Neighbourhood Watch

Todwick Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

March 2014

Welcome to all those villagers who have signed up to the Todwick Neighbourhood Watch since our last newsletter in December 2013. We hope that you find these newsletters informative and useful and we always value your information and feedback. We do not publish anyone’s name, address or any other private details.

Pedal Cycles

We have received reports from South Yorkshire Police that pedal cycles are being targeted by thieves. They are being stolen from insecure sheds, garages and gardens. It is recommended that a good quality security device is fitted when the cycle is not in use. The police also advise owners to look carefully at where and how the cycle is stored.

Burglaries

Again we have received reports from South Yorkshire Police about the dangers of leaving house keys and car keys in your home but near doors leading to the outside of property. Thieves are stealing these keys by inserting a fishing rod through letter boxes, hooking the keys and pulling them back through the letter box. Ingenious? But they can then steal your car and come back & burgle you later. Best advice is move the keys to somewhere central in your home or even take them to bed. We in turn also advise that unless there is a landline telephone near your bed, a mobile phone could be useful in case of emergency. Mobiles can be bought for as little as £10 for “pay as you go” usage.

Vans

There are a number of residents who own vans that they use for business purposes. We have been asked to remind you to remove tools and valuables at night to prevent them being stolen. Whilst not foolproof, the police also recommend that whenever possible the van should be reversed up to a wall or door to make it more difficult to force open the back doors.

Cars

There seems to be an increasing number of vehicles being driven at night where there is a fault with the lights. Please be aware if you are driving on unlit, or poorly lit roads what may appear to be a motorcycle coming towards you may turn out to be a car with the off side lights not working.

Our Annual General Meeting

Can you put the following date in your diary please. The booked date for the Todwick Neighbourhood Watch Annual General Meeting is 26th June 2014 at 7.30 pm in Todwick Village Hall. This year our treasurer since 2006, will not be standing for re-election. There will therefore be a vacancy and anyone interested in taking up this role, will you please contact Norman for further details.

Safety Checks

If you haven’t already taken advantage of the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service free home check, we strongly recommend that you call them on 0114 2532522. It’s better than having to dial 999 for them!! This free service will provide you with a free smoke alarm if one is deemed necessary (the firemen will fit it for you). The checks cover kitchen hazards, hot oil pans, electrical hazards, smoking and candles, heaters and fires, young children, bins and rubbish, a fire action plan and a “bedtime routine”.

All free of charge!

Child Safety

Whilst this warning appeared in our last newsletter, I fear it cannot be repeated too often. South Yorkshire Police have asked that we circulate the following warning. In November 2013, at approximately 5 pm to 5.30 pm a young girl was approached by a lone white man in a car. The man invited the girl to get in the car. Thankfully she declined. The vehicle is a dark (possibly black) VW Golf. The man of medium build is said to be in his 30s. Please make sure that your children or children in your care are safe.

Contact Information

S. Y. Police non-emergency calls to report crime or give information dial 101

Crimestoppers to give information about crime (you do not have to give your name) dial 0800 555 111 open Mon – Fri 8 am to 10 pm & Sunday 10 am to 4 pm

Action Fraud this is the government run reporting centre for fraud. Calls can be made on 0300 123 2040 anonymously or text on 0300 123 2050

Streetpride part of Rotherham Borough Council. For most general problems with bin emptying, damaged bins, street lighting, potholes & other problems associated with roads & pavements 01709 336003

Crime Statistics

The reported crime statistics for Todwick for December 2013, January & February 2014 inclusive, kindly provided by South Yorkshire Police are as follows:

Possession of controlled drug	1
Dangerous driving	1
Interference with motor vehicle	1
Criminal damage to motor vehicle	1
Anti social behaviour	Nil

Thanks to all the villagers who have provided details of incidents and issues.

Thanks also to Sheila Pantry for ensuring that our village website www.todwick.org.uk shows our newsletters.

Norman Anderson (chair)