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.

NHW Crawley/Horsham Recommended Tradesman List the holder of the Crawley/Horsham NHW Recommended Tradesman list has transferred to Crawley NHW Committee member, Mr Brian Aldred. Therefore, if you wish to obtain a copy of this list in the future then please contact Mr Aldred who should be able to help. Likewise, if you or a NHW member wishes to add a new Tradesman to the list or you recommend someone should be removed from the list for whatever reason, please forward this information on to Mr Aldred so he may update the list accordingly.

Mr Aldred 's email address is: brian.aldred.nhw@talktalk.net

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

Direct. Gov site is running Scams Awareness Month

February 2010

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) campaign, 'Scamnesty', is being run in partnership with 129 local authority Trading Standards Services.

If you have received a scam mailing, you can drop it into 'Scamnesty' bins or boxes at local libraries and public areas across the country. There's also an online bin where you can send suspected scam websites and emails. You may hear email scams being called phishing scams.

The Scamnesty website offers advice about how to handle text message scams, and has links to sample online scams.

There is also detailed advice about avoiding scams on the Directgov website "http://www.direct.gov.uk/", and a further facility on this web page to send your scam message to scamnesty.

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.

Neighbourhood Watch Message

I hope you had a very enjoyable Christmas and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy New Year. I would like to invite you to the fourth

Neighbourhood Panel Meeting

to be held on

Monday 8th February 2010

at

19:00 hours

at

The Millennium Hall Roffey.

Following on from our last meeting in October where you agreed to focus on speeding - Lambs Farm Road , Anti Social Behaviour and parking - Lambs Farm Road. This meeting will give us the opportunity to discuss any new issues that may have arisen and decide whether you would like to continue working on the priorities already set or focus on different areas.

Your input as local people who have a close connection with the neighbourhood community is vital. Please could you let me know your availability for this date so I have a rough idea of numbers.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. If you know of anyone else who is interested in attending please do invite them along.

Best wishes

Emma

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!"

Happy New Year Holbrook

Happy New Year to you all.

I would like to invite you all to the next

Holbrook Neighbourhood Panel

meeting which is to be held

on

Wednesday 27th January

at

7pm

at

North Heath Hall in St Marks Lane.

I would also like to make you aware that my voicemail will no longer be available for messages, but I have a mobile telephone which you can use to contact me as well as via e-mail

E-mail :- tracy.bicknell@sussex.pnn.police.uk

Mobile 07748402145

Kind regards,

PCSO Tracy Bicknell