CHASE POLICING DIVISION
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
NEWSLETTER
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E-mail edition
June - July 2010
Summer Precautions
Did you know that Chase Policing area saw a 7% drop in crime when comparing the 12 months April - March 2009-10 with the same period 2008-09.
Help us to reduce crime even further by taking some simple precautions:
Keep all doors and windows locked or secured not just when you’re out, but also when you’re at home but in another room
Lock away tools and gardening equipment, especially ladders, after use so that they can’t be used by an opportunist thief
If you go on holiday, it’s a good idea to make your home look occupied by using timer switches on lights and radio, and ask trusted neighbours to keep an eye out.
Leaner and smarter
The Chase Policing Division newsletter is going to change. It has been produced in its current form for nearly ten years and from the next edition in August, there will be a new look. The newsletter will be shorter, but more copies will be available.
Before the current newsletter, there was a publication some of you will remember called ‘The Citizen’ and copies were available from local pick-up points where Coordinators could collect them for distribution to their members. With the new look edition of the newsletter due to be published in August 2010 we are once again going to provide that service. As Coordinators, you will still receive your copy of the newsletter direct and messages will be sent to you by OWL, informing you of when extra copies of the newsletter will be available and the locations of your local pick-up points.
We hope that many of you will make use of this new service and distribute copies of the newsletter to your members. The new service will keep more members directly informed, encouraging them to be more active and to take some simple precautions to protect their homes and property. We’ll also be encouraging members to pass information to the police, council and other agencies – to help to maintain the quality of life in their area.
PRIZE QUIZ
APRIL - MAY PRIZE WINNER
Kerry Wright, Cannock Chase Community Safety Officer, drew the two winning entries out of a hat. Mrs Hooley and Mr Price, both from the Rugeley area, correctly stated that Doorstep crime is the type of crime that can be stopped if we don’t deal with strangers on the doorstep.
OWL SUCCESS
During the Bank Holiday weekend at the start of May, when the Watch Managers were not on duty, Great Bridgford’s Coordinator was informed by a villager that there had been a suspected theft from a car. Because he has registered an e-mail address with OWL and because most of his members receive OWL messages by e-mail, he was able to use the OWL system himself to inform members of his Neighbourhood Watch of the incident and perhaps preventing further crime.
If you have access to the Internet, please consider receiving OWL messages by e-mail. An e-mail message can provide more information than a message sent by telephone and members who register an e-mail address also receive a password to visit the OWL web-site which contains lots of useful local information.
As a Coordinator, you can also manage your own Neighbourhood Watch scheme from the OWL web site and if you choose, you can send your own messages by e-mail to your scheme members using OWL – but only if you have encouraged your members to register their e-mail addresses.
If you would like further information on how to manage your own scheme and send occasional e-mail messages using OWL, or if you or any member of your scheme would like to swap to receiving OWL messages by e-mail please contact the Chase Watch Team. Contact details are on page 8.
TIPS FROM COORDINATORS
Ed, Chadsmoor
Beware the scam e-mail purporting to be from HM Revenue & Customs. The e-mail states that after an upgrade of their computer system it has been discovered that you are due a rebate of several hundred pounds for overpaid tax and that because of the high volume of refunds due, you must complete the on-line application form. The form is attached to the e-mail and asks for personal information including bank and debit/credit card details.
Rita, Chadsmoor
A scam letter is being
circulated which purports to be from an employee of a bank in China who had a customer with your same last name. The bank invested money for this
customer and the account contains thousands of US dollars. Unfortunately, the
customer died and has no next of kin. The employee states that he is the only
one that has access to the account and rather than the money be claimed by the
state, he is willing to split it with you if you help him to get the money out
of China. You’re asked to respond promptly to the letter – I will guess that if
you do, the next contact will be to ask for your bank details.
DID YOU KNOW?
Last year reported incidents of anti-social behaviour dropped by 18% in Staffordshire and 85% of victims were satisfied with the service provided by Staffordshire Police. The new performance year began in April 2010 and during the first month 93% of victims were satisfied with the service provided to them, an increase of 8%.
Peace of Mind While You’re Away
If you’re off on holiday this year, the leaflet ’Peace of Mind While You’re Away’ provides common-sense precautions to make your home and belongings more secure. The leaflet is available FREE from the Chase Watch Team. Contact numbers are on page 8.
‘ICE’
Do you have a mobile phone? If so, two useful numbers to keep in your mobile’s address book are Staffordshire Police non-emergency number, and ‘ICE’ (‘In Case of Emergency’).
The idea is that under the word ‘ICE’ you store the number of a person that you would want contacted in case of an emergency. In an emergency situation it is then easy for the ambulance or the other emergency staff to find out your next of kin and get in touch with them. For more than one contact name use ‘ICE 1’, ‘ICE 2’ etc.
Take Care of Personal Possessions
We tend to be out and about more in the summer months and often carry a variety of personal possessions with us – for example mobile phones, keys, cash, debit and credit cards, personal organisers and cameras.
Keep your possessions secure:
When you go out, only take
what you need
Never leave your purse, wallet or valuables on show. Keep your shopping bags or handbags zipped up. Take extra care when using back-pack type bags.
don’t leave bags
unattended on trolleys or backs of chairs.
Be aware of your surroundings and people standing close to you. If you see someone acting suspiciously inform the police immediately
Spread your valuables around your person, for example your phone in your bag, keys in your pocket, money in your jacket
Never leave your bag unattended even for a few minutes
Cars should be left secure and in a bright, busy area with all valuables removed.
Trading Standards Warnings
Fake Amazon e-mails
Beware e-mails purporting to be from the on-line retailer Amazon. They claim to be a confirmation for high value goods such as televisions being shipped to the recipient’s address. The attached .zip file appears to be a word document but in fact is malware that will compromise the security of the computer. Advice is not to open the attachments and to delete the e-mails immediately.
Unwanted telephone calls
Cut down on cold-calling telephone calls by registering with the telephone preference service (details on page 8). To stop silent calls from cold callers, ring the Silent Call Guard on 0844-372-2325. Registration is free and lasts for 12 months. Also beware of calls that ask you to press a number for further information as this could transfer you to a premium rate line which could cost £1.50 per minute.
Will Con
Letters have been sent out by an unregulated group of Will writers stating that a rule change means that some wills are invalid because each page isn’t numbered and signed. They con unsuspecting victims into paying for their wills to be re-written. The Probate Registry confirms there has been no such change and wills only need to be signed and witnessed on the back.
LOCAL NEWS
Cannock & Rugeley NPUs
Introducing Oliver
Oliver Greatbach is the new Victim & Witness Champion for anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Cannock Chase. He aims to provide an enhanced level of emotional and practical support to those most affected by ASB. Anyone who has been affected by ASB and would like to talk to Oliver can contact him on his mobile telephone number: 07938-487564
Speeders Fined
A one day initiative in Cannock and Rawnsley saw 15 tickets issues to motorists for speeding, nine tickets for not wearing a seatbelt, one for driving without a valid MOT and one for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
Off-Road Bikes Seized
A number of off-road bikes have been seized around the Lime Lane, Newlands Road area in Norton Canes. PC Lucy Spicer said “Generally they do not have insurance and the financial penalty for getting the bikes back is so extreme that the owners don’t bother reclaiming them. The bikes then end up being crushed.”
Dog A.I.D. (Assistance in Disability)
Dog AID is a national voluntary organisation which specialises in training for people with disabilities and their own pet dog and can include training the dog to perform specialised tasks to help the owner. Our local branch of Dog AID is holding a Summer Fair at Avon & Leisure Centre (near Asda in Cannock) on Saturday 14th June. They are in need of raffle and tombola prizes and volunteers to man stalls. There is also an opportunity for organisations to have their own free stand (any money taken to be split 50/50 with the organisation and Dog AID).
For further information please contact Erica and Allan Bennett by mid-June on 01543-270026 or by e-mail at: bennett.erica@talk21.com
Stafford & Stone NPUs
Scrap Van Seized
A Transit van used being used to tout for scrap metal in the Eccleshall area has been seized by police. The driver was issued with a £200 Fixed Penalty Notice and given six penalty points for failing to have the correct insurance for collecting and transporting scrap metal. The driver was also given advice regarding his amplified bugle which was in contrary to the Control of Pollution Act 1974.
Drug Arrest
A Warrant executed at an address in the Doxey area resulted in one man being arrested on suspicion of possessing a quantity of Class B drugs
Right Stuff Charity Event
A Sparathon charity event held at Rowley Park Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday was organised by PC Andy Whitehall and the Right Stuff boxing clubs and raised £2,200
Wombourne & Watling Street NPUs
Cannabis Successes
A tip-off led to a Warrant being served on a house in the Huntington area, where police officers 
discovered almost 50
Cannabis plants and growing equipment.
In Pattingham, two men have been arrested and charged after a local resident reported them as behaving suspiciously. Following police enquiries, more than 130 cannabis plants were seized from a local house.
Sgt Matt Walker from Wombourne said “Our message to drug dealers and criminals is simple – we are not going away and will continue working with partners to rid communities of the scourge of drug dealing”.
Injunction Extended
A High Court Injunction on an area of Penkridge used by travellers has been extended after South Staffs Council stepped up its action against the illegal site.
Caravans moved onto the site in November 2009 and the council refused retrospective planning permission on the site in January 2010. the Injunction, due to expire during May has been extended until the planning appeal process is completed and prevents any further building on the site and prevents any further people coming onto the site.
Doorstep Crime Quiz
Do you keep your front and back doors locked at all times? YES/NO
Do you keep your windows closed and secure in all of your
unoccupied rooms? YES/NO
Do you keep your money in a bank or building society (and not
hidden somewhere at home)? YES/NO
Do you inform near neighbours when you receive an important OWL YES/NO
warning message from Neighbourhood Watch?
Do you check who is at the door before opening it? YES/NO
Do you keep your door shut except when the caller has an appointment? YES/NO
Do you call the police if you see something suspicious or if someone YES/NO
suspicious comes to your door?
Do you know how to contact the police in an emergency? YES/NO
Do you know how to contact the police if your call is not an emergency? YES/NO
Do you know who your local Neighbourhood Beat Officer (NBO)
or Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) is? YES/NO
Do you know how to contact your Neighbourhood Beat Officer or
Police Community Support Officer? YES/NO
Is your house number clearly visible from the street so that
emergency services can find your address easily? YES/NO
IF YOU ANSWERED ‘NO’ TO ANY OF THE QUESTIONS,
NOW IS THE TIME TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
CONTACT THE CHASE WATCH TEAM:
Vicki Singleton telephone 01543-464218
Ash Connor telephone 01785-234129
Ray Jones telephone 01785-234427
Bogus doorstep
callers are professional criminals who earn their living by tricking their way
into resident’s homes. They distract the resident while they steal money or
other valuables.
We can STOP these crimes from being committed by encouraging neighbours to take control of their doorstep and to keep their doors and windows secure so that no one can enter a home unless they are invited.
STOP and think – if you’re not expecting a caller and they don’t have an appointment, don’t let them in
CHAIN – use the door chain before opening the door
CHECK – ask to see identification and double check this by calling the company they are representing, before letting anyone into your home
If in any doubt call ‘999’ immediately
Important Telephone Numbers
Staffordshire Police Emergency Telephone Number
In the case of an emergency call 999
Staffordshire Police 0300-123-44-55
Non Emergency Number
For all non-emergency calls. The call handler
will transfer you to the most appropriate person
to deal with your enquiry
Staffordshire Fire & Rescue 08451 22 11 55
Non Emergency Number
For information and advice
Staffordshire Trading Standards 01785 277888
For free information, advice and
assistance to consumers
Staffordshire Trading Standards 0777 379 2252
24 hour Rapid Response Team
They can advise or respond to anyone in the
Community who thinks that they are being targeted by a
rogue doorstep trader. The team are available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In an emergency call 999
Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
To pass specific information about crime or
criminals anonymously and without direct
contact with the police. Calls are FREE from
land lines and most mobile phones. The service is
anonymous and rewards of up to £1,000 are
available for information that leads to an arrest
and charge.
Cannock Chase District Council 01543-462621
Stafford Borough Council 01785-619000
South Staffordshire District Council 01902-696000
Age Concern 01785 788499
For general enquires,
information and advice
Boing (UK) Ltd 0800 587 0548
Boing UK Ltd works in partnership with
Staffordshire Police in providing a free
telephone service to the public, 24 hours
a day, 365 days of the year. If you have
a personal emergency, and need non-police
help, Boing have a data base of local traders
and services such as plumbers, glaziers and
tree surgeons, and they can provide information
about local services such as late night chemists
and 24 hour petrol stations.
Clarence 0800 23 23 23
Staffordshire County Council have a
Customer Lighting And Roads Enquiry CEntre
for residents to report problems with roads,
pavements, street lighting and blocked road drains.
Call CLARENCE free of charge between 8am – 6pm
Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06
Provides practical consumer advice on all
kinds of consumer issues from problems
with cars to faulty household appliances
Domestic Violence
Staffordshire Women’s Aid (for women) 0870 2700 123
Victim support (for men) 01785 715666
Confidential, specialist advice or
someone to talk to about all aspects
of domestic violence
Fly tipping
Report incidents of fly tipping to your local
council on the following numbers:
Cannock Chase District Council 01543 462621
Stafford Borough 01785 619401
South Staffs Council 01902 696000
Preferencing Services
To cut down on telephone cold-calling 0845 070 0707.
The call must be made from the telephone
number receiving the unwanted calls. You
can also use this number to reduce the number
of unwanted text messages to your mobile phone.
To reduce cold-calling Fax messages 0845 070 0702
To cut down on personally addressed junk mail. 0845-703-4599 Allow at least four months before you will see
a reduction in the amount you receive.
Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent
Trader Register 01785 330888
The Trader Register aims to reassure consumers,
providing advice and information on employing a
trader and working together to get things right
first time. The Register covers all aspects of home
improvement and repair work, including building,
carpentry, external property repairs, decorating and
home security.
To contact the register please call between 10am and 4pm
THE CHASE WATCH TEAM
We provide members of Neighbourhood Watch and other Watches with support, guidance and advice:
Vicki Singleton: Telephone 01543-464218
e-mail: victoria.singleton@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk
Ash Connor: Telephone 01785-234129
e-mail: patrick.connor@staffordire.pnn.police.uk
Ray Jones: Telephone 01785-234427
e-mail:raymond.jones@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk