Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

In September an announcement by Sussex Police Deputy Chief Constable Geoff Williams stated that as part of the proposals that are planned to make savings of £10 million over the next two years, certain posts related to crime prevention will be abolished.

For Mid Sussex this means that we will lose our two Crime Prevention Co-ordinators (CPCs), Shirley Deakin and Hilary Winfield. Hilary, in fact retired at the end of October and is not being replaced. The CPCs have served our community for about 15 years and during that time have developed much knowledge, experience and skill in helping the general community and our many Neighbourhood Watch schemes. They have also played a vital part in aiding crime prevention.

As a result of representations that have been made to the police and to Sussex Police Authority by NHW leaders in West Sussex, there will be two CPC posts retained for 12 months from April 2008, one each for North Downs and West Downs police divisions. It is intended that these posts will be for 'back office' duties and as a result much more limited than the range of work that is undertaken by the CPCs at present.

Reductions

It is also proposed that there will be a reduction in Crime Prevention Officers who have less direct involvement with Neighbourhood Watch and deal more with commercial property etc. The single post in Mid Sussex is likely to be withdrawn and replaced by a shared working arrangement at police divisional headquarters.

It is intended that Neighbourhood Policing in Sussex will be advanced by the further development of the Neighbourhood Specialist Teams (NSTs) which were first set up about a year ago with the aim of having more direct communication with the general public. These teams are each led by a police sergeant and comprise of two police constables and a number of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) There are three teams in Mid Sussex based on each of the three main towns, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and East Grinstead, together with the villages surrounding each of these town areas.

Intentions

The NSTs are intended to put local communities and their needs, their issues and their priorities at the heart of local policing. Key community contacts are being developed so that a regular dialogue can build greater trust and confidence in the police and the local service that they provide.

It is suggested that PCSOs can take over the work that has in the past been carried out by the CPCs. This is strongly disputed by Neighbourhood Watch leaders in West Sussex.

Hilary Winfield retires after 16 years

Crime Prevention Co-ordinator Hilary Winfield retired at the end of October this year after 16 years service with the force. Hilary joined Sussex Police in 1991, and was appointed CPC for the then Weald Division.

She developed a network of Neighbourhood Watch Schemes throughout the Division which included Uckfield, Crowborough and East Grinstead together with their surrounding villages. In 2000 Hilary lost much of her geographic area to the East Downs Division. Over the last seven years Hilary has concentrated on the East Grinstead area supporting Neighbourhood Watch and participating in community operations. Hilary's work with the Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Committee included participation on the editorial team for 'Watch Out' and the sale of security goods. Over the years Hilary has given security

Christmas Gift ideas

Large gifts or just little stocking fillers, there is always room for additional security. The Crime Prevention Team at Haywards Heath police station have put together their ideas for Christmas. This list is based on shortfalls seen on their many security surveys. Look at www.soldsecure.com if you want to select a product that has been tested and graded. Here are some suggestions: Gate lock - closed shackle padlocks give good security.
Lockable bollard - good to add security if you have a caravan or ride-on equipment.
Security lighting - choose low voltage lights on a photoelectric (dusk till dawn) or timer switch.
Ground anchor - secure your garden equipment and cycles with a cycle lock.
Timer switch - make your home appear occupied, it will be less susceptible to the opportunist.
Money belt or bum bag - keep your money and cards safe when shopping and travelling.
Property marking kit; vehicle alarm; personal attack

Don't Tolerate it - Report it

Operation 'Crackdown' launched by Sussex Police in August in co-operation with the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, is aimed at tackling careless, rude and inconsiderate drivers who are selfish and anti-social in their behaviour at the wheel of their cars.

Law abiding road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, now have a way of reporting their experiences and frustrations of the unpleasant and often illegal conduct of a minority of drivers who care little for the effect that their actions have upon others.

Out and about

Ridgeway NHW Celebrates Summer

Ridgeway, East Grinstead is a small group of houses who have their own Neighbourhood Watch group organised by Keith & Jo Visser. Although it is a small group of 18 houses, many of the residents only know each other by sight but are kept in touch through the regular NHW reports of activities in their area and Watch Out. Keith & Jo organised a Summer Garden Party in July where everyone was invited. The whole community came together and supplied food and refreshments. Unfortunately the almost constant rain meant that the garden party changed to a 'Lounge Party'.

Their local 'Bobby' PCSO George Lock and the local Postman 'Rolly' and wife also came to support the group and cement friendships. Crime Prevention Officer Hilary Winfield brought Sussex Police Crime prevention leaflets and goodies for the children.

On a day when national security was looking grim with the terror problems in Glasgow and London and the wet weather, this get-together lifted the spirits and helped to cement community relations and security. Everybody really appreciated George and Rolly giving up their personal time to get to know their customers.

Premium rate numbers

There is a regulatory body to protect the consumer when using premium rate numbers. Phonepayplus is the rebranded body previously known as ICSTIS.

They state: "PhonepayPlus is the industry-funded regulatory body for all premium rate charged telecommunications services. We are non-profit making and comprise ten remunerated part-time board members, supported by a full-time executive. We regulate services in their entirety - their content, promotion and overall operation - through our Code of Practice". Take a look at their website: www.phonepayplus.org.uk to keep abreast of the latest news or to report mal-practice or them on 0800 500 212

Shed Alarm
3 way alarm incorporates movement detector and chime
Cost: £12 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 version

Name..................................................................................
Telephone or email.............................................................

Crime at Christmas

Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, so enjoy the festivities by not letting your guard down. Here in Mid Sussex we live in a low crime area but every year people have still been devastated after being victims of Christmas crime.

Who are your presents for?

Presents round the tree add to the festive picture but the sight could be too tempting for the opportunist burglar. With Christmas days away, thieves could have gathered up those parcels. Keep your presents out of sight.

Gifts can be property marked, especially if you know the recipient is not likely to want to change it. Overt marking using acid etching, tamper-resistant labels, permanent pens and engraving make it more difficult to sell the item at the auction or boot-sale. If you cannot mark property then ensure you can identify them and/or photograph with a measure in the frame to show the scale.

Out and about at Christmas

Make sure your plans include time to check for safety. Only carry what you need - mobile phone (charged and with emergency contact numbers entered), keys (separate from anything showing your address, money and cards); what you need for the trip and personal attack alarm. A money belt is ideal to keep money and cards out of reach of thieves.

Debit and Credit Cards

Develop the habit of shielding your hand when entering your PIN be it at the cash point or in a shop. Never reveal the number - some offenders will pose as police or bank officials in order to gain it. Remember NO ONE needs your PIN other than you!

When using the cash point be vigilant and move to another location if you feel uneasy. Trust your instincts! If there have been unfamiliar changes to the cash point don't use it, report it, offenders have been known to replace the front of these machines in order to recover cards and record PIN entries. Run your finger over the card slot - discrete devices can be inserted in order to capture the card. Don't accept help from strangers if your card is not ejected. There are many more helpful tips on www.cardwatch.org.uk

On your travels - on foot

On foot make sure you have left enough time to avoid the temptation of taking short cuts down unlit and seldom frequented alleys and pathways. Keep all of your senses alert - ears, eyes and nose. If you are tempted to use earpieces playing your favourite music then just plug in to one

Our editor retires

Professional editor and journalist (now retired), Jennie Lisney, has given her services free of charge for a number of years. With Jennie's hard work, Watch Out has emerged as a professional newsletter that has become possibly the best NHW newsletter in Sussex.

Illness and family commitments, travel and festivities have never stood in the way of Jennie's commitment to her Neighbourhood Watch members (she is also co-ordinator of Larch Way/ Walnut Park NHW area).

To Jennie we say a massive thank you and send you our very best wishes. AND to all those who have ever had aspirations to edit a newsletter, here is