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

Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch NewsletterWatch Out Neighbourhood Watch

Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

Winter 2007 Issue No. 20
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Police support of NHW changing

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 The single post in Mid Sussex is likely to be withdrawn and replaced by a shared working arrangement at police divisional headquarters.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.

The NSTs and their PCSOs do have an important role in developing local policing and NHW is anxious to enhance working together. But the central administration and linkage of Neighbourhood Watch schemes, co-ordinators and communities cannot be distributed between some 30 or so officers in Mid Sussex all of whom have duties that are primarily involved with patrol work. Indeed, it was a response to the public demand for officers to be visible on the streets that has led to the introduction of Neighbourhood Policing and the appointment of PCSOs.
There needs to be a continued central role for one or two people in each police district to undertake the wide range of duties that for the past 15 years have been the key to building NHW to the strong community body that it now is. The Sussex Police Authority's own report records that last year there were some 10,888 NHW co-ordinators working in schemes in the combined East and West Sussex counties. Possibly the schemes cover many million households providing a virtually cost free important resource to the police. It does seem that it is short sighted to now disband the modest central role that has aided the community and Neighbourhood Watch in developing a resource that is fully accepted by the police as advancing aspects of crime prevention and not least reducing the fear of crime.

Involvement

There are now some 20 PCSOs working in Mid Sussex and whilst it may be inevitable that their main area of involvement will be in the more central urban areas, it is to be hoped that those who are specifically assigned to link with village and rural areas will be able to do so on a regular basis and thus require improved knowledge and greater communication with NHW local co-ordinators as well as local bodies, i.e. Parish Councils, Residents' Societies and other groups.

Communication plays an important role in crime prevention and detection. With electronic communication now so widely available it is far easier to spread the word around than it used to be.
The 'Ringmaster' system that Sussex police have used for a number of years to send message by telephone and latterly also by email to NHW Co-ordinators is now well out of date and there are plans to provide a much enhanced service, possibly with wider availability to the general public. In the Hastings and Rother area several thousand people have been 'on line' to have rapid reporting of information about crimes etc. However it has been stressed that those who are not on email should also be kept in touch with such information. A replacement for the Ringmaster system is being tested but there is no information yet about when this might be available or how it will be operated.

There are changes ahead that will affect NHW and its working with the community, but both Sussex Police and the Sussex Police Authority stress that their support for NHW remains undiminished.
That remains to be seen!

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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

advice to thousands through community presentations and personal visits. Humorous, witty and always charming, Hilary will be missed by colleagues at work and NHW alike. She and her partner, John, have commenced their retirement with a six month trip round the world. We all wish them a happy retirement.

Greetings from your Chief Inspectorxmas clip

Firstly I would like to thank you, our Neighbourhood Watch partners, for working with us to make Mid Sussex a safer place to live. We look forward to another successful year ahead.
On behalf of my officers and staff I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a safe and crime free New Year.

CI Chris Ball, Commander Mid Sussex District

 

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: ul Gate lock - closed shackle padlocks give good security.
ul Lockable bollard - good to add security if you have a caravan or ride-on equipment.
ul Security lighting - choose low voltage lights on a photoelectric (dusk till dawn) or timer switch.
ul Ground anchor - secure your garden equipment and cycles with a cycle lock.
ul Timer switch - make your home appear occupied, it will be less susceptible to the opportunist.
ul Money belt or bum bag - keep your money and cards safe when shopping and travelling.
ul Property marking kit; vehicle alarm; personal attack

alarm; window and door alarms - contact alarms that can be set to alarm or chime; sneak alarm - just hangs on the door handle (metal only) and lets out a shrill sound when the handle is touched and shed alarm - will give the burglar enough of a fright to abandon the operation. These last six items are available from Mid Sussex NHW see page 3.

New Year Resolutions

ul Household alarm - give it serious consideration. Get three quotes.
ul Nominated neighbour - could you be there to receive unscheduled callers for a vulnerable neighbour?
ul Neighbourhood Watch - offer to help your coordinator.
ul Security and safety - set rules for the household.
Lock the shed and garage at all times
Make the home appear occupied at all times
Unscheduled callers should be viewed with extreme caution.

Make sure your family knows where you are and when you are due back, and lastly do a Fire Safety Check - check your home is safe.

 

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.

Anti-social driving can range from careless driver behaviour to deliberate activity. It not only affects road safety but also the quality of life in local neighbourhoods. With your help Sussex Police can crackdown on this behaviour. Go to the website for more information www.operationcrackdown.org or call 01243 642222 or pickup a leaflet from your local police station.

If the incident concerning you is of a serious nature requiring immediate police attention, perhaps involving damage or injury etc to person or property, then your correct course is to make a direct report to the police by telephoning 999 or 112 for the emergency services operator or use the 0845 60 70 999 number for non emergency matters.

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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

bells clipVery Happy Christmas wishes go to all our readers and NHW members. May 2008 be a safe and healthy year for you and yours.

Can you help?

The Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Association acts as the lead body for the 600 or so NHW schemes in the Mid Sussex District. In particular it provides key linkage with senior officers in our local police Division (North Downs) and our Police District, as well as with a number of public bodies who have responsibilities for community safety.

At present there are vacancies on our Executive Committee for Chairman and Secretary plus a replacement Editor of Watch Out now that Jennie Lisney is retiring.

These roles are important to ensure the continued effective running of NHW in Mid Sussex. They give an interesting opportunity to help the well-being of our communities. If you can help and would like further information, please contact Shirley Deakin at the address shown below, or Geoffrey Coe on 01444 461326 email

 

Useful numbers
ul Police Crime Prevention Co-ordinator
Shirley Deakin: Tel: 01444 445848.
email:

ul Crimestoppers: Telephone: 0800 555 111
Web: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Neighbourhood Specialist Teams email address:
General mail:

ul Hassocks NHW website - www.hassocksnhw.org.uk
Mid Sussex crime alerts on website - click the blog link
or use the site's RSS feed.

 


Security Products

 New Stock now available from Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch

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

Vehicle Alarm
(not shown)
Cost: £20 each

Personal Attack Alarm
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 AlarmCost: £5 each either large or compact version

 

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

Window Alarm Window Alarm Cost: £5 each

 

Sneak In Alarm Cost: £6 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 Police Crime Prevention Co-ordinator Shirley Deakin at Haywards Heath Police Station, Bolnore Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4BA
Tel: 01444 445848.
email:

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

 

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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.

ul 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.

ul 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.

ul 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

ul 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

ear. Walk in the middle of the path, stride out and display confident body language. Walk facing on coming traffic to avoid curb crawlers. If you feel that someone is following you cross the road and see if the other person persists. If you still have concerns head for a place of safety (fire station, or a Police Station), there may be a CCTV camera at a nearby filling station or shopping street.

ul Public transport

Wait in a well lit spot try to stay away from isolated stops -
* Know where you are going - such as the stop you need to get off the bus and have your ticket/fare ready so you don't have to get out your purse/wallet.
* Take a mobile phone with you in case of an emergency. * Always sit downstairs on a bus, and near to the driver.
* On a train try not to sit in an empty compartment.
* Make sure you keep hold of all personal belongings.
* Avoid sitting near people with whom you feel uncomfortable.
* Call a taxi rather than wait for one to come to you; ask the driver to identify who he is expecting to collect and take the driver's registered number.

ul Out Shopping

Remember 'on display easy prey'; the shopping on view in the car or left for a moment by the counter is easy pickings. Keep your shopping with you at all times.

ul By car

Make sure there are no items in the car that could tempt a thief. Sat Navs, briefcases, golf clubs and mobile phones are on the stolen list aside from the audio equipment.

If you feel you are being followed or a victim of road rage keep calm, circle around twice, and if the suspicious person is still in pursuit, head for a place of safety, remember CCTV units are never far away.

Sat Navs are on the top of the 'wanted' list by offenders. Even removed from view the tell tale 'sticker stain' on the window could indicate that it is now in the glove compartment! Remove it from the car. Head for where it is well lit and where reliable passers-by will respond to suspicious activity. Reverse into the space so that you can leave safely.

See the last issue of Watch Out for comprehensive articles on home security and callers at the door.

For comprehensive information including computer crime please see: www.hassocksnhw.org.uk Trust your instincts, if you thing it is suspicious report it! Dial 999 in an emergency. Non emergency calls 0845 60 70 999. If you want to make a totally anonymous and non traceable call dial Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

 

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

your chance, the post remains vacant!

Contact Jennie via email: who will give guidance to ensure a smooth take-over.

  Next issue
Articles for inclusion in the Spring 2008 issue of 'Watch Out' should be forwarded to Police Crime Prevention Co-ordinator Shirley Deakin at Haywards Heath Police Station, Bolnore Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4BA
Tel: 01444 445848.
email:
The closing date is 21st February 2008.