Todwick Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter
June 2018
Welcome to all those villagers who have signed up to the Todwick Neighbourhood Watch since our last newsletter in March 2018. 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
Our Annual General meeting will be on Thursday, 12th July at 7.30 pm at Todwick Village Hall. Please come along and support your Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. Everyone is welcome. If anyone has any topic that they wish to raise, please let me know by the end of June
Cyber and telephone fraud
Internet fraud, texting fraud and telephone fraud are, we are told, on the increase and getting more sophisticated. Be particularly aware when national bank or credit card systems are affected for what ever reason. If you receive any communication that you are not expecting, please treat it with caution. If there are any glaring spelling or grammatical errors, start asking yourself questions. On the internet be aware of the “click the button” messages even if they appear to be from a genuine source. Telephone numbers and email addresses can be spoofed to make them look like the genuine thing. If you have the slightest doubt, do not ignore it. The fraudsters are clever, convincing and no matter how aware we think we are ALWAYS do an independent check before proceeding.
“Summertime, and the living is easy”
The old George & Ira Gershwin song from the early 20th century has great relevance today. As we enter the summer period, many of us will be going into the garden to enjoy the sunshine, or maybe do some gardening. Even a short walk to the play area with the grandchildren. Always make sure you lock your doors and windows when you go outside. Be aware of distraction burglaries which tend to rise at this time of year. A burglar can slip into an unlocked house whilst the accomplice distracts you with seemingly innocent questions often about directions to a particular road. For them ‘the living is easy’ if you haven’t locked up.
Burglaries can be at any time of the day or night. Try not to go out shopping at the same time and/or on the same day. You don’t know who is watching. To these people it’s “Nice work if you can get it” so don’t make it easy for them. “But not for me” should be your watch phrase. Keep safe and make sure your home security is up to date.
We are getting reports of unknown people being seen in the village, apparently just sauntering around. Also we have had a couple of reports of vehicles parked where they were not known in that area. One was found to be untaxed. Perhaps the damaged windscreen and rear number plate in the back window gave it away? We are also getting reports of burglaries in the village. Perhaps there may be some connection? If it doesn’t look right, the chances are that it isn’t right. Please report your suspicions to the Police on 101, or on line. Every call will be logged and help to make our village safer for everyone.
Data Protection Act
The new general data protection regulations came into force on 25th May 2018. In consultation with the Information Commissioners Office, we have been informed that all existing members of our Neighbourhood Watch do not need to confirm that their data will be used solely for communication in regard to neighbourhood watch issues. If anyone has any particular queries on this issue, please contact Norman on the telephone number at the end of this newsletter.
Police staffing update
As Amy Whaley, our PCSO contact is currently away from work on maternity leave, our new contacts are PCSO Simone Stacey & Natalie White.
The return of neighbourhood policing is now being seen with a police drop in centre at Dinnington Resource Centre every Wednesday 1.30 pm to 3 pm. Members of the public are invited to call without appointment to discuss any subject with a local officer. Similar sessions are held at Aston, Maltby and Treeton.
Kiveton Park Advice Centre
There is an advice centre in Kiveton which may be of interest to you. They offer free advice on issues including money, debts, benefits and legal advice. They have volunteer solicitors on the first 3 Mondays of each month. For further details telephone 01909 773966 or email info@kpadvice.org.uk The centre is in the Community Library, Wales Road, Kiveton.
Bags of things to do
The Todwick Tote bags are currently on sale for £4 from Sheila Pantry, the village newsagents and the village tea shop. All proceeds are to be donated to Todwick Neighbourhood Watch to enable us to continue to provide the service to you free of charge. Many thanks to Sheila for her initiative in this issue. Please buy some.
Crime statistics for Todwick
Total reported issues in Todwick for January, February, March and April 2018 are:
Burglary |
6 |
Vehicle crime |
5 |
Violence and sex |
4 |
Antisocial behaviour |
8 |
Drugs |
1 |
Criminal Damage & Arson |
2 |
Public Order |
1 |
Other crime |
1 |
Shoplifting |
2 |
Other theft |
8 |
This reflects a rise of 7 crimes higher than for the same period in 2017.
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.
Many thanks to all the villagers who have contributed to our quarterly newsletters. Also many thanks to all the 22 street co-ordinators who have delivered them.
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 as well as details of upcoming village events and for supporting our village Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
Norman Anderson – chairman