Neighbourhood Watch

Todwick Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

August 2008

Welcome to all those who have signed up to the Todwick Neighbourhood Watch since our last quarterly newsletter in May 2008. We hope that you find these newsletters informative and useful and we always value your feedback.

Recent Attacks in Todwick

Sadly we have had two assault in the village. One was early in May and has been detected by the Police. The other was on 4th July when two teenage girls were assaulted in the Goosecarr Lane / Pastures area. The disturbing fact in this case was that we understand that it was filmed on a mobile telephone. If anyone has any information on this attack, please contact the Police on 01142 20 20 20 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. There has also been a racially aggravated incident in our village towards the end of July.

As a result of these latest incidents, we feel the time is now right to offer a pocket, Defender Personal Attack Alarm FREE of charge to Todwick Neighbourhood Watch members. For more details or to take advantage of this offer, please contact Norman Anderson. Yes, the alarms are FREE of charge!

Be Aware

We are hearing of unsolicited telephone calls where the caller says he is calling from a company called Australia Direct. The caller will say you have applied on the internet for a holiday in Australia, but have not completed the application. (Chair - I have had one of these calls!) British Telecom tell us that the call originates from abroad and this is an international scam. The caller will only have your first name, surname and telephone number. Opinion is that they are trying to get you to disclose your debit or credit card number. Best advice is stop the call.

Energy Saving

With the cost of domestic fuel rising, we have come across a booklet called "Save Energy, Save Money". It is full of useful hints and tips on helping you to cut your energy costs. To obtain your free copy, telephone 0800 073 1311 (a free-phone).

Cold Calling

If you are concerned about a person who is cold calling at your door, please contact Consumer Direct on 08453 04 05 06 or Norman Anderson of your village Neighbourhood Watch on. During July, a Mansfield based firm of building contractors were cold calling in Todwick. To our knowledge, this generated seven enquiries from residents who were concerned about these visits. The matter was reported to Consumer Direct who have passed it on to Nottinghamshire Trading Standards. To date there is no further information available. Thank you to those residents who brought the issue to our attention.

Hot Spots

On 17th June, there was damage to several sheds on the village allotments. One brand new shed was set on fire and totally destroyed. If anyone has any information please contact the police on 01142 20 20 20.

Following a fire in a house in the village in the early hours of one morning in June, it is appropriate that we again mention the free fire safety check, which is still on offer by the Fire & Rescue Service. To book an appointment please telephone the Fire Service on 01142 53 25 22. Residents who have taken advantage of this free service say they are delighted with the outcome of the visit, which looks at all aspects of fire safety in your home.

Following our recent Carbon Monoxide Alarm campaign, we are pleased to tell you that 55 alarms have been installed in the village. Carbon monoxide is known as the "silent killer". If you have any gas appliance, we recommend that it is serviced regularly and that a carbon monoxide alarm is fitted. We are still able to supply these alarms, complete with batteries for £18 each.

Spanish Lottery Scam

We have recently had 2 reports in Todwick of unsolicited mail from Spain suggesting that the recipient has won some money in the Spanish Lottery. You are invited to send your bank details, using a form sent with the covering letter. Best advice is to destroy the letter and do not respond. This is a scam.

Annual General Meeting

On 25th July we held our second Annual General Meeting in the village hall. All the officials were re-elected for the forthcoming year. Written details of the meeting can be sent on request. Please contact Norman Anderson if you require a copy.

The Latest Crime Statistics

Assaults occasioning actual bodily harm	2 - one detected
Racially aggravated intentional harassment/alarm/distress	1 - detected
Theft of motor vehicle	2
Theft from motor vehicle	1
Burglary (Dwelling)	2
Burglary (Other) Separate reports of one allotments incident	7
Arson. Part of the allotments incident	1

These incidents are not good news for Todwick. If you have any information about any of the incidents, we urge you to let the Police know as soon as possible on 01142 20 20 20. If you do not wish to give your name and address please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Statistics kindly supplied by South Yorkshire Police.