Neighbourhood Watch latest message (added 7/7/10)

At the risk of sounding repetitive, I have been asked once more to reiterate the importance of security of your home, outbuildings and vehicles.

There is a continuing trend of burglaries, non dwelling burglaries and breaks to vehicles - these are largely opportunist and it is possible to reduce the likelihood of them occurring.

1. Burglaries - a large proportion are caused by easy access. In other words accessible windows and doors have been left insecure. It is all too easy for the would-be criminal to get into a property that way, steal easy to carry items and make their escape without being noticed.

2. Non dwelling burglaries - again it is all too easy to leave sheds, garages and outbuildings insecure, particularly at this time of year when you are in and out of property more often. Again it is an easy opportunity for the would-be criminal.

3. Vehicles - staff are finding that a lot of vehicles are being left insecure when they are unattended. Whether that be in car parks or on the street, an open window is again an open opportunity. Also items left on display in vehicles give opportunities to the would-be criminal and can cause great inconvenience and upset to the loser.

As always we would reiterate that it only takes a little time to remember to close and secure windows and doors - it can save so much in the long term though.

Neighbourhood Watch previous message (added 10/6/10)

This is a general message for members of all schemes:

1. You may be aware that the Bank of England are withdrawing the £20 with the picture of Sir Edward Elgar on the rear side. Withdrawal is from the end of June 2010 although for several months after that most banks, buildings societies and post offices will accept these notes in deposits or transactions.

The Bank of England have produced some posters and flyers regarding this change - a limited number are available from Lindsey in the Watch Scheme office. Telephone 01823-363348 or Email your request for copies by `replying' to this message.

2. Theft of money from cash machines (ATMs) across the country have increased year on year and now cost the banking sector approximately £37 million annually. In an attempt to help reduce this crime the UK Cash Machine Network are working in partnership with Crimestoppers actively seeking to stop cash machine criminals. They are appealing for anyone with information on such crime to contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555111 - remember this is totally anonymous and you could receive a cash reward.

3. Counterfeit currency notes are not common in our area, but they still appear from time to time. Don't be caught out - if you think that a note is not right then don't accept it. Counterfeit currency can be highlighted in a number of ways: with counterfeit currency pens, detector lights or very often just by their feel. Again the office has leaflets regarding counterfeit currency and also stocks detector pens at £1.00 each.

If you have information about any crime, phone the police on 0845 456 7000 or you can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111. For general information about Neighbourhood Watch nationally see the www.mynhw.co.uk website.