Todwick Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

Issue 3 - May 2007

Firstly, welcome to all the villagers who have signed up to the Todwick Neighbourhood Watch since the last newsletter in February 2007 and also to our new co-ordinator. We hope you find the information in our newsletters of help. If you have any issues that you would like to raise or have circulated in subsequent newsletters, please contact Norman Anderson.

The Spanish Lottery Scam

Yet again we are hearing of letters being received, at least one within Todwick, advising that you have won several thousand Euro's on the El Gordo Spanish Sweepstake Lottery. With the congratulations letter is a payment processing form headed "Grupo Security Company S.A" asking for personal and bank details. If you have not bought a Spanish Lottery ticket, you cannot have won!

PLEASE DO NOT BE TEMPTED TO RESPOND. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT ONLY TO OBTAIN YOUR PERSONAL AND BANK DETAILS. THIS USUALLY LEADS ONLY TO ONE THING - FRAUD.

Help Needed

At the beginning of May, a male accompanied by a female were door knocking in Todwick seeking sponsorship for an 18 mile walk from Millmoor to Hillsborough. The man claimed that the money would go to the Bluebell Wood Hospice Appeal. Currently there are queries regarding the integrity of these two young people. PC Stuart Connor of South Yorkshire Police would like to hear from anyone who was approached. Please telephone him on 01709 832720. If he is not available, please leave your name and number and he will return your call. Alternatively, please contact Norman Anderson of Todwick Neighbourhood Watch who will ensure that any information is passed to Stuart.

Distraction Burglary

Sadly, distraction burglaries seem to be still happening in the area.

Please be aware that 2 men are operating in the area. They claim to be from the Water Board but are only intent on burglary. If you are approached by these men, you are advised to telephone the Police. Under no circumstances should you let them into your home. One is described as white, male approximately 27 years of age, and wearing a green jumper. The other man is aged about 50 with a grey jumper and trilby hat. Last seen they were driving a silver Mercedes motor car.

Apart from meter readers, the gas, electric and water authorities inform you if they are to call. IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT.

Please also be aware that we have received a message from South Yorkshire Police that 3 men have been seen in North East Derbyshire in a white Ford Transit van with the words "Roofline Replacement" written on the side. The men are all white and speak with Manchester accents. One is aged 35 - 40 years old and described as a big man. The second is aged 30-40 and has a beard. The third is in his mid 20's, about 6 feet tall and has short dark hair. Any sightings please telephone 01142 202020. When the call is answered you will be put through to a police officer who will take the details. Please ask for an incident number as this will show the call has been logged.

Sneak in Burglary

P C Andy Robinson, your Crime Reduction Officer whose telephone number is 01709 832663, reports that sneak in burglaries have been a problem in the Rotherham area for some years, but recently the scale of the problem has risen. This type of burglary occurs when the offenders gain entry through an insecure door or window. This can happen at any time of the day or night. Recently, items were stolen from a rear kitchen whilst the occupant was in a front room, watching television after tea. Another incident took place when the occupier went to bed and left the door unlocked for a relative who was expected home in the early hours of the morning.

There are several things that you can do to minimise the risk of being a victim.

Always lock the doors and windows even if you are in the house and remove the keys.
If someone is coming in late, arrange for them to have a key.
Door chimes that sound if the door is opened will alert you to someone entering. These chimes are available at the Rotherham Community Safety and Advice centre on Howard Street, Rotherham at a cost of approximately £3.40 each. HOWEVER, I have a limited number available free of charge. If you would like one, please contact me.
If you have a chain on the door, make sure it is on when ever you are in the house or alternatively drop the latch, if one is fitted.
Always try to keep valuables out of sight of prying eyes. So for example, put your handbag or wallet in a cupboard, keep your car keys and mobile phone in your pocket and ensure that car keys are "hidden" when you go to bed. Recently there have been instances where car keys have been taken either by forcing entry or using a fishing rod through the letterbox. As a result vehicles have either been broken into or stolen. Remember the car alarm immobiliser is usually on the key-ring!

With the traditional holiday period about to start, there are a number of things you can do to protect your property whilst you are on holiday. If you have a burglar alarm, have it serviced to make sure it is in full working order. Ensure any timers that switch on lights are adjusted to come on just before it goes dark. Always make sure that there are no spare house keys, car keys or window keys left around the house. Check that all windows are closed properly and locked. Consider letting a trusted neighbour, relative or friend have a key to the house to move any post on a regular basis (and possibly water the plants?)

P.C. Andy Robinson has offered to help you with any queries you may have on the subject if you telephone him on 01709 832663.

Shredders Help the Environment

It is always good policy to destroy any unwanted documents containing information that could be useful to a fraudster. Bank statements, old utility bills, credit card receipts all contain information about you. Also, there have been several cases highlighted in the press where envelopes and other documents containing addresses have been found and successful prosecutions made for "fly-tipping". The best way to protect yourself is by using a shredder to destroy the documents. And you can help the environment by putting the clean shredded paper in your green wheelie bin along with the other green waste. I have a Rexel V 40 paper shredder surplus to requirements. It is free to the first person to contact me.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

I have a few "Fireangel" carbon monoxide detectors, which are free of charge. If you would like one, please contact me.

Norman Anderson (chair)