Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch

Spring 2011 Update

There have been many newcomers moving into the village recently, most of whom are having work done to their homes - along with remodelling being done by existing villagers.  Can I ask that, as you walk dogs or yourselves, you notice what is happening where and by whom.  Plant often goes missing so make a note of new vans or people sitting in cars just looking. When the work is done, the chances are houses could be burgled for the new fittings.  Please do not be afraid to go up to people in cars and ask if you can help them. It will let them know that you have spotted them as non-villagers and they may make up some ridiculous reason like, "I was looking for Penn Street" (this has happened to us by people in a car in the cricket meadow... without a map!).  Keep a pad and pen with you and, if you see a dodgy car or person, jot down the number and what the person is wearing - it's surprising how you can forget things a few hours later.  The police have had a very good record of catching wrong-doers lately.  Let's help them where we can.

Earlier this month there were three reports of purse thefts in supermarkets in Amersham, two in Tesco Old Town and one in Marks & Spencer.  These offenders tend to target elderly people and they move around and can turn up anywhere.  One of the victims also had their pin number in the purse with their card and cash was withdrawn from an ATM shortly afterwards. Please take care to ensure your purse is not visible and is kept in a closed handbag or shopping bag and is not left unattended.

It is also the time of year that lawn mowers are being serviced ready for the new season.  Make sure, when you get them back, that they, and your other expensive garden tools are all secure and safely locked away.  Spring is just arriving and summer's on its way, so let's look forward to it with confidence.
Lindsey and Jack Haubner

PC 1701 Gavin McVeigh is the Beat Officer for Coleshill. He is supported by PCSO Matt Cumming.

If you have any non urgent issues they can be contacted by phone on 08458 505 505 or you can email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . In an emergency call 999 – not us.

Get Neighbourhood Watch Email alerts

Thames Valley Police operate a system called Ring Master to circulate information to the public. We receive these alerts when incidents occur in the village. To receive copies of tihe Ring Master Alerts, please contact the Clerk to the Parish Council,  Susan Smith and ask to subsscribe to the email mailing list.

Neighbourhood Watch must try to fight back again.

They cannot be here all the time though, so it is up to us to take more care ourselves. Handbags, wallets and keys left within view in downstairs rooms are a magnet. Take all these, plus laptops, into your bedroom at night and hide them away. Set alarms at night or find other gizmos, such as sensors, which ring your front door if movement triggers them. Thirdly, notice suspicious cars or people. Call the local police on 0845 950 5505 and get them to check out anything unusual. They may just have a car registration listed as being stolen or belonging to a known felon. Finally, mark or photograph precious items so that, if they are stolen and subsequently found, you may have a chance of getting them back.

The police are grateful for any information we can give them. Always phone the police on 999 first in an emergency. When reporting information to Thames Valley Police, the new main switchboard telephone number is 08458 505505. (Calls to this number will be charged at local rates.)

Now that villagers have co-ordinators to report to, they all keep in touch if anyone suspicious is spotted and the police keep us up to date about current scams, wanted cars and people.

Security Precautions

- Lock all windows and doors and use timer switches for lights when you are out.
- Use movement sensitive lights for all approaches to your property
- Lock cars in garages and remove keys from near front and back doors.
- Don't leave valuables in sight of the windows, move them or close the curtains.
- If you have an alarm, use it.

Details

Last Updated on Thursday, 10 November 2011 13:56

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