team leader Sgt Alexander:

Team leaders Sgts. Fanner and Kenward:

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.

Personal Attack Alarm 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
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, RH19 3LX. Tel: 01293 583952 or email:

Address......................................................................
..................................Post Code................................

Out and about

Fire Alert and safety

A reminder to check that your smoke alarm is working correctly and to ensure that the battery has not run down. There is usually a test button to do this. You may think that fire kills people but this is rather a simplification as usually it is the smoke from a fire that is the killer as the toxic effects are likely to overcome you before the actual burning gets to you. Hence the need for smoke alarms.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service offer Home Fire Safety checks and FREE smoke alarm fitting where required. They give advice on fire prevention, detection and escape plans. This service is available to anyone. A member of WSFR can attend a Neighbourhood Watch or Resident Association meeting to give advice on Fire Safety in your Community as well as in the home. For a free Home Fire Safety Check call 0800 3286487. For a Fire Officer to attend a meeting call Fire Fighter Trinick 01444 452320. For further advice or information, please visit our website or telephone the Haywards Heath Community Fire Safety Team www.westsussex.gov.uk or call 01243 752451. Remember, in the event of a fire in your home:
Get out, call the fire station service and STAY OUT!

Are your particulars safe and secure?

There have been recent reports in the media about the increase in the theft and use of people's identity details, such as are included in bank accounts, credit card accounts and utility bills. It is often quite easy to discover this sort of information from waste paper etc., if these sort of confidential items are not rendered indecipherable before they are thrown away. Do consider very carefully the need to cut up, shred or use other ways to destroy personal information before you dispose of items that contain any details that could be used to assume your identity.

Hassocks NHW website

The Hassocks Neighbourhood Watch website - www.hassocksnhw.org.uk now has an RSS feed to keep Mid Sussex residents and businesses informed of crime related developments in the area. Frequent updates carry up-to-the-minute crime alerts and local NHW news as well as the current issue of Watch Out.

MediPAL Æ Medical ID Cards

If you were involved in an emergency who
would know your medical and
contact details?

MediPAL is a plastic card showing your
medical history, current medication,
Allergies, blood group and
emergency contact details.

Visit www.medipal.org.uk to see the full range
of services. Or for an application form and
leaflet call: 0845 603 4604 (24 hours). Calls
charged at the cost of a local call from
anywhere in the UK.

Many websites have implemented RSS feeds. It offers a significant benefit to site users and NHW members, with frequent updates carrying the latest news, crime alerts, etc, available directly in a user's news reader. Webmaster Mike Potter adds items to the feed for the wider Mid Sussex area, not just for the Hassocks vicinity. This important addition to the site could easily be developed to address many of the communication issues and suggestions made by Bob Tidy in his NHW Review Report. A quick check on other NHW websites reveals none of the local ones have yet added an RSS feed, although it seems quite well established on others further afield. | What is RSS?

Stolen antiques - an appeal to trace owners

Can you identify your stolen antiques? During an investigation into the theft of valuable antiques, Sussex Police has recovered a large amount of property believed to have been stolen from homes in Sussex and other areas. Some of the property has been identified and the losers contacted but now detectives are seeking help to identify the remaining property, which includes grandfather, grandmother and other clocks, silverware, vases and many other valuable items. To assist with the identification, police are using a website called Virtual Bumblebee to display these items. This can be viewed via the Sussex Police website: www.sussex.police.uk - click on the site map, 'property auctions recovered and seized property' then enter the word 'Harwich' into the search field to see a list of the property.
Sussex Police has also been sending a DVD of the property recovered to victims of burglaries involving valuable antiques. If anyone is able to identify their property on either the site or the DVD, they are asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 and ask for their details to be added to Serial 585 of August 15.

Congratulations

We are very glad to send our congratulations and good wishes to our District Commander, Christopher Ball, upon his promotion to Chief Inspector which has recently been confirmed. He has held the 'Acting' rank since last year following the departure of C.I. Robin Smith, but has now been successful in achieving the full status. We look forward to continuing the excellent working relationship that we have with him. He is a great supporter of NHW.

Thank you
We are grateful to "MediPal" for their support for this issue with their advertisement. The credit size card that they provide contains vital information about an individual, particularly covering emergency details of current medication and brief medical history such as allergies, blood group etc., which is thus readily to hand should assistance be needed at any time, especially when one is away from home. It can be seen as offering vital support to the kind of information provided by the Neighbourhood Watch "Data Link" scheme - 'the message in your fridge'.

Next issue
Articles for inclusion in the Spring 2007 issue of 'Watch Out' should be forwarded to either the chairman Geoffrey Coe on email: or to the editor, Jennie Lisney on email:
The closing date is 21st February 2007.