Todwick Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter
June 2017
Welcome to all those villagers who have signed up to the Todwick Neighbourhood Watch since our last newsletter in March 2017. 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 Annual General Meeting
Todwick Neighbourhood Watch is holding its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 6th July at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall – the new hall 2. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Street Lighting
Following reports of faulty street lighting on Kiveton Lane near the Red Lion roundabout, progress has been made towards getting the improved lighting actually working. Three lamps were out of action as were units to light the speed limit signs at the junction. We now understand that all lights are repaired except for one covering a speed limit sign. All street lighting faults need to be reported to the local council on 01709 336003.
Anti-terrorism
Following the recent atrocity in Manchester, and the earlier one at Westminster Bridge in London we remind you that the country is currently on SEVERE alert. This means that the authorities are expecting another incident at any time. Remember Manchester is less than hour by train from Sheffield. Please be on your guard. South Yorkshire Police have issued a statement on 23rd May 2017 following an appeal from the National Crime Agency. If you have any concerns, we can assure you that extra patrols are being conducted especially at some big events that are happening in South Yorkshire. The anti-terrorism hotline is 0800 789321. Any suspicious activity should be reported at the time on 0800 789321 or 999.
Suspicious vehicular activity in Todwick
Please be aware of any vehicles in your area where the occupants are supposedly looking for work or just thieving anything that is around. We have several reports of a scruffy yellow Ford van where a woman is in the front seat cradling a small child. Neither is wearing a seat belt. The male driver has been observed thieving from driveways in Todwick. A Blue Ford Transit van of similar size has also been observed driving slowly round Todwick. A small red van containing 2 men has been observed in the Wasteneys Road area supposedly looking for gardening work. At the time of writing this vehicle was not taxed to be on the road. A further van with the words “roof line” has also been seen. They are looking at house and bungalow roofs, identifying minor issues and making them into major problems. Be aware.
Fakers and con men
Please do not directly respond to emails or telephone calls supposedly from your bank or Building Society. Always use a telephone number from your bank statement or independent source. Messages claiming to be able to solve computer or printer problems should also be ignored. Fake web sites can be tricky to spot. Look out for poor English, poor spelling. If in doubt telephone using an independent source for the contact number. Whilst on the subject, be aware of emails purporting to come from friends / contacts. Does the wording of the greeting and ending look genuine? If not, or you are suspicious, contact the actual person on the telephone to check if the email is genuine or not.
Scam letters
Over the last 3 months I have had reports of scam letters being received by villagers. Currently the scammer claims to be an oriental surnamed banker with access to several million United States dollars from the estate of a deceased person or relative. The latest letter claims that the sender has “asked a friend in the UK” to post it to you. This is why the envelope does not bear a foreign stamp. Rest assured, there is no estate, no deceased relative, only a scammer somewhere looking for easy prey. Often the letters will claim that the deceased died in tragic circumstances without a will and as you share the same surname, the writer has contacted you because you “are namesakes”. This scam has been around for about 100 years. It is a variation of the wealthy Spanish nobleman who is in jail for an offence he did not commit. All they need is money to get him out of jail and you will receive your cash back and much more by return.
and finally
We have been informed by HMRC (the tax man) that there is a new phishing scam. If you get an email with the subject ‘Your 2016 Tax Report’ with an attachment under no circumstances should you open it. Report the issue to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and then DELETE IT. All the scammer wants is your bank details.
Crime statistics for Todwick
The system for reporting up to date crime stats is still not satisfactorily resolved. But for the 3 month period January to March 2017 inclusive Todwick has had the following issues reported:
Criminal damage / Arson |
1 |
Burglary |
6 |
Other theft |
3 |
Violence & sexual crime |
3 but some may be of an historic nature. |
Vehicle crime |
4 |
Antisocial behaviour |
7 |
Public Order |
2 |
Total to date 26 reported and declared offences.
Just a brief reminder – if your uPVC door locks are not up to the new Euro specifications, please contact Norman for further details on this subject.
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
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 and also details of upcoming village events.
Norman Anderson (chair)