The Association of Leeds North Neighbourhood Watches |
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Leeds North Neighbourhood Watch Handbook
© Copyright 2000 Leeds North Neighbourhood Watch Association copies of this booklet available via the Neighbourhood Policing Team at Otley Aims
& Objectives
To
create an effective organisation to work with the Police promoting good
citizenship and greater public participation in the prevention and solution of
crime in the area. The
Role of the Co-ordinator
The
Co-ordinator is the link between the Police and the scheme and is responsible
for passing information from the Police to the members. It is not the Co-ordinator’s responsibility to pass messages from the
members to the Police. The
Co-ordinator needs to keep up to date records of all members within the scheme.
A scheme can not exist without a registered Co-ordinator. The
Role of the Member
Members, while going about their daily business, should recognise suspicious activity by person or persons unknown and when necessary inform the Police immediately by dialling 999 if they believe a crime is in progress, life is being threatened or property is being damaged or stolen. If immediate Police attendance is not required, the number to dial is: - 0845 6060606. Where
the Police need to be contacted, do not wait for the co-ordinator to Act on your
behalf. The co-ordinator should be kept aware of all crime in the scheme in order to collate information and inform other members. Looking after your HomeHere are a few
basic tips to help protect your home against burglary.
Every home is different. Free
advice on security of your home, car and personal security is available from the
West Yorkshire Police. Always consult your insurance company before undertaking any major security upgrades Your
Neighbours
Violent crime against our older neighbours is fortunately relatively uncommon. The risks of becoming a victim can be reduced, by just giving your advice and help. This can be very reassuring, especially if they live alone. You could offer to fit, or
arrange to have fitted, additional window and door locks, door viewers and
chains.
Beware
of the Bogus Caller
If you do not know the caller ask him for an identity card and be sure to check it properly. If you are still unsure, ask for and take note of the companies telephone number. Then you can phone his organisation to check while he waits outside.
Doorstep alert stickers are available from your Neighbourhood Watch Office or your Co-ordinator OBSERVE
AND RECORD
How
to Watch
If you see
something suspicious the first rule is to observe calmly and discreetly. You
must not risk injury by confronting the suspect. Stay in the house and make a
note of what is happening. Write it down if possible. INFORMATION NOT CONFRONTATION Details
are important
Whenever you
pass on information, remember that an accurate description of suspected people
and vehicles could save time and confusion. Do not assume that the Police will
know the area. WHAT/WHO
IS SUSPICIOUS?
Something
that is suspicious is something that is unusual, it makes you take a second look
or it’s just strange. Some
things are obvious: -
Some
things are not as obvious: -
If you see something that makes you think twice get a description of the person and or vehicle and write it down.
POST CODE IT
MARK
YOUR PROPERTY. All portable property should be marked including electrical
equipment, ornaments and gardening items. Use your Post Code and house number
(or the first three letters of the house name). That number will be unique to
you. Use ultra violet marker pens or for a more permanent mark use an engraver
or stamping kit. These can be obtained via your scheme co-ordinator.
Instructions for use and stickers are contained within the kit.
Display a ‘Burglars Beware- Post Coded Property’ sticker in your
window. Photograph or video any valuable items which are difficult to mark or describe (e.g. jewellery) remember to include in your picture a size indicator e.g. ruler. List the serial numbers of all your electrical and other valuable property e.g. Cameras, and keep the list in a safe place. The ‘Coded for Keeps’ leaflet will show you how to do this. Update new purchases. Whilst not preventing theft, coded property helps the police to detect crime and your property is more likely to be returned. The Police have to prove that an item is stolen, before charges can be brought, and without positive identification this is a difficult task. Ultra violet marker pens can be purchased via the Neighbourhood Watch, The Crime Prevention Panel or local DIY and stationery stores. DON’T FORGET TO DISPLAY A ‘BURGLAR BEWARE’ –POSTCODED PROPERTY’ STICKER IN YOUR WINDOW Communication
Communication is the key to a successful Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. It is important that all crimes are reported. Where the police have no knowledge of a particular crime, they will be unable to investigate and bring offenders to justice. When you contact the police, please ask for a reference number or the name of the officer you are talking to, as this will enable you to obtain further information about your incident at a later date. USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERSImmediate response- 999Always dial 999 in the following circumstances · Where there is danger to life · Where a serious crime is in progress or is likely to occur · Where a suspect for a serious crime is present or near · Where violence is being used or threatened · Where there is a road traffic accident involving serious personal injury · Where there is a victim who is especially vulnerable Never assume that someone else has already called about the
incident. It is better to receive a number of calls about the same incident than
receive no calls at all. NON EMERGENCY- 0845 6060606
0845 6060606 should be used when police attendance is required in a non-emergency situation. Simply dial this number and you will be connected to the police. NON ATTENDANCE BY THE POLICE If you do not require
police attendance, but you need police help and advice call your local HELP DESK
open 24 hours 0113 2413459 CRIMESTOPPERSThe ‘Crimestoppers’ scheme gives members of the public the chance to contact the police and give information about any crime or criminal anonymously by using the free-phone number 0800 555 111 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH LIAISON OFFICER0113 2413441 CRIME PREVENTION OFFICER
0113 2413439 Other Numbers
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