HOME SECURITY INFORMATION EVENING
THURSDAY 3rd MAY 2012

EVERYONE WELCOME

WICKHAMBROOK MEMORIAL HALL
(CB8 8XR)
Drop in between 6pm and 8pm

Come and talk to the experts

Suffolk Constabulary, Crime Reduction Officers,
Suffolk County Council Community Safety Officers Neighbourhood Watch, Havebury Housing
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service

Specialist Professional advice on:

House/Garden/Trailer Security; Home Insurance;
Property Marking; Dog, Cat and Horse microchipping,
CCTV installation

For further information please contact County Councillor Jane Midwood
01440 821428
 

DIANE’s DIALOGUE:
SCAMS SCAMS SCAMS
One of my co-ordinators reports having had 2 recorded calls from a very well spoken English female voice inviting them to deal with any Payment Protection Insurance [PPI] mis-selling claims they may have. The voice invites you to speak to an adviser by pressing 5 or not (press 9). By pressing a number at this point it may connect you to a super-premium call phone at your expense. Please warn your neighbours never to press any number on their phone when they receive an unsolicited call in from outside.

If you think you have been sold a PPI that you did not want or ask for, then you should go back to whoever sold the policy to you or to the Financial Services Association [FSA] website. The original provider of the Payment Protection Insurance will almost certainly be helpful in identifying whether you have a potential claim or not.

PROPERTY MARKING – WHY DO IT?

Now you may not want your stolen goods back once you have received the insurance money for them, BUT: another benefit of marking and registering your property with Immobilise is that it can enable the police to catch a thief. At a recent public meeting, an SNT Sergeant told a meeting of the frustration officers feel when having to return goods that they are convinced were stolen, back to the thief because there was no way of identifying the goods as being stolen. So, mark your property and help to catch a thief!!”

MARK IT - Lost it, found it, GOT IT BACK
[because it had my postcode on it]
 

POLICE WARNING ON CATALYCTIC CONVERTERS
Police in Bury St Edmunds are reminding drivers of 4x4s and commercial vehicles to take precautions to keep their catalytic converters safe, following further thefts in the area.

Catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles in Boldero Road at around 10pm on Saturday 21 April.

Sgt Davy Hill said: "We will continue to gather intelligence and remain visible in the community to identify and target offenders. We're urging anyone who sees any suspicious activity in the area to us immediately."

"There are some simple steps you can take to make your vehicle safer. Parking parallel to another vehicle can make access difficult. It's best to keep your vehicle in a garage if possible, and ensure it is fitted with an alarm.

"Security marking your catalytic converter can be very effective and can help to identify it as a stolen item. You can contact you local crime reduction officer on 101 for more information."

You can take the following steps to keep your vehicle safe:

· Private vehicles should be kept in a well-secured garage where possible, and if no garage is available, in a well-lit, public area.

· Vehicles can be parked in such a way as to make access to the catalytic converter difficult, or parallel with another vehicle if you own one.

· Commercial vehicles should also be kept in a locked building or compound.

· Use alarms, lighting and CCTV to deter thieves.

· Remove items of value from your vehicle whilst unattended and keep it secure at all times.

· Mark your catalytic converter - etching the part and spraying with heat-resistant paint. Contact your local crime reduction officer on 101 for more information

CRIMES OF NOTE :
Since my last newsletter we have had the following reports. Please be reminded that not every incident that occurs in our area can be reported as the victim may have either decided not to let us have details or has requested anonymity. If you have any information that you feel may help us solve these or any other crimes then please ring 101 or if you wish to provide information anonymously then ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Good news is that no crimes were recorded on the following dates:

1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th , 7th , 8th , 11th, 13th , 19th, 20th & 21st April

19/04/12
Stradishall, Poplar Walk -green cast iron garden chair stolen from garden between 5pm on Wednesday 18 April and 10am on Thursday 19 April.
Any information to PC Paul Downey, quoting crime number HH/12/834 on 101

18/04/12
- Clare Country Park, theft of copper piping from building between 12/04/12 - 18/04/12

17/04/12
- Hargrave Barrow Road, -TVs, Jewellery and a Private Plated
vehicle stolen from residential property
15/04/12
- Cavendish - overnight, offenders gained entry through rear window of public house and computer hard drive stolen

12/04/12 :
- Attempted Burglary
- Clare, Highfields - damage to window, nothing taken

- Criminal Damage-Vehicle
- Cavendish, Nether Road - damage to near side and off side door handles

10/04/12 :
- Theft-From motor vehicle
Withersfield, Church Street - weather proof cover stolen off car

- Withersfield - front grill stolen from van

09/04/12 :
- Theft-From motor vehicle
Lower Street, Cavendish - wheel trims taken

- Theft-other
Ousden - Wheel taken from trailer

04/04/12 :
- Burglary other building
Clare, Mill Road - access gained to stable on residential land, petrol driven orger taken

- Theft from Motor vehicle:
- Hundon, Rogeron Close, both index plates stolen from vehicle

Criminal Damage
- Clare, Malting Lane - between 2nd and 16th April offenders have kicked perimeter wooden fencing
Damaging 8 panels.

- Chedburgh Bury Road Business Park, fence damage on17/04/12



 

CABLE THEFT - How can you help?
There are a few things that are indicators of suspicious activity, keep a look out for things like:
· Work being carried out in streets and on roads by people not wearing hi-visibility vests and using unmarked vans, flatbed trucks and 4x4 vehicles
· Removed or disturbed cable box covers in the pavement or at the side of the road
· Any sites where there is a large quantity of cable in an unusual place, e.g. local scrap dealers
· Palls of unusual thick black smoke particularly seen in rural areas or an indication of unusual burning activity
What should I do if I see something suspicious?

If you see something suspicious and think it might be related to cable theft, please report it immediately to your local POLICE on 101.
…Or you can call the BT HOTLINE on 0800 321 999
…Or contact CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111.
A reward is offered for information leading to a conviction.

Don't let that thief affect your line!

OLYMPICS LOTTERY TICKET SCAM:
Suffolk Trading Standards Warn of Olympics Lottery Ticket Scam
Bogus Olympic lottery letters are being sent to unsuspecting Suffolk residents.

Suffolk Trading Standards is warning people to look out for the scam letters which illegally use the Olympic and London 2012 logos and tell recipients they have won a prize of £525,000.

The letters claim that all recipients have to do is return a payment processing form, by fax, with their personal details to receive the full sum of money. However, these personal details are actually being forwarded to criminal gangs operating abroad.

Any information residents send to claim their non-existent prize is used to carry out identification theft. The letters use false names and addresses, usually of large office blocks, and ‘0207’ telephone numbers purchased to give the impression they are based in London.

Suffolk Trading Standards is issuing the following advice and guidance:
• It is unlikely that London 2012 will be asking individuals to pay for goods or services, whether directly to it or through agents, other than ticket sales and official London 2012 merchandise. Therefore such lottery letters are almost certainly going to be bogus.
• Bogus Olympic information will typically use poor quality reproductions of the Olympic logos.
• Trading Standards do not know of any official lottery operators who ask for fees to collect winnings – any request for a fee payment is a good indication that someone is a fraud.
• Never respond to these lottery letters – this will only lead to further contact.

Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s portfolio holder for public protection said: “Sadly, in the next few months, it is very likely that Olympic related scams will be on the increase. With this in mind, it is vital that people remain extra vigilant around this time.

“Residents should not be afraid to discard any suspicious letters. It is important to trust your instincts as if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.”

About this Newsletter:
This update was brought to you by:

Diane Townsend
Community Watch & Safer Neighbourhood Team Liaison Officer
for St Edmundsbury & Forest Heath
Tel: 01284 774499

If you have details about any crimes, then please contact your local Police Station, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

St Edmundsbury Rural South Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM NEWS:
PC Ruth Horton has now moved on from Rural South SNT to another area after being with us for many years. We shall all miss her cheery disposition.

We now have a new PC 1720 Rob Sippitt in the team - he is working along side PCSO Kayla Packman.

On the 19th March we had a new PCSO Chris Shields start and he will be working the Clare, Cavendish and Stoke by Clare areas.

PCSO Ryan Wilson and Kayla Packman will share the rest of their area between them.

I certainly look forward to working with them on Watch issues.

The current Community priorities set on
12 March 2012 are the issues you asked us to concentrate on over the next 3 months:

- Speeding – in particular B1061 through Little and Great Thurlow, New Road, Chevington and Bury Road, Hawstead

- Burglary Other Buildings – to prevent and detect offences of burglary other building.

- Business & Dwelling Distraction Burglaries

DON'T LET THEM RAVE IT UP:
Police are urging members of the public and landowners across Suffolk to report any suspicious activity in the run up to and during the Easter weekend, in a bid to crack down on illegal raves in the county.

Warnings are also being issued to anyone organising an illegal rave that any sound equipment found will be seized, causing significant financial loss to organisers, and they will be prosecuted.

Residents play a key role in preventing raves. By reporting any suspicious activities - such as trespassers taking an interest in what could be a potential rave site, or invasions onto land by people with vans suitable for transporting sound equipment - they can play an important part in preventing an event from taking place.

Officers are also urging landowners to remain vigilant and immediately report any activity which may lead them to suspect a rave is being organised on their land. Extra care should be taken to ensure that property entrances are secured wherever this is possible. Police across the county work with landowners, the Forestry Commission and Farmwatch to offer security advice.

Chief Superintendent David Skevington said: "Historically we have seen illegal raves being held over Bank Holiday weekends. I want to warn anyone who is considering organising a rave that they will face prosecution for holding such an event - we have successfully prosecuted people who have organised raves in Suffolk in the past. We will also seek to prosecute anyone attending a rave who commits other offences, such as damage.

"And for those who are hoping to attend an illegal rave, I would urge them to be mindful that these events, by their very nature, are not well organised and are often linked to drug associated criminality. Illegal rave organisers have little concern for the health, safety and welfare of those attending the event; for the local residents, who are adversely affected by the noise, rave-related anti-social behaviour and impact on the environment; or for the landowner left with litter and damage.

"I would also like to take the opportunity to appeal for the publics help in tackling this issue. Early information from the public is critical if we are to prevent a rave from taking place. If we get reliable and timely information about where and when an event is being set up, generally we can get to the site, identify the organisers and seize sound and other equipment before the rave begins.

"There are some cases where a rave is up and running with large crowds already present. In these instances it may be necessary to manage the event where it is, monitoring it closely to ensure, as far as possible, the safety of those attending. Vehicles trying to get on or off site will be stopped and dealt with for any offences they might be committing. Where possible the organisers will be identified and dealt with at the end of the event, which will be closed as soon as it is safe to do so."

Anyone with information about an illegal rave or witness to suspicious activity on farmland or in buildings should contact Suffolk Constabulary on 101.

DIANE’s DIALOGUE:
Although the following crime took place in St Edmundsbury Rural North I am including details as the model railway community is quite small so it would be a bit out of the ordinary to find such items for sale at, say, a boot sale or similar. So please keep an eye out for them, and let us know if you are offered or see them for sale. Many thanks.

Police are appealing for information following a burglary at an address in Pakenham.

A large amount of model train equipment was stolen from a shed behind a residential address in The Street, some time between Monday 19 March and Wednesday 21 March. The models are highly collectable and valuable.

Offender(s) managed to open a hatch and climb into the shed, exiting via a double glazed window.

The owner is offering a cash reward for the safe return of the 24 undamaged models - which range from around 9 inches to 4 feet long. Most of the models are made by LGB, one is made by Bachmann. An old Toshiba laptop was also stolen.

Anyone with any information on the above incident should call PCSO Jon Burke, quoting crime number BR/12/180 on 101,

If you have any information that you feel may help us solve this or any other crime then please ring 101 or if you wish to provide information anonymously then ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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LIGHTER EVENINGS – DONT MAKE IT EASY FOR THIEVES

With the clocks having gone forward householders across Suffolk are being urged not to make it easy for potential thieves.

Officers are advising people to pay extra attention to home and vehicle security with the onset of the warm weather - often seen as an opportunist time for this type of crime.

Chief Inspector Paul Bradford of Suffolk Constabulary Community Safety said: "Most thefts are carried out by opportunist thieves.

"The summer months can bring with them thieves on the lookout for lapses in security - such as doors and windows left open or property left on display at beauty spot car parks.

"People are advised to be aware and make use of simple crime prevention methods which deprive thieves of the opportunity to steal."

Suffolk Constabulary offers the following advice to residents:

Windows

- Always lock your windows when you leave the house.

- Remove the keys and keep them in a safe place. However, everyone should know where the keys are kept so they can escape in an emergency.

Doors

- Keep your front and back doors locked or in view when you are at home.

- Use or consider fitting a door chain and spy hole - a chain allows you to speak to the caller without opening the door fully and the spy hole allows you to see who is at the door.

- Fit five lever mortise locks to all external doors.

- Check your cylinder locks on patio/plastic doors and ensure they are snap and bump resistant - a local Master Locksmith can advise if you are not sure.

Keys

- Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat, burglars know all the usual hiding places.

- Never leave your house or car keys in or near a door or window.

Attention should also be paid to the security of sheds and garages and to the property stored within.

Parked cars - especially those left in remote areas such as beauty spots - should be left locked and secure with no property left on display and satellite navigation devices, car audio equipment, cameras, handbags and laptops should be removed from the vehicle entirely.

People attending large scale events or out and about in busy areas should be mindful of thieves and keep handbags closed and mobile phones out of sight and kept securely on their person.

Chief Inspector Bradford added: "Suffolk is an extremely safe place to live and your chances of being a victim of such crimes still remain extremely low, but you should look at your home through a thief's eyes. Don't become an easy target.

"We would also encourage people to be a good neighbour - If anyone is spotted acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, call the police."

The clocks go forward on Sunday 25 March, 2012.

Anyone with information about thieves operating in their area should contact Suffolk Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111
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WEED and FEED, PRUNE and SPRUCE.....

I know the garden flora and fauna is coming into life and there is plenty for us to do outside with the arrival of Spring, but I would please ask you to, by all means enjoy your gardening but err on the side of caution when it comes to tidying up the tool ‘workforce’.

You may be tired at the end of a hard day weeding and feeding but please put everything away and LOCK IT up .
If you leave your tools lying around outside and leave garden sheds and garages unlocked there is every possibility that a thief can find something there – hand tools, spade or similar – to force entry to your home.

Review your security and please ensure you fit strong hasp and staple secured well to the door and frame with coach bolts reinforced on the inside with washers. Use a good quality closed shackle padlock. Windows can be secured and obscured by fitting internal bars, grille or net curtains so it is not easy to see what is inside. Fit additional locks to up and over garage doors. A battery operated audible alarm can be a good deterrent and they are loud! Expensive items should be chained to a ground anchor or post securely fitted to the floor.

So keep sheds and garages locked, and please don’t leave tools lying around outside.

Don’t forget to use the registering service Immobilise for your personal possessions! Photograph expensive items and keep a record of model and serial numbers. Once it’s gone it’s gone but if stolen property is recovered by the Police, you may get it back if you have marked it.

www.immobilise.com and register them for free!
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Scams, scams and more scams - be on your guard as they are trying to get to you all ways.

Suffolk Trading Standards Warn of Olympics Lottery Ticket Scam
Bogus Olympic lottery letters are being sent to unsuspecting Suffolk residents.

Suffolk Trading Standards is warning people to look out for the scam letters which illegally use the Olympic and London 2012 logos and tell recipients they have won a prize of £525,000.

The letters claim that all recipients have to do is return a payment processing form, by fax, with their personal details to receive the full sum of money. However, these personal details are actually being forwarded to criminal gangs operating abroad.

Any information residents send to claim their non-existent prize is used to carry out identification theft. The letters use false names and addresses, usually of large office blocks, and ‘0207’ telephone numbers purchased to give the impression they are based in London.

Suffolk Trading Standards is issuing the following advice and guidance:
• It is unlikely that London 2012 will be asking individuals to pay for goods or services, whether directly to it or through agents, other than ticket sales and official London 2012 merchandise. Therefore such lottery letters are almost certainly going to be bogus.
• Bogus Olympic information will typically use poor quality reproductions of the Olympic logos.
• Trading Standards do not know of any official lottery operators who ask for fees to collect winnings – any request for a fee payment is a good indication that someone is a fraud.
• Never respond to these lottery letters – this will only lead to further contact.

Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s portfolio holder for public protection said: “Sadly, in the next few months, it is very likely that Olympic related scams will be on the increase. With this in mind, it is vital that people remain extra vigilant around this time.

“Residents should not be afraid to discard any suspicious letters. It is important to trust your instincts as if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.”

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The Latest Scams Reported in Suffolk

Business Advertising Scam

The consumer receives a phone call from somone claiming to be from either 1. Suffolk County Council 2. Retired Police Officer 3. Construction Magazine. All of these callers will be offering advertising space within a community magazine. Or they are asking for payment for an advertisement that is meant to have already been taken out.

Carpark Watches

A gentleman pulls up in a supermarket carpark and asks for directions. Once help is provided he offers the individual several expensive watches, which the gentleman says are from an exhibition he has just left. Once the individual has accepted the watches for themselves and several family members, they are then asked for some money for petrol from the gentleman.

Microsoft/Windows Technical Support

Still several complaints about phone calls from a trader claiming to work for Microsoft or Windows Technical Support. The trader tells the caller there is a problem with their computer/internet e.g. there are viruses on the computer. The consumer is asked to provide bank details or purchase a UKASH voucher to pay for the traders assistance with removing the viruses.

Sky Scam

Consumers have received calls from Aerial Support that claim to be working on behalf of Sky. They are offering to reduce direct debit payments, and request the consumers bank details/credit card number to do this.

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Police are also urging residents, shopworkers and businesses to be alert after more reports of scams including money changing and calls from someone claiming to work for the Ministry of Justice in order to swindle cash out of unsuspecting householders.

Business premises in the Throughfare at Halesworth was one of the latest to be targeted by a man who carried out the money changing scam on Friday evening, 9 March.

A man approached a member of staff asking for bank notes to be changed for other bank notes once this was done he asked for further changes and in the end asked for his original money back, confusing the cashier.

As soon as the man left it was realised that £100 was missing.

Police are carrying out enquiries to trace the man who is described as being in his late twenties with short dark hair, and who spoke with a foreign accent, which was possibly Turkish.

A second man walked into the premises with him and left at the same time.

Meanwhile at Lowestoft a couple were called by a male claiming to be from the Ministry of Justice who stated that they were entitled to over £4,000.

They were asked for their bank card details which they provided and the couple were told they would need to send two vouchers for £200 each.

The male phoned back and stated that he would send someone round to the couples address. Police were contacted and were there when the man called back. He was told that the couple would not be handing over any cash and when the male asked who he was speaking to he was advised that it was the police and the call was terminated.

Officers are advising everyone to be alert for these - and other - scams. Never hand over money in order to claim cash, never give out your bank or card details to unsolicited callers and be extremely cautious when dealing with anyone who appears to be trying to confuse you with the money changing scam.

CRIMES OF NOTE:
Since my last newsletter we have had the following reports. Please be reminded that not every incident that occurs in our area can be reported as the victim may have either decided not to let us have details or has requested anonymity. If you have any information that you feel may help us solve these or any other crimes then please ring 101 or if you wish to provide information anonymously then ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
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SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE
Police are asking residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity after a black flatbed truck with an orange light on the top of the cab was seen around the area of New England Lane in Cowlinge. The driver was seen in a garden asking about scrap metal at around 10.40am on the morning of Friday 23rd March. If you see this van in the area or notice any unusual activity please contact Suffolk Police on 101 quoting event 112 Friday 23rd March or dial 999 if a crime is in progress.

Good news is that we had no Crimes recorded on 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24 & 25 March

However, we have had some attempted burglary other buildings recently but nothing stolen. Police have increased patrols in the area.

Burglary
Calford Green at 1840 26/03/12 offenders entered house but insecure front door and stole purse. Offenders were encountered outside property but ran off

Burglary other Building [sheds, garages, outbuildings] :

Cowlinge, Pound Green 1300 – 20/03/12 and 1400 - 27/03/12 unoccupied house entered and curtains pulled

Theft from motor vehicle:
Clare, Bridewell Street - overnight 29/30 March 2012 offenders have removed catalytic converter from parked van.

21/03/12 - Theft-Other
Gt Bradley
Trailer stolen during early
evening

- Clare Park Lake and golf course
Stoke Road, Clare
Gas bottles stolen

Theft-from motor vehicle
Withersfield Road, Gt
Wratting - Number plates
taken from van

FUEL FOR THOUGHT !
With the recent queuing and panic buying of fuel last week, please ensure that should it happen again, you are aware of the law and the facts about

STORING OF FUEL AT HOME
The Law

Storage of fuel at home or the workplace (unless specifically licensed) is restricted by law to either metal containers with a maximum capacity of 10 litres or approved plastic containers of a maximum 5 litres capacity.

These containers should be designed for the purpose and must be fitted with a screw cap or closure to prevent leakage of liquid or vapour.

Petrol and diesel fuel should be stored in no more than two 10 litre metal containers or two 5 litre plastic containers. They should be clearly labeled as to their contents.

Petrol filling stations operate under license conditions, which do not allow drivers to dispense fuel into other types of container.

At home, fuel containers must not be stored in living accommodation such as kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms or under staircases. Any storage place should be well away from living areas in case of fire and it should be secured, to protect against the possibility of vandalism or arson.

Health and Safety Precautions

· No smoking and no naked lights in the vicinity

· Decant in the open air – not inside the garage

· Use a pouring spout or funnel; and

· If clothing is splashed with fuel, change it immediately.

Petroleum vapour can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and exposure to high concentrations, particularly in confined spaces, can cause dizziness and unconsciousness.

Most importantly, do not swallow petrol or diesel or attempt to use the mouth to siphon it, under any circumstances.

This can result in it entering the lungs or stomach, which can be fatal.

Filling up

Take care when filling your vehicle’s fuel tank or appropriate approved container. Spillages or leaks pose a number of hazards, so do not overfill your tank and make sure that the filler cap is securely in place and not leaking.

Fuel expands and vapour can build up in hot weather, so avoid filling to the brim.

Equally, approved containers should not be overfilled and should be securely fastened during transit to prevent them falling over and leaking.

Spillages on the road surface, particularly of diesel, create slippery conditions that are a major hazard to other road users especially those on two wheels.

Suffolk Fire Service answers about 10,000 emergency calls a year and attends 8,500 emergencies.

Of these, over 1200 are serious fires, including some 400 accidental fires in the home and 460 are serious road traffic collisions.

Don’t become a part of these statistics! ...... please ensure your members, family and friends are aware.

About this Newsletter:
This update was brought to you by:

Diane Townsend
Community Watch & Safer Neighbourhood Team Liaison Officer
for St Edmundsbury & Forest Heath
Tel: 01284 774499

If you have details about any crimes, then please contact your local Police Station, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

St Edmundsbury Rural South Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter
14th March 2012

DIANE's DIALOGUE
Just a reminder about the Public Community Tasking meeting tonight:

Wednesday 14th March 2012

Village Hall, CHEVINGTON, Suffolk, IP29 5QS

7.00 pm (until approximately 9.00 pm)

We would like to hear any issues or concerns you experience within your community.

We really need do need you to attend, for us to be aware and work together to solve community problems.

Also gives you the opportunity to meet members of your Safer Neighbourhood Team

Your opinion and views count towards setting priorities for actions and problem solving by a group, made up of agencies:

Suffolk Police, Suffolk County Council - highways, St Edmundsbury Borough – community safety, Fire Service, Suffolk Youth Services partnership, and many more.

Most of all, we look forward to meeting you.

The current priority for the Rural South area is:

- To undertake crime prevention work in relation to heating oil thefts throughout the Rural South area

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Since the start of the 2011 to December 4 there were 115 incidents recorded of oil thefts, compared to 93 during the same period last year.

Domestic oil tanks can contain thousands of pounds worth of fuel and are often found at properties in rural locations, making them a target for criminals.
The Police are urging residents to protect their tanks:
We strongly advise residents with heating oil tanks to take security measures to help minimise the risk of becoming victims and to discourage thieves.
It can be very useful to invest in security lights, locks and alarms, which can deter a would-be criminal. It is worth considering investing in an alarm, there are many types now on the market and some of these can be linked to your house alarm. Furthermore, keep the tank itself as secure as possible, while delivery drivers may need access, try to leave your tank unlocked for as short a time as possible."
Oil tank owners are being given the following advice:
o Regularly monitor your tank levels.
o Where possible screen tanks from view.
o Close and secure perimeter gates/access.
o Conceal external pipe work.
o Steel cages with lockable access are available.
o Install dusk to dawn lighting.
o Install lockable caps supported by a closed shackle or alarmed padlock.
o CCTV supported by good lighting may be an option for some locations.
o Join or start a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and report promptly any suspicious callers or vehicles.
o Remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour immediately by ringing 999.
Owners are reminded to consult with their supplier and insurer before installing any security measures. If anyone requires more in depth security advice along with helpful literature they are invited to contact Suffolk Police on 101 and ask for the crime reduction officer for their area.

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Crime Prevention advice is given free, without the intention of creating a contract. Neither do the Police Service nor the Home Office take any other legal responsibility for the advice given

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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
If anybody needs advice or help with administration issues for their scheme - anything from what you can be doing to help with our Crime Reduction campaigns, where to get literature to arranging for Neighbourhood Watch Signs to be put up for your scheme [there is of course a cost for these] then please do not hesitate to contact me [details at bottom of this newsletter].

WHAT's GOING ON?
Results for major operation targeting traffic offences.

50 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) were issued as Police in Bury clamped down on driving offences with a major operation on Thursday 16 February.

Working together, officers from Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT), Roads Police Unit (RPU) and the Special Constabulary targeted parking offences, use of restricted roads and speeding motorists.

The operation continued well into the evening when officers were on the lookout for illegally modified vehicles on Bury's roads, with a focus on the Buttermarket and Cattlemarket car park. CCTV was used to monitor traffic movement to help identify offenders.

Tickets issued included 20 for vehicles parked in no waiting zones, three for limited waiting zones and one for causing an unnecessary obstruction. Ten FPN were issued to drivers using prohibited roads. Two were issued to drivers using mobile phones, six for not wearing seatbelts, three for no MOT and two for illegal number plates. One for failing to display a valid tax disc. Two drivers of modified vehicles received tickets for having illegal window tints.

One driver had their vehicle seized and was reported for court summons for driving without a licence and having no insurance. Another will attend court for having four illegal tyres.

Sgt Davy Hill said: "The operation was a big success, and gave us the opportunity to send out a strong message that such offences on the road will not be tolerated. We receive regular reports from members of the public that illegal parking is an issue in the town, and many people are concerned about modified vehicles too. As a result, this remains a priority for us and officers from both Bury Central and Bury East/West SNTs will keep a focus on these issues. We will also be holding similar days of action in the future.

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MAKE SURE YOU BELT UP
'Belt up and save lives' - that's the message officers from Suffolk Police's road policing department have been giving to motorists and their passengers when checking they are wearing their seatbelts during a week-long enforcement campaign which startedthis week [ Monday, 12 March 2012]
After a year which saw four fatalities in Suffolk where the driver or passenger was not wearing a seatbelt, the initiative is supporting the Europe-wide TISPOL (Traffic Information System Police) seatbelt enforcement campaign is running all this week until Sunday 18 March 2012.
The aim is to raise awareness of how many collision-related injuries and fatalities can be prevented by the wearing of seatbelts, which is now compulsory in most European countries.
Officers will be conducting checks on motorists and their passengers throughout the county, those who are found not wearing seatbelts will be issued fixed penalty notices of £30.
Inspector Bruce Gent, Road Policing, said:
"We would remind people that even on the shortest trips and at low speeds the importance of seatbelts cannot be underestimated. Failing to wear a seatbelt remains one of the main causation factors of fatal and serious injury collisions.
"Putting on your seatbelt should be part of your routine before even starting your car and it is absolutely necessary for those travelling in the front and rear seats to belt up and save lives."
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Fraud – Don’t Accept It – Report it!

The best way to fight fraud and fraudsters is to get people talking about it and reporting it to Action Fraud.

If you have been a victim of fraud - report it to Action Fraud on
0300 123 20 40

Anyone witnessing a crime in action should call the police on 999.

If debit or credit cards, online banking or cheques are involved, your first step should be to contact your bank or credit card company.

Reporting through Action Fraud ensures proper crime reporting procedures are followed, and in the case of fraud against you as a victim, you will be given a crime reference number.

We are not able to recover money for victims; however trained agents can provide you with advice and guidance on getting support.

The information you provide will be referred to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, to be used in intelligence and investigation packages, and which may be forwarded to local police forces.

Although each individual report cannot be investigated, the information will help the police build up a picture of who is committing what fraud. This will help them stop the fraudsters and keep other potential victims safe.

Any information you have could help us prevent a crime. If in doubt, give us a call.

CRIMES OF NOTE:
Wickhambrook, Meeting Green - between 7pm Friday 9th and 6am Saturday 10th March offenders have taken a large copper planter from a garden of a property on Meeting Green
If you have any information please contact Suffolk Police on 101 quoting reference HH/12/545.

Wickhambrook:
- between 7pm Monday 5th and 8.30am Tuesday 6th March in offenders have broken into a garage and taken dog food and a jet wash from within.

- between 6pm Monday 5th and 7.15am Tuesday 6th March offenders cropped a padlock from the door to a stable block. A search was made inside but no items were taken.

- between Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th March offenders have smashed a rear window on a double garage.
If you have any information on the 3 incidents above please contact Suffolk Police on 101 quoting reference HH/12/518.

WHAT'S NEW AT CRIMESTOPPERS?
Suffolk’s Young People to Become Fearless in Fighting Crime

Young people in Babergh and Mid Suffolk are being urged to become fearless in the fight against crime following the launch of a new service for the county.

http://www.fearless.org.

was launched nationally in April 2010 and is a website run by the independent charity -

Crimestoppers in Suffolk

where young people can get information about crimes that affect them.

It also gives them the opportunity to pass on information about crime 100 per cent anonymously.

It is now being officially launched in Suffolk with the support of Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council’s Community Safety Units.

Ann Scott, Eastern Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, explained why http://www.fearless.org.

is so important: "Young people are one of the most important audiences for Crimestoppers to communicate with, but they haven’t always understood or been willing to interact with the charity.

"One of the key reasons for re-launching Crimestoppers for young people is to empower them to be ‘fearless’ in passing on information about crime anonymously if they feel unable to talk to Police.

She continued: "We want to reassure young people that the information that they give about crime is taken seriously and that they have nothing to fear by contacting the charity.

"When someone contacts us we do not ask for their name or take any personal details.

We do not trace calls/IP addresses and we do not record our calls. Those who give information do not have to give a statement to Police or go to court.

In the 24 years that Crimestoppers has been running we have never revealed anyone’s identity".

Crimestoppers plays a major part in the fight against crime. It has received over 1.3 million calls to date and every day 23 people are arrested as a result of information given to Crimestoppers.

John Spitzer, Mid Suffolk’s Community Safety Manager, added "We are very excited to be the first areas in Suffolk to launch Fearless.

This is an excellent opportunity to engage with young people and provide them with an additional tool that will help them become more involved in their local communities".

The website is at

http://www.fearless.org.

and you can watch our Fearless film - Don't let it be too late'

About this Newsletter:
This update was brought to you by:

Diane Townsend
Community Watch & Safer Neighbourhood Team Liaison Officer
for Haverhill, St Edmundsbury Rural South & Forest Heath
Tel: 01284 774499

If you have details about any crimes, then please contact your local Police Station, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.