Semilong Neighbourhood Watch
Crime Prevention Tips & Topical Advice

 

• Anyone who suspects a driver of taking to the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs can call the Drivewatch Hotline, a 24-hour telephone service, on 0800 174615

• When out shopping, don't leave goods or presents visible inside your vehicle

• Fit tamper-proof number plate screws

• Whenever you park your car, whether it be in a public street or on your driveway, it is always worth taking a few seconds to remove items that are on show

• Do not be tempted to leave your vehicle unattended at any time with its engine running. It is making a gift of your valuable car to people who don't deserve it. In addition to this, leaving your keys inside may well invalidate your insurance

• Security marking tools, such as Selecta Mark and SmartWater, can act as a deterrent and also help officers return your property to you

• If you do need to park your car in a public place and leave it unattended, make sure you park in a secure, well lit and busy area

• Residents are asked to remain vigilant, if you see any one acting suspiciously or anything that concerns you please do report using the dedicated NHW number, alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers

• If you remove a Sat Nav from your car then a mark may have been left on the windscreen, so it is always advisable to remove any marks left behind

• If you are able to remove the front display on stereo systems please do so when you leave your vehicle unattended

• Take all valuable property (or anything which a thief might think is valuable) from their vehicle to prevent their vehicle being targeted

• Secure all vehicles when not in use, even for the shortest periods of time

• Always try to park in well-lit and visible areas is you cannot park in a secure garage.

• Remove all valuables from vehicles, rather than hide them in the glove box or boot

• Remember to activate any alarm systems

• Use steering locks where fitted

• Leave plenty of time for your journeys

• Drive appropriately for the road conditions

• Lock doors and ensure that windows and sunroofs are shut

• Physically check that the doors are locked

• If you have an alarm, or other security devices, use them

• Park in a well used location that is well lit during hours of darkness

• Never be tempted to leave bank cards, sat navs or mobile phones in the car

• Don't assume that by putting valuables in the boot they will be safe - thieves could be watching

 

• '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

• 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

• Beware rogue doorstep traders who will use a trade as a means to extract large sums of money from vulnerable people. These traders will offer services such as driveway re-surfacing, block paving, roofing, fascias, gardening or selling goods at the door. Typically, they will give a very low quote that will increase as the work progresses.

• Ensure that all garages, sheds and out buildings are secured when not in use as they may contain items that could assist an offender in entering your home

• When recycling empty boxes, fold the card inside out so that you don't advertise your new property

• Keep door and car keys safe at all times; don't leave them in or near windows and doors
  

• Make sure your house looks occupied - use timer switches on lamps in various rooms and always close the curtains at night
  

• Security marking tools, such as Selecta Mark and SmartWater, can act as a deterrent and also help officers return your property to you

• Secure all windows and doors when not in use, even for the shortest amount of time

• Make the person you care for aware that they are NEVER required to open their
    door to unexpected callers and that it is not rude to send someone away

• 'If you're not sure, DON'T open the door', you are never required to open your door, it's not rude to send callers away

• Set up passwords with their utility companies

• Try to ensure that the outside of the property is well maintained, including the garden. Properties that are poorly maintained may be targeted

• Do not keep money in the house and do keep credit/debit cards, cheque books, saving books and any other valuables in a safe place

• Display a "No Cold Calling Home" sticker to discourage unwanted callers

• If you require some work to be carried out, select a reputable trader

• Residents are asked to remain vigilant, if you see any one acting suspiciously or anything that concerns you please do report using the dedicated NHW number, alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers

• Keep your property secure at all times. It's important that all your doors and windows are locked

• If your not expecting anyone, you must not open that door until you are sure they are genuine

• Ensure you house is kept locked and secured

• Take extra care during warm weather to close and securely lock doors and windows

• Make sure all keys are kept in a hidden, but safe and easily accessibly to you in an emergency

• Please keep items of value out of sight

• Close doors, even if you are home.

Burglary Prevention Video 10-July-2009

Avon & Somerset Police have posted a good burglary prevention video on `Youtube` which is linked to here and is well worth watching.

Hot Weather Is A Burglars Delight

In hot weather, please be mindful that it is a burglars dream time. Doors and windows are routinely left open and more often than not it only takes a second for someone to nip in and snatch a bag or car keys, or some other item of value. It can even happen when the resident is home.

 

• Use SmartWater as a unique and easy way of permanently marking your property, including pedal cycles

• Keep your possessions such as mobile phones out of sight. Valuables such as mobile phones and music players are desirable to thieves as they are small, easy to hide and often high in value

• Never accept a lift from someone you do not know, if a car pulls up alongside you, turn around and walk in the opposite direction

• If you feel concerned about someone walking close to you, cross the road to avoid them and if necessary go into a shop or public building to ask for help

• Walk in well-lit areas and avoid short cuts through alleyways or wooded areas

• If you do feel ill or light headed tell someone - a friend/bar staff/doorman - and ask for a taxi to take you home

• If you are in a group, nominate someone to watch the drinks and take it in turns to do so

• Never leave your glass unattended. Use an 'Alcotop' to protect your drink bottle from spiking - available from some bars and police stations

• Think before you accept a drink from anyone

• Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return

• Drink sensibly because excess drinking can leave you vulnerable to unwanted attention and you may become a victim of crime. If you are going to drink, know your limit

• Plan how you are going to get home and store the number of a reputable taxi firm in your phone

• Do not walk home alone and always avoid areas which are poorly lit and off the beaten track

• Always go out with a group of friends - and make sure you stay with them

• Report any suspicious activity during the course of the day or evening

• Be wary should you be offered the opportunity to purchase items at a lower price than you would normally expect to pay

• Security marking tools, such as Selecta Mark and SmartWater, can act as a deterrent and also help officers return your property to you

 

Advice from Detective Sergeant Thayanithy (28th February 2009)

Detective Sergeant Gan Thayanithy said "We would urge people in the community to be vigilant and to be on the look out for signs that a cannabis factory is in operation near them.

• Houses in darkness during the day,

• Homes with blacked out windows,

• People coming and going at strange times during the day and night

• Strange smells coming from the property.

• Residents are asked to remain vigilant, if you see any one acting suspiciously or anything that concerns you please do report using the dedicated NHW number, alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers

"Anyone who has any suspicions should get in touch with police immediately."

 

 

• Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity or vehicles close to or on school sites at all times of the day or night

 

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

Northamptonshire Police and partners are predicating that doorstep crime is likely to peak this March and April. 

Rogue Doorstep Traders will use a trade as a means to extract large sums of money from vulnerable people.

These traders will offer services such as driveway re-surfacing, block paving, roofing, fascias, gardening or selling goods at the door. Typically, they will give a very low quote that will increase as the work progresses.

If you think that work needs to be carried out always get a number of reputable traders to quote for the work.

Sometimes these criminals will drive victims to the bank and will often come back on future occasions to get more money.

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.

You can read about the tactics these criminals use at www.northants.police.uk/lookout

** PLEASE REMEMBER: If a crime is in progress you must call 999 **