Friday 5 November 2010

Message about Canvassers calling at your Door

South Northants Canvassing Message
02 November 2010
All residents living in the area of South Northamptonshire
Local Marketing Team
WB/CMS/3769/10
Electoral Services Officers from South Northamptonshire Council are currently undertaking their annual canvass of properties to update the Electoral Roll, by conducting 'door to door visits across the district.

Staff will only be visiting properties that have not returned their electoral roll forms between Friday 29 October and Sunday 21 November, between the hours of 9am and 8pm. All staff will hold photographic ID badges and will be wearing high-viz jackets.

Should anyone wish to confirm the legitimacy of the visiting Electoral Services Officers, please call the Electoral Services Office on 01327 322121. Unfortunately this service is only available between opening hours of 9am and 5pm.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of some general doorstep advice. ‘If you're not sure don’t open the door’. If you are unsure of someone's identity, ask them for their name and company, close/lock your door and then call the company from an official number in the phone book. If you are still unsure do not let them into your house.

Please pass this message on to those you care about and help reduce doorstep crime.

If you are concerned about a caller at your door or suspect that distraction burglars or rogue doorstep traders are operating in your community, please call our dedicated Doorstep crime Action Network (DAN) number 0345 23 07 702.

Bonfire Night Safety Message

Title: Bonfire Night Safety Message
Date: 03 November 2010
To: All residents in Northamptonshire
From: Local Marketing Team
Reference: WB/CMS/3770/10
Message: Police are reminding people to act sensibly during Bonfire Night celebrations this weekend.
There will be a plethora of firework displays across the county during the weekend and members of the public are advised to attend organised firework displays if possible.
Fireworks can be dangerous and half of all firework accidents happen to under 16s, with most injuries occurring during home displays in the back garden.
People are also reminded that you must be 18 or over to buy fireworks and that if you are under 18 it is illegal to possess fireworks in a public place.
Throwing a firework in a street or public place is a criminal offence, with a maximum fine of £5,000.
Safer Community Team members will be out and about on patrol throughout the weekend to ensure Bonfire Night can be enjoyed safely by all.
A police spokesperson said: “Fireworks may be fun in the right place and at the right time, but every year, hundreds of calls are made to the police by people who are alarmed by or just fed-up with the noise of fireworks being used inappropriately in the street.
“We would urge people to make sure they act appropriately around fireworks and if possible attend an organised display and take the worry out of what should be an enjoyable evening for all of the family.”
Five things to remember this 5 November;
- You must be over 18 to buy fireworks
- If you’re under 18 it is illegal to possess fireworks in a public place
- It is a criminal offence to throw or discharge a firework in a street or public place
- Let off fireworks between 11pm and 7am and you will be breaking the law (except on bonfire night when this extends to midnight)
Don’t forget your pets! Keep them safe and indoors.

Northamptonshire’s Fire and Rescue Service also has some important fire safety information reminding people to stay safe on Bonfire night.

For more fire safety advice contact Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service on 01604 797000.

Attempted Distraction

This is the Text of an email I have received from a Villager:

"Just to follow up on a visit I received today from a gypsy caller.

At approx 2pm the door bell rang and a woman with dirty clothes and no shoes claimed she had been locked out of a friends house and asked to use my phone despite having a mobile phone in her hand!

On noticing that I had seen this she claimed it was out of battery.

I said that was fine and closed my front door and came back with my home phone. She dialed a couple of numbers but guess what no answer!

In hindsight I shouldn't have done this but nevertheless sent her on her way without entry to my property.

If she had of entered I have no doubt that she would have robbed me.

Please could you let the NHW teams know so that they may inform residents to be extra vigilant."

The Police have been infoermed, but we should all take care and be as vigilant as this person

Tuesday 12 October 2010

Electricity Meter Top Up Scam

Please see the below scam alert sent on behalf of our partners.
Please note- there has been no known incidents reported in Northamptonshire, but it is certainly something to be aware of.
________________________________________
‘DON’T BUY ELECTRICITY METER TOP-UPS AT DOORSTEP’, ENERGY COMPANIES AND CONSUMER WATCHDOG WARN CUSTOMERS
Organised criminals are found to be operating across UK selling illegal meter credit
Energy companies and Consumer Focus, the consumer watchdog, are warning that an estimated 85,000 households have been affected by a doorstep scam which seems to offer cheaper electricity meter top-ups but just ends up with consumers paying twice.
As the scale of widespread illegal sales of electricity top-up on the doorstep is revealed, energy companies are launching a national campaign, “Top up Safe”, urging electricity prepayment meter customers to buy top-up only through official channels.
The problem is affecting customers of all of the leading energy companies (British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, npower, Scottish Power and SSE).
Companies have begun writing to and telephoning their electricity pre-payment meter customers to alert them. There is evidence of serious and organised criminal activity and they are urging customers not to buy credit for their meters on the doorstep.
Some customers are being offered £50 of electricity meter top-up for a cash payment of just £25. Energy companies detect when they have not received payment for electricity used. As the energy credit is illegal any customer buying top-up on the doorstep will end up paying twice, first to the criminal and then to their energy supplier.

Distraction Theft, Kislingbury

Distraction Theft
Friday 24th September
All residents within the Kislingbury area
Towcester Rural Safer Community Team

There has been an incident recently in Kislinbury where a foreign couple approached an elderly woman asking if she had just dropped a £20 note they’d found on the floor. Whilst the woman was looking through her purse to check, the man took her credit card from her bag and they both left.
The man and woman in question had been standing behind the elderly woman beforehand in a supermarket, whilst paying for her shopping on the card, entering her PIN number.

Please make sure to keep any debit/credit cards and PIN numbers safe and secure, ensuring that you are careful to hide your PIN number when using it in view of other people.

Safeguarding you, Your Home, and Your Vehicle

This is a message from the Northamptonshire Police Local Marketing Team. 
Northamptonshire Police are now running Operation Guardian which aims to significantly reduce burglary, robbery and vehicle crime across the county.
“Safeguarding you, your home and your vehicle“  

LEAVE IT ON SHOW …………………………………… EXPECT IT TO GO!
CHECK …. Always lock you car, and close all windows including thesunroof -even if you only leave it for a few minutes.
CHECK …. Remove all items from your vehicle when parked - even an old coat may be enough to tempt a thief. Don't forget your Sat Nav. cradle or suction pads, and always clean away the marks left  behind on the window.
CHECK …. Never leave keys in the ignition, not even at a garage when paying for fuel. Keep keys safe at all times whether you are out  or at home.

For more crime security advice please go to http://www.northants.police.uk/default.aspx?id=3124

If you have any information on who may be committing crime, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Remember, if the is a crime in progress to dial 999.

Please forward this message to your friends, family and neighbours who are
the invaluable eyes and ears of the community.

TOGETHER, WE CAN TAKE ACTION TO STOP THE CRIMINALITY THAT RUINS LIVES. 

Tuesday 21 September 2010

Shed Burglary in Mill Road

Northamptonshire Police


Putting Communities First
To All residents within the village of Kislingbury

Crime Ref: WB/16761/10

Beat Area: WS41 – Bugbrooke

Location: Mill Road

Date/Time: Midnight to 8am on Wednesday 15th September

Method: Shed door forced open

Stolen Items:

Push bike
It is a black and white coloured Orange Crush mountain bike to the value of £1,000

Reference: WB/CMS/3105/10

Crime Prevention Advice: Fit security items such as a shed alarm and a good quality hasp and staple combined with a closed shackle padlock. Also consider using tamper proof screws or preferably coach bolts as fixings. For security products we please visit Sold Secure Website

Use UV pens/forensic marking products as a deterent. Display warning stickers to deter offenders in the first instance. Please visit our website for suppliers who are Police approved and accredited by Secured by Design.

Burglary in Beech Lane

Northamptonshire Police


Putting Communities First

03000 111 222 - non emergencies & enquiries

Burglary Message

To: All residents and leisure members living within the Kislingbury area

Crime Ref: WB/16686/10

Beat Area: WS41 – Bugbrooke

Location: Beech Lane

Date/Time : 5.30pm on Tuesday 14th September to 8am on Wednesday 15th September

Method: Entry was made to a leisure facility by smashing the glass in a ground floor window

Stolen Items: A quantity of alcohol from the bar

Reference: WB/CMS/3083/10

Crime Prevention Advice: Do not leave property/vehicle keys in view or reach of any door or window. Do not leave spare keys under plant pots, under mats etc. Instead leave the key with a trusted neighbour/family/friend

Use a timer switch on a lamp when you are out to make the home looked lived in

Electric Blanket Testing

This is a message from Northamptonshire West Police to all residents on behalf of Northampton Fire and Rescue Service.

All electric blankets found to be faulty at a testing session are replaced free of charge (limited to one per household).
Electric blankets should be checked by a qualified technician every three years for signs of wear or damage.
Although electric blankets are made to strict safety standards, any blanket which is used or stored incorrectly, or is more than ten years old may be a fire risk so it is vital that people use this potentially life-saving opportunity to get their electric blankets tested.
Testing sessions are taking place across the county during 13th to 17th September.

They have been organised by the county council alongside Age Concern with support from the Electrical Safety Council.

• Monday 13th September - Mounts fire station, Mounts Northampton

• Tuesday 14th September - West Glebe Park Pavilion, Cottingham Road, Corby

• Wednesday 15th September - Brackley Fire Station, St James Road, Brackley

• Thursday 16th September - Riverside Resource Centre, Islington Road, Towcester

• Friday 17th September - Age Concern, Billing Road, Northampton

Anyone wishing to book an appointment to get their blanket tested should telephone 01604 611200 or 611209.

Thank you

"Safeguarding you, your home and your vehicle"

This is a message from the Northamptonshire Police.

Northamptonshire Police are running Operation Guardian which aims to significantly reduce burglary, robbery and vehicle crime across the county.

"Safeguarding you, your home and your vehicle"

CHECK OUT YOUR HOME...........BEFORE A BURGLAR DOES!

CHECK .. Windows and doors are locked, even when you are at home or in the garden. 1 in 4 burglaries are through insecure doors or windows.

CHECK .. Valuables are out of sight and reach. Keep keys away from cat flaps, letterboxes, downstairs doors and windows.

CHECK .. A light is left on when you are out. If it its dark before you get home, use timer switches to turn on the lights.

If you have any information on who may be committing crime, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Remember, if the is a crime in progress to dial 999.

Please forward this message to your friends, family and neighbours who are the invalua ble eyes and ears of the community.

TOGETHER, WE CAN TAKE ACTION TO STOP THE CRIMINALITY THAT RUINS LIVES.

We thank you for your continued support.

Wednesday 1 September 2010

Street Representatives

I show below a list of the Volunteers who represent your Streets. What they do is not very demanding, but it makes the scheme successful, and my thanks go to them. If you would like to volunteer to become a Street Representative please contact me. You may want to share a Street with somebody who is already on the list. the more people we have the better the scheme works!

Kay Longland (832473) Beech Lane,
Wendy Blyth (832524) Camp Lane,
Hilary Nevison-Andrews (831683) Church Lane,
Lal Clayson (839017), Church Lane
Patricia Geary (830465, Dukes Green Road
Alana Truscott (831545) Hall Close,
Paul Collins (830219) High Street,
Mel Bowler (830969) High Street,
Bernard Gent (830579) Hodges Lane,
Jackie Hogan (83i633) Lichfield Close,
Kim Masters (830632) Mill Lane,
Fred Collins (830494) Mill Road
Tim Ward (832171), Mill Road
Tim Ward (831558), Millers Close
Dee Taylor (830791) Nene Way,
Madeline Headford (830603) Riverside Court and part of High Street,
Jackie Hogan (831633) School Lane,
Joan Starmer (830913) Starmer's Lane,
Felicity Dunkley (830514) part of The Green,
Miriam Harris (831835) part of The Green - We need extra help for The Green,
Chris Massingham (831039) part of The Orchard,
Eddie Harley (830001) part of The Orchard,
George James (830075) part of The Orchard,
Mark Bates (832353) part of Twigden Road,
Sue Taylor (831255) part of Twigden Road,
Ann Moore (830737) part of Willow View,
Peter Saunders (830398) part of Willow View - We need more help with Willow View,
Mike Jackson (831747) keeps KOFS and KPFA up to date.
Tim Ward (07855388751) NHW Coordinator

Fire and Rescue Service Free Home Fire Safety Check

This is a message from Northamptonshire Police to all members of Neighbourhood Watch.


Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) has been invited, by the Fire Service, to assist in their Home Security Programme. Each of the seven Neighbourhood Watch Management Support Teams (MSTs) has been given 50 smoke alarms to give away on a first come first served basis to members of NHW who are thought to be at the greatest risk. The Fire Service has also offered any member of NHW a free home fire safety check.

If you would like to request a smoke alarm and/or a fire safety check you will need to contact your Street Representative. See List on this Site.
Volunteers
The Fire Service is also looking for volunteers who will be trained to implement Home Fire Safety Checks (HFSC). Although this will be on a voluntary basis, Neighbourhood Watch will receive a small amount of funding relative to the number of volunteers/checks introduced via Northamptonshire NHW. This will be of great value in helping the funding of any future projects.
Volunteers who wish to be trained should contact their Street Representative (See List on this Site)
Please see below article which has been put together to explain why this voluntary work is so important.
Over the past five years Northamptonshire has had 14 fire-related fatalities and 176 injuries to residents caused by fires.
In 2009 - 2010 Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service (NFRS) attended a total of 3036 fires, including 411 accidental dwelling fires and 71 dwelling fires where the fire had been started deliberately. Of the 411 accidental dwelling fires NFRS attended in 2009 - 2010, only 151 had working smoke detectors and 17 had smoke detectors which were missing their batteries.
The Fire Service aims to continue to reduce the number of fires occurring, and reduce the number of fatal and non-fatal casualties in accidental and deliberate dwelling fires. NFRS is continuing to invest in prevention and community work in order to educate the public about key fire safety messages to prevent fires occurring, what to do if a fire does start, and the importance of having working smoke detectors.
The Home Fire Safety Check (HFSC) programme and other preventative measures play an important part in reducing the number of accidental dwelling fires. HFSC involves going into domestic residences, giving home fire safety advice, and fitting smoke detectors free-of-charge to properties which currently do not have smoke detectors.
Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service would like to work in partnership with Neighbourhood Watch to drive down the number of fires started, and help educate and protect local communities, by training Neighbourhood Watch volunteers to carry-out HFSCs in their local communities.
NFRS thought of Neighbourhood Watch because Neighbourhood Watch works with some of the most vulnerable members of the community who, as well as being likely to be at risk from crime, are likely to be at risk from fire. NFRS has a close relationship with the Police and has learnt from them how experienced, safety-conscious, community-minded Neighbourhood Watch volunteers are.
NFRS would provide the following for all Neighbourhood Watch volunteers who are interested in participating
Ø Ø Full training with an experienced fire fighter
Ø Ø All equipment needed
Ø Ø Smoke detectors
Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service will also donate a small amount of money per HFSC carried out to Neighbourhood Watch for continued investment in crime prevention activities.

WB/CMS/1878/10.
Thank you

Crime in Harpole

This is a message from Northamptonshire West Police to all residents living within the village of Harpole.

Larkhall Lane - it has been reported to us that between the times of 12.00pm on Thursday 19th August and 12.00pm on Sunday 29th August, entry was made to a shed on an allotment by way of cutting the padlock. Various items including a rotivator were stolen from inside.
If you have any information in relation to this incident please report it to us using the dedicated Watch number 01604 432436 alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers below quoting WB/CMS/1891/10.
Thank you

Crime in Gayton

This is a message from Northamptonshire West Police to all residents living within the village of Gayton.
High Street - it has been reported to us that between the times of 2.00pm and 10.00pm on Monday 30th August, entry was made to a house through an unlocked and open back door and items were stolen from the kitchen.
If you have any information in relation to this incident please report it to us using the dedicated Watch number 01604 432436 alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers below quoting WB/CMS/2003/10.
Thank you

Friday 13 August 2010

ADVICE FROM THE POLICE

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY FROM BURGLARS WHILE YOU’RE ON HOLIDAY


Household burglaries are going down in the county, but an increasing number of homes are being burgled because residents are not taking sensible precautions before going away.

 
Deter burglars from operating within the county by securing your home and possessions to ensure your holiday is one to remember for the right reasons.

You can help to make your home more secure while you are away by following these tips:

 
  • Make your home look like someone is living in it. Don’t close your curtains in daytime this shows the house is empty. Use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights on when it goes dark.
  • Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries.
  • Avoid discussing holiday plans where strangers may hear details of your absence from home.
  • Cut the lawn before you go and trim back any plants that burglars could hide behind.
  • Uncollected mail is a sign that you are away. The Royal Mail’s ‘Keepsafe’ service will keep your mail for up to two months while you are away.
  • Consider leaving important documents and valuable items with other family members or a bank. Or lock them in a safe.
  • Do not put your home address on your luggage when you are travelling to your holiday destination.
  • Finally, make sure that you’ve locked all outside doors and windows and, if you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set.
Remember… you might be going on holiday this summer but thieves won’t be!

 

Monday 19 July 2010

Doorstep Selling - Your Rights, and How to Avoid being a Victim of Rogue Selling

Don't be a Victim
  • Avoid buying or selling any good or services at the door
  • IF YOU ARE NOT SURE< DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR
  • Keep your front and back door and all windows LOCKED
  • Fit a door bar or chain and USE IT
  • Only Deal with Callers by Appointment
  • DO NOT trust ID Cards. Never use the phone number on the ID card to verify the identity of the caller
  • DO NOT keep large sums of money in the house
BEWARE
Doorstep Sellers may use lines like these to get into your home:
  • "I noticed you've a few loose tiles on your roof ...."
  • "Congratulations! You've won a prize! If you could just sign here ..."
  • "There have been a lot of Burglaries round here ...."
  • "This cut-price special offer is only available if you sign today ...."
  • "I'm doing a survey ...."
Remember, doorstep sellers can be extremely persuasive. Once you let a doorstep seller into your home, they will expect a sale - and they won't give up easily. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR.

What Can you do?
  • Obtain at least 3 quotes so you can compare the cost of the work
  • Look in business directories/magazines for traders contact details and check to see whether they are a member of a trade association
  • Ask friends, neighbours, or family for recommendations
  • Ask Traders where they have done work and speak with those customers if possible.
Know your Rights
Cooling off Period
  • If the goods and/or serives cost more than £35 and the contarct was entered into at your home or workplace (or at another individual's home) then you have a 7 day cooling-off period to cancel the contract.
  • This 7 day cooling-off period is applicable for contracts resulting from both unsolicited (e.g. when an uninvited trader knocks at your door) and solicited (e.g. when you have asked the trader to call on you) visits.
  • You can ask the trader to start work within the 7 days cooling-off period, but this request must be in writing and if you then change your mind once the work has begun you will be liable to pay a reasonable sum for the work already carried out.
TRADING STANDARDS ADVICE IS TO USE YOUR 7 DAY COOLING-OFF PERIOD TO CAREFULLY CONSIDER WHETHER YOU NEED TO HAVE THE WORK DONE AND THAT YOU ARE HAPPY WITH THE TRADER THAT YOU HAVE CHOSEN.

WE ADVISE THAT YOU DO NOT BUY GOODS OR SERVICES AT THE DOOR.

Your Right to Cancel
  • The Trader must give you a written notice of your right to cancel the contract whether or not you have a contract in writing. Failure to provide this is a CRIMINAL OFFENCE, the trader cannot enforce the contract against you and you are not under any obligation to pay for any goods and/or services provided.
  • TRADING STANDARDS ADVICE IS NEVER PAY THE FULL AMOUNT FOR THE CONTRACT UP FRONT. However, if yoy have received your written notice of your right to cancel, have paid a sum of money and then decide to cancel  the contract within the 7  day cooling-off period:
    • if the work has not started, you are entitled to full repayment of the money already paid
    • If the work has already started, or goods have already been purchased by the Trader, you will be required to pay a reasonable sum for the goods and/or serives provided prior to the cancellation
Copyright Trading Standards
For further advice contact Trading Standards by calling
Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06

Thursday 8 July 2010

Potential Scam using NHW Name

This is a message from Northamptonshire West Police.

Please be aware of a report received by the Police on behalf of National Neighbourhood Watch concerning the following scam.

Dear Watch member

A resident in South London has reported a possible scam taking place in his locality.

A man claiming to represent 'Neighbourhood Watch Support' telephoned to say that a Neighbourhood Watch brochure was going out to all the local residents. The caller was encouraging local businesses to advertise in this brochure.

The resident agreed to place an advertisement and later received a further phone call from a company calling itself 'Business Community Support Multimedia'. The caller took some details over the phone.

At a later date the resident received a letter with a 'proof' for the advertisement. Apart from the name of the business and the contact phone number, every detail was incorrect. The accompanying letter said that unles s any amendments were received within five days (by phone, email or fax) they would assume that the details were correct and place the advert.

The resident tried several times to contact the company by email and phone but to no avail, finding his emails unanswered and his phone calls cut off. Luckily he had not yet paid any money for the advertisement.

We would like to make it clear that there is no such organisation as 'Neighbourhood Watch Support' and the Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network does not produce any such local brochures nor contract Business Community Support Multimedia to do so.

If you have any concerns, questions or issues you would like to raise relating to this, please contact us on enquiries@nationalnhw.org or 0116 229 3118 and do not agree to anything over the telephone or on your doorstep.

Thank you

WB/CMS/1520/10.

Friday 2 July 2010

First Post to the Kislingbury Neighbourhood Watch Information Page

On this site I shall be posting regular notices that I receive from the police about Crimes, Warnings about Crimes, advice on how to be Safe in your Home, and how to protect your Property.

I hope that you will find this a useful source of information for yourself, and any of your vulnerable neighbours.

If you need to contact me about anything please call me on 07855 388 751, and leave a message if I do not answer, or send me an email to timwarduk@aol.com

Please sign up to follow this Blog so that you are informed when there is new information

Thank you