ARE YOU LEAVING A BURGLAR THE KEY TO YOUR HOUSE?

We have had a couple of burglaries in Park Farm where offender(s) have been able to access house keys via the letter box. We would urge all residents to remove keys from doors and windows and store them in a safe place out of sight.

Never label house keys and never leave a spare key concealed near your front door, burglars know all the hiding places!

In one case recently, offender(s) were able to view keys left on the stairs opposite the front door and managed to gain entry to the property by use of an instrument to 'hook' the keys. Once inside the property they located the resident’s vehicle keys which were clearly visible to all and the vehicle was stolen.

Your garden, as well as your house, has valued possessions that thieves would love to steal. It also has equipment that could help them break into your house.

Most burglars are lazy. They look for easy ways of getting into a house or garden. By taking a few simple precautions you can reduce the risk of being burgled and make your house and garden more secure.

Basic considerations
Try to see the keys to your house or car from any window or through your letterbox.

If you can see them so can a burglar

Look at your property from the front. Avoid hidden areas where intruders can lurk unseen by making it as clear and open as possible with view lines into the garden. At least have a clear area above waist level so any intruders will be clearly visible. Consider security lighting for any areas that are in deep shadow at night and gravel paths to prevent a silent approach.

Gravel paths and drives are an ideal way of cheaply and unobtrusively discouraging thieves from your garden. The gravel makes a loud noise underfoot which carries well at night, when any thief relies on moving around silently. For this reason, it is also worthwhile putting gravel near house windows or doors, as the noise of any movement on it may wake the owners or any dog.

Make the back garden a difficult area to access with prickly hedging or fencing around the perimeter. You may need planning permission for fencing over 2m (6ft 6ins) high at the back and 1m (3ft) high to the front of your property. Check with your local planning office. If you live in a conservation area, then check whether there are any other restrictions which apply.

Fences
The most vulnerable part of the house is at the rear. According to the 1996 British Crime Survey some 60% of all domestic burglaries took place via the rear or side windows and doors. This is a national average and can vary enormously depending on the amount of rear or side access. If burglars can be stopped from reaching these points an actual attack on the house itself will have been deterred.

It has been said that a 2 metre (6'6") fence all around the back garden will help keep the house secure but, unfortunately, most burglars are quite athletic and such a fence can be scaled. If the fence is topped with 30 to 45cms (12-18") of open-ended or other similarly weak trellising, i.e. that cannot support the weight of a human, the prospective burglar will be unable to climb it without a risk of being seen and physically breaking the trellising. The noise of this alone and the risk of injury is a deterrent in itself.

As an alternative to trellis a plant can be grown along a series of wires stretched between post extensions. All types of perimeter fencing can be softened with the right species of plants thereby reducing what can often be seen as an overly aggressive method to reduce criminal opportunity. Fence toppings can also be given the green finger treatment. For example, barbed wire can be replaced with a climbing rose so long as sufficient supports have been stretched along the top of the fence. If the barbed wire is firmly fixed and not easily removed, you could use this as the support for the plant. Single strands of barbed wire along the top of a fence are fairly easy to overcome requiring a couple of cuts with some wire cutters. A mature rose climbing along and over the top of the wall or fence will offer a far more substantial barrier.

Hedges and shrubs in the front garden should be kept to a height of no more than 3' in order to avoid giving a burglar a screen behind which he can conceal himself. Gravel paths prevent a silent approach and might alert the occupier to somebody's presence.

If you are considering erecting barbed wire or other such fence topping, it must comply with Section 164 of the Highways Act 1980. The general rule to be applied is to ensure that reasonable steps are taken to prevent injury. It must not overhang and must incline inwards.

Gates
Solid wooden gates offer easy entry for thieves because they are sturdy to climb and tend to be tucked away at the sides of houses. Make these harder to climb by covering the cross members with a panel so there isn't an obvious foothold.

Unlikely though it may sound, wrought iron gates may be a far more effective deterrent. Their ornamental ironwork makes climbing difficult and any intruders can be seen through them. It's always wise to use at least two locks on a gate if possible. For example, on a wooden gate you could use a padlock and hasp at the top plus a barrel bolt near the bottom and in the case of a wrought iron gate, a thick heavy chain with a padlock.

If the burglar can't go over or through the gate, he may decide to try to take it off completely, so it's important to try to prevent this. This can be done by either welding the hinges shut, or positioning the metal pins in each hinge so that they slide in place at different angles to each other.

Precautions
Don't make a burglar's life any easier by leaving gardening tools available to act as the perfect tool with which to force his entry. Always lock them away securely after use. Likewise, do not leave ladders to provide easy access to otherwise inaccessible parts of your house. They should be chained and padlocked to a strong post or wall.

Consider installing a domestic style CCTV camera, linked to your TV/video, to overlook your garden. Not only will it add an extra element of security to your home but it can also offer you the benefit of being able to observe your garden and its wildlife at close quarters from the relative seclusion of your living room. This can be further enhanced by the installation of low pressure sodium lighting within the garden itself, activated by a photo-electric cell, making it both more attractive and secure after dark.

As a word of warning, if you do install a recordable CCTV system, give serious consideration to including a dedicated video recorder securely located within the house; if you connect the cameras to your household video recorder and you have the misfortune to suffer a burglary, not only could the recorder be taken but the recorded evidence with it.

Costly garden furniture and valuable ornaments, such as statues or stone planters, can be further protected by remote movement detectors. These are suitable only for heavy objects which would not be affected by wind or casual vibration. Alternatively, you may prefer to anchor these items to the ground - even valuable plants can be treated in the same way. Hanging baskets are certainly worth protecting; secure or locking brackets are available for this purpose.

Always property mark your gardening equipment and valuables with your postcode and house number. In most cases engraving will be the most suitable method.

Garden Sheds
Garden sheds are a very popular target with burglars and are often overlooked when security is being considered. The value of the contents, such as garden mowers, strimmers and cycles etc. can often add up to many hundreds of pounds. It is therefore wise to secure the shed door with at least one heavy duty hasp and closed-shackle padlock.

It may not always be appropriate to fit a heavy duty padlock, hasp and staple as the shed door and frame may not be strong enough to support them. There is a range of smaller but sturdy padlocks, padbolts, hasps and staples which would be suitable. Whether fitting heavy duty devices or otherwise, always use coach-bolt fixings through the door and frame.

All opening windows require good window locks.

In addition to fitting external physical security to your shed, it is worth considering the installation of an alarm. This does not mean a complete burglar alarm system, though, if your house already has such an installation, it may be possible for it to be extended to the shed. There are various stand-alone devices on the market specifically designed for remote use in garages or sheds, which fall into two main categories: a passive infra-red detector within the shed to detect movement and body heat a door contact system

Both systems will operate a sounder if the shed is accessed without the correct de-activation. They are available with battery or mains power supply and can be purchased from your local locksmiths, D.I.Y. or discount store.

The major problem with vulnerable garden sheds is that they provide burglars with an arsenal of house breaking implements, e.g. the versatile garden spade: because of the blade size and the leverage that can be exerted, few door or window locks can withstand a prolonged attack from this implement. If the shed is too fragile to secure adequately, the spade should either be bolted or padlocked to a heavy bench or frame, or, better still, kept in a more secure place such as a locked garage. Alternatively, your tools can be secured by chaining them together.

Consider the use of a strong lockable box or cage within the shed in which you can store not only your garden tools but also insecticides, weed killers or other items which may be harmful to health or plants if improperly used.

Garages
Garages are frequently used for storing not only cars, motor bikes and cycles, but also property similar to those found in garden sheds, as well as DIY power tools and sporting equipment. Considering the value of the property contained therein, security precautions are often found to be wanting, and for this reason they are identified by burglars as easy targets.

If you already have a burglar alarm system, why not extend it to the garage? Alternatively, there are various stand-alone alarm devices on the market specifically designed for remote use in garages or sheds, which fall into two main categories: a passive infra-red detector within the shed to detect movement and body heat a door contact system Both systems will operate a sounder if the garage is accessed without the correct de-activation. They are available with battery or mains power supply and can be purchased from your local locksmiths, D-I-Y or discount store. Ladders should also be chained and padlocked to a strong post or a garage wall.

Wooden Double Leaf Doors
It would be preferable to secure the doors with a heavy duty hasp and staple, coach bolted through the doors, together with a closed shackle padlock.

Up and Over Doors
It is probably best not to rely solely on the centre lock provided. If the door is the only means of entry to the garage, it should be fitted with a hasp and staple, together with a padlock as above. There are also mortice locks specially designed for garage doors that close into the side frame. Before fitting, take note of the gap between the door and the frame, as some of the bolts have only a short throw.

If there is another exit/entrance, and the door opens along runners, consider drilling through one of the runners just behind the wheel in the closed position, inserting a long bolt to stop the wheel moving along the runners. If the door operates on a hinged bar and not runners, drill through the side metal frame and pass a padlock through this hole and around the hinged bar to stop the door lifting.

Exit / Entrance Doors
If opening inwards this should be fitted with a 5 lever mortice (deadlock), and, if opening outwards, should additionally be fitted with hinge bolts. If the door is not thick enough to take a mortice lock, it should be fitted with a heavy duty hasp and staple, coach-bolted through the door, together with a closed shackle padlock.

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Could you all be aware that if you live near a property that is vacant or your neighbours are away, to remove the telephone books from their door steps. Having the telephone books left on door steps assists potential offenders in identifying the empty properties.

Many Thanks

PCSO Nicole Killgallon
PC Neil Fraser

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This is the time of year when owners move caravans out of storage and get them ready for the summer season. Caravans are more vulnerable when moved away from a caravan park and a determined thief will go equipped with the means to cut locks/chains and the nerve to conduct a significant number of thefts in daylight hours.

The Police Community Safety Unit at Bridge Street Police Station are preparing packs of information for caravan owners that are available free of charge to all caravan owners.

Carol Aston, Community Safety Officer says: “The Home Office produce a very simple and useful guide to caravan owners which includes information about not only protecting your caravan, but also information to advise owners when buying second hand caravans including checks that potential buyers should always do to ensure they are not buying stolen goods.”

Owners should be aware that since 1992 information on all touring caravans will have been registered with the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme (CriS) – this unique vehicle identification number and the caravan description are recorded in the Touring Caravan Registration Document which is sent by CriS to the caravan’s registered keeper. Additionally all caravans manufactured since August 1997 are electronically tagged for added security.

Additionally Cambridgeshire Countryside Watch are able to supply Post Code kits suitable for roof marking your caravan at a low cost. For information on the post code kits and other ways to protect and secure your caravan ring the Police Community Safety Unit at Bridge Street Police Station on 0845 456 456 4.

If you have any information about criminal activity, particularly concerning stolen caravans, horse boxes or trailers, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They do not want to know who you are, they just want to know what you know.

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Inside your shed/garage you will have many expensive items - lawn mowers, strimmers, power washers, garden spades, Bikes, tools and ladders. These items can also be used to break into your homes.

Ensure you keep items locked up in your sheds and garages. Fit anchors to your floor to attach bikes and ladders. Improve your lighting and secure your fencing and gates.

A good exercise is to go round your property and imagine how you would break into your own house if you lost your keys. If you can accomplish this then so can a thief.

If you would like to receive some security advice from the police then email me on tina.griffin@cambs.pnn.police.uk and I will arrange a visit or send a pack to you.

If you see anyone hanging around near sheds/garages and you feel they could be checking the area out then call the force control room to report it on 0845 456 4564

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Please be vigilant if anyone comes to your front door, especially if they claim to be from the Waterboard, and have not notified you previously of their visit. Always demand to see some form of identification, and if in doubt, telephone the organisation they claim to work for.

If in any further doubt, please contact Cambridgeshire Constabulary on 0845 456 4564 (or using 999 in a emergency). Unfortunately, there has been several 'distraction burglaries' reported to the Police recently where the offenders have claimed to be working for the Waterboard.

Once they have tricked their way into peoples homes they have then stolen cash, or other valuable items. Do not let anyone into your home unless you are completely satisfied that they are genuine and honest.

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Anti-Social-Behaviour (ASB) includes a variety of behaviour covering a whole range of unacceptable activity that can blight the quality of community life. [Other terms such as ‘nuisance’, ‘neighbour disputes’ and ‘disorder’ are also used to describe some of this behaviour.] Anti-Social Behaviour is generally defined as behaviour that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to another individual.

Some typical examples of Anti-Social Behaviour

Harassment

Intimidating behaviour
Violence or the threat of violence to another person
Abusive language
Aggressive begging

Nuisance Neighbours

Loud music
Constant dog barking
Seriously untidy gardens

Yobbish behaviour

Graffiti/vandalism
Verbal/physical abuse
Intimidation/harassment
Motor bikes on public footpaths
Misuse of fireworks

Vehicle Nuisance

Excessive noise
Excessive vehicle repairs and maintenance carried out in gardens

Environmental Anti-Social Behaviour

Fly-tipping
Storing rubbish in gardens
Dog fouling
Abandoned vehicles

Who can be affected by it?

Your grandparents – perhaps afraid to leave the house after dark if they feel intimidated by large groups hanging around outside their home. Your pet – injured by a misused firework. Your children – can’t play in the park because of broken glass/drug debris. You – unable to sleep because your neighbours play loud music throughout the night. It can affect anyone. We do not have to tolerate Anti-Social Behaviour. We all have a right to live in a safe and secure community. But with rights come responsibilities. We all have a responsibility to treat our neighbours and others in the community respectfully. People who commit Anti-Social Behaviour need to know that this behaviour will not be tolerated and that action will be taken against them if they continue.

What can you do about it?

Before taking action think about the problem…

Do the people committing Anti-Social Behaviour realise they are causing a nuisance?

For example, young people congregating in large groups may be doing nothing wrong but they can look intimidating to some people; neighbours may not be aware that their behaviour is causing concern; an untidy garden could mean someone is unable to take care of it through illness or disability. Where possible, find out first.

If you decide to talk to the person responsible for the anti-social behaviour it may help to consider the following:

If your neighbour is, for example, playing loud music, have you asked them, at least once, to turn their music down?

Stay calm and be as polite as possible at all times. Explain clearly what you feel the problem is and how it is affecting you/your family.

Once you have had your say, let them respond. Try not to interrupt the person when they are speaking.

Don’t descend to the level of being abusive or personal, even if they choose to – this just adds to the problem.

Leave the situation if it begins to get too heated to make any meaningful or reasonable progress.

It is a good idea to keep a simple ‘diary’ of the Anti-Social Behaviour with dates, times and details of the problems to help any future investigation.

Help us to help you and REPORT Anti-Social Behaviour.

What can we do about it?

We believe that prevention is the most effective long term solution in tackling Anti-Social Behaviour. Consequently, there are a number of youth projects that are set up which have had considerable success in preventing Anti-Social Behaviour and crime.

Warning Letter
The warning letter has proven to be one of the most successful tools in tackling Anti-Social Behaviour. It is intended to alert the individual – and, in the case of a young person, also their parent or guardian – to the impact and consequences of their Anti-Social Behaviour. In the vast majority of cases, the warning letter has been sufficient to prevent future Anti-Social Behaviour.

Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC)

The ABC is a written agreement between a person who has committed repeated incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour, the council and/or the police. The contract is entered into voluntarily and clearly details the actions in which the perpetrator is no longer allowed to engage. In addition, a personalised support package is offered to help the individual keep to the conditions of their contract.

Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO)

ASBOs are civil orders which are intended to protect the public from Anti-Social Behaviour. An order will contain certain conditions prohibiting the offender from carrying out anti-social acts or from entering specific areas in which they have previously committed Anti-Social Behaviour. Usually an order will last for a two year period and if the order is breached by the individual they could face a heavy fine or even imprisonment.

Injunction

An Injunction is a civil action which prevents an individual from doing something. Generally, injunctions are required if there is a risk of violence, or if violence has been used. Similar to an ASBO if the terms of an injunction are breached, an individual could face a heavy fine or imprisonment.

Possession

The Housing Authorities have the ability to evict a tenant from their home if they continue to engage in Anti-Social Behaviour and break the conditions of their tenancy agreement. This power is only used as a last resort but we do work closely with each other and use this as a very good deterrent.

If you are a housing tenant and you are experiencing Anti-Social Behaviour then please contact your housing officer. Housing tenants are not only responsible for their own behaviour but also for the behaviour of any person that lives at their address or anyone who may visit them in their home.

If you have concerns over Anti-Social Behaviour relating to noise nuisance, dog related matters, vehicle related issues or refuse, the Environmental Health Department will investigate in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

If you are experiencing Anti-Social Behaviour then contact your local Community Safety Team via the City Council who can provide support and advice in looking to find a resolution to your concerns regarding Anti-Social Behaviour.

The Emergency Services
If a serious crime is happening now, or if someone is in immediate danger,
Tel: 999.

Police Control
If you require the police to attend any non-urgent incidents.
Tel: 0845 456 456 4

Crimestoppers
If you have any information about any crime, but do not wish to be identified.
Tel: 0800 555 111

Parentline Plus
Can offer you support and advice regarding parenting over the phone or internet 24hrs a day.
Tel: 0808 800 2222

Respect

www.respect.gov.uk

National and Local Government’s ‘RESPECT AGENDA’ partnership aims to address the root causes of Anti-Social Behaviour, focusing on:

Supporting families
A new approach to the most challenging families
Improving behaviour and attendance in schools
Activities for children and young people
Strengthening communities
Effective enforcement and community justice

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Despite issuing a warning about the problem in the county last year the company has recorded an unprecedented increase in break-ins and attempted cable thefts from substations in the Peterborough area.

There have been half a dozen break-ins at substations in the city in the past few months. The most recent attack on February 25 resulted in lengthy power cuts in the Padholme Road East area of Peterborough, with some customers being without power for more than three hours.

But the biggest concern is that the vandals are risking being electrocuted, with substation equipment carrying up to 132,000 volts which can jump gaps and kill instantly.

EDF Energy Networks is working with Cambridgeshire Police to investigate the break-ins and bring prosecutions. Security measures are being stepped up in the area with the police carrying out regular patrols of substation sites. We are asking residents to be vigilant in their areas and report to the police straight away any activity around substations - please don't assume because people are wearing fluorescent jackets they are there legitimately.

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Police have today launched a new campaign to tackle drink-related crime and disorder in Peterborough.

Operation Chestnut, which will run until Sunday, February 24, and cover half-term, will involve officers confiscating alcohol from young people as well as issuing Section 27 banning orders. Police will concentrate on specific "hot spot" areas where there have been problems with alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in the past.

Officers in Peterborough were among the first in the country to use new legislation under Section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 during a similar campaign between October 8 and November 5 last year. Then, 47 Section 27 orders were issued, 19 young people had alcohol confiscated from them in public places and more than 230 adults had alcohol confiscated from them in designated public places order (DPPO) areas in the city centre and in central ward. Section 27 legislation allows police to ban people aged 16 and over from specific areas for up to 48 hours, if they believe that person's presence is going to result in drink-related disorder or crime.

Community engagement manager Terry Moor, from Bridge Street Police Station, said: "We hope that this operation will follow in the footsteps of the autumn campaign which was very successful and demonstrated how seriously we take this issue. "Peterborough should be a place where people are able to enjoy themselves and feel safe, without having to worry about drunkenness, and officers will be using all the powers at their disposal to ensure this is the case. "Areas where residents have reported alcohol-related problems in the past will be targeted and those who flout a banning order will be arrested."

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To try and prevent incidents of theft from vehicles happening in your area of Stanground, we your local policing Team are here with some advice to try and combat this issue.

Please empty your vehicle of any valuables before you leave your vehicle for any length of time, if possible please also remove any holders from view also used for Satellite navigation, some examples of what is being left in vehicles is:- MP3 Players, Compact Discs, Handbags or shopping bags, Parcels, Laptop Computers, Briefcases, Pocket Change in the ashtray, Mobile Phones, power leads that come from cigarette lighters, this tells anyone looking into your vehicle that you use these items in your vehicle, that makes them think that you also leave them in your vehicle or in your glove box.

Lets try and not make it easy pickings for them by leaving your valuables on display, empty your vehicle of any evidence that there is anything of value in your vehicle when it is parked outside your house or in your local shopping centre.

If you have any concerns or issues then please do not hesitate to contact your local Policing Teams on 0845 456 456 4

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Every member of the community can help reduce Distraction Burglary.

By following the simple LOCK, STOP, CHAIN, CHECK message, we can all be sure that the people who enter our homes are who they claim to be.

LOCK : Ensure you keep exterior doors locked.

STOP: Before you answer the door, stop and think whether you are expecting anyone.

CHAIN: Put the door bar or chain on. Look through the spyhole or the window to see who it is. Always keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep.

CHECK: Ask for and carefully check their ID card, even if they have a pre arranged appointment (all genuine callers will carry one). If you are not expecting them and they do not carry an ID card. DO NOT LET THEM IN.

To check a caller is genuine you can, look up the number in the phone book and check it against the card the caller has given you. Do not be tempted to just ring the number on the card, it may be fake. if they claim they are from a utility company, look at a recent bill to check the phone number. Your police Community Safety Unit may be able to provide you with a list of telephone numbers of those utility companies which provide services in your area.

If you have any doubts at all as to whether the caller is genuine, ask them to leave and come back at a time that is convenient to you and when you have had a chance to ask someone to be with you.

REMEMBER IF IN DOUBT: KEEP THEM OUT!

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Cambridgeshire Constabulary's Community Cohesion Unit are holding a Hate Crime roadshow on Friday 25th January 2008, 0900-1700 at Sainsbury's, Bretton Centre. Hate Crime is a broad title and you can be affected by Hate Crime in many different ways, a lot of which is based on prejudices towards the following:

· Gender
· Faith/Religion
· Age
· Race
· Disability
· Sexual Orientation

If you are, or have been a victim of hate crime, or if you want to learn more please feel free to pop along.

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As the January sales begin I thought this may be the best time to remind people about vehicle security.

Whilst most shopping centre car parks are well patrolled and very secure it is still vitally important that when leaving your car, all valuables are removed from the vehicle. It is especially important to remove any sat nav, or DVD equipment from the vehicle including the wires and holders. Where possible it is also recommended to remove all the equipment from the vehicle completely.

Just by making these few checks will make life a lot harder for any potential thief who may be trying to look for easy pickings.

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We are pleased to bring you news of a new helpline that has been launched to encourage the early reporting of hate crimes - the 'Stop Hate Line'.

If you are not familiar with the term 'hate crime', it is any crime where the victim thinks it was caused by hatred of a person's disability, race, religion or sexual orientation. It can take many forms including name calling, physical abuse, property damage, arson, graffiti and even murder.

Hates crimes are not only unacceptable, they are illegal and every instance should be reported.

The Stop Hate Line number is 0800 138 1625 and is open 24 hours a day. Calls are confidential, and details will only be shared with the police and other agencies with the consent of the caller. The aim of the helpline is to give support to victims and another means of reporting hate crimes without going to a police station.

The new helpline supports Peterborough's existing 'Open Out' scheme which currently has 30 reporting centre's operating throughout the city. The Open Out scheme was launched in Peterborough in 2001 after a recommendation from the Stephen Lawrence murder inquiry that suggested local authorities set up hate crime reporting centre's in places other than police stations.

The helpline is funded by the Community Cohesion Forum which is part of the Greater Peterborough Partnership, as part of a package of funding to encourage people to report hate crime.

To enquire about the Open Out scheme, please contact Dorothy Pocock on 01733 453521 or email dorothy.pocock@peterborough.gov.uk

For more information about the Stop Hate helpline visit www.stophateuk.org or call Rose Simkins at 0113 293 5100.

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If you are going to be out late, try to arrange a lift home or book a taxi. Check that the taxi that arrives is the one you ordered. Ask for a description of the car – colour, make, etc – and check this when it arrives. If you gave your name when you booked, check that the driver can tell you it before you get in. When you get home, ask the driver to wait until you are inside.

There are many reputable mini-cab or private hire car companies, but these must be booked either at their office or by phone. In some cases the driver will carry identification. Always keep the number of a reliable firm handy. Avoid mini-cabs or private hire cars that tout for business.

Always sit behind the driver.

If you feel uneasy, ask to be let out in a well-lit area where there are plenty of people.

If in any doubt, don’t get in a taxi.

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NPower will be visiting homes between Christmas and New year to encourage householders to change energy suppliers - we don't know yet what areas of Cambridgeshire are going to be affected but this is useful information for any householder that is visited.

Agents working for NPower will carry two forms of ID, one from NPower and one from Energysure, both of these will have a photograph of the holder. If a householder is suspicious and wishes to verify that they are who they say they are they should ring 08456 0111 102.

Agents will be working up to 8pm in the evening. If the householder is over 65 the agents have been instructed that any change of supplier contract will require a witness signature. Please also be aware that in most cases sales agents may use their own vehicles so will not necessarily be in a marked vehicle.

NPower meter readers

If you wish to verify that a NPower meter reader is who they say they are - the correct number to ring is 0800 073 3355

Normally we see quite low levels of cycle theft across Peterborough but we are noticing an increase and with the build up to Christmas when bikes always appear on the gift list we need to get the message out to all residents about securing cycles in sheds or garages and keeping locks on them even when in a shed/garage.

Owners can further protect by registering the frame number either on the Immobilise database system
(www.immobilise.com) which is a free service for all items in the home or by property marking the bike with a UV pen or Smartwater if they are using this product.

Members wishing to have their bicycles marked can take advantage of a free service offered by PFNHW by calling 07939 664788.

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I have received numerous emails about a scam doing the rounds about a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) where callers to a premium rate number are being billed large amounts of money for the call.

Please be aware that this scam is nearly 2 years old and at that time we put out lots of warnings with Trading Standards and within 36 hours it was shut down. We have no idea why it has resurfaced but if you receive an email about it please delete it and do not forward it on.

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Just a quick note to advise that police have seen a recent increase in theft of purses or handbags where ladies have left bags open on top of shopping trolleys when out and about in the City Centre etc - please be aware that it only takes a couple of seconds for an opportunist thief to reach inside and grab either the bag or purse - we have had one arrest for one of the crimes and local officers are aware and patrolling the areas.

You can purchase small personal alarms from either the internet or DIY shops that attach themselves to you and your handbag so if it is grabbed it emits a shrill alarm. Ladies, be aware and keep your handbag close to you, ideally with a strap across your body with the clasp to the inside.

For more crime prevention advice ring the Community Safety Unit on 0845 456 456 4

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If you run a business, or know anyone who does.....Register! It's free and all you need to do is fill in a form! Even suggest it to your boss! It's like a Neighbourhood Watch Group for businesses, it's proven to be very successful, and a great way to share information, with everyone!

Business against Crime is an initiative which means you will receive regular updates and alerts from the Police about crime activity in your area. It also gives you a way to report information back to the Police that possibly you would not normally report, for example suspicious activity or vehicles. This kind of information very often helps the prevention and detection of crime and what might seem a small piece of information to you, might we be the missing piece of the jigsaw to the Police.

If you are interested contact Carol Aston in the Community Safety Unit at Bridge Street on 0845 456 4564 to request a form.

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Do you own a sat nav?

You may not realise it but you may be leaving yourself open to more crime than just the theft of your sat nav. Many owners have unwittingly entered their home addresses into their sat navs as a favourite in order to find their way home from any destination unaware that should a criminal steal it they can find out your home address and know that you are not a home.

Just such a case was reported today where the owners car was broken into at a theme park. The car was stolen and driven to the home address where other crimes were committed including the theft of a very expensive car parked on the driveway. Our advice is to remove your address if you've already entered it and instead enter a location near your home e.g. Stanground College.

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Residents are being urged to keep their windows and doors locked throughout the summer months.

Police are concerned that homeowners are inviting opportunist thieves to strike by leaving windows and doors open during spells of warm weather. Burglars can get into a property easily if people have gone out and left ground floor windows and doors open. Alternatively, some criminals will steal goods while the homeowner is occupied in their garden or upstairs. It is important to take a few minutes to ensure that all windows and doors have been closed and secured before going out. If not, it will only take a thief a few minutes to get in and out.

We urge homeowners to use good, strong locks on windows and doors, fit limiters to restrict the opening of windows and keep easily portable items such as laptop computers, wallets and handbags, out of sight.

Police are also urging people to register valuable items on the Immobilise database - found at www.immobilise.com Registered items that are recovered after being lost or stolen can be quickly reunited with their owners. The system also provides officers with an audit trail and the evidence they need to prosecute those who steal or handle stolen goods.

Alternatively, have you considered Smartwater -

SmartWater ‘Instant’ is now available to buy at a discounted rate from the Community Safety Department at Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

There are different size SmartWater kits available, according to the type of premises in need of marking. The most common use of the kits is for domestic purposes, which we have already piloted in homes around the Peterborough area. There are however, larger kits available for businesses and schools of all sizes, depending on their individual needs.

Information on the SmartWater ‘Instant’ product can be found on their website www.smartwater.com where they can also be bought at the full retail cost.

At this time, we will be selling the SmartWater marking kits at a heavily discounted rate to groups of five or more people. If you'd like to order a kit please contact Chris at PFNHW on 07939 664788.

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Letters will be sent to drivers spotted leaving valuables on display in their cars in Peterborough.

It is hoped the initiative will help encourage drivers to remove valuables from their cars when they park. Carol Aston, community safety officer, said: "We have been looking at different initiatives to encourage residents and visitors to Peterborough to take that extra minute to remove items from their vehicle before locking and leaving it. "Vehicle owners really do need to take these simple steps in order to reduce the chance of them becoming a victim of opportunist car thieves."

If a parked vehicle is seen with property or valuables on display inside, police officers will record the vehicle registration number and what has been left on display.

A letter will then be sent to the registered owner from the constabulary's community safety unit advising the owner of what has been left on display and offering some crime prevention advice.

Almost 150 letters have been sent out to drivers in the last few weeks. Items left on display have included satellite navigation systems, mobile phones, handbags, sports bags, coats, CD's and money.

It will soon be time to be jetting off to sunny destinations and topping up those suntans and relaxing by the pool. Whilst you are away are you aware that Royal Mail offer a service (for a charge) to hold onto your mail?

That way you are not having a pile of mail sitting on your doorstep making it obvious that you are not at home. You can find out more about this service and the cost involved by clicking here

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A special anniversary is being celebrated this week - the first anniversary of Cambridgeshire Constabulary's new helicopter.

The state-of-the-art technology came to the force at the beginning of June last year and was officially unveiled to the public on June 20, 2006.The helicopter, or the MD 902, is a multi-role aircraft. It can be quickly re-rolled to air ambulance, people carrier or freighter in times of emergency.

The extra capacity is also useful in supporting MAGPAS, by taking the voluntary emergency medical team direct to the scene of an incident within minutes. The relationship between MAGPAS' Emergency Medical team and what was formerly the Air Support Unit began in 1997 and has proved to be incredibly successful in recent years.

The helicopter is also used as a flying classroom for pilots and observers as the number of seats - eight - allows an incident commander to use it as an airborne command and control post.

From June 2005 to June 2006 the previous aircraft flew in more than 1,900 operations, was responsible for the arrest of 110 criminals and from June 2006 to mid May, the new helicopter Attended 2,014 incidents, directly arrested 105 people and assisted in a further 78 arrests.

Sergeant Gordon Murray, Duty Unit Executive Officer, said: "This new helicopter has allowed the constabulary and the consortium it works within to be able to deliver state of the art technology in the fight against crime. "It allows the police service to deliver a first class service for and the public we serve. Not only is it quieter than the old aircraft it can carry more staff (police and MAGPAS) which allows the constabulary to ensure that it can deliver the best of police aviation of today for today."

Full statistics (from beginning of June 2006 until mid May 2007):

Attended 2,014 incidents, Completed 773 hours' flying, directly arrested 105 people, assisted in a further 78 arrests, located 17 people missing from home, searched 4,817km of land and recovered £127,100 worth of property.

Working in partnership with MAGPAS, the helicopter has attended 31 incidents and on behalf of our neighbouring forces - Lincolnshire, Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, 103 incidents have been attended with 17 direct arrests and five missing people found.

Examples of incidents attended:

On May 17, 2007 a partially sighted man had gone missing overnight in the March area. Within three minutes of the helicopter arriving in the area the missing man was spotted having fallen in long vegetation. The aircraft landed at the scene and the crew gave first aid to the man until the ambulance crew arrived.

On May 1, 2007, a report was received of several youths damaging the lock at Port Holme, Godmanchester. The youths ran off and the helicopter began assisting in the search. Using infra red equipment, one youth was spotted jumping into the river and swimming across the bank. He then hid in foliage. However the helicopter was able to direct crews on the ground and the youth gave himself up.

On April 21, 2007 a man attempted to break into garages in Bretton and information indicated he was riding his bike from the scene with a rucksack on his back. Infra red equipment was used (night time) and a man matching the description was spotted. He then cycled into an underpass and did not come out the other side. Ground crews was told the location of the man who was then arrested.

On March 31, 2007 a report was received of a blue minibus driving erratically along the A47 at Thorney Toll. The vehicle was spotted by the helicopter and tracked, all the while ground crews were being told of the location. The minibus was stopped and the driver was arrested for driving with excess alcohol.

On February 22, 2007 the helicopter aided the pursuit of a vehicle which failed to stop in Sawston. The pursuit continued towards Cambridge and with the aid of the 'nitesun' equipment, crews in the helicopter illuminated the vehicle. The pursuit quickly came to a stop and the two occupants ran into bushes before being detained by crews on the ground.

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Please click on the image to see the latest type of lottery scam received by a member in Portchester Close from the USA this week. You'll notice that they ask you not to tell anyone and send them money up front. They even supplied a reply envelope!

Seems obvious but many do fall for such scams.

If you receive anything that you feel may be a scam please get in touch. We send all such cases to Trading Standards to investigate.

Sound too good to be true? - then it probably is!

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BOGUS workmen conned an elderly woman out of more than £4,000 by posing as genuine workmen.

Paving work had been commissioned from a genuine company at a house in March and the work was near completion. However, two bogus workmen, posing as employees from the genuine company, called at the house on to collect payment.

Around £4,100 was handed over to them.

Both men are believe to be white, with one man in his 30s, thin and around 5"5. The other man is in his 40s with a heavy build and glasses.

This has been an incredibly upsetting ordeal for the victim. The woman was pleased with the work that has taken place at the property. However, these men have taken advantage of this and fraudulently collected payment for the work.

Check Their ID!

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It's that time of year again and I have noticed an increase of cycle thefts, so here's a few hints and tips:

Around 150,00 bicycles are stolen across Britain every year, with bike theft proving to be a growing frustration for cyclists everywhere. You can make your bike more secure using the following tips:-

Do not leave cycles in isolated places.
Make sure you secure bikes to proper cycle stands or robust street furniture (but do observe any requests not to use certain items of street furniture and be sure not to cause any damage).
Lock cycles through the frame, and secure or remove wheels. Also remove smaller parts and accessories that cannot be secured, especially lights, pumps and quick release saddles.
Make the lock hard to manoeuvre when parked.Do not allow thieves to place your lock(s) in contact with the ground.
Park cycles safely and considerately where they will not cause a danger or obstruction to others, particularly to older people, young children or people with disabilities.
Always security mark your bicycle with a UV pen stating your postcode and house number and its a good idea to cover the marking with some clear nail polish to protect it. UV pens can be purchased from most DIY
stores.

Don't forget to lock your cycle even if it's inside a secure outbuilding.

Security marking your bicycle will make it easier for the Police to reunite you with your bike if it is recovered.

Visit the Park Farm NHW Property Marking Roadshow at Stanground Fete on Saturday June 9th and have your bicycle security marked. Click Here

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Police warn motorists to guard against sat nav theft - don't think it won't happen to you

We all know that Satellite Navigation Systems are the ‘must have’ gadget for the enthusiastic motorist.

More affordable pricing has meant that more and more people now own this hi-tec equipment. Unfortunately, criminals have also set their sights on Sat Navs, and have targeted vulnerable motorists in a spate of recent attacks - since Friday 8 sat navs have been stolen from vehicles across Peterborough - Carol Aston, Community Safety Officer at Bridge Street is concerned that drivers are ignoring all the warnings and making their vehicles an easy target “Get into the habit of routinely removing your Sat Nav system every time you leave the vehicle, including removing any obvious signs such as cradles, windscreen fittings and tell-tale sucker marks. If you leave it, it may not be there when you return. Don’t think that it won’t happen to you.

Eight motorists took the gamble over this last weekend and lost. Not only did their Sat Nav systems get stolen, but their vehicles were damaged in the process. They also now have to go through the process of claiming on their insurance."

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Following last years highly successful roadshow PFNHW presents in association with Cambridgeshire Constabulary our second Property Marking Roadshow.

Visit our stand at the Stanground Fete on Saturday 9th June from 1pm to 4.30pm to get your property marked and find out more about our Multi-Award Winning Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, Crime Prevention, Data Link, CitySouth Community Website, Smartwater & Immobilise

Engraving of Bicycles & Garden Equipment. UV Marking of Mobile Phones, Car Radios, Sat Navs, MP3/4's, Ipods, Cameras etc.

(Please note - Items presented for marking by those under 18 will require a parent or guardians signed permission)

Look out for our banner

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POLICE in Peterborough are urging people not to leave keys in their doors.

The plea follows a spate of burglaries during which offenders have put their hand through the letterbox to steal the house keys and open the door.

The Gunthorpe and Stanground areas have seen a number of burglaries where this method has been used to get into a property and in several cases thieves have gone on to steal car keys and cars.

Detective Inspector Dave Murphy said: I would urge people to remove keys from doors after locking them and keep them and any other keys with them at all times.

Investigations are underway to trace those responsible but I would urge the public to be vigilant.

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Over the course of just one evening, 8 vehicles have been broken into in the southern area of Peterborough.

Various items such as laptops, wallets, cash cards, driving documents and even clothing have been stolen from the vehicles after having windows smashed or doors left insecure.

Please take an extra few moments when securing your vehicle, for any length of time, to remove any items from view.

Thieves are not choosey and have previously broken into vehicles for cigarettes that have been left on view, the smallest of items that we think are irrelevant can look very attractive to a thief.

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Your garden, as well as your house, has valued possessions that thieves would love to steal. It also has equipment that could help them break into your house.

Most burglars are lazy. They look for easy ways of getting into a house or garden. By taking a few simple precautions you can reduce the risk of being burgled and make your house and garden more secure.

Basic considerations
Start by looking at your property from the front. Avoid hidden areas where intruders can lurk unseen by making it as clear and open as possible with view lines into the garden. At least have a clear area above waist level so any intruders will be clearly visible. Consider security lighting for any areas that are in deep shadow at night and gravel paths to prevent a silent approach.

Gravel paths and drives are an ideal way of cheaply and unobtrusively discouraging thieves from your garden. The gravel makes a loud noise underfoot which carries well at night, when any thief relies on moving around silently. For this reason, it is also worthwhile putting gravel near house windows or doors, as the noise of any movement on it may wake the owners or any dog.

Make the back garden a difficult area to access with prickly hedging or fencing around the perimeter. You may need planning permission for fencing over 2m (6ft 6ins) high at the back and 1m (3ft) high to the front of your property. Check with your local planning office. If you live in a conservation area, then check whether there are any other restrictions which apply.

Fences
The most vulnerable part of the house is at the rear. According to the 1996 British Crime Survey some 60% of all domestic burglaries took place via the rear or side windows and doors. This is a national average and can vary enormously depending on the amount of rear or side access. If burglars can be stopped from reaching these points an actual attack on the house itself will have been deterred.

It has been said that a 2 metre (6'6") fence all around the back garden will help keep the house secure but, unfortunately, most burglars are quite athletic and such a fence can be scaled. If the fence is topped with 30 to 45cms (12-18") of open-ended or other similarly weak trellising, i.e. that cannot support the weight of a human, the prospective burglar will be unable to climb it without a risk of being seen and physically breaking the trellising. The noise of this alone and the risk of injury is a deterrent in itself.

As an alternative to trellis a plant can be grown along a series of wires stretched between post extensions. All types of perimeter fencing can be softened with the right species of plants thereby reducing what can often be seen as an overly aggressive method to reduce criminal opportunity. Fence toppings can also be given the green finger treatment. For example, barbed wire can be replaced with a climbing rose so long as sufficient supports have been stretched along the top of the fence. If the barbed wire is firmly fixed and not easily removed, you could use this as the support for the plant. Single strands of barbed wire along the top of a fence are fairly easy to overcome requiring a couple of cuts with some wire cutters. A mature rose climbing along and over the top of the wall or fence will offer a far more substantial barrier.

Hedges and shrubs in the front garden should be kept to a height of no more than 3' in order to avoid giving a burglar a screen behind which he can conceal himself. Gravel paths prevent a silent approach and might alert the occupier to somebody's presence.

If you are considering erecting barbed wire or other such fence topping, it must comply with Section 164 of the Highways Act 1980. The general rule to be applied is to ensure that reasonable steps are taken to prevent injury. It must not overhang and must incline inwards.

Gates
Solid wooden gates offer easy entry for thieves because they are sturdy to climb and tend to be tucked away at the sides of houses. Make these harder to climb by covering the cross members with a panel so there isn't an obvious foothold.

Unlikely though it may sound, wrought iron gates may be a far more effective deterrent. Their ornamental ironwork makes climbing difficult and any intruders can be seen through them. It's always wise to use at least two locks on a gate if possible. For example, on a wooden gate you could use a padlock and hasp at the top plus a barrel bolt near the bottom and in the case of a wrought iron gate, a thick heavy chain with a padlock.

If the burglar can't go over or through the gate, he may decide to try to take it off completely, so it's important to try to prevent this. This can be done by either welding the hinges shut, or positioning the metal pins in each hinge so that they slide in place at different angles to each other.

Precautions
Don't make a burglar's life any easier by leaving gardening tools available to act as the perfect tool with which to force his entry. Always lock them away securely after use. Likewise, do not leave ladders to provide easy access to otherwise inaccessible parts of your house. They should be chained and padlocked to a strong post or wall.

Consider installing a domestic style CCTV camera, linked to your TV/video, to overlook your garden. Not only will it add an extra element of security to your home but it can also offer you the benefit of being able to observe your garden and its wildlife at close quarters from the relative seclusion of your living room. This can be further enhanced by the installation of low pressure sodium lighting within the garden itself, activated by a photo-electric cell, making it both more attractive and secure after dark.

As a word of warning, if you do install a recordable CCTV system, give serious consideration to including a dedicated video recorder securely located within the house; if you connect the cameras to your household video recorder and you have the misfortune to suffer a burglary, not only could the recorder be taken but the recorded evidence with it.

Costly garden furniture and valuable ornaments, such as statues or stone planters, can be further protected by remote movement detectors. These are suitable only for heavy objects which would not be affected by wind or casual vibration. Alternatively, you may prefer to anchor these items to the ground - even valuable plants can be treated in the same way. Hanging baskets are certainly worth protecting; secure or locking brackets are available for this purpose.

Always property mark your gardening equipment and valuables with your postcode and house number. In most cases engraving will be the most suitable method.

Park Farm NHW offer a FREE engraving service to members. Call 07939 664788 to arrange an appointment

Garden Sheds
Garden sheds are a very popular target with burglars and are often overlooked when security is being considered. The value of the contents, such as garden mowers, strimmers and cycles etc. can often add up to many hundreds of pounds. It is therefore wise to secure the shed door with at least one heavy duty hasp and closed-shackle padlock.

It may not always be appropriate to fit a heavy duty padlock, hasp and staple as the shed door and frame may not be strong enough to support them. There is a range of smaller but sturdy padlocks, padbolts, hasps and staples which would be suitable. Whether fitting heavy duty devices or otherwise, always use coach-bolt fixings through the door and frame.

All opening windows require good window locks.

In addition to fitting external physical security to your shed, it is worth considering the installation of an alarm. This does not mean a complete burglar alarm system, though, if your house already has such an installation, it may be possible for it to be extended to the shed. There are various stand-alone devices on the market specifically designed for remote use in garages or sheds, which fall into two main categories: a passive infra-red detector within the shed to detect movement and body heat a door contact system

Both systems will operate a sounder if the shed is accessed without the correct de-activation. They are available with battery or mains power supply and can be purchased from your local locksmiths, D-I-Y or discount store.

The major problem with vulnerable garden sheds is that they provide burglars with an arsenal of house breaking implements, e.g. the versatile garden spade: because of the blade size and the leverage that can be exerted, few door or window locks can withstand a prolonged attack from this implement. If the shed is too fragile to secure adequately, the spade should either be bolted or padlocked to a heavy bench or frame, or, better still, kept in a more secure place such as a locked garage. Alternatively, your tools can be secured by chaining them together.

Consider the use of a strong lockable box or cage within the shed in which you can store not only your garden tools but also insecticides, weed killers or other items which may be harmful to health or plants if improperly used.

Garages
Garages are frequently used for storing not only cars, motor bikes and cycles, but also property similar to those found in garden sheds, as well as DIY power tools and sporting equipment. Considering the value of the property contained therein, security precautions are often found to be wanting, and for this reason they are identified by burglars as easy targets.

If you already have a burglar alarm system, why not extend it to the garage? Alternatively, there are various stand-alone alarm devices on the market specifically designed for remote use in garages or sheds, which fall into two main categories: a passive infra-red detector within the shed to det