Barnet CSEG Newsletter December 2011
Dear Members and Colleagues,
Please note that as of the 23rd December 2011 I will no
longer work for CommUNITY Barnet or the Community Safety Engagement Group.
A replacement coordinator will be recruited in the New Year. In the
meanwhile please continue to email my account (Anahied.Hatamian@CommUNITYBarnet.org.uk)
as the email account will be monitored once I have left.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your
continued support towards the Community Safety Engagement Group. It has
been a pleasure working with you all over the last two years and I wish
the
CSEG Executive Committee a successful 2012!
Best Wishes,
Anahied
Festive Crime Prevention Menu
This is a busy time of year for everyone, including criminals. A large
portion of crime is opportunist, so this season we are seeking your help
to
stop thieves in their tracks.
Registering your mobile phone, satellite navigation system, MP3 player
or other electrical items for free here will increase you chance of
having property returned in the event of loss or theft.
If you would like more crime prevention advice see here.
In an emergency always dial 999. An emergency is when a crime is
happening, someone suspected of a crime is nearby, someone is injured,
being threatened or in danger. For example, if your house is being burgled
or the suspect is nearby.
For non emergency calls please dial 101. If you have information about
crime call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For more information about policing in Barnet see here.
For succulent tips on how to stop criminals leaving a bitter
aftertaste this season please see the police's Festive
Crime Prevention Menu.
Winter Burglary Advice
LIGHTING - Make it look like you are in when you are
out by using a timer switch on lights fitted with energy saving bulbs and
on a radio but remember to change the timer switch as the evenings get
darker earlier. Also think about exterior dusk to dawn lighting.
TRIM HEDGES AND TREES - Make sure these are trimmed
back from windows and are about 3 feet high so that bu
rglars can't hide behind them and they don't block
any
lighting you may have. Consider planting some prickly plants such as
Pyracantha (Firethorn) around the perimeter.
FENCES, SHEDS AND GATES - Make sure the fences around
your garden are in good condition and that gates can be secured properly.
Put several good locks/padlocks on shed doors and check the windows too.
Think about putting trellis over the top of fences and gates.
LADDERS AND TOOLS - Never leave tools or ladders out,
always lock them away in a properly secured shed or garage as they could
be
used by burglars to break into your home.
FIT LOCKS - Fit good quality deadlocks to outside
doors and ensure you have locks on ground floor windows and patio doors -
never leave the keys in the locks or on the window sill but make sure
everyone in the house knows where they are so that they can get out in the
event of a fire.
VALUABLE ITEMS ON VIEW - Ensure all valuable items
(laptops, digital cameras, car keys, jewellery etc) are kept
out of
view
and not left by the doors or windows especially if they can be seen
through
the letter box or by looking in the window. Think about keeping spare car
keys in a secure location as expensive cars can be targeted.
GOLD JEWELLERY - If you keep large amounts of gold
jewellery in the house think about getting a safe and locking it away or
keeping it in the bank especially if it is only worn on special
occasions.
WINDOW AND DOOR LOCKS - These are not being used
enough and burglars are taking advantage - close and lock all doors
and
windows even if you are just popping out for a few minutes. Also get into
the habit of checking them before you go to bed but make sure everyone in
the house knows where the keys are kept.
CURTAINS AND BLINDS - Please close these as soon as it
starts getting dark outside - if there is a light on indoors but its dark
outside this provides the ideal conditions for burglars to 'window shop'
and make a note of anything worth taking at a later date.
SECURITY MARKING - Think about registering your
valuable items such as phones, laptops & TV's etc. here this company also provide
property marking & micro dots.
WHEELY BINS - When not in use please chain these up
together so that they can't be used to climb over fences or to take items
away in. Get together with your neighbours and bring each others bins in
if
they have been left out after collection as this is a sure way to tell if
you are in or out or if you are away.
CHRISTMAS - Never leave presents on show even if they
are wrapped and under the tree. After Christmas or when
buying new
items
please don't just put the boxes out as they are for recycling, break them
up and put them in the bins otherwise everyone knows you have a new laptop
or 40inch flat screen TV. Keep a record of any serial numbers of
electrical
items and record them here also
keep your receipts for these items in a safe place. Please get someone you
trust (e.g. A family member) to come and pick up your post if you are away
and remember to cancel the papers and milk delivery etc.
Fire Authority
Group Enterprise is launching a Fire Safety publication in your London
area. The editorial content of “Fire Safety – The Guide” will cover
the use of smoke alarms, means of escape from buildings, the application
of
using the right type of fire extinguisher in the right circumstance,
through to first-aid advice on the treatment of burns and scalds.
The distribution of “Fire Safety – The Guide” will cover the
whole spectrum of the local community from major business, Council
‘one-stop shops’ and reception areas, hospital waiting rooms, schools,
colleges, libraries, doctor and dental surgeries, leisure centres and
citizens advice bureaux.
The importance of this initiative cannot be stressed enough. Each year,
fire causes approximately 500 deaths over 17,000 casualties. Government
statistics show that there were over 114,000 fires in buildings in the UK
which resulted in the loss of life and major disruption to business and
home-owners. All of which can be significantly reduced by creating a
greater public awareness of fire-safety in the home, the workplace and on
the road.
London Recruits Special Constables in Battle against
Cyber-Crime
Hundreds of computer experts are to be recruited as special constables
to protect Britain against cyber attacks. The civilians, dubbed
'iPlods', will join police forces across the country to work at least 16
hours a month to target cyber criminals.
They will be trained in intelligence and analysis work,
processing forensic material and will be used in search and arrest teams.
Home Office minister James Brokenshire said: "The Metropolitan
Police has helped lead the way in the fight against cyber crime. We want
to
encourage other forces to make use of such cyber-specials."
The recruitment drive is part of the Government's new cyber security
strategy which also includes using expertise developed at the GCHQ spy
centre to help to boost economic growth.
For full details from The London Evening
Standard, click here
