Ringmaster Messages

Members are asked to be on their guard following a countrywide increase in metal thefts. The metals that are being specifically targeted are lead and copper, with offenders even stealing small amounts of lead including flashing from roofs. Not only are rural public buildings such as schools and churches vulnerable, but domestic properties have also reported thefts.

If you see suspicious activity at vulnerable properties be a good neighbour and contact Sussex Police immediately (Dial 999).

Slinfold Neighbourhood Watch report an incident on the Downs Link of a rope being strung across the path over night and nearly causing injury to an early morning cyclist. Please be alert if you are using this popular route.

HORSHAM NHW INFORMATION BULLETIN

Shed/garage break-ins
There has been an increase of shed/garage break-ins in Horsham recently where lawnmowers and strimmers have been stolen. 

The Crime Prevention Officer advises:

Shed Security

• ·       Please ensure side gates are padlocked and ensure all tools, equipment and bicycles are securely locked away and not in use. 

  ·       Secure items by chaining them together and securing to a concrete floor or fixings.  
  ·       If you do not have a padlock on your shed get one installed. 

  • Check your shed and hasp are securely attached.

  ·       Consider blacking out shed windows so valuables are not seen on view or install a shed/sensor alarm and install security lighting. 

  ·       Always mark your property with your postcode.

Garage Security

• ·       Don’t leave valuables in your garage if you can possibly avoid it.
  ·       Chain and padlock items together. Trying to remove  a mower and bike chained together is much more difficult. Even more so if the chain is also padlocked or secured to the concrete floor or other suitable immovable object

  ·       Additional security can be obtained by fixing a padlock and hasp to the garage door and frame or into the concrete base.  Don’t rely on the original garage door lock alone.

  ·       Cover windows, if your garage has any, so thieves cannot see what is in there.
  ·       Security mark items with your postcode, by engraving or painting or by using an ultraviolet marker pen.
  ·       Purchase an alarm from a DIY store
  ·       Check your garage regularly
  ·       Ladders always be locked away to stop a thief from using them.

Burglary Increase - Horsham North District

During the month of January the Horsham North District has experienced an increase in burglaries. Most of these offences have occurred within the town of Horsham , but there have also been incidents in Broadbridge Heath, Rudgwick,Warnham , Christs Hospital and Mannings Heath. With the exception of four offences that took place in the Comptons Lane area within the same time period, the other offences have occurred mainly on separate occassions . The most common means of entry was by forcing the conservatory doors. Other means included reaching through the letterbox to obtain the door key on a visible hook nearby, attempting to reach the door key by reaching through a catflap and forcing or breaking windows. Three properties were entered as a result of insecurities. Electrical items and jewelley were the most common items to be stolen. Most of these crimes occurred during the daytime. In light of these incidents please remind your neighbours not to be complacent about the security of their property. Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked and that a burglar alarm is always activated if there is one. All keys should be hidden away and not left in any doors . Also keep a look out for any strange people or vehicles on your neighbours property if you know they are not at home and report them to the police on 0845 60 70 999

HORSHAM DISTRICT NHW INFORMATION BULLETIN 09/07/08

DAMAGE TO VEHICLES

There have been a number of incidents recently of vehicles being damaged in the Oakhill Road , Clarence Road, Devonshire Road and St Johns Close areas of Horsham.

Although this seems to be a night time activity, Sussex Police, working in conjunction with Horsham District Council have taken a number of steps to reassure the residents in the area as well as attempt to catch and bring to justice the offenders of this activity.

Sussex Police have increased the number of the patrols in the immediate area and have taken several measures to encourage residents to call in and report suspicious activity and incidents of criminality.

Working with HDC, more specifically the HDCDRP (Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership), you will have seen several posters put up in the St. Johns Close area. These posters may be extended into the other surrounding areas.

The easiest assistance that can be given by the residents, in support of themselves as well as Sussex Police is to call and report a crime at the time.

This should be adopted as the slogan for your area,'Report a Crime at the Time'

Just to confirm , if you see a crime happening, dial'999'. At all other timers please dial 0845 6070999

Bogus Workmen -Horsham

On Tuesday 17th July a resident was walking his dog in the Orchard Road area when he was approached by two males who said they were working on new flats in Brighton Road and asked him if he wanted some vinyl flooring and they would fit it for £220. He accepted their offer and they drove him into town in a new looking white van parking in the Carfax near the bandstand whilst he went to the bank at around 12.20pm. He handed the money over. They dropped him and the vinyl back at his house and then drove off without doing the work.

Both males were white, one is described as quite big with dark hair, a blue check shirt and a bandaged arm. The other is described as medium build, very short brown hair , wearing a blue apron. They drove off towards Mcleod Road.

If you were in the area and recall seeing these invidivuals please telephone 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial no. 790 of 17/7/07. Please remind elderly neighbours to always refuse offers from anyone who approaches them unexpectedly despite the fact that they may appear to be doing a good deed.

Mini Motos

NHW Message to Warnham

Both Broadbridge Heath and Warnham have been suffering a problem with a nuisance moped or mini scrambler type bike. Can I ask that if the vehicle is seen in the village that it is reported to Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 giving as much descriptive information as possible.

June 26th 2008

From PCSO Hammond

Sussex Police Non Emergency Number 0845 60 70 999

My voicemail extension 13680

Traders with vans who keep tools in their vehicles overnight are warned we have had a recent spate of breaks to such vehicles with the intent of stealing mainly power tools.

Please consider if possible removing at least the power tools overnight. Some van door locks are not up to the job and installing an alarm will deter a thief as they will not hang around if it is set off in the middle of the night.

Travellers have set up camp in the locality on private land and will be moving on. In this event they will be looking for a new site. If you own land you should check your access points to see if you can improve your security possibly by blocking them if they are not used very frequently.

If you should be unlucky to have them on your land it could be deemed a civil matter as to their removal and this could be a costly exercise.

Shed Breaks

Overnight between Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September there were a number of sheds broken into at the allotment in Arun Way. As a result a number of garden power tools were stolen. Please draw this incident to the attention of any neighbours who may have allotments but also remind members about tightening up the security of their garden sheds . It is worth considering purchasing a shed alarn. Keeping valuable tools in a shed located at an allotment is probably not a good idea.