Neighbourhood Watch

Todwick Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

December 2015

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

Our Police Community Support Officer

Many of you will have met PCSO Paul Dimelow who until November 9th 2015 was our liaison with South Yorkshire Police. He has now moved to a new role within the Police and we wish him well for the future and thank him for his services in the past. Should anyone wish to say their own particular thanks, I can get your letters delivered to him.

At the moment we do not have a direct police contact due to the financial constraints imposed on the service. If there is any change to this I will let you know.

This may also be an opportune time to remind everyone of the telephone number 101 to report non urgent crimes, antisocial behaviour and events & issues “that just don’t look right”.

If a crime is being committed at the time, consider using 999 for urgent assistance.

Because of the South Yorkshire Police savings that have been made, the number of Police Officers and PCSOs will be reduced. As a result, we need to make sure that we are even more vigilant in protecting ourselves, our property and our neighbours.

Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat

As we move towards Christmas, perhaps now is good time to remind ourselves to be very aware of what is going on around us whilst shopping.

Never leave bags, purchases or anything else of value where they can be seen in your car. Be extra vigilant if you go into a cafe for a tea or coffee that you don’t leave bags unattended or out of your vision. Also be aware at Cash Machines that you are not being watched when using the ATM machine and when leaving the immediate area. Pickpockets abound at this time of year and some of them are very good at their chosen “profession”! It’s all about being aware of what is happening around you. Don’t let the thieves get fat at your expense!

The darker nights are now upon us

Do you have sufficient outside lights that are switched on when outside movement is detected? Do you have a burglar alarm and if so is it working or ready for a service? Perhaps consider a CCTV system. There are some good DIY systems available on the market – quite competitively priced. Have you sufficient timers or sensors to switch lights on and off automatically in your home? You can buy 7 day timers or 24 hour timers at very little cost. This is a very useful facility particularly if you are going away for a few days as it makes the house look occupied. Snap proof window Euro locks to the TS007 standard also help to keep burglars out. If your uPVC door has not had the locks changed in the last 3-4 years, you may be vulnerable to lock snapping or lock bumping by burglars. Please check your home – if the locks have not been changed in the last 3-4 years please contact me for help to get them changed. This crime is still happening in Todwick.

Please don’t be the next victim.

Latest News

We have had a report of a burglary in Todwick where entry was gained through a downstairs open window during the afternoon. Please check your property for windows left open regularly.

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

Crime Statistics

The reported crime statistics for Todwick for September, October, November 2015 inclusive, kindly provided by South Yorkshire Police are as follows:

Theft from a motor vehicle	1
Criminal damage to a motor vehicle	1
Vehicle nuisance	1
Attempted burglary Other	1
Attempted burglary dwelling	1
Burglary	2   All in November 2015

Please be on your guard as we start to come up to Christmas.

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)