Neighbourhood Watch

Todwick Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

December 2016

Welcome to all those villagers who have signed up to the Todwick Neighbourhood Watch since our last newsletter in September 2016. We hope that you find these newsletters informative and useful and we always value your information and feedback. We never publish anyone’s name, address or any other private details.

The mattress scam

Please be aware of the mattress scam which has been reported on BBC Radio 2. Old mattresses are being recycled from trade-ins and from skips. They are then repackaged in authentic-looking plastic and are sold from vans, some vehicles bearing the name of a well-known bedding company. A variation of this scam is door to door salespersons selling overpriced medical beds and mattresses. One incident of this scam has very recently been reported in South Anston. Please be on your guard with door to door sales. We are not exempt as we were approached by a door to door salesman who told us he had tried to deliver a mattress to a neighbour, but as he was not at home did we want to buy it. No thank you!

Nuisance phone calls

Nuisance phone calls abound. The latest are concerning pensions and computer licenses. I have received a cold telephone call from a gentleman who was trying to get me to have an interview with a financial expert on ‘rip off charges’ from pension providers. Sadly, he was not even aware of a final salary pension scheme! The second telephone call told me ‘the Chinese’ had stolen my computer license and this can affect my computer so would I like to switch it on. No thank you. The numbers to avoid are 02038689955 and 01414110011. Both male callers had dialects from half way round the world.

Roof repairs

Please be aware. In Todwick and South Anston we are getting reports of people driving round in white vans, door knocking to say that roof tiles are loose, broken or missing. In one extreme case, 3 tiles were actually removed from the roof and thrown into the front garden. Another case revealed that the homeowner was told there was a hole in his roof, when in fact this was not the case. Sadly it is usually elderly people who are targeted. We can report that one van had the word ‘Roofline’ on the side. If you have elderly neighbours, please be aware of this issue. Any attempts should be reported to the Police on telephone no 101.

Thefts from vans

The theft of (mainly) tools from vans continues throughout Rotherham borough. The police have advised caution for anyone who leaves anything of value in a van, particularly overnight.

Current policing levels

Most of us are aware that current cuts to public services are having an adverse impact on the service delivery to the public. I am sure you will be pleased to learn that the dismantling of the local neighbourhood policing teams has now been realised as a disaster and moves are afoot to restore them.

Fly tipping

Reports continue to come in about fly tipping especially at the old waterworks area off Storth Lane. If you see – anywhere – any examples of fly tipping, please report them with details of the location as soon as possible to RMBC Streetpride on 01709 336003. They will arrange for the mess to be cleared away.

Crime statistics for Todwick

The system for reporting up to date crime stats is still not resolved. But for the 3 month period July to September 2016 inclusive Todwick has had the following issues reported:

Criminal damage / Arson	1
Vehicle crime	1
Burglary	3
Antisocial behaviour	6

Just a brief reminder – if your upvc door locks are not up to the new Euro specification, please contact Norman for further details on this subject.

Contact information

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

S. Y. Police / Ambulance / Fire & Rescue emergency dial 999

Crimestoppers to give information about crime (you do not have to give your name) dial 0800 555 111 freephone 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 telephone 01709 336003

Electricity emergency 0800 375 675

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)