The following information has been extracted
from the monthly Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter which has some very
interesting and informative articles about issues which we think you
may be interested in. If you would like to read the full newsletter
(including local crime reports) - click
here
Information about specific crimes in our area can be found on the
bulletin page with other general
information about community safety.
This newsletter is produced regularly by: Diane Townsend - Community
Watch Liaison Officer
Tel: 01284 774499
Email: diane.townsend@suffolk.pnn.police.uk
DIANE'S DIALOGUE
Hi everyone,
Burglary – Bradfield St George
Freewood Street, Bradfield St George between 11pm 16/12/07 and 6am 17/12/07 Offenders have broken into a house by forcing a door and stolen a Nintendo Wii, a Nintendo DS, a Playstation PSP, games and wallets. One wallet was later found in a ditch. A red Alfa Romeo with five teenage male occupants was seen in the village during this time, police would like to speak to those people as they may hold important information about this crime.
Criminal damage – Stanton
Duke Street, Stanton between 10.30pm 14/12/07 and 10am 15/12/07 An offender has walked over the roof of a blue Fiat Panda, causing damage.
A car was walked over and damaged in Duke St overnight of the 14th Dec.
On Parkside trees were pulled from their pots and a car had a window smashed on The Knowle overnight of the 15th.
- Burglary - Risby
Welham Lane, Risby between 12.30pm and 7.20pm 30/11/07 Police have today issued an e-fit of an man they would like to trace following a burglary at a house in Risby last month. A window was forced to gain entry to the house and cash was stolen. A suspicious man was seen outside the property at around 7.20pm, he is described as white, in his early 20s, 5 foot 6 inches tall, of stocky build with a round face and pale complexion. He was wearing a dark coloured baseball cap, a navy top and light coloured trousers. Calls in relation to this incident should be made to DC Paul Cappleman at Haverhill CID on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. This offence has been linked with other burglaries across Suffolk.
Barrow
A car was taken from a drive on The Street overnight of the 16th.
Theft of motor vehicle – Barrow - update
The Street, Barrow between 11am 16/12/07 and 12pm 17/12/07 Following yesterday’s release of this crime, the owner is keen to speak to the media about the theft of this very distinct vehicle. The car is a 1973 mk 1 yellow and blue Ford Escort, registration WSP679L which was being renovated. It was not in a roadworthy condition so would have had to have been removed by a truck or trailer. The car has a yellow body with a blue bonnet and boot, and the tops of the doors are also blue. The car has yellow spoked wheels and enlarged wheel arches, and has further modifications
Purse Theft reduction initiative
A new purse theft awareness initiative is to be trailed over the next 6 months at Sainsbury’s in Bury St. Edmunds. The Management at Sainsbury’s are assisting the Police in making shoppers aware that they should at all times keep an eye on their handbags, wallets and purses.
This little ID size card can be obtained from the Customer Service desk by signing for it. It will then be placed inside your purse or wallet for the period that you are in the shop. Once you’ve paid for your shopping you will be reminded at the till that you should sign your card back at the Customer Service Desk.
This card is fitted with a magnetic strip, which will activate the alarm at any of the exit points.
Denny Bros Ltd who owns the Promaxx Desktop Products supports this awareness initiative. Denny Bros Ltd printed the cards free of charge for the trail period of this initiative.
The Bury St Edmunds Police Crime Prevention Unit part funded this initiative with Denny Bros Ltd.
PCSO Andre de Jongh, who came up with this idea, hope that purely by asking for such a card will make the shopper think twice about where and how they secure their handbags, cards and money. He says, “ This card is not a replacement for common sense. Your handbag should always be kept securely zipped up and preferably over your shoulder, tucked under you arm. Purse and handbag snatchers are very innovative and it is not uncommon for you to assist an unknown person with an item from the top shelve just to turn around and notice that you handbag is gone!”
FAIL TO STOP ROAD TRAFFIC COLLISION – BURY ST EDMUNDS
Suffolk Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious injury fail to stop road traffic collision in Bury St Edmunds yesterday evening, Wednesday 19th December.
Police were called at around 6.30pm to reports that a female pedestrian, crossing Out Northgate near the junction with Station Hill, had been struck by a vehicle which failed to stop, driving off towards the Mildenhall estate.
The woman, who is local and in her 80s, was taken to the West Suffolk Hospital where she remains in a critical condition this morning. She was with a friend who was extremely shaken but unhurt.
Police are urgently trying to trace the driver of the vehicle, which is described as a small van which may be dark in colour.
Calls should be made to the Bury Roads Policing Unit on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
CHRISTMAS DRINK-DRIVE CAMPAIGN - UPDATE
More than 60 drivers have tested positive for drink-driving since Suffolk Constabulary started its Christmas drink-drive campaign.
Figures for the first half of the campaign (from December 1-16 inclusive) show that officers across the county conducted 1727 breath tests. Of these tests, 67 were positive.
Inspector Trevor Sharman, of Suffolk Constabulary’s roads policing unit, said:
“As in previous years, the figures show that there is a minority of drivers who continue to ignore the law – and drive their cars after drinking.
“They also show that we have conducted more than 1700 breath tests in the first couple of weeks of December, underlining our determination to stamp out drink-driving.
“Those motorists who drink and drive in the county should reflect on this figure – and come to the sensible conclusion that drinking and driving is not worth the risk.”
Pakenham
There is a police surgery in Pakenham tomorrow morning (Thursday 20th December) at 11.00 a.m. at the village hall/post office. Please call in and see them if you have any worries or concerns re crimes, asb, traffic problems, etc. in the village. They would be very happy to see you for a chat.
MOBILE PHONE LIFELINE FOR VICTIMS IN WEST SUFFOLK
Victims of domestic violence and hate crime in west Suffolk are getting a lifeline this Christmas, with the help of Suffolk Police’s Victim Care Centre in Bury St Edmunds and the Carphone Warehouse.
The Victim Care Centre is one of three across Suffolk, dedicated to helping vulnerable victims of crime and witnesses including children, vulnerable adults, victims of rape, sexual assault, domestic violence and hate crime. Twelve mobile phones are being donated and provided to the centre at a reduced cost, and these will be distributed to victims who may otherwise struggle to make contact with others in an emergency.
GIVE IT A GO!
Research shows that volunteers improve their health, stay more active – and have more fun! And they make the world a better place.
Age Concern are working with lots of organizations who need volunteers, so if you want to make new friends, use your skills or learn new ones, or simply want to make a difference, why not give them a call? They will help you to decide what you’d like to try, help you make contact and get started and stay in touch to find out how it went.
Contact them by email at giveitago@ageconcernsuffolk.org.uk or ring 01473 288047.
Station Opening hours Ixworth
Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd December – closed
Monday 24th December - 10am to 2pm
Tuesday 25th, Wednesday 26th December - closed
Thursday 27th, Friday 28th December - 10am to 2pm
Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th December - closed
Monday 31st December - 10am to 2pm
Tuesday 1st January – closed
Wednesday 2nd January – 10am to 2pm
Christmas 2007 – Message from The Chief Constable
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all members of Neighbourhood Watch and their families, a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
Since joining Suffolk Constabulary in June this year and moving with my family to live in the county, I have been particularly impressed by the sense of community that clearly exists here. The high level of support and commitment shown by you all which makes Neighbourhood Watch an effective tool in preventing and reducing crime in Suffolk, contributes to that view.
Suffolk is a safe place to live and I am very fortunate to be leading a Constabulary that is committed to maintaining and improving public safety. Crime reduced once again this year and while that is very satisfying, we do not under estimate the many and varied challenges that present themselves now and in the future. I can reassure you that the Constabulary remains focused on providing a reliable and responsive service to the people of Suffolk.
The quality of service that we aim to provide our communities has been given a significant boost this year with all 47 of our Safer Neighbourhood Teams established. The Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers that are based on the teams, have a pivotal role in providing an accessible and visible police service locally. Neighbourhood Watch plays a valuable role alongside the Constabulary in serving our communities and enhances the importance of partnership working to prevent, reduce and detect crime.
This year was the 25th anniversary of the Neighbourhood Watch Movement, which demonstrates the importance of the service it has and continues to provide. On behalf of Suffolk Constabulary my sincere thanks to you all for your support and dedication.
Best wishes for a happy Christmas.
Simon Ash
Chief Constable
Seasons Greetings from the Force Crime Reduction Officer
This year appears to have flown past, and I just want to take the time to thanks you for all the support that has been given by yourselves this year. The arrival of the Safer Neighbourhood Teams has provided some within the Neighbourhood Watch movement an opportunity to become actively involved in the shaping of policing in their local area. I encourage any of you who want to become more involved, to look at the website of your local Safer Neighbourhood Team and attend their consultation events.
Overall this year crime has fallen by 5.5%, which equates to 1725 fewer victims of crime. Violence against the person crimes have fallen by 8.8% with 568 fewer victims, whilst there have been 61 less house burglaries (down 5.8%) and 72 less cars stolen (down 8.3%) (Figures April to Oct 2007)
Whilst this is positive and we recognise the great effort that our communities are making to reduce their likelihood of being the victim of crime, we do know that with quick reporting of suspicious incident to the police, we can continue this positive downward crime trend. Neighbourhood Watch with over 102,500 households being covered within Suffolk, play a large part in this and I wish all members of Neighbourhood Watch, and their families a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year
Ben Cook
Crime Reduction Inspector.
Christmas is coming………
When the shops are crowded, the pickpocket has more chance to steal from you. If you can't arrange to shop during less busy times, make sure you stay alert and be extra careful with your wallet or purse. If you have too many bags you will be too busy trying to hold on to these to be aware of anyone stealing from you. You could try to make smaller shopping trips rather than do it all at once and carry too much. Have your purse/wallet close to your body and don't carry too much cash. The same applies to travelling on crowded buses or trains. 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 before continuing with your shopping trip as thieves may well watch car parks for just such a chance. Arrange to collect heavy items from stores when you have finished all your shopping. Keep your cheque book and cheque card separately.
GOOD NEWS:
Crime continues to fall in Suffolk – while detection rates increase. Latest figures show that in the first six months of this year (April – September), crime fell in all but one of the main categories, compared with the same period last year.
The reductions include:
A fall of 7.4% in violent crime (down by 453 crimes).
A fall of 3.3% in vehicle crime (down by 88 crimes).
A fall of 1.7% in burglary (down by 44 crimes).
A fall of 4.1% in criminal damage (down by 264 crimes).
A fall of 33.6% in fraud and forgery (down by 333 crimes).
Overall crime has fallen by 4.6%, while detections now stand at 29.5%, compared with 27.8% at the same time last year.
“The first six months of this year have seen 453 fewer violent offences – and a reduction of 92 homes broken into and burgled.
“In fact, crime has fallen across the board.
“The only main crime category to show an increase is drug offences. But this actually reflects police proactivity in targeting drug dealers, rather than an increase in drug dealing on the streets.
“Local people will be aware that the Constabulary has faced some challenges over the last year, in terms of major crime investigation and the on-going review into the organisation’s structure.
“Despite this, our officers and staff have shown their quality with these latest performance figures, which underline their commitment to keeping Suffolk safe.”
Ghosts & Gouls and things that go bump in the night …
Police are appealing to young people and their parents to take a responsible attitude to Halloween this year, and appealing to the general public to be a little more tolerant of the high spirits of young people celebrating this event.
A series of posters have been produced which addresses the issues surrounding Halloween. These posters will be put up around the county and have been widely distributed to schools and businesses.
One poster is designed for those people who do not want to take part in the celebrations to put in their window. It states, “The occupants of this house kindly ask you not to call on Halloween. Please respect our wishes.” Copies of this poster can be printed directly off the Suffolk Police website using the following link: Halloween poster for homes (this opens in a new window 65.8kb (pdf)).
It is hoped that the privacy of those people who clearly indicate that they do not wish to be involved in Halloween will be respected.
A second poster is designed to encourage retailers to be responsible with regard to the sale of eggs. They are being asked not to sell eggs to young people on the 29th, 30th and 31st of October. The damage caused by egg throwing will be treated as criminal damage and those caught throwing eggs will be prosecuted, if found guilty, they face a criminal record. Halloween poster for shops (this opens in a new window 53kb (pdf))
Another poster asks parents to think about the safety of their children and asks if they would normally let their children call on a stranger’s home unsupervised.Halloween poster for parents & guardians (this opens in a new window 136kb (pdf))
On the lead up to Halloween on 31st October members of the local Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be visiting schools with the aim of educating school children on how to behave responsibly within the community and to be respectful to other peoples wishes.
Inspector Ben Cook, Crime Reduction Officer for Suffolk Police said, “We hope that this year people will take a responsible attitude to Halloween.
“Thanks to continuing support from the local media, members of the public have responded well to our requests for them to act responsibly over the last few years. By repeating the measures that worked last year, we hope to keep the number of disturbances to a minimum.“There will be extra patrols throughout the county, the helicopter will be deployed and each area has a specific set of initiatives for tackling any disturbances caused by unruly celebrations. “We don’t want youngsters to think we are picking on them and trying to spoil their fun. Indeed I would also like to appeal to the public in general to be a little more tolerant of the antics of those celebrating Halloween.”
POLICE PHONE NUMBERS
There is a little confusion with Suffolk Police phone numbers as some members of the public presume that they can phone the Bury station when they dial 01284 774100. This number goes to the main switchboard (or call centre) at headquarters in Martlesham, where fully trained call takers work 24 hours fielding the calls to the correct place and with correct “grading”. The other advertised number of 01473 613500 goes there too. You can then ask to be put through to a specific officer’s airwaves radio (and his personal voice mail will come in if he is not on duty or is unavailable) or just to speak a member of your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on duty at that time.
For any possible crime in progress (however small) or suspicious incident call 999. Let the call handler decide how important it is – you are not wasting people’s time as we prefer to be told something minor than not be told anything at all. The call handler will “grade” it and it will be picked up by an officer according to its grade. If it is graded low but a patrol is nearby, an officer could pass by to check it out quickly.
We would like more information from you –whether it is reporting minor crimes, to giving possible intelligence on likely offenders or trouble makers. If you wish to give intelligence anonymously call – 01284 77029 and leave a message. You are our eyes and ears on the street and unless we are told that there are concerns in an area, we wont get to know.
There are various ways of letting us know even the smallest issues that concern you – on the report page on the SNT websites www.onesuffolk.co.uk or email direct to the SNT town - burywest(or east or central) dot snt @Suffolk.pnn.police.uk or rural – stedsruralnorth (or south or central) @Suffolk.pnn.police.uk or go along to the street briefs (see dates below) where police members are available to chat and listen to your comments regarding any subject that concerns you.
St Edmundsbury Rural North SNT – Library Bus, Field Court, Stanton, Wednesday 26th September 11.15am-12.30pm
St Edmundsbury Rural North SNT - Library Bus, Barningham Royal George, Thursday 20th September 10.20am-11.15am
St Edmundsbury Rural North SNT - Library Bus, Field Court, Stanton, Wednesday 26th September 11.15am-12.30pm
St Edmundsbury Rural Central SNT - Pakenham Post Office, Thursday 27th September 11am-12pm
St Edmundsbury Rural North SNT - Ixworth Library, Saturday 6th October 11am-12pm
St Edmundsbury Rural Central SNT - Rougham Airfield, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th October (unsure what event is being held)
ARE YOU SPECIAL?
SPECIAL CONSTABULARY INFORMATION EVENINGS, OCTOBER :
HAVERHILL AND STOWMARKET
Want to make your community safer? Why not consider joining Suffolk’s Special Constabulary, a vital part of Safer Neighbourhood Teams across the county? Safer Neighbourhood Teams are police officers, Police Community Support Officers, members of the Special Constabulary, other agencies and volunteers, joining up to tackle issues the local community identifies as important to them. Forty-seven teams are now in operation across Suffolk, with twenty teams in the west - six in Forest Heath, six in Mid Suffolk and eight in St Edmundsbury.
Two Special Constabulary information evenings are taking place in the west of the county in October –
· at the Arts Centre, High Street, Haverhill at 8pm on Monday 8th October
· at the Cedars Hotel, Needham Road, Stowmarket at 7.30pm on Monday 15th October
At the open evenings the role of the Special Constable is explained and potential applicants will be able to speak to existing Special Officers.
Volunteers wishing to join the Special Constabulary must be fit, aged between 18 and 50 years old and be able to commit to a minimum of 10 hours service a month. Specials have full police powers and perform the same duties as regular officers. These can range from general patrol to street briefings with the community as part of Safer Neighbourhood Teams and delivering crime reduction and prevention initiatives. Specials wear the same uniform as police officers and are issued with the same equipment. They work flexible hours and provide their time and expertise without financial reward and are fully respected members of the police force. If you’re interested in finding out more, please come along to the information evening. If you can’t attend but would like more information go to our website www.suffolk.police.uk or contact the Special Constabulary Recruitment Officer Mick Mann on 01473 613638 or mick.mann@suffolk.pnn.police.uk . Further events are being held in Saxmundham, Martlesham (Police HQ), Lowestoft and Sudbury in October.
REGISTER YOUR PROPERTY ONLINE AND ENTER THE FREE DRAWS WITH A CHANCE TO WIN AN iPOD
Suffolk Police are joining forces with online property database Immobilise to help keep property safe and reunite stolen items with their rightful owners across the county.
Many items of identifiable property are either lost or stolen each year. By taking the time to register property on the Immobilise database, people can take a positive step towards reducing the crime, as their property would be identifiable to all law enforcement agencies across the country. This in turn will help the police reunite property to their lawful owners and will also help to catch criminals.
Almost any possession with a serial number can be registered for free, including:
* Mobile phones
* Ipods, other MP3 players and games consoles
* Laptops, computers and PDAs
* Satellite navigation and in-car equipment
* Bicycles
Watches, jewellery, art and antiques can also be registered for a small fee. Users who upgrade can also add photos and certificates of ownership to their account.
Inspector Ben Cook, Suffolk Constabulary’s Crime Reduction Officer says: "Many items of property we recover from criminals are not restored to their rightful owners, as without information on serial numbers or property marking we do not know who they belong to. We will now be routinely checking the Immobilise database, which will give us an additional method for locating the owners of property.
"Spending five minutes registering details of your valued possessions on immobilise.com means your details are instantly available to us and all other forces across the country. If an item is stolen you can update your record to tell us, so if we or any other force find your MP3 player, sat nav or bike, we have proof it belongs to you, not the offender. With the theft of such items becoming increasingly common, this database is a valuable tool to hit back at these criminals and bring them to justice. "The Immobilise data base can also be used before purchasing second hand electrical items. By checking the CheckMend facility on the website before buying, it is possible to identify a stolen item. My message is to never buy any item that has not got its serial number displayed, as I can not think of any reason why they would need to be removed legitimately."
Suffolk Police have produced a leaflet to help people gather information on their property to add to the database. These are being handed out at schools, colleges and businesses. When people register on www.immobilise.com database they also get the chance to win one silver 4GB iPod Nano per week for the next ten weeks, thanks to support from Bennetts Electrical and the National Mobile Phone Crime Unit.
To enter the draw and a chance to win one of ten iPods go on the www.immobilise.com website and register your identifiable property; ensure you tick ‘Suffolk Police’ when you get to the section ‘where did you hear about immobilise?’
Members of the public can print off a copy of this leaflet, which provides advice and guidance for registering property and being eligible for the raffle. Alternatively this guide is available by contacting Julie Dennis on 01473 613994 or julie.dennis@suffolk.pnn.police.uk
AUTISM ALERT CARD LAUNCHED:
An Alert Card to help people with autism is being launched in Colchester to help the emergency services, and the public, quickly recognise that they are dealing with someone who has the condition. The card has been produced by local charity The Essex Autistic Society in partnership with Suffolk Constabulary and Essex Police and will be available free-of-charge to anyone across the region that has been diagnosed as having an Autism Spectrum Condition. The need for the card was identified after several incidents highlighted the difficulty people with autism face with police and other emergency services. Preliminary trials in the Colchester area have gone very well and the feedback from parents and other family members has been extremely positive. The cards feature the Essex Police and Suffolk Constabulary crests and have space for two contact numbers to call in case of emergency. They also offer some simple advice to the reader on the behaviours that might be exhibited by the individual when in a stressful situation. Research shows that 1% of the population of the UK are affected by Autism which equates to 22,000 people in Suffolk and Essex.
Simon Ash, Chief Constable of Suffolk Constabulary said that “the scheme and the ongoing training that the Essex Autistic Society provides will help raise awareness amongst our officers of the issues that affect people with autism, enabling Suffolk Constabulary to offer a better service to this section of our community”
The cards will officially be launched at The Essex Autistic Society’s Head Office in Colchester on Monday 1st October to coincide with the start of Autism Awareness Week. Local MP’s, senior officers from the police and other emergency services, local and county councillors and social services representatives from Essex and Suffolk will be present at the launch. The 1st – 7th October has been designated Autism Awareness Week by the Autism Alliance UK, of which The Essex Autistic Society is a founder member. As well as launching the card The Essex Autistic Society is also holding an Open Day on the 4th October where it will not only promote the work it does for children and adults with autism but will have its Family Support team, Clinical Psychologist, Speech & Language Therapist and senior delivery staff on hand to give advice and information to parents, health professionals and anyone who is affected by autism. If you would like more information on The Essex Autistic Society or would like to apply for an alert card please call 01206 577678 or visit www.essexautistic.org.uk
ST EDMUNDSBURY RURAL SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAMS - HAVE YOUR SAY!
People living and working in the St Edmundsbury Rural area are getting the chance to have their say on priorities for their three Safer Neighbourhood Teams, with nine suggestion boxes being installed across the area.
The boxes are being put up at community locations such as village halls and local shops, so anyone can post a suggestion whenever they want, anonymously if they wish. (a box has been placed in the Wickhambrook Shop)
Inspector Ady Calton says, “We already hold street briefings and attend local events across the rural area to find out what issues are concerning our communities and to feed back with the progress we’re making. But we appreciate not everyone can get to these events, and people may not feel able to tell a police officer or PCSO their concerns face to face.
“These boxes will enable anyone to give us their suggestion at any time, without having to speak to a team member. We will collect the suggestions on a regular basis and these will be considered along with all the other comments received by the teams via the telephone (01284 774100), e-mail (www.safersuffolk.org.uk), letter, face to face contact, and not forgetting our community intelligence hotline number (01284 774029). They are then discussed at our monthly Community Tasking Meeting.”
Nine boxes are going to be sited throughout the three Rural Safer Neighbourhood Teams with the boxes being placed in prominent sites. The first of these boxes have been placed in the Londis Store at Barrow plus village stores at Ixworth, Stanton and Hopton, and post offices at Risby and Fornham All Saints. They will be moved around periodically so all areas get the chance to post their ideas.
Mr Patel runs the store in Barrow where one of the boxes has been placed. He says, “I’m very pleased to have one of the suggestion boxes in my shop. It really is the heart of the village where everyone meets, and I’m sure my customers will contribute to the work of the team by posting their thoughts and ideas.”
Every Safer Neighbourhood Team in West Suffolk takes concerns identified by the public, such as speeding, vandalism and anti-social behaviour, to a monthly tasking meeting with partner agencies. Priorities are chosen for specific work by team members and partners – these priorities and our progress in tackling them can be found along with other information about SNTs on our website www.safersuffolk.org.uk
DROP BOXES HAVE BEEN PLACED IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS.:
STANTON, HOPTON AND IXWORTH VILLAGE STORES, FORNHAM ALL SAINTS AND RISBY POST OFFICES AND LONDIS STORE BARROW.
FED UP WITH SPEEDING VEHICLES IN YOUR VILLAGE?
SID (speed indicator display) which flashes the speed up in lights of vehicles passing it – then gives a smiley face for correct speed or a frown for fast drivers- is available from the County Council website. You can request it from the site http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/TransportAndStreets/RoadSafety/RoadSafetySpeedIndicatorDisplaySID.htm or call 0845 606 6067.
SOUND ADVICE AT YOUR DOORSTEP
This is just a quick reminder of how to deal with callers to your doorstep.
When answering your door always engage your door chain if you have one. Always ask any caller for their ID. Take this from the caller and ensure that it is genuine checking the face of the caller.
Just because the caller is wearing a uniform and there may be an official looking vehicle outside it does not mean they are genuine!
If at all unsure ask the caller to wait whilst you phone the Company. If the caller is genuine they will not object to this.
Never use the phone number listed on the ID card, get the number from your phone book or utility bill. We have free stickers available giving the necessary numbers of the utility companies. Contact nina.martin@suffolk.pnn.police.uk if you want one.
If the caller leaves quickly with no explanation phone 999 immediately giving a description of the caller and registration details any vehicle that they may have been using.
If you didn’t get to see the Trickster show you really must go and see this.
Based on true stories - meet Sydney the victim of a rogue tradesman and Mary, who thinks she’s won the holiday of a lifetime…….
Scambuster will be performed at:
DATE: FRIDAY - 7th SEPTEMBER 2007
PLACE: SAXON HOUSE, KEMPSON WAY, BURY ST EDMUNDS
TIME: 2.30 pm.
The performance is FREE - REFRESHMENTS will be provided
NO TICKETS REQUIRED - JUST TURN UP!
(*The Safe and Sound Group is a multi-agency partnership which receives funding from Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships and Suffolk County Council, to finance projects and campaigns to reduce crime and the fear of crime that may affect older and/or vulnerable people in the area). ]
Scambuster Production 3-7 September 2007
Ropey roof repairs, dodgy driveways, distraction burglary and lost life-savings are all too common.
A MUSICAL hoping to educate people about the dangers of rogue traders and bogus callers will take to the stage in Suffolk during early September.
The Scambuster production, featuring a cast of professional actors, is being hosted by Safe and Sound, a multi-agency group aiming to reduce crime and the fear of crime. The shows will be held at a range of locations across the county from Monday 3rd September for one week.
The musical is similar to the Trickster shows staged by the group previously, and features a live story-telling event with music from the 1960s. It is based on true stories, and features the story of a man who is targeted by a rogue tradesman and a woman who thinks she has won the holiday of a lifetime.
Performances are being held at Ipswich, Bungay, Woodbridge, Newmarket, Felixstowe, Kesgrave and Bury St Edmunds. For a full list of times and dates go to
www.onesuffolk.co.uk/safeandsound/whatshappening
Performances are free - no tickets are required - and refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome, if you know of any older people or groups who would be interested in attending, the Safe and Sound group is keen they are invited to the event. If a large group wishes to attend, please call Julie Dennis on 01473 613994.
Safe and Sound is a partnership between Suffolk police, Trading Standards, Age Concern, Suffolk Acre, district and borough councils and social care services. More information on the Safe & Sound group can be found on their One Suffolk web pages www.onesuffolk.co.uk/safeandsound or contacting David Dyble, Suffolk Police Community Safety Officer on 01473 613992.
Further information on protecting yourself from scams and rogue traders can be obtained by visiting www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or telephone Consumer Direct on 08454 040506
A useful booklet from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) on how to recognise and combat scams is available to view online Scambusters – your guide to beating the scammers
SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAMS
Now that the new Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) are in force they will be holding regular ‘Street Briefings’ – this is your opportunity to see and meet members of your new SNT and to raise questions on any issues of concern. Make sure you go along to the street briefings (if you are unable to go, nominate someone to go along on your behalf) – WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITIES. MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU.
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH YOUR SNT THROUGH THE WEBSITE AT:
www.onesuffolk.co.uk/safersuffolk
DO YOU KNOW YOUR PCSO?
Police Community Support Officers, or PCSOs for short, are out in force on the streets of Suffolk now, as part of the new Safer Neighbourhood Teams.
The Safer Neighbourhood Teams and the Police Community Support Officers are the very public face of policing in Suffolk, and aim to have a positive impact on crime, anti-social behaviour and safety in the area where they are based.
PCSOs spend most of their time patrolling the streets and talking and listening to people, where they can be most effective. They:
· Provide crime prevention advice
· Meet community groups and deal with issues in the area
· Support crime victims
· Deal with truants, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, litter, missing persons enquiries
· Control crowds at major events, such as football games or concerts.
Superintendent Chris Mayhew from Suffolk Police said: “As part of this year’s national Neighbourhood Policing campaign, we want everyone in Suffolk to know that there’s a PCSO and a Safer Neighbourhood team in every local area. People can find out more about their team by looking on the special Safer Neighbourhoods website – or just stop a PSCO in the street and talk to them!”
There are 47 Safer Neighbourhood Teams across Suffolk, with police officers and other police staff working alongside councils, community partners and volunteers to improve things for local communities. The public can also have a real influence on the work of the team. The teams will be listening to people’s concerns, working together to solve problems and keeping the community informed about progress.
Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Police Community Support Officers are already having a positive impact across Suffolk. Some examples of their work include:
· A 25% drop in crime and disorder in Kesgrave, compared to the same period last year
· Nearly 100 young people visiting an open day organised by the South Lowestoft Safer Neighbourhood Team in Kessingland, where they explained what they wanted to see in their area through a ‘Big Brother’ style diary room
· The Safer Neighbourhood Team in Brandon working with the council to tidy up a street and persuading feuding neighbours to sign up to the Suffolk Mediation Service, to help them find solutions to their problems.
· Positive feedback from communities in Rendlesham and North East Ipswich who are pleased to see a more visible police presence on the streets
· PCSOs in Ipswich dealing with wanted suspects, and spotting lost rabbits, whilst out on patrol.
SAFEKEY
At the recent Suffolk Executive Committee Meeting of Suffolk’s Neighbourhood Watch (SNHW), it was announced that £2,000 has been given to SNHW from Suffolk SAFEKey.
Suffolk SAFEKey, a keyholder service launched by Suffolk Constabulary in 2006, has attracted nearly 2,000 members in its first year.
The scheme is based on a keyholder service that has received Home Office recognition as an example of good practise in a review of local policing.
The service is essentially a database containing detailed information of nominated keyholders for a property. A keyholder is a trusted person such as a friend or family member who lives nearby to the property, who can gain access in the absence of the person registered as living or working at that property. At the time of its launch it was agreed that £1 from every joining fee would go directly to SNHW. In addition to the £2,000, money from Suffolk SAFEKey will be funding community safety and crime prevention initiatives throughout the county in 2007.
Inspector Ben Cook, Force Crime Reduction Officer at Force Headquarters Martlesham Heath said: ‘Suffolk Neighbourhood Watch are an integral part of greater policing family, and play an important part in community safety and crime prevention. So I’m delighted that through Suffolk SAFEKey, the Constabulary are able to give this money to the Suffolk’s NHW.
I’m aware that some SNHW teams have really supported the launch of Suffolk SAFEKey in its inaugural year. So it’s nice to be able to recognise this support. Suffolk Constabulary has confirmed that it will continue to contribute £1 from every membership to SNHW throughout 2007. In an effort to support those people wishing to promote Suffolk SAFEKey, the Constabulary has put together marketing information pack for 2007. These contain leaflets, posters and leaflet holders that can be placed in prominent places throughout the local community such as libraries, community centres, and business reception areas.’
For just £11.75 (inc VAT) per residential property and £41.12 (inc VAT) per Non-residential property per year, people can gain the peace of mind by knowing the police will be able to contact the relevant trusted people during an emergency at their premises. If you are interested in promoting this service through your Neighbourhood Watch Group, then please contact Suffolk Constabulary’s Business Liaison Manager, Leigh Jenkins on Leigh.Jenkins@suffolk.pnn.police.uk or call 01473 782725.
Alternatively if you are interested in joining Suffolk SAFEKey and wish to know more about the service please go to www.suffolk.safekey.org.uk or call 0870 145 4440 (calls will be charged at the national rate).
Inspector Ben Cook
YOU CAN ALSO GET A SAFEKEY LEAFLET FROM EITHER DIANE OR NINA OR CALL IN AT YOUR LOCAL POLICE STATION.
POLICE DIRECT: SERVICE IS BACK
The ground-breaking messaging service provided to local people in Suffolk is back - find out more here
DISTRACTION BURGLARIES:
There have been a number of distraction offences in Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket and Exning areas between 12th and 14th May . The latest incident was where a white man knocked on the door of a 91 year old woman and asked to check the water supply, claiming a neighbour had repaired pipes incorrectly. He entered the property and ran the kitchen tap for a few minutes, then left. Later that day the victim discovered cash had been stolen. Unfortunately there is no further description of the caller. Please be extra vigilant where callers to your door are concerned and please look out for and warn the elderly or vulnerable in your community. If you see any suspicious behaviour with strangers knocking on doors call 999 immediately – we may be able to catch them in the act.
Whilst Suffolk remains one of the safest Counties to live in, we wish to advise you that there has been a recent spate of house burglaries in rural locations in West Suffolk. You can help protect your home by following these simple security steps:
· Ensure that all windows and doors are locked-even when popping out for a minute
· Make sure that any ladders you may have, are locked away securely so that they cannot be used to gain access to first floor windows
· Fit deadlocks to all outside doors and key operated locks to windows
· Do not hide spare door keys outside
· Don’t leave car keys, cash or any valuables on display near a door or window
· Not at home? Leave lights and a radio on a timer switch
· Secure gates and outbuildings with good quality locks and fittings
· Store trailers/quad bikes/mowers in a secure building and consider using ground anchors.
· When not in use garden and DIY tools should be locked away in a secure shed/building to prevent them being used to break into your home
· Install external lighting fitted with a dusk to dawn sensor
· Security mark your valuables with your postcode and house name or number
· Keep a record of your valuable items and photograph them so they can be easily identified if lost or stolen (contact your local Crime Reduction Officer who may be able to offer further assistance with this)
Always check and verify the identification of any callers to your home and if you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, dial 999 immediately.
Advice - People living on their own and likely to attract distraction burglary should, where possible, speak to callers through a partly opened window. A skilful con-man pretending to be an impatient workman can hustle their way past the door if people are faced by them on a doorstep. Dealing with them via a window gives a psychological advantage to the householder and prevents the crook pushing past a hesitant resident.
Also- be wary of giving too many details to someone calling themselves a van-delivery man or courier or who has hailed you from a vehicle as you walk on a road. When asked for the whereabouts of a householder. Questions like "Have they a dangerous guard-dog ?" "Are they likely to be at home now when I call ?" can give helpful information to the conman. Its easy to get an address from a phone directory to fool those he is asking and the conman might just be trying his luck.
Telephone canvassing:
Just a reminder for you all not to give out any personal details to phone callers. We had an incident back in March where a resident in Whepstead was he was called by the above company asking personal questions about his home ,when was he in etc. The female caller said the company was part of Group 4 security--the number she left him he could not get through to.
CYCLE SECURITY
ALWAYS SECURE YOUR BIKE AND SECURE IT TO SOMETHING SOLID AND UNMOVEABLE, OR THE OFFENDERS WILL JUST LIFT IT UP AND TAKE IT AWAY. MARK IT WITH YOUR POSTCODE AND HOUSE NUMBER – PICK UP A CYCLE MARKING PACK (contains a UV marker pen, coded cycle stickers and Cycle Security Advice leaflet) FOR ONLY £2 – AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL POLICE STATION.
MESSAGE FROM THE NFU – BEWARE IF YOU OWN A TRACTOR OR KNOW ANYONE WHO HAS FARM EQUIPMENT:
Our latest local report from a farm near Sudbury. They had tractor weights stolen. We guess that the good scrap prices are now making it worthwhile for weights and other such items stored at farms to become attractive items to steal.
Please think about this development and move inside these types of items and please report all cases of "unsolicitored enquiries". Vehicle registration numbers together with people descriptions will be most helpful - better still, take a photo with your mobile phone. Be wary of plant moving equipment and lorries with hydraulic lifting gear.
LOST DOGS
I heard of an incident recently where a man had his works van stolen from the Essex Showground at Braintree, with his four Jack Russell dogs inside it,
Luckily the dogs were found in Suffolk by a helper with doglost.co.uk
www.doglost.co.uk -
If anyone is unfortunate enough to have dogs lost or stolen, this site is worth checking out. The people running the site, together with their national network of helpers were, according to the gentleman who lost his four dogs, extremely professional, sympathetic and efficient...and the result speaks for itself!
PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD OF YOUR VALUABLES
Another reminder about our new initiative from the Haverhill Crime Prevention Panel (HCPP)where you can have a PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD OF YOUR VALUABLES
- trained members of the HCPP are offering a photographic service to householders for insurance purposes. Digital images can be taken of items of value and burned onto a CD. This service is offered free of charge. The property owner retains the CD and all images are removed from the camera.
If you are interested in having your valuables photographed for your own records, please contact the Haverhill Crime Reduction Officer, Bernard Plume, on 01284 774478 for further information or email him at bernard.plume@suffolk.police.uk or you can always let me know and I will pass on your interest.
GARDEN SENSE:
We have been having a spate of mindless crime where garden
pots, planters, ornamental statues and hanging baskets have been stolen or damaged,
particularly in rural areas, so I would ask you to be alert and vigilant and
if you have anything that you value in this respect in the front garden, please
think about removing it to the back garden where it will probably be safer and
not such a temptation. Make sure you always secure your back gates, sheds and
garages with good strong padlocks and hasps or why not think about investing
in very good sensor alarm with keypad (which replaced the old shed alarms) for
only £10 – available from your CPO or local police station.
CRIME SAFETY:
Crime Safety covers the whole spectrum of criminal activity. Targeting new
ideas or tips into ‘Crime Safety’ for the use of NW Members.
@ Make a mental note of how your usual ATM Cash Machine looks, feel the card
slot, the surface above the keyboard. Any change or addition, do not use it.
Walk calmly away and call the police out of sight of the machine. If there is
a camera or skimming device attached it will be under observation by criminals.
Let the police handle this matter, do not meet them there etc.
@ If you have a mp3 player or similar - if a top brand the earphones will be
branded and recognised. You may make yourself a target for robbery. Better to
get a plain pair of earphones for use in public places.
@ If someone comes to you with a map in their hand seeking directions, do not
get too close if you are not able to see both of their hands. The map could be
a cover to dip into your bag or pocket. A distraction to allow their ‘friend’ to
do it if accompanied. Better to be rude then lose your purse/wallet etc.
@ Mobile phone robbery/theft has decreased as it now illegal to change the ESN
(Electronic Serial Number). But still possible to change it of course. If the
call is complicated better to phone back from a less public place if there is
a danger of losing touch with your surroundings.
@ Practice a good grip holding your mobile phone with all possible fingers round
and on top of it. Do not help the casual snatcher.
@ If you are in a pub or club and have to leave your drink. Get a friend to look
after your drink, or consider throwing it way when you return. Gauge the time
(not always easy) you have to leave your drink as the time you will have finished
it. This is to guard against any contamination.
@ If asked to provide change for someone and there is no reason where you are
to request it (i.e. not in a car park etc). Make a refusal while still walking.
@ Never buy if someone calls on the phone or at the door because you think it
is the best way to get rid of the caller. Be polite but always firm, “I
am sorry but I do buy on the phone/at the door”. It’s that easy.
@ Never be tempted to call back an unknown number as a result of 1471 on your
telephone or missed calls on your mobile. You could be making a problem for yourself
or paying several pounds to listen to a recording of the ringing tone etc.
MOBILE PHONE THEFT – A SOLUTION ……
You may have heard on the news that mobile phone companies are now
doing something to completely immobilise stolen phones within 48hrs
of the theft making them worthless as ‘sell on’s in the
UK.
There is also a website call immobilise.com which is helping Police
all over the country with the problem of street crime.
Help yourself initially by marking your own mobile phone with your
postcode and house number or first 3 letters of house name using
a UV marker pen for the princely sum of only £2.00 for a property
marking pack or just £1 for the UV pen on its own – available
from us i.e your local police station, Community Police Officer or
ask me, your CWLO.
GET IT REGISTERED ON: www.immobilise.com
North East Leeds officers launched an initiative one month ago to
specifically tackle people involved in the theft of mobile phones
through robbery after this was identified as the most targeted item.
Officers worked closely with local schools and residents encouraging
people to enter their phones unique identity (IMEI number) onto the
Immobilise national database. This database stores the details of
the owner of the phone. Should a mobile phone be stolen, the owner
can ring one central number and deactivate the phone.
Previously, only the current account of the phone could be closed,
meaning that the phone could only be closed by the service provider
it was operating on. Now, using the new system, the phone will be
blocked from all service providers immediately rendering the it worthless.
Officers have also used this database to trace the rightful owners
of mobile phones seized during the operation. Over 200 mobile phones
have been checked, several of which have been seized and returned
to their rightful owner. The operation has lead to the arrest of
20 people on suspicion of offences including robbery and burglary.
A woman has also been issued with an £80 on the spot fine for
falsely reporting the theft of a mobile.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH HORSES..
MESSAGE FROM THE NFU Group Secretary:
Break in at Sandon Saddlery in East Hertfordshire -
The police would like any information you may have if you are offered
any of
these saddles that were stolen la couple of weeks ago from East Herts.
IT IS ALSO A TIMELY WARNING FOR ALL THOSE THAT HAVE TACK (ESPECIALLY
IN LARGE AMOUNTS) TO DOUBLE CHECK YOUR SECURITY.
If memory serves me correctly….it is about this time of year
that we have experienced past spates of tack theft. It does seem
that it is East Herts this year but it does not take them long to
drive to Suffolk.
In past years access to tack roooms has sometimes been gained by
the thieves driving across combined fields at the rear of stables.
They are also known to use wheelie bins and muck barrows to move
tack to their gettaway vehicle.
- A good idea (if practical to your location) to chain up wheelie
bins and lock away muck barrows just to make the thieves job more
difficult.
ROGUE TRADERS:-
In simple terms, Rogue Traders are involved in criminal deception,
they pray on the elderly and the vulnerable. But they also target
trusting people of all ages. They can be difficult to spot and
will arrive on your doorstep uninvited and suddenly.
Their aim is to ridiculously overcharge you for the least work
(totally shoddy or unnecessary) that they do or do not carry out.
They may just demand a deposit for materials and you will never
see them again.
They will bully you and even escort you to the Bank to get you
to give them cash.
What is a Rogue? Somebody who is unscrupulous or dishonest, especially
somebody who is nevertheless likeable.
” We just happen to be in the area and have noticed your….”
” We have been laying a drive up the road and have some tarmac
left over…”
Make it an absolute policy NEVER to buy anything at the door, this
includes having any roofing, building, driveways laid, gardening,
and tree trimming - however urgent they tell you it is!
· This is the only crime prevention tip you need when
dealing with uninvited or sudden callers (cold callers) who are
selling or appear to be selling.
· Use a door chain, bar or other restrictive door device.
· “I’m sorry I do not buy at the door “.
Do not get enticed to go outside or let them in under ANY circumstances.
· Close the door and bolt it - warn your neighbours by phone
if possible. They may also be in a position to come and give you
support.
· Have the telephone number of your local Trading Standards
Department (Council) handy. They may have a rapid response team
to assist you. But do not stop Urgent Action on a promise to attend.
Urgent Action
Inform the police immediately IF they return to your door or land
and you are on your own - 999
You must try and get help as it is not unknown for further intimidation
· they start doing the ‘job’ and then attempt
to extract money from you.
· If you have a burglar alarm - set it off. If you have
a pull cord or any type of alarm - set it off.
Very few incidents will get to the Urgent Action stage. But firm
action is required if we are to defeat this type of criminal activity.
WE HAVE 'WE DO NOT BUY OR SELL AT THIS DOOR'
STICKERS. If you want
some for your scheme just let me know or call in at your local
police station.
A FEW TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE:
- Keep front and back doors locked at all times. If you open the
windows, keep them on the catch. Remember to close and lock them
if you go out.
- Put door and window keys somewhere safe. You need to be able
to find them quickly if you need to get out.
- Keep money and all important things away from windows. If there
is a safe in you home, keep money and all important things in the
safe.
- When you go out at night, keep a light or a radio on, and close
the curtains. This makes it look like someone is at home.
- Do not keep large amounts of money at home.
- Put your money in a safe place like a bank or post office.
BOGUS CALLERS - DON’T FALL FOR THAT OLD TRICK Again, I cannot
emphasise enough that these terrible bogus caller crimes are happening
in the County, the latest being about water meter replacements – if
you know a vulnerable person please see if you can be a Nominated
Neighbour or find someone who can – keep telling people to
BE AWARE of what’s happening…….
ANGLIAN WATER – WATER
METER REPLACEMENT Anglian Water are presently replacing some meters
in all areas and unless the meter is on your property -THERE IS NO
NEED FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES TO ENTER ON TO IT TO DO ANY WORK
SO BEWARE
in the Western area problems are occurring with BOGUS CALLERS who
are acting at being Water Board employees
AW tell us that anyone
calling on behalf of Anglian Water carries an identity card and will
always produce the card for your inspection. The card also has a
Braille strip on its back. IF however you are still worried about
their identity then please take the ID card, close the door and call
them on the free phone number 0800145 145 at any time 24hrs a day
7 days a week to check – once sorted don’t forget to
return the card.
IN CAR SECURITY:-
BEWARE
Satellite Navigation System or SAT NAV, do you have a system in your
vehicle? There has been an increase in the theft of SAT NAV devices
from unattended motor vehicles. Targets are mainly the portable SAT
NAV systems, particularly the type that clips into the device stuck
on the front windscreen. Once again I despair of human nature, but
I need to advise you to NEVER leave the SAT NAV system on display
whilst the vehicle is unattended, even displaying the system holding
bracket gives an indication to the thief that the vehicle may contains
a system.
DISABLED BADGE HOLDERS TAKE NOTE:- Are you a driver who has one of
these ? – it appears that there is a black market in the badges
and cars are being broken into to steal them – now a leading
company who supplies things like steering locks has come up with
a lightweight see through container that the badge fits in – and
a steel cable passes through the holder and secures to the steering
wheel – good idea? (cost approx £25 from major car accessory
shops)
DRUGS & CRIME
In today’s society, drugs play a significant role in the cause
of a lot of recorded crime. We know that a lot of burglaries and
thefts are carried out by drug takers needing to ‘feed’ their
habit and alcohol misuse also helps to fuel crime related incidents
and causes problems that affect whole families and communities.
A few facts:
HEROIN – slang terms include smack, grown, horse, gear, junk, ‘H’,
jack, scag. Heroin (medical name diamorphine) is classified as a
Class A drug and is one of a group of drugs called ‘Opiates’.
It can be taken by smoking, sniffing in injecting.
THE RISKS – Heroin and other opiates are sedative drugs that
depress the nervous system – excessive use can put the user
into a stupor, coma and can cause death from respiratory failure.
COCAINE – slang terms include coke, charlie, snow, ‘C’.
A white powder which is snorted up the nose
CRACK – slang terms include rock, wash, stones. Small raise-sized
crystals which are smoked. Classified a Class A drug.
THE RISKS – common physical effects include a dry mouth, loss
of appetite and increased heart and pulse rate. Large doses can lead
to extreme anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations. Excessive doses
can cause death from respiratory problems.
If you or anyone in your scheme would like to have more information/facts
about drugs and alcohol, I have some booklets (also contains info
on gases, glues and aerosols), please email, ring me or call in at
Haverhill Police Station to pick them up.
SUFFOLK CLUBS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Suffolk Clubs for Young People is a registered charity and was established
in January 2000 as the result of the merger of ‘Clubs for Young
People’, Suffolk and ‘Suffolk Association of Youth (established
in 1945 and 1972 respectively).
They are the only voluntary support mechanism for rural youth work
in Suffolk and their mission statement is:
“We will support young people during adolescence by maximising
their opportunities, both as individuals and group members”
WHAT DO THEY DO?
They support approximately seventy affiliated youth groups within
Suffolk, the majority of which are small one-night-a-week village
youth clubs in disadvantaged and rural areas. The seventy groups
involve approx. 4,000 young people and 420 volunteer youth workers.
KEY ACTIVITIES & PRIORITIES:
· Excellent sporting based agenda
· Providing key support to volunteer youth workers
· An emphasis on rural communities
· Social inclusion
· Participation and partnership
· Drugs & sex education
· First gear – pre-driving course for 14-16 year olds
· Supporting youth achievement by means of awards (Awards
for All, Roddy MacLeod Award etc)
· Encouraging young people to take responsibilities and learn
new skills
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Visit the website www.suffolkcyp.org.uk
Telephone: 01449 721803
Email: info@suffolkcyp.org.uk
POLICE LAUNCH CHILD RESCUE ALERT SYSTEM
Suffolk Constabulary is among six police forces (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire,
Essex, Hertfordshire and Norfolk)
in the Eastern region which have launched a rapid response initiative
aimed at saving the life of an abducted child. The Child Rescue Alert system is based on an agreement between local
forces and the regional broadcast media appealing to the public for
any information about abducted children. Managing directors and editors have agreed to interrupt television
or radio programmes to issue news flashes and run ticker tape messages
at the bottom of television screens. Detective Superintendent Roy Lambert said: “Our hope is that
we never need to use this system and thankfully child abductions
are extremely rare. “However having this mechanism
and agreement will mean that we are able to send urgent messages
and appeals out very quickly if we need to.
“This could make the difference between a child living or dying.”
The scheme is based on the US Amber Alert system and a handful of
police forces across the country already have recently introduced
the Child Rescue Alert system. Four key criteria must be met before
an alert is activated. They are:
* A child is under 18 and missing
* The child has been abducted
* Sufficient descriptive details of the vehicle or offender are available.
* A senior police officer at Superintendent level or above feels
the child could face serious danger.
If the four criteria are met, the press office of the relevant force
will contact all regional media outlets which have signed up to the
scheme. They will give them a description of the child, offender,
any vehicle used and location. Anyone with information will then
be asked to call their local police force on 999.
The media outlets which have agreed to sign up to the Child Alert
Rescue System include Anglia Televsion; BBC Television East; BBC
Local Radio; GCAP Radio stations, which run SGR FM and the Tindle
Radio Group, who owns The Beach
REPORTING SUSPICIOUS INCIDENTS
Accurate reporting with as much detail as possible can help the
Police to react to your call quickly. When you speak to the Calltaker,
they will require the following information: -
· What type of incident has occurred i.e. burglary, assault
· When and where did this happen.
· A description of the suspects
· If a vehicle was used, what type, colour and registration
number.
· Tell them that you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.
The information provided may save the Police considerable time
and bring about the swift conclusion of the incident. In some cases
the information however small may be part of a bigger picture and
could be the final piece of evidence required to make an arrest.
It is essential that the person who witnesses the incident is the
informant as this ensures accuracy of detail and prompt reporting
to the Police. Dependent on the nature of the incident being reported
the Co-ordinator is not expected to pass the information on behalf
of others.
Incident reporting slips are available from your Community Watch
Liaison Officer - just ask.
ALWAYS REMEMBER WHEN REPORTING AN INCIDENT TO THE FORCE OPERATIONS
ROOM TO INFORM THE CALLTAKER THAT YOU ARE A MEMBER OF NW. THIS
ENABLES THE POLICE TO EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF NW, TO PUBLICISE SUCCESSES
AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK WHERE APPROPRIATE AND PRACTICABLE.
IF YOU NEED FEEDBACK ON ANYTHING YOU HAVE REPORTED YOU CAN ALWAYS
ASK YOUR COMMUNITY POLICE OFFICER IF HE CAN HELP YOU.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CRIMESTOPPERS:
You see it all the time in the newsletters and on Police Direct
messages, but there is a lot more to Crimestoppers than you think.
CRIMESTOPPERS IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE POLICE BUT IS AN INDEPENDENT
UK-WIDE CHARITY WORKING TO STOP CRIME. Crimestoppers works for
you, your family and your community......AND CAN GIVE VULNERABLE
INDIVIDUALS A COURSE OF ACTION THAT THEY MAY NOT OTHERWISE TAKE.
CALLS TO CRIMESTOPPERS ARE COMPLETELY ANONYMOUS - a call to 0800
555 111 gives an individual the opportunity to do something for
their community WITHOUT FEAR OF ANY FORM OF RETRIBUTION. NOBODY
can find out who has called or the number they have called from
and Crimestoppers 'call handlers' DO NOT RECORD ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION
about the caller. The only details recorded are those about the
information the person has to offer and NOTHING ELSE.
Crimestoppers say: "TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW
- NOT WHO YOU ARE"
Visit their website at:www.crimestoppers-uk.org -
it's packed full if useful information and features:
Van Stickers
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE any equipment or tools in vans overnight as
they
are a prime target for thieves. We have large some stickers saying “ALL TOOLS AND VALUABLES REMOVED” for anyone who would
like one.
JUNK MAIL
One way to reduce the amount of Junk mail is to register with Mail
Preference Service
(Visit www.mpsonline.org.uk or call 0845 7034599)
Registering does not always stop the junk mail – but it can
cut down what comes through the door
PHONE CALLS
To reduce cold calls register with the Telephone Preference Service
(Visit www.tpsonline.org.uk or call 0845 0700707)
It is illegal to make marketing calls to someone registered with
the TPS but you may still receive calls from overseas and from
companies who break the law regardless
EMAIL
If you receive scam by e-mail you can also report the offending
e-mail to the abuse address of the web mail provider – just
put the word ‘ abuse’ before the @ sign.
For example if the scam comes from a hotmail address forward the
suspect email to : abuse@hotmail.co.uk which will investigate the
address.
LIGHTS ON TIMERS
The evenings have drawn in quickly and most people are getting home
from work or the day out in darkness or semi- darkness.
Your house is an open invitation to the Burglar – is it in
darkness or is subtly lit –
So if you had to make the decision ‘Do I or Don’t I’.
WHICH one would you pick the house which looks occupied or the one
that is clearly/possibly not?
Your aim is to make the Thief think twice about having ago at your
property. So make him/her think your home when your not - so go
and buy some timers – reasonably priced at most DIY stores
and worth every penny! DON'T FORGET the clocks go back 1Hour on
the 30th October – BE PREPARED - Do it now while its lighter.
ANGLIAN WATER HAVE INFORMED
US THAT THEIR MEMBERS OF STAFF NEVER, NEVER ASK FOR ACCESS TO PREMISES.
ANGLIAN WATER HAVE A BOGUS CALLER HELPLINE –
MAKE SURE ALL YOUR MEMBERS HAVE IT.
FREEFONE 0800 145 145
This type of crime has recently been carried out in Barningham,
Ixworth, Wickhambrook, Rattlesden and Mildenhall. Please make a
big effort with your own scheme members, particularly the elderly,
to warn them that this type of crime is happening in the area and
to reinforce that they should not, under any circumstances, open
the door to anyone without asking for photographic identification,
even if the person at the door may be saying it is an emergency
situation with the gas, water, electric or their even the neighbours.
NOMINATED NEIGHBOUR
YOU CAN HELP even more by becoming a NOMINATED
NEIGHBOUR or finding people in your scheme to be nominated
neighbours for the vulnerable. We are promoting this scheme alongside
the bogus caller scheme. It works simply with the vulnerable person
having a card inside a wallet near the front door with the house
number of the nominated neighbour on it which they can pass through
the letterbox to the person calling asking them to go to the house
number on the card where that person will then verify the identity
of the caller and, if they are genuine, come back to the house with
them so the vulnerable person can then let them in with the neighbour
and feel safer. If the caller is not genuine they will then be scared
off.
NOMINATED NEIGHBOUR PACKS ARE AVAILABLE WITH FULL INSTRUCTION LEAFLET
FROM ME. PLEASE CALL ME ON 01284 774499, EMAIL ME AT diane.townsend@pnn.suffolk.police.co.uk
IF YOU WOULD LIKE SOME PACKS FOR YOUR SCHEME. YOU CAN ALSO ASK YOUR
COMMUNITY POLICE OFFICER, OR CALL IN AT YOUR LOCAL POLICE STATION
TO PICK THEM UP.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO PREVENT THIS AWFUL CRIME HAPPENING
AND TO MAKE OUR ELDERLY COMMUNITY FEEL SAFER IN THEIR HOMES.
IN CONNECTION WITH THESE CRIMES, THE TWO MEN WHO CALLED AT A HOUSE
IN RATTLESDEN WERE SEEN LEAVING IN A GREY PEUGEOT WITH PART REGISTRATION
NUMBER R188 OR P188. THEY MAY WELLL BE LINKED TO THE INCIDENTS CARRIED
OUT IN THE OTHER VILLAGES.
PLEASE BE ALERT AND IF YOU SEE A VEHICLE FITTING THE DESCRIPTION
OR HAVE ANY INFORMATION AT ALL PLEASE RING SUFFOLK POLICE ON 01284
774100 OR CALL CRIMESTOPPERS, FREE, ON 0800 555 111. ANY INFORMATION
NO MATTER HOW SMALL CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
CRIME REDUCTION LEAFLETS
AND ADVICE AVAILABLE THROUGH ME OR THE CRIME REDUCTION OFFICER at
your local police station. |
are new or updated for that month's newsletter