Neighbourhood Watch

Todwick Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

June 2015

Welcome to all those villagers who have signed up to the Todwick Neighbourhood Watch since our last newsletter in March 2015. 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.

Annual General Meeting

We have booked hall 2 at Todwick Village Hall for Thursday, 25th June 2015 for our AGM. Start time is 7.30 pm and everyone is welcome to attend.

Bio-Ethanol Burners

It has been reported to us that there has been some safety issues raised about Bio-Ethanol burners. This type of heater, which is becoming more popular with some householders, can be used inside or outside the home. There is a naked flame which is fuelled by a bio ethanol fluid or gel and following a fire recently in Rotherham, fire fighters have issued warnings to all users. The heaters should never be left unattended and should be positioned away from any material that is combustible. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and also keep them away from children and pets. If they are used indoors make sure the room is ventilated and the burner is on a firm surface.

On the subject of fires, please be aware that e-cigarettes, shaving mirrors and phone chargers are also potential fire hazards. When not in use, please switch them off and where possible unplug them from the socket.

Stolen Vehicle Number Plates

Stolen number plates continue to be a problem in the Rotherham borough, one of the top 3 crimes in the area. Most frequently they are used at petrol stations to avoid paying for fuel. More extreme cases have been experienced when the number plates have been attached to stolen vehicles which have been used in London. Congestion charge avoidance and illegal parking have caused problems for the legitimate owners.

Garden & Home Security

Hopefully the weather will start to improve and allow us to get out more often into our gardens. If no-one is in the house when you are in the garden, please remember to lock the house doors and keep the keys on your person. This makes it more difficult for sneak thieves and distraction burglars to get in. Perhaps also a good time to review your garage and / or shed security. Do the locks work? Are they strong enough for the job? Will the door(s) close properly? Garages and sheds usually contain bicycles, children’s outdoor equipment, power and hand tools, lawnmowers and gardening implements which if stolen are easily disposed of at places like car boot sales. The costs of re-securing your shed or garage and replacing stolen items could be higher than you think. If you have a home burglar alarm fitted, consider having an extra sensor fitted in the garage. There are also smaller stand alone units you can buy to cover sheds, garages, caravans etc. Don’t just rely on dummy alarm boxes, they are not foolproof.

Euro Locks

Do you have a uPVC door to get into your house, flat or bungalow? When were the locks fitted? If it is 3 years or more, then it is likely that they need updating. Lock snapping and lock bumping continue to be used by burglars as methods to gain entry to property.

Replacing them is a straight forward job for anyone with DIY skills. Otherwise please telephone Norman if you require any further help or details of who to contact to get this work done.

Gas Safe

If you are having any gas work done at home or elsewhere, always check that the engineer/ fitter is registered on the Gas Safe register. This register replaces the old Corgi system. Only people who are on the register are legally allowed to work on gas appliances. Don’t just accept his / her word they are registered – check it. Either telephone 0800 408 5500 or visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk to ensure that the work-person is qualified to work on your particular appliance.

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 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

Electricity emergency 0800 375 675

Crime Statistics

The reported crime statistics for Todwick for March, April & May 2015 inclusive, kindly provided by South Yorkshire Police are as follows:

Harassment	1
Criminal Damage to motor vehicle	1
Anti social behaviour:	2
Animal nuisance	1
Rowdy inconsiderate behaviour	1

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)