Always check the authenticity of callers.
NEVER buy from doorstep cold callers.
LOCK UP TO LOCK BURGLARS OUT!
(And don’t leave a key in any lock when you go out.)
NEW POLICE CONTACT NUMBER
The new non - emgergency telephone number for the Nottinghamshire Police is 0300 300 99 99. If you suspect criminal offences are taking place use the 999 system.
WARNING FROM POLICE
You walk across the car park, unlock your car and get inside. You start the engine put it into reverse. When you look into the rear view mirror, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window so you stop and jump out of your car to remove it.
When you reach the back of your car, the carjackers appear out of nowhere, jump in and take off. They practically run you over as they speed away and guess what, ladies; I bet your purse is still in the car; so is your mobile phone, house keys, money, credit cards and probably your home address, your whole identity are now compromised!
You eventually get home somehow and what do you think you will find?
HOME SECURITY INITIATIVE
The local Police can help you to make your home more secure. They will fund a visit by a professional locksmith to carry out a survey and give you advice and recommendations for improvements. As they will already have paid the locksmith to go to your home the cost of any work you agree to have done will be reduced to the cost of parts and the labour for fitting only. As an example the fitting of bolts to a patio door might normally cost around £50 but, under this scheme, it might be as low as £20. This is not "means-tested" but will be offered on a "first-come-first-served" basis. The funds are limited but don't let that put you off applying if you are concerned about your security.
To apply please email southnottscrm@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk.with details of your name, address and daytime telephone number. If you do not have access to e-mail please give your details to staff at the Contact Point (open 2 – 4 pm Tue/Wed/Thu and 10am – 12 noon Saturday) and they will forward them on your behalf.
CYCLE MARKING
We had a successful morning at the shopping precinct on Saturday 26th September, selling a selection of alarms and security equipment and providing our annual free postcoding service to cycle owners in Ravenshead. Ten more Ravenshead cycles are now clearly post coded and that bit more secure. Cycles stamped with a postcode are less likely to be stolen and, if recovered after a theft, they can be returned to the owner.
If you happen to own a really valuable cycle, you may be interested in the latest “high-tech” gadget to protect your machine. The Datatag Security System consists of both visible and invisible identifiers, including a Datatag transponder that gives the bike a unique electronic fingerprint. Using a scanner, police can identify a machine instantly and check the owner’s details on a database. The system normally costs £11, but PCSO Chris Shaw at the Ravenshead Contact Point has a limited number of FREE Datatag kits for Ravenshead residents. They can also be used on mobility scooters. Please call in at the Contact Point during opening hours for more details. First come, first served.
BE PREPARED
Now that the darker evenings are upon us and the days are shortening, we should be thinking about increasing our security during the winter months. More burglaries occur on Bonfire Night than at any other time throughout the year.This is probably due to house doors being left ajar due to increased access being required to and from gardens. Significant noise increase masking other activities and sounds.
By taking these simple steps to make your home look occupied, even if you are out; you can deter the majority of opportunist burglars.
1. Draw the curtains in rooms normally occupied at night.
2. Using timers leave lights on in rooms that you normally occupy. Do not leave only hall lights on, burglars will quickly realise you are not at home.
3. Leave a radio playing on a "talking" channel. Voices indicate occupancy to a burglar; they will not want to confront an occupier.
4. Securely lock all doors and windows before you go out, also set your alarm if you have one. If your home is blacked out, burglars will look for the repeater flashing on any fitted alarm box to see if it's armed. No flashing repeater normally indicates the alarm is not set so the burglar may try to break into your home.
5. Don't leave spare keys under plant pots, bushes or loose bricks. They will know where to look and find them. Hide any unused car keys.
6. If you have a dog don't lock it in a small room; allow it access to at least the ground floor. It's barking may well deter anyone creeping about outside. Be aware however that your dog may trip your alarm. To over come this have Pet Sensors fitted by your alarm provider.
7. Ensure that external lights are working correctly. Replace any broken filaments. If the lamps are not working replace them with low consumption units, over time you will save a lot of money.
8. Permanently mark your valuable items with your postcode or one of the high tech marking fluids such as Smartwater. Don't leave valuable items on display.
9. Should you go away ensure you leave a contact number or address with a trusted acquaintance, so that you may be contacted in an emergency?
COLD CALLING BY BURGLAR ALARM COMPANIES
The police have asked us to remind all residents, that no company has been given authority by Nottinghamshire Police to cold call householders offering them alarm systems with the recommendation of the Police.
Residents considering purchasing or upgrading alarm systems should use alarm companies affiliated to the National Security Inspectorate, www.nsi.org.uk or the Security Systems and Alarms Inspectorate Board www.ssaib.org.uk and are further advised to obtain 3 written quotes. You can alwayscontact your local Crime Reduction Manager for advice by emailing southnottscrm@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk
Keep your mobile number private
Many
To unsubscribe, you can text the letter 'E' to 118800 from the mobile phone you want to be made ex-directory. 118800 will send you an SMS message confirming you've been taken off.
Easier access to mobile numbers could represent a potential threat. People have the right to unsubscribe whenever they want, but obviously the sooner they do it the lower the risk.
CHRISTMAS is almost upon us, now is a good time to remind people to take steps to make sure your Christmas isn't spoiled by criminals.
SHOPPING.
When the shops are busy, on crowded buses or trains, pickpockets have more chance to steal so make sure you stay alert and be extra careful with your wallet or purse so have them close to your body and don't carry too much cash. Keep your chequebook and cheque card separately. If you travel by car, make sure you park in a well-lit area, lock all doors and windows and do not leave presents in view. Try not to return to your car to leave purchases in the boot as thieves may well watch car parks for just a chance. Arrange to collect heavy items from stores when you have finished shopping. .
AT HOME.
Having bought all, don't make it easy for someone to steal from your home. Keep those wonderful presents out of sight until last thing on Christmas Eve and if you 'hide' or store larger items such as bicycles in the shed or outbuildings, make sure they are very secure. Now is a good time to check that you know what have both normally (TV, Video etc) and with the extra presents you have bought. You may well find you need to check your insurance to make sure you are covered for the value of goods in your home. Take the frame numbers of new cycles and the serial numbers of new electrical equipment for further reference. Empty boxes left outside advertise that you have new goods inside - dispose of packing carefully. If you go out for the evening - make it look like someone is at home by turning on lights and the radio. Don't leave curtains open so people can see your decorations as potential thieves can see in. Be extra careful about locking doors and windows. As a fire precaution, don't leave Christmas lights on in the house whilst you are out.
If you goo away for the holiday period - use an automatic timer for lights and ask a trusted neighbour to watch your home. Don't forget to cancel newspapers and milk if you have them delivered and either redirect your mail through the Post Office or have your neighbour take mail into the house - unopened Christmas cards and mail are a sure sign that a house is empty. Strangers at the door - genuine delivery personnel usually have uniforms and liveried vehicles and should not need to come into your home. Charity collectors will have identification and will not be offended if you ask to see it. If you are not sure but want to make donation, ask whether these can be made in other ways, perhaps through a bank.
ON THE TOWN
With office parties and general Christmas celebrations, pubs, restaurants and other venues are often crowded. Don't leave bags over the back of your chair and keep wallets and purses close to your body. Busy places make it easier for the sneak thief, so be alert at all times. Make prior arrangements as how you will get home. Avoid disturbances on the street. Stay with friends if you can. Avoid the temptation to take a minicab on the street even if you are having difficulty getting a cab - it is illegal for minicabs to take passengers who have not pre-booked. Make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you will be back. Don't drink too much - you could become a target for thieves.