Important Telephone Numbers.
 

Crimestoppers: ‑ 0800 555 111

Non‑Emergency Number: ‑101.

Citizens Advice Helpline: 0845 404 0506.

 

Could the Ambulance, Police or Fire Service find your House in an Emergency?

 The Emergency Services are becoming increasingly concerned that often they have difficulty, finding the premises they are called out to attend. which leads to delays in dealing with emergencies.

To reach the immediate area, the Post Codes are their primary, source of information and this works well in an urban environment where streets and house numbers are clearly marked. However, in the countryside, the only means of identification are usually house names', which sometimes present a problem.. especially in the dark.

A survey carried out by one Co‑ordinator, who had received requests from an ambulance driver and the police, who were looking for a particular house, showed that 1 in 3 houses on his patch were poorly marked.

He found that some dwellings had no markings at all, names were covered with foliage, and a number of homes had signs that had fallen over or were obscured by vehicles in driveways. NHW suggest that all look at our own homes and Think Emergency Services.

Passwords.

Utility companies and some councils now have a password system for older and vulnerable customers. Customers give the Company a word that is confidential only to them and the company concerned.

When their representative calls, they will be expected to tell the customer the password to prove they are genuine.

Please contact your gas, water, and electricity suppliers, other utilities or your council offices, to find out more.

A Short Guide for Staying Safe

 The chances of you or a member of your family becoming a victim of violent crime are low. Violent crime in public places is still rare and accounts for a very small part of recorded crime.

However, you can make yourself even less likely to be a victim of a violent crime ‑ for example, robbery (mugging) or assault ‑ by taking a few sensible precautions.

 Out and about.

‑You will be safest in bright, well lit and busy streets.

‑Have your car/house keys ready before you reach the door.

‑If you think you are being followed, go quickly to the nearest place where there are people such as a pub and call the police.

‑If you feel threatened, scream and shout to attract attention.

‑Try to make sure that you and your friends are not left to walk home alone. Go out together ‑ come home together.

 Cash Machines.

‑Where possible, try to use a cash machine in daylight and, if possible, from inside a bank. Post Office or other building.

‑Do not count your money in front of strangers.

‑If you see anyone hanging around the cash point, walk past and go back later or use another cash point.

‑Do not write down your PIN Number and shield your number at the cash point from people who may be nearby.

 Driving.

‑Keep doors locked when driving and your bags. mobiles and other valuables out of sight.

‑Don't wind your windows down far enough to allow someone to reach in when you are stopped.

‑Try to park in well lit or busy areas.

‑Keep your vehicle in good condition and well maintained.

 Public Transport.

‑Try to wait at busy and well lit bus stops. ‑sit near the driver or other passengers.

‑On a train, sit in a compartment with lots of other people and avoid going to sleep.

‑Avoid mini cabs or private cars that tout for business.

 
How to Spot Identity Fraud.

Victims of identity theft often do not realise their identity has been stolen until it is too late. Some useful tips to help you spot identity fraud as soon as it happens:

‑Your card and bank statements or bills start to arrive late or not at all.

‑Unusual transactions appear on your credit cards, bank statements or credit files.

‑Companies start to contact you about new accounts or services about which you have no knowledge.

‑You are unexpectedly refused credit, credit cards and store cards.

 
How Scam Artists Succeed.

New scams from the UK and overseas appear every day so it is important to know how to spot them. The Scammer will:

‑Try to catch you unawares, contacting you without you asking them to by telephone. email, post or sometimes in person.

‑Sound pleasant, well spoken and kind (on the telephone or your door) and want you to think they're your friend.

‑Be persistent and persuasive.

‑Have slick, professional leaflets and letters. ‑Try to rush you into making a decision.

‑Ask you to send money before actually receiving their tempting offer

 Protecting Your Home Against Burglary.

 Fit good locks and bolts to all doors and windows and use them.

‑When someone calls at your home that you do not know, always ask for proof of their identity and check it carefully. If in doubt, do not let anybody into your home.

‑Use good lighting around your property.

‑Consider using defensive planting, criminals do not like climbing through prickly plants and hedges.

‑Ensure that all valuable property is marked with a UV pen to identify it.

‑Secure garden sheds and garages with good locks and ensure expensive equipment inside is all chained together or to the wall.

 

Editor: ‑ Steve Doyle ‑ 01452‑413‑618.