GUISELEY NEIGHBOURHOOD

 WATCH NEWSLETTER 

ISSUE 2   2008

BURGLAR ALARMS

LIGHTEN UP

Burglar alarms are an effective deterrent. They provide a useful warning and limit the risk of theft and damage to your property. Surveys have shown that homes are less likely to be burgled if a visible burglar alarm is fitted.

Although purchasing a burglar alarm may seem a daunting prospect, by studying the options you may save money and you are more likely to end up with an alarm system that meets your needs.

West Yorkshire Police advise that you ensure installers are registered with and inspected by, one of the following:

SSAIB (Security and Alarms Inspection Board) Tel 0191 2963242

NSI {National Security Inspectorate} Tel 0845 006 3003

It is always advisable not to buy anything at the door, and that includes burglar alarms. Always get a minimum of 3 quotes from companies who provide a free survey and quotation. Some will offer big discounts if you sign up straight away ...don't be fooled!

Many thanks to our sponsors - please give them your support.

Burglars like to `work' unseen and prefer empty houses. A home without lights on and surrounded by darkness signals that not only is the house empty, but that a would be burglar can operate unseen. A house in this situation is a much more likely target. Take a few simple measures to reduce the likelihood of being burgled.

Leave a light on:- inside the house (choose well­used room such as the lounge or bedroom). ; :

Use a timer switch to turn lights on inside the house:

Occupied houses have more than one light on. If possible illuminate a second area. At least one of the lit rooms should be visible from the road.

Use lighting outside the house:

Security lighting should operate either on a time switch or permanently from dusk to dawn. For this to be economical and to avoid being a nuisance to neighbours, low energy lighting should be used. A 13 or 16 watt unit with an opal cover, sited out of easy reach, will more than adequately illuminate the average rear garden.

Burglars do not want to be caught and therefore do not want to be seen. It is the burglar's impression that he can be seen - or might be seen- that matters most, not whether someone is actually watching .          A lot of house break-ins are still "sneak-ins."  Make sure you lock your doors and windows, especially now that summer is coming and you may be in the garden.

Thefts from vehicles:

Items on view are always at risk, especially lap tops and sat navs. Take these with you when leaving the car.

PROPERTY

Many elderly people keep valuable property in their home. Quite rightly they want to look at keepsakes and momentoes; however this property is vulnerable - MAKE SURE THAT -

The property is marked.

If it is unusual take a photograph of it just in case.

Make sure it is insured.

Check the security is appropriate to the value of the property in the house (your Crime Prevention officer will advise).

The property is kept in an area such as a sitting room and encourage the elderly person not to let visitors other than close friends and relatives into that room.

MANY ELDERLY PEOPLE DO NOT THINK OF THESE ISSUES -HELP THEM TO HELP THEMSELVES

Crime Prevention Bus

A campaign to drive down domestic burglary has hit the road in West Yorkshire following the launch of a new crime prevention bus. West Yorkshire Police and Arriva Yorkshire have joined forces to launch the initiative in which an Arriva single decker bus has been wrapped in messages about how people can make their homes more secure. The bus will be in service throughout West Yorkshire over the next 12 months, initially in Wakefield, Ossett and Dewsbury but could be used elsewhere.

the problem or telephone the reporting centre - O113 398 4701.

If you own your home or rent your home from a private landlord or agency:- telephone the reporting centre 0113 398 4701 (Mon - Thurs 7.30am to 6pm, Fri; 7.30am to 4.30pm).

Remember:- the helpline allows you to speak to someone about persistent anti-social behaviour. It is NOT an emergency help line.

When the anti-social behaviour unit receive a call about persistent and serious bad behaviour, their first stage is to talk it through with you - in strict confidence. Then they will discuss some of the actions which can be taken to solve the problem

i.e

Putting in place an activity that diverts those committing a/s behaviour to another task.

Using acceptable behaviour contracts to deter the person or group from persisting with their activities.

Supporting injunctions against individuals.

Using a/s behaviour orders to prevent the person or group from persisting with their activities.

And, where appropriate, criminal law proceedings. REMEMBER

You can help by reporting problems as soon as possible. Keep a note of the dates and times of incidents, the names and descriptions of those involved, and the details of anyone else who witnessed them..

Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7.30p.m. at Hawkhill Club (next to Morrisons).

All co-ordinators are invited to attend.

If any co-ordinator does not have sufficient newsletters, please telephone 01943 $73799.

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Persistent harassment from a person or a group of people in your community can cause great distress. Leeds Community Safety Anti-Social Behaviour Unit is there to help anyone who is suffering because of persistent and serious anti-social behaviour; for example:

Persistent verbal abuse or threats. Assault or physical violence. Racial harassment.

Homophobic harassment. Damage to property or graffiti. Vandalism near your home.

If you rent your home from Leeds City Council or any housing association in Leeds:

Report the problem to your housing office. They will work with the anti-social behaviour unit to resolve

Any views expressed are those of' the editor and not necessarily of the Neighbourhood Watch. Guiseley N/W does not accept liability for anything contained within these newsletters;  

  ISSUE 1  2008

SAFETY TIPS FOR WOMEN DRIVERS

Keep all doors locked and all valuables out of sight.

If setting off on a long journey, ensure your mobile is charged and that you have breakdown cover.

Be aware of where you park and who's nearby. Try to use well-lit busy car parks and have your keys in hand ready to open the car door.

Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return.

If you break down, stay in the car and phone for help. If you have to ask someone for assistance, only open the car window a little. If you feel your car is being followed, flash your lights and sound your horn. Pull over only in a busy area and call the police.

Keep you car well maintained. Check tyres, oil, water and petrol regularly.

Always cheek tyre pressures, especially before longer journeys.

DEALING WITH YOUR DOOR LOCK ATTACKS

Recently there has been an increase in burglaries where the locks of UPVC doors (including French and Patio Doors) have been forced to gain entry to the house.

To help combat this West Yorkshire Police are proactively

•          Targeting offenders

•          Deploying specialist teams

•          Increasing Police patrols

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of this type of burglary, CASAC and SPEED in support of West Yorkshire Police can offer a range of products at discounted rates to improve the level of your home's security.

For a free quotation contact:­CASAC

Casac, Roundhay Road Resource Centre, 233-237 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS8 4HS

Tel: 0113 3805641 Email : mail@casacleeds.org.uk

Website www.casac.or~;.uk

West Yorkshire Police are committed to reducing crime in partnership with your local Crime Reduction Charities and District Councils.

SPEED

Speed, Javelin House Police Station, Javelin Close, Eccleshill, Bradford BD10 8SD

Tel: 01274 613000

speedcharity@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Crimestoppers

If you have information about crime but for whatever reason don't want to go to the Police, then ring the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

CRIME FIGURES MID JAN TO MID FEB

100 Crimes

BURGLARY - DWELLINGS X 8

These occurred in Park Lane, Tennyson Street, Ings Lane, Moorway Howsen Close, Coppice Wood Av. Back Lane, and Ridgeway.

6 of these were attacks on the locks, and property was removed from 6 of the 8.

Burglary - OTHER5 X 14

These occurred in Oxford Villas, Morton Terrace, ,Mount Pleasant. Moortop Quarry, Oxford Road, Bella Italia, Pizza House, Goose Lane, Esholt Avenue (2), St; Mary's School, S.B. Maintenance, Aldersyde Road.

There were thefts from 10 of the 14.

THEFTS FROM MOTOR VEHICLES X 13

While he waited he picked up his mobile phone and started dialling. 1 noticed his phone because it is the same model 1 have, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Then I heard a click that sounded like my phone when it takes a picture. He, then gave me back my card but kept his phone in his hand as though he was still pressing buttons.

Meanwhile thinking "I wonder what he is taking a picture of' it then dawned on me the only thing there was my credit card. He set his phone down on the counter, open. About 5 seconds later [ heard the chime that indicates the picture has been saved. Had we not had the same phone I probably would never have known what had happened. I immediately cancelled the card as [ left the take-away.

TELEPHONE SCAM

This centers on the fact (confirmed by a BT engineer) that a telephone line is held open until the CALLER hangs up. A man received a call to say his telephone bill was unpaid and that if it was not paid, by credit card to the caller, then his line would be cut off. He refused to do this so the caller said he was cutting off the line. A short time later the target tried the phone and found that the line appeared to be dead. The caller rang again later and repeated the original request. The card number was given. The victim felt uneasy so he rang his bank and was told about the scam. The card was cancelled and a new one arranged.

These occurred in Springfield Road, Wells Grove ' Nunroyd Ave, Elliott Grove, West Parade, St. Oswald's Garth, Park Road, Park View, Edwin Ave, (2) Hawkhill Ave, lngs Ave, and Shaw Leys

There were thefts from 11 of the 13.

These figures indicate a rise in crime in our area, several of the thefts from motor vehicles were of items left in view (i.e laptops and sat.navs).

GOING FOR A MEAL BEWARE SCAMS;

Be aware of your surroundings.

Take care when using your credit card.

Be aware of phones because many people now have a camera phone.

Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7.30p.m, at Hawkhill Club (next to Morrisons).

All co-ordinators are invited to attend.

If any co-ordinator does not have sufficient newsletters Please telephone 01943 873799 .

At a restaurant a man paid for his meal with his credit card. The bill came, he signed the c.c slip (no pin on this occasion), the waitress folded the receipt with the credit card inside, Normally, he would just take it and put it in his wallet, but this time he actually looked at the card and it was the expired card of another person. He called the waitress, she took it back, apologised and hurried back to the counter under the watchful eye of the man. All the waitress did was wave the wrong expired card to the counter cashier who immediately looked down and took out the real card;.....no exchange of words -- nothing. She took it and returned it to the man with an apology.

Verdict: Make sure it is your card, check the name every time you sign for something and/or the card is taken away.

When collecting an order which I had phoned into a pizza take-away, 1 paid using my debit card which is, of course, linked directly to my current account. The man behind the counter took my card, swiped it and put it on the counter as he waited for the approval -- standard procedure.

Comments or views expressed in this newsletter are those of the editor. Guiseley N/W does not accept liability for anything contained within these publications

ISSUE 6 YEAR 2007

SEASONS GREETINGS TO ONE AND ALL

Don't let it happen...........

Accidents in the home soar over Christmas. Make sure you're not a casualty with our guide to the top Christmas health hazards.......

RISK FACTOR

Around 26,OOO people need medical treatment every year after a bum or scald in the kitchen, says RoSPA. Hot trays of fat and simmering saucepans are common causes on Christmas Day.

AVOIDANCE FACTOR

RISK FACTOR

Tree lights result in around 350 people needing hospital treatment every year.

AVOIDANCE FACTOR

•        Buy lights with the BS Kite mark, read safety instructions and check for cable and plug damage.

•        Don't use indoor lights outside. 

RISK FACTOR

Tiny bulbs for fairy lights, mini baubles and burst balloons can be a danger to toddlers and pets, while small toy parts, counters and dice are often left lying around by older siblings.

AVOIDANCE FACTOR

•        Make sure toys are suitable for the child's age and throw burst balloons away immediately. Hang small baubles on the higher tree branches.

RISK FACTOR

Popping corks are the most likely cause of eye injuries, followed by bursting balloons and Christmas tree branches. AVOIDANCE FACTOR

•        Chill Champagne properly, point the bottle away at a 45° angle, cover cork with a napkin and ease out.

Trim protruding tree branches; don't over inflate balloons.

RISK FACTOR

Candles are the biggest cause of fires at Christmas, usually because they are put into unsuitable containers and are left on the TV or near decorations.

AVOIDANCE FACTOR

•        Read the instructions for lights and candles and keep them away from trimmings, cards or combustible items like curtains.

DELIVERY SERVICE SCAM

The Trading Standards Office are making people aware of the following scam;

A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a premium rate number). DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize.

If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £l5 for the phone call.

If you do receive a card with details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 0207- 296655 or ICSTIS (the premium rate service regulator) at www.icstis.org.uk or telephone 0800 500212.

PLEASE NOTE

In the last issue of the newsletter it was reported in the "Crime Report":­

Blake Crescent - Entry gained via an organised home helper. Cash stolen.

We would like to point out that this was not with the assistance of a member of staff, and apologise for any embarrassment or misunderstanding.

TELEPHONE PREFERENCE SERVICES

 (unwanted telephone calls)

You can register free of charge for this service if you do not want to receive unsolicited phone calls.

Telephone 0845 0700707.

After a month it will become illegal for anyone to make a marketing call to you unless it has been agreed beforehand in writing - be careful what you sign!

It is possible to get anyone's name and address and telephone number from the electoral register, which is sold to a number of companies in the U.K. You can prevent your details from becoming public by ticking a little box on the electoral roll form next time you receive one (and each subsequent time).

LOCAL CRIME

In a supermarket the bottom of a bag was slashed allowing the contents to fall out unnoticed. Be on your guard.

PROTECT YOUR PHONE

You can help protect your mobile phone if you:

REGISTER your phone with your network provider.

RECORD your IEMI number and your phone number and keep these in a safe place separate from your phone. Your IEMI number (15 digit serial number) can be accessed by keying *#06# into most phones or by looking behind the battery of your phone.

REPORT the number of your stolen phone to your network operator and the police as quickly as you can. It can now be cancelled immediately like a stolen credit card.

REMAIN      Your phone is a valuable item. When you are ALERT  out be aware of your surroundings and don't use your phone in crowded areas or where you might feel unsafe.

Help yourself, the police and the mobile phone industry fight mobile phone theft.

Street robbers are cowards, help catch a coward.

If you know who has taken your mobile phone, or have any information abut anyone involved in criminal activity, please call Crimestoppers anonymously.

PINHOLE CAMERA FRAUD

It has been reported that gangs are installing pinhole cameras in the ceilings of shops and petrol stations to steal PINs and other details for the purposes of cloning. This has been reported on the television also but with added detail. The cameras are installed by blackmailing or bribing employees.

WHEN CAN I CALL 999?

Listed below are a few examples, however common sense must prevail.

CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111

You could get a cash reward.

NUISANCE TO NEIGHBOURS

If you decide to bum rubbish in your garden, whilst this is not an offence it can be anti-social.

Dog walkers - it is an offence to allow your dogs to foul the pavements. It also gives all dog walkers/owners a bad name. Please go equipped with a plastic bag.

RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBOURs!!!!!!!!!

Danger to life.

A use of violence, or immediate threat of violence A serious injury to a person and/or serious damage to property.

Criminal Conduct

The crime is, or likely to be serious and in progress.

An offender has just been disturbed at the scene. An offender has been disturbed and poses, or is likely to pose, a risk to other people.

THANKYOU TO OUR SPONSERS, PLEASE GIVE THEM YOUR SUPPORT.

THANKS ALSO TO THE ROYAL MAIL AND HAWKHILL SOCIAL CLUB.

Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7.30 p.m.

All co-ordinators are invited to attend.

Comments or views expressed in this newsletter are those of the editor. Guisefey NM/ does not accept liability for anything contained within these publications,

FRENCH TUTOR

French tutor available for private lessons or classes either written or conversational

Hourly rates to suit or monthly packages

Contact JAYNE JOHNSON on 07930 522942 or Office 0113 2503109

Police Emergency........ _ ....... ....999

Otley Police Station .... (0845 6060606 Help Desk - 24hrs...... 01274 471450

Crime Prevention ..... ..0113 2413439 

P.C JayneTremble ..... .01274 471453

Policing Team.. ... .....01274 471453

Chair-Guiseley N; W.. 01943 873799

Drug Help Line ......... 0800 776600

Street Lights ............. 0800 U325349

GUISELEY NEIGHBOURHOOD

 WATCH NEWSLETTER

 ISSUE 5 YEAR 2007

Scheming }

Crafty          }          Don't !et them con you. 

Aggressive )

Malicious

There are hundreds of examples but we can all protect ourselves by being sceptical. Is it likely that someone you don't know, who has contacted you out of the blue will give you something for nothing?

HOW SCAM ARTISTS SUCCEED

 - they will:

sound pleasant, well spoken and kind (on the phone or at your door) and want you to think they're your friend

have slick, professional leaflets and letters be persistent and persuasive

rush you into making a decision

ask you to send money before you receive their tempting offer or win

THEY OFFER YOU SOMETHING FOR NOTHING - such as:

you've won a prize in a draw or a lottery (even though you haven't entered one)

an exclusive entry to a scheme that's a surefire way to make money

a way to earn easy money by helping them get untold millions out of their country

the chance to join an investment scheme that will make you huge amounts of money; and so on.

DON'T

•        send money up front

•        give them your bank or any personal details

•        ring a premium rate number (starting 090)

•        buy something to get your prize

if you discover a scam tell your friends and family. If you have been a victim of a scam you should report it to Consumer Direct on 0845 404 OS 06 www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or you can contact your local police station.

Other useful places to get information are:­The Office of Fair Trading 0845 7 22 44 99 Financial Services Authority 0845 606 1234 Your local Citizen's Advice Bureau (see local phone book for contact details).

CRIME UPDATE

House burglaries.- Daytime

Silverdale Grove- Bodily force to gain entry, property stolen. Silverdale Avenue - Forced open garage door, entry through lower panel of door, property stolen.

Please support our sponsors

FRENCH TUTOR

French tutor available for private lessons or classes either written or conversational

Hourly rates to suit or monthly packages

Contact JAYNE JOHNSON on 07930 522942 or Office 01 13 2503109

Ings Lane - Bodily force used to remove bottom panel of door, property stolen.

Ashtofts Mount-Unknown tool used to prise rear window open, property taken.

Oxford Avenue - Entry through insecure window, property taken.

Thorpe Lane - Entry through insecure upper window, property taken.

Blake Crescent - Entry gained via an organised home helper. Cash stolen.

South View - Entry gained through accessing keys through cat flap, then used to open door, property and car taken.

Bransdale Gardens - Entry gained through prising conservatory door with hammer and chisel. Cash stolen.

Burglary Other;

The Lilacs - Entry gained to garage through forced padlock, property taken.

Hallem Street - entry through removal of small rear window, property taken.

Nunroyd House - Entry through bodily force of door, payphone take.

Otley Road - Entry through metal shutter then window, property taken.

Spenser Road - Garage broken into, property taken.

Goose Lane - Entry by bodily force to garage door, quad bike taken.

Criminal damage.

Cairn Avenue, Spenser Road, Southway, Wesley Court, Otle,y Road, SpringHeld'ferrace-damage to vehicles.

Otley Road, Tennyson Street - windows smashed

Other;

Thorpe Lane - Transit van and trailer stolen.

West End terrace -- personal items, machinery and tools taken by smashing window of transit van.

Moor Top Quarry-Diesel taken from H.G.V. Church Street - Pedal cycle taken.

Park Gate Crescent - Garden ornament taken.

In Menston a thief drove off a Ford Transit van while the driver was unloading tools from the vehicle. The van had also been left unlocked with the keys in the ignition

LIGHTEN UP

Now that the dark nights are once more upon us you can reduce the risk of becoming the victim of a burglary by

leaving a light on inside the house using a timer switch to turn lights on using outside lighting

Leave a light on in more than one well-used room such as the lounge and bedroom and vary the room you illuminate to avoid predictability.

Use a timer switch to operate the lights as it starts to get dark, especially during the autumn and winter, when the days are shorter - frequently change the times that the light comes on so that times do not become predictable.

Outdoor security lighting should operate either on a timer switch or permanently from dusk to dawn - low energy lighting that is controlled by a photo­electric cell ( a light sensitive, dusk to dawn switch)

Is recommended as it is very energy efficient and inexpensive to run. West Yorkshire Police do not recommend the use of movement activated (PIR) lighting.

Outdoor lights, including all wiring should be out of reach.

Privacy for you is also privacy for the burglar to work unseen - keep plants and hedges trimmed and illuminate the dark corners of your premises.

N.B. The older type locks on UAVC doors (euro-profile) are very easily broken by would-be burglars. The part where you put the key protrudes about half a centimetre from the door. It is easy for burglars to get a grip on it and break it off The Police urge people to ward off burglars by having their locks changed.

POLICE SURGERIES

These are held in Morrison's Supermarket, Guiseley on the first and third Wednesdays of each month between 12 noon and 1 p.m. If you prefer to discuss your problem in private rather than in store, the officer will be very happy to organise this with you.

SATELLITE NAVIGATION WARNING

Police have urged drivers not to leave their journey home programmed into their satellite navigation systems.

If your car is broken into, particularly if you have an in­built samav as part of the dashboard, all the offenders have to do is search for "home" or similar and it will take them right to the door of your empty residence.

Police say it is not enough simply to hide satnavs in the glove compartment or under the seat - drivers should take them out of the car altogether when parking.

if you must have a setting saved to get you home, only ever put your town in to get you back to familiar territory, DO NOT use the postcode.

THEFT OF FORD TRANSIT VANS

A bogus builder wearing a hard hat ran on to a building site in llkley and drove off in a Ford Transit van. 'The van had been left unlocked with the keys in the ignition.  

GUISELEY NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 4   2007

ERIC BISHOP RETIRING

It is with regret that the committee learned of Eric's decision to resign from Neighbourhood Watch.

Eric is a founder member of the Guiseley N/W and has been an active supporter of N/W both locally, serving as Chair for several years, and as the West Yorkshire representative on the National N/W Council.

Eric's active hard work over the years has contributed greatly to the success of Guiseley N/W and his participation will be greatly missed. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Eric for his service and commitment.

COLD CALLER .

BAN CUTS DOORSTEP CRIME BY 80%

The typical victim of doorstep crime is an elderly woman living alone. Criminals posing as cold callers tend to target homes with visible clues such as handrails or wheelchair access ramps," an LGA spokesman said. "In some cases they have been known to trawl obituaries columns to identify the recently bereaved".

In extreme cases people have lost their life savings, or had to move into residential care, because they had been targeted repeatedly by cold callers.

Other tradesmen have charged for repairs, then disappeared with the money without doing the work. In many cases a visit from a rogue trader was followed up by a theft from the property.

The zones will be policed by special constables or by community teams.

Town Halls throughout England are being urged to set up "No Cold Calling Zones" in light of evidence that these have led to an 80% reduction in doorstep crime.

Trials involving more than a thousand zones over the past 2 years, covering 350,000 households, have shown sharp falls in overall ~crime and distraction theft according to the Local Government- Association (LGA).

Established to deter rogue traders, bogus officials and thieves, the zones are identified by stickers in households windows and by street signs.

REPORT FROM A N/W MEMBER

KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE

As parents..........

Be aware of who your children are socialising `safe' friends.

Ask them to be conscious of the time, and make sure you know where they are going.

Get them to be safety aware, particularly if they've been drinking.

Ensure that they have a mobile phone, but tell them not to use it in badly lit streets or outside train stations.

Give them a "spare" wallet containing loose change, an out-of-date cash point card and old mobile so if they are mugged they have something to give away.

As Children...... ...

Avoid situations where you can be challenged -­on a bus it's better to sit near the driver than at the back of the top deck.

Don't flaunt items like mobile phones or I Pods. Don't carry knives.          Even if it makes you feel safer you may end up in trouble for using it, or an attacker could use it on you.

Knives are only effective at close range, so if someone produces one, get away from it. Consider your clothes. If you dress like a gang member to fit in, you could be targeted.

HOME-SAFETY CHECKS

The FREE fire and home safety check is still available for anyone who has not already taken advantage of this offer.

The check only takes a few minutes by pre­arranged appointments. Local fire fighters will provide advice on fire safety and give free smoke detectors, fitted with a 10 year long life battery.

To book a Home Safety Fire Check telephone Rawdon- Fire Station (0113) 2502223 or 0800 5874536

NEW TELEPHONE BANKING SCAM

The public has been warned recently not to give bank details out to cold callers after a new telephone scam carne to light.

A number of consumers have been telephoned by people claiming to be from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) who asked them for their personal and financial information so that they could reclaim bank charges on their behalf.

The OFT warned that the callers had no connection with them, and they were trying to get people's details in order to commit identity theft or run up debt in their name.

The scam is cashing in on the highly topical issue of bank charges. The fraudsters were saying the consumer would be refunded bank charges in order to get them to part with their details.

CRIME UPDATE

There has been a total of 38 crimes in the period 14th - 31st Aug.

15th Aug: Shakespeare Road. Property stolen from insecure premises, suspect arrested at scene 17th - 25th Aug: Attempted entry, lock attacked. 20th Aug: Back Lane. Mole grip instrument used to remove lock - failed entry.

20th Aug: Fast Lane;. Entry via insecure door, suspect made untidy search, and was arrested.

20th Aug: Greenfield Ave. Entry to unoccupied property damage to panel and door, properly stolen.

23rd.Aug: Station Road. Entry via front door, premises searched, vehicle stolen.

25th Aug: Back Lane. Removal of euro profile lock, property stolen, 2 arrested.

26th Aug: Back Lane. Entry through rear insecure door, property stolen, suspect arrested. 14th Aug: The Green Damage to motor vehicles. 20th Aug: Tennyson Street. Smashed window pane. Persons arrested.

28th Aug: Coppice Wood Ave: Suspects throw stones damaging vehicle.

Any views expressed are those of the editor and not necessarily of the Neighbourhood Watch. Guiseley NW does not accept liability for anything contained within these newsletters.         .

NEWSLETTER 

ISSUE 3 YEAR 2007

CRIME UPDATE

Yearly crime figures - 895 crimes in the last 12 months which is a drop of 138 crimes compared to last year. There has been an increase in burglaries in both houses and outbuildings/commercial buildings.

For period mid May to mid June - 76 crimes

 7 House Burglaries:

The Oval 8.10 - 16.30 Fri 11^th  May - Patio door forced, jewellery taken. 

Westgate 2.15 Wed 23 May - Euro profile lock removed using mole grips, car keys and car stolen. 

Ashtofts Mount 14.45 Wed 23 May - bogus electricity man. 

The Elms 3.00 - 3.15 Thurs 24 May - entry via open ground floor window, property removed, door locked on leaving.

Westgate 15.00 Tues 22 May - 12.00 Fri 1 June locks temporarily fitted, persons used mole grips to attempt to snap lock.

 Bradford Road 0.45 -- 0.55 Tues 5 June - lock barrel pulled out of rear door (attempt).

 Park Road 22.30 Tues 5 June - 7.00 Wed 6 June Occupants in bed whilst suspect removed euro profile lock with mole grips. Property, car keys and vehicle stolen.

There was also damage to 3 buildings in Masefield Street, Victoria Road and Shakespeare Road and to 4 motor vehicles in Hawskworth Lane, Ings Avenue, Westside Retail Park and Mill Lane.

9 Other Burglaries

Goose Lane 20.00-21.00 Mon 14 May - locks broken.

 Highroyds Hospital 20.00 - 20.30 Thurs 17 May -­suspects seen removing property.

 Netherfield Road 14.00 - 14.26 Sun 20 May - window smashed brass instruments removed. 

Kelcliffe Lane 1.30 Sat 19 May -- suspects use bodily force to gain entry, alarm activated suspects make off.

Westway15.00 - 15.15 - garage entered by insecure door.

Park Road 12.00 Mon 28 May - 9.00 Tues 29 - Suspects break lock on garage and bend back door. 

Oxford Road 0.01 - 17.00 Mon 28 May - suspects break down door and remove property 

Netherfield Road 3.00 Fri l June suspects enter insecure garage, remove copper piping.

Netherfield Road 14.00 3 June - 6.00 4 June suspects enter garage through insecure window and damage inside.

SATELLITE NAVIGATION

This type of crime is still happening despite all warnings. A thief smashed the window of a parked car at St. Leonards Farm Park, Esholt to steal a sat/nav system and cradle. The theft happened between 12.00 and 4.45pm lst June and in Ilkley a handbag has been snatched from a parked car. The thief smashed a window of the vehicle on Hangingstone Road between 1pm and 1.20pm an June 12".

 CREDIT CARD FRAUD

Victims of credit card fraud have been told not to bother reporting the crime to the police, although theft of credit cards should still be reported.

With one in three people being the victim of credit card fraud it is essential that there is no suggestion that this type of crime is being downgraded. Banks insisted that they treated credit card fraud seriously and pass details on to the police.

The Home Office said that discretion had been handed to the banks to allow police to concentrate on cases "more likely to result in a positive outcome".

Prevention is better than cure

Order a copy of your credit file to ensure no one has applied for credit in your name Experian, the credit reference agency does this through its website at www.creditexpert.co.uk or Equifax, at www.equifax.co.uk.                                                        

•        If you bank, book tickets or shop online do not use the same passwords for all your accounts or store your details on your computer. When shopping online look for "https" in the navigation bar - this means the site is secure.

•        Shred personal documents including envelopes that have your name and address on them.

If you are getting rid of an old computer wipe the hard drive or files could be retrieved by hackers.

When using chip and pin shield your number from those nearby or cameras.

Check bank and credit card statements and be careful of disclosing confidential information on the telephone or internet.

You are most at risk when you move home, Experian says that about 40% of frauds it encounters involve an old address. Ensure that no mail is sent to your previous address

NEW LAW ON JAIL SENTENCES

Thousands more criminals will be sent to prison as a result of laws expected to be announced shortly.

A key component of the new bill will introduce the violent offender order (Voo), which prevents violent criminals, after they complete their sentences, meeting certain people or going to places associated with their offending behaviour.

Officials privately estimate this will add 3,000 to the prison population, because large numbers are expected to breach Voos triggering jail sentences of up to five years. The rate of ASBO breaches exceeds 50°i°.

The bill is also expected to cut magistrates' powers to hand down suspended sentences. Experts believe that could add 1,200 inmates a year. It is claimed that this will put an impossible strain on the prisons system.

ROGUE ROOFER

It has been reported that a man has been calling upon households in the area (usually elderly persons) stating that their roof needed repairing and quoting a reasonable price. Upon completion, the money demanded was far in excess of the original quote and his attitude was threatening when the bill was queried. It is recommended that you only use a recognised bona fide company.

GUISELEY POLICE CONTACT POINT

Can we remind you that the Guiseley Police Contact Point is held in the foyer of Morrisons from 12 noon until lpm on the first and third Wednesday of every month. This gives members of the public the opportunity to liase with the police and ask for advice on a variety of situations.

TOP TIPS FOR SECURING YOUR GARDEN

•        Plant prickly plants such as pyracantha, holly and roses under windows to make access more difficult.

•        Use gravel on paths and drives so you can hear thieves coming.

•        Lock away all garden equipment, expensive tools and bicycles at night and cover shed windows with blinds or curtains.

• Fit approved locks to your garage and a sturdy padlock to your shed.

Take photographs of valuable garden ornaments, keep a note of equipment serial numbers and mark expensive items with your postcode.

Personalise your lawnmower and garden tools by painting them with designs, making them more difficult to sell if they are stolen.

•        Install security lights and an alarm that also covers outbuildings.

•        Protect statues with a sensory alarm that will be set off if they are moved.

•        Put bricks or rocks in the bottom of large pots, making them more difficult for thieves to carry away.

•        If you have particularly valuable trees, secure them using tree anchors.