ACTION ON BOGUS OFFICIALS

Police in Horsham and Steyning have launched Operation Secure to reduce the number of crimes committed by cruel bogus callers who prey on the elderly and vulnerable.

The campaign also aims to remove the fear of becoming a victim of "distraction burglaries" in the Horsham district.

These involve people posing as "officials" to con their way into homes, or offering to do building work, or even children claiming something has been lost in or around the victim's home.

An interactive door security device called Minder will be given to those victims of such crimes, but they can also be purchased at the cost of £15.00.

Alan Haffenden, crime prevention officer, said, "What we ask neighbours to do is o keep a lookout for their vulnerable neighbours and if they see any strangers at their door to popover and report anything suspicious to the police."

The operation was officially launchd at a meeting at Crawley Police station, attended by more than 30 Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators.

A video made by the West Sussex Trading Standards callled "Think twice" was also shown to give advice about how to avoid these crimes.

TRADESMAN'S DIRECTORY

Several Neighbourhood Watch groups in Horsham have compiled a list of local tradesmen that other members have used and would recommed to others. This is particulary useful to the elderly and those living alone. This list is in no way an indication that the names and companies mentioned have been given Police Approval. The list has been compiled for the use of Neighbourhood Watch members ony in the Horsham Sector of North Downs Division and are recommendations only from exsisting NHW members who have knowledge of work done. The tradesmen concerned are always asked first if they would be willing to be on such a list.

NHW Recommended Tradesmans List

To assist in the reduction of bogus callers

Disclaimer: This list is in no way an indication that the names and companies mentioned have been given police approval. It has been compiled for the use of NHW members in 2 areas of Nth Downs Division and are recommendations only from NHW members who have knowledge of work done.

After obtaining the services of anyone on this list and you feel you have mbeen given a good or bad service or have used that trades person more than once could you inform Linda Connor, Crime Prevention Co-ordinator. Direct dial tele.no. 01293 583832 or email linda.connor@sussex.police.uk

COMMUNITY LINK

The housing department of Horsham District council provides a telephone based personal alarm service called COMMUNITY LINK. This can be provided for anyone in their own home. COMMUNITY LINK provides peace of mind for you, your friends, family and neighbours by providing a rapid response at the press of a button, at any time day or night. COMMUNITY LINK is available to anyone who feels vulnerable, people living alone, disabled or in islolated areas. An advance on the COMMUNITY LINK scheme is The Bogus Callers Scheme, where, if you are in any doubt as to who it is at your door an alarm button can be pressed. For more information please contact Horsham District Council 01403 215283

On Tuesday 8th July

between 09.30pm and 12.30pm

I will be holding a Street Surgery near to the shops in New Street. There will be representatives from Horsham District Councils Street Scene Team and Saxon Weald Housing Association. We will be there to answer any questions you have on local Policing issues, community issues and to promote Neighbourhood Watch and Community Speed Watch.

I look forward to seeing you there.

PCSO Sue Poynter
Riverside

Young achievers award

A fifteen year old whose work with the Horsham Neighbourhood Watch Scheme has helped reduce crime in the area has been praised for his help.

David helped update the NHW website, and was thanked for his work by Horsham District commander Chief Inspector Sally Simmonds, schools liason officer PC Andy Skinner and crime prevention officer Linda Connor. David was presented with a certificate at his school in a special assembly. David received a round of applause from his friends as he collected his certificate.

David was praised for helping to boost the Horsham NHW website which is run by his mother. Mrs Connor said the pages now looked more colourful and interesting.

She added "He has learnt something to take back into school."

David said "My Mum is the co-ordinator for our street as well as the web master. The website was rather embarrasing, plain and unexciting. I just wanted to brighten it up." David continues to work with his Mum updating the site.

PC Skinner commented: "This is an outstanding example of citizenship in the school and is the really nice positive side of young people."

Mike Lewis, head of year 11 at David's school said,"We are thrilled with his contribution and the time he gave up to do this."

David receiving his award.

from

L-R: PC Andy Skinner, Chief Inspector Sally Simmonds,Crime Prevention Officer Linda Connor.

On Tuesday 8th July

between 1.30pm and 4.00pm

I will be holding a Street Surgery outside the village shop in Church Street. There will be representatives from Horsham District Councils Street Scene Team and Saxon Weald Housing Association. We will be there to answer any questions you have on local Policing issues and to promote Neighbourhood Watch and Community Speed Watch.

I look forward to seeing you there.

PCSO Jeff Grant.
Broadbridge Heath & Warnham
Horsham North Speed Indication Display Co-ordinator

This delightful picture has been sent to us by Denise Neal, who is the Area Co-Ordinator for Rudgwick and Cox Green. Sally is a beautiful and gentle dog but does not allow strangers too near the house.

"If you let me share your warm, dry kennel I'll help you keep watch!"

Beech Road NHW supports Breast Cancer Campaign BIG BBQ event!

They held a BIG BBQ in aid of Breast Cancer Campaign on AUGUST 11TH and raised £90. The evening was attended by 28 members and included a raffle and a quiz. It was held on one of those rare warm summer evenings and a good time was had by all.

The money raised from BIG BBQ will help keep Campaign researching the cure for breast cancer.

Diane NHW Co-0rdinator says, "We really enjoyed taking part in BIG BBQ this year. It was fun and easy and the money we raised will help Breast Cancer Campaign to continue researching the cure."