Neighbourhood Watch

Todwick Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

November 2008

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

Personal Attack Alarms

Following last quarter's newsletter, in response to requests, we have distributed 64 personal attack alarms to residents. If you know of anyone in Todwick who would like one of these alarms, even if they are currently not members, please let Norman know.

Electric Blankets

With the onset of cold weather, now is the time to look at your electric blanket. Electric blankets cause over 5000 fires every year. Look for signs of fraying fabric, damaged flex or plug, scorch marks, exposed elements, creasing or folding, marks on the fabric or tie tapes missing or damaged. If it has the BEAB safety mark, this means the blanket is over 10 years old and it is recommended that it be replaced. Don't be tempted to buy a second hand blanket. New ones cost from £15 but it is worth it, for the peace of mind.

Sometimes I do begin to wonder...!

Since our last newsletter, we have had 2 unconnected incidents where residents have found that overnight their main garden gates have been fastened together, one with heavy duty tie wraps and the other with a very strong pedal cycle lockable immobilising chain. Whilst there was no permanent damage, both residents were inconvenienced until the gates were released.

How do they know?

We have heard of two recent incidents in Todwick, but know of many others, where their property has been attacked whilst the owners were on holiday. Whilst it may be easy to apportion these to opportunists, we do recommend that precautions be taken to minimise the risks. Please contact Norman for a leaflet on this subject.

Communications

On 25th September some 14 street co-ordinators and supporters attended a meeting in Dinnington, hosted by South Yorkshire Police, Rotherham Borough. Our Borough is divided into 3 areas - Wentworth, Rother Valley West and Rother Valley South. In Rother Valley South (which covers Todwick) we have the second lowest burglary rate in the Borough at 4.3 per 1000 households. AND we have the lowest rates of youth nuisance, criminal damage and littering in the Borough. The meeting gave us a clear message that members of neighbourhood watches, like ours, know our own areas and are appreciated by the Police. If something does not look right in the village please report it whether it be through the street co-ordinators or directly to the Police on 01142 20 20 20. It is through this vigilance that we have these low crime rates. So thank you to everyone who has reported issues and helped to give Todwick this great feed-back. If anyone would more detail on the meeting, please contact Norman for a fact sheet.

Christmas is just round the corner

Last year we did an extended newsletter and I think as a reminder, it worth revisiting some of the points raised. The Christmas tree is sparkling with twinkling lights and presents piled under the tree. This is an open invitation to a burglar / sneak thief to have a pre Christmas bonanza at your expense.

We can all make it more difficult for these people by adopting a few basic precautions. Remember to lock the outside door after you go out or come in. It only takes a few seconds for someone to gain access and ruin you festivities. Draw the curtains or the blinds to prevent prying eyes looking in.

House keys and car keys are convenient for you when you leave them near the outside door. They are also convenient for the burglar, so remember to take them into the body of the house and make it more difficult for them.

Is shopping at Christmas a toil or a pleasure for you? Whichever one, it is a chance for the thief to break into your car and steal anything left on display. The fact that your car alarm is on will often not deter the determined thief. The glass is smashed and through the gaping hole the thief will relieve you of your purchases - all within a few seconds - and he/she is then off in a waiting vehicle. Always put purchases in the boot of the car but be aware of other people around you - they may be watching what you are doing. This is particularly important if you have more shopping to do without driving to another location.

Make sure it is you and your loved ones who have a "Merry Christmas" not Burglar Bill.

Keep an eye open for "deliveries"

Last year we mentioned the scam - PDS - Parcel Delivery Service. A card is posted through your letterbox suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that to arrange for them to deliver it at a more convenient time you should telephone 0906 6611911. This is an expensive premium rate telephone line. If you get one of these cards, we recommend that you do not call this number.

Todwick Crime Statistics

Over the last 3 months, there have been 11 reported crimes in the village:

Criminal Damage - other property (not buildings)	2
Burglary with intent - dwelling	4
Burglary with intent - other	1
Miscellaneous theft	2
Public order - cause intentional harassment/distress	2

*** We still have personal attack alarms free of charge. Please telephone Norman on if you would like one. ***

At the time of going to press, there were no detected crimes for the village.