MAY 2006

Co-ordinators Meeting

The next Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators meeting will be held at 1930hrs on Monday 16^th May. The venue is Otley Methodist Church (Walkergate entrance).

As you may now be aware there are now four Police Community Support Officers (PCSO James Birks, PCSO Luke Riddett, PCSO Peter Andrews and PCSO Richard Kersnik) who all parade from Otley Police Station.

The Role of the PCSO`S is to give a more high visibility police presence. They deal a lot with anti-social Behaviour and nuisance youths in the area. They are always on foot so they are easy to approach should you need help or advise.

Additional police patrols will be working in Otley and every effort will be made to fight crime and the fear of crime. 

REMEMBER

Good descriptions are vital. They enable others to identify these people as soon as they walk into their premises. If they are carrying anything this is often a good means of identifying them also. Also remember direction of travel.

Our aim is to prevent crime in the first instance.

 PURSE THEFTS

Over the last few months Otley has been targeted by what we call ‘purse dippers’. They usually target elderly and vulnerable people, stealing their purse and pensions, but everyone is at risk if you give them the opportunity. We are asking for you help to try and stop this crime. If you see someone who has their handbag or shopping bag open with their purse on full view, please take a moment to warn them. There have been some extra police officers working in town trying to identify any likely suspects and distributing leaflets and posters.

From intelligence gathered we believe these purse thieves to be of a European origin.

·        Don’t leave your purse unattended or in open view in your bag

·        Keep a firm hold of your purse

·        Don’t display large amounts of cash to tempt an attacker

·        Don’t carry more cash than is needed

·        Keep cheque books and credit cards in separate places

·         Don’t carry pin numbers with your cards

BAGS

·        The safest bags have secure fasteners and zips

·        Carry your bag under your arm and over your head

·         Shoulder bags tempt attackers

Be prepared to give up your bag rather than risk injury

CAR THEFTS

Recently there has been a spate of theft from cars

It takes only a few seconds to take valuables out of a car. Don’t make it easy. Never leave a car door unlocked or a window or sunroof open even at a filling station or outside a shop.

Never leave credit cards or chequebooks in the glove compartment and don’t leave the vehicle documents in the car.

Nothing of any value should be left on display inside the car. Even a coat or bag might tempt a thief to believe that it contains something of value.

Lock anything of value in the boot or better still remove it completely from the vehicle.

Security mark your stereo and take it with you if it is removable. Make a note of the serial number and keep it in a safe place. If you have alloy wheels get them permanently marked and have the car registration number etched on all the car windows.

The good news is that two males (from Leeds) have been arrested in connection with these thefts and have been charged and remanded in custody

KEEPING SAFE

If you find yourself in an aggressive or violent situation don’t take any risks – your personal safety comes first. These approaches may help:-

·        Watch out for warning signals such as hostile body language, nervousness, or the smell of drink

·        Avoid actions that may trigger violence such as standing too close to people, pointing, touching, turning your back, swearing or making sudden movements

·        Keep calm and behave as normally as possible

·        Keep your distance from threatening behaviour. Don’t get involved in an argument

·        Make a note of all incidents. Call the police if necessary

·         Remember the offender’s distinguishing features

What is Neighbourhood Watch?

Neighbourhood Watch is the largest voluntary crime prevention group in the country with over 10 million members.

Neighbourhood Watch groups assist the police by sharing information about local crime, reporting suspicious incidents, taking crime prevention measures to protect their homes and possessions and by looking after their neighbours’ homes, especially at holiday times.

The importance of these actions cannot be understated - not only do they reduce the opportunity for crime to take place, they actively assist us in detecting crime, apprehending criminals and reducing the fear of crime.

Neighbourhood Watch Committee

            Chair – Valerie Evangel Dand

Bill Mcllwraith

Keith Laydon

Derek Mason

Sheila Shackleton

Christopher Renton

James Birks 

If anyone has any information or articles they would like to provide for future newsletters please contact PCSO BIRKS on 01943 858035

Many thanks to Guiseley Neighbourhood Watch for continuing to support in the printing of the newsletter.

AGM

HELD ON 10TH JANUARY 2005 IN THE CIVIC CENTRE

OTLEY AT 7.30PM

AGENDA.

Click on the link, to the left, for the latest Newsletter

Otley Neighbourhood Watch

December 2003

Annual General Meeting

In 2003 it was not possible to hold the AGM but it is expected that it will be held in April 2004(i.e. when the nights are lighter). Co-ordinators are urged to invite new members to the Committee and in preparation this news letter includes an outline committee composition and

draft “job descriptions” (over the page) for the committee officers. The date, venue and time of the AGM will be advised by another newsletter and by voice mail/email nearer the time.

Online Banking and Credit Card Problems

Recent publicity has highlighted email scams relating to online banking and an increase in credit card fraud. Users should note the special warnings given by banks on their web sites and take extra special care when disposing of credit card slips, e.g. using a paper shredder.

“My Car Keys are Safe” ???

In Otley cars continue to be taken from domestic properties where the thief has obtained the car keys, which have been left in a visible and accessible place. These incidents have been repeatedly highlighted in the local press and in this newsletter (since April 2002). A large number of burglaries are committed simply to steal car keys.

Members are reminded that they should never leave any keys in locks, on window ledges or kitchen tables and never on a hook behind the door.

Another Car Key Problem!

Drivers arriving home to find an obstruction in the driveway, e.g. their wheelie bin should be especially cautious. A thief may be lurking in the shadows ready to steal the vehicle whilst the owner is moving the obstruction.

Drivers should remove the car keys at all times including when they are washing the car on their driveway.

Nuisance telephone Calls.

Certain companies who advertise by “cold calling” have computerised their systems to multi dial several calls. The problem with this system is that there is an increase in phone calls that when answered are just cut off. Elderly people in particular fear that they are being targeted and as a result, this type of call is increasing the fear of crime. If dialling 1471 does not produce the callers number (unlikely with cold calling agencies) and if the problem continues the best action at the moment is to report it to the Police.

Wheelie Bin Stickers

For those members who live on a main street or road, new notices are available to stick on wheelie bins to highlight the 30-mph speed limit.

These are available from your co-ordinator and/or the membership secretary.

Seasonal Reminders – see over the page

During the longer periods of darkness and also now that the Christmas season is approaching it is important to check a number of security measures, as follows-

Confirm that all your doors and windows have got sufficient locks and they are in use.

Handle cash carefully and if you use a cash machine take special care around you.

Remember to let your neighbours know if you are away for the celebrations.

If you use a handbag, guard it carefully at all times.

Shopping left in your vehicle must be out of sight in the boot.

Take the time to mark your new possessions with a property-marking pen.

Make sure you have enough timer switches to make it look as if you’re at home.

Alarms (if fitted) should be set correctly and used at night.

Sneak-in burglaries continue to rise, make sure your doors are locked at all times.

What is Neighbourhood Watch?

This topic will be discussed in order to refresh all scheme members’ memories of what Neighbourhood Watch is all about.

Neighbourhood Watch is one of the biggest and most successful crime prevention initiatives ever. Behind it lies a simple idea, and a central value shared by millions of people around the country:

Getting together with your neighbours to take action can cut local crime.

Everyone knows that the police are there to fight crime, but they need your help to do an effective job. Neighbourhood Watch (or Home Watch as it is known in some areas) is all about an active partnership with the police. Neighbourhood Watch schemes can:

·        Cut crime and the opportunities for crime.

·        Help and reassure those who live in fear of crime.

·        Encourage neighbourliness and closer communities.

Neighbourhood Watch is not just about reducing burglary figures – it’s about creating communities who care. It brings local people together and can make a real contribution to improving their lives. The activity of Watch members can foster a new community spirit and a belief in the community’s ability to tackle problems. At the same time you feel secure, knowing that your neighbours are keeping an eye on your property.

There are other benefits to Neighbourhood Watch schemes too. You will become familiar with crime prevention ideas, which will help keep your home and belongings safe. And the extra security which belonging to a Neighbourhood Watch scheme offers might even mean that you could get a discount from your insurance company.

Committee Composition / “Job Descriptions”

The following composition and description of functions is intended to indicate the commitment required of a person volunteering to help in the activities of the Otley Neighbourhood Watch Group Committee.

·        Chairperson – to preside over committee and group meetings.

·        Secretary – to prepare and distribute agendas,  take minutes of meetings, circulate draft minutes to the committee as soon as possible after meetings to confirm agreed action points.

·        Treasurer – to manage financial matters related to group activities.

·        Membership Secretary – to maintain register of Scheme Co-ordinators and liase with Schemes in order to help Co-ordinators to keep numbers of members in each scheme up to date.

·        Newsletter Secretary – to prepare newsletters, print, prepare for circulation and liase with the Post Office.

·        Police Community Liaison Officer – to liase with Chairperson and other members of the committee on matters relating to the activities of the group.

·        Committee Members – The number should ideally represent the interests of the different schemes’ locations and particular concerns.

If you would be interested to take an active roll in Neighbourhood Watch matters please drop a note into the police station marked for the attention of the Neighbourhood Watch Membership Secretary by 31^st December 2003. YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH GROUP NEEDS YOU !!!!

Otley Neighbourhood Watch

NEWS LETTER April 2003

(Issue number19)

The next meeting of the Otley Neighbourhood Watch Group will take place at the RAOB Club, Westgate on Wednesday 30^th April 2003 starting at 7 30 p.m.

By popular request the meeting will close at 9.00 p.m. sharp.

For this meeting, there will be a special presentation by Mr Keith Laydon, Otley Neighbourhood Watch committee member, on the subject of Identity Theft and Identity Fraud.

All Co-ordinators and their scheme members are especially welcome to this important meeting.

There is increasing reference in the media, both in newspapers and on television, to Identity Theft and Identity Fraud. Keith’s presentation will explain the “symptoms -, recognition - and ways - of avoiding and/or combating the problems”.

The following summary is taken from “A guide to Identity Theft for Consumers” published by the Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance System (CIFAS).

 Identity Theft is the misappropriation of the identity of another person, without their knowledge or consent.

Identity Fraud can be described as the use of that stolen identity in criminal activity, to obtain goods or services by deception. Usually, but not always, it involves the use of stolen or forged identity documents, e.g. a passport or driving licence. Such documents have been known to be presented to the police as “proof” of identity, e.g. after a road accident.

There are a number of ways in which you can recognise if you are a victim of identity theft:

·        Your regular bank or credit card statement fails to appear, or you notice that some of your mail seems to be missing.

·        Your credit card statement includes charges for items you have not purchased or ordered.

·        A debt collection agency contacts you about goods you have not ordered or an account you have not opened.

·        You receive a telephone call or letter telling you that you have been approved or denied credit for accounts that you know nothing about.

If you believe you may have fallen victim to identity theft – DON’T ignore it. It won’t go away, and the problems will be that much harder to solve the longer it goes on. Contact everyone involved and seek expert help. For example check your credit reference files held by the two big agencies to see whether anyone is applying for credit in your name. This is essential if your wallet or purse is stolen.

There are a number of ways to prevent Identity Fraud. The following are some examples:

·         Do not carry extra credit cards, utility bills,       birth certificate, passport or other identity       documents except when necessary.

·        Always retain credit card receipts, and carefully destroy them before disposal.

·        Never leave a purse or wallet unattended, or in open view in your car, even when your car is locked.

·        Do not discard any sensitive information, e.g. bank statements, telephone and other utility bills, without first tearing them into small pieces or shredding them. This includes any promotional information that carries your name and address.

In summary take extra care when giving out

Personal information whether it be in a shop or restaurant or over the phone.

 Crime Figure Update

The following figures cover the period January to December 2002. The corresponding figures for 2001 are given in brackets.

The overall crime figures for Otley are lower than for other areas in the Weetwood division. However the figures for 2002 show an increase in the number of burglaries of dwellings both north and south of the river compared to 2001.

This is thought to have been due to the increased practise of stealing vehicle keys from dwellings in order to steal vehicles. This statistic is not showing an increase in the number of vehicle thefts.

Once again these figures endorse the importance of taking the following action to reduce this type of crime: -

·        Lock doors and windows in the property, even when you are in and especially when you are outside, e.g. in the garden.

·        Do not leave car or house keys lying about in places accessible to potential thieves.

·        Remove keys from the car when going into a shop or at a filling station and always lock the car.

“Keep Yor-Keys Safe”

NEWS LETTER DECEMBER 2002

(Issue number18)

The next meeting of the Otley Neighbourhood Watch Group will take place at the RAOB Club, Westgate on Wednesday 29^th January 2003 starting at 7 30 p.m.

Further details about this meeting will be given to Co-ordinators nearer the time.

Bar-coded Property Labels

In April of this year (newsletter issue 16) Co-ordinators were asked to submit a list of their scheme members to the Crime Prevention Officer. An excellent response to this police initiative has resulted in all but four of the schemes in the Otley Neighbourhood Watch Group being given the bar-code labels to mark their property. This project is designed to help the police return lost or stolen property to the rightful owner.

The remaining four, listed below, are asked to contact Peter Krushniak, as soon as possible, on 0113 241 3441 so that all members in the Group are supplied with these security marking labels.

Scheme Number         Location

12                                Falcon Close

88                                                                Rills Mead Crescent

And one of the schemes on each of the following

102                                                            St Clair Road

104                              Mount Pisgah

Noise Problems 

The telephone number above should be used if neighbours are making an unacceptable amount of noise. Do not ring any of the police numbers. 0113 247 6284 is dedicated to giving a rapid response to resolve noise problems.

House Care at Christmas Time – this year’s seasonal reminders issued by the West Yorkshire Police

Home security gives you more peace of mind

Open windows invite thieves

Use a door safety chain at all times

Security locks should be fitted to all doors and

   windows

Exterior lights deter thieves at night

Check identification cards of ‘officials’ at your

   door

All valuable items should be marked with your

    postcode

Remember to lock all doors and windows when

    leaving your home

Exercise care, and keep your home secure

Please care! And have a happy Christmas

During 2002 there have been many references in the press and in the Otley Neighbourhood Watch newsletters to various police initiatives to reduce crime and to make the community a safer place in which to live.

Operation Your-Keys was launched in January to alert the public for the need to look after their car keys – to store them in a safe place in the home – and thereby reduce the incidence of car theft from driveways and garages. Twelve months later this type of crime is still being reported in the press.

Back to Basics is another initiative launched by the West Yorkshire Police in 2002 to highlight the need to re-address basic crime prevention measures. Two of these were copied onto the last newsletter – ‘vehicle crime’ and ‘distraction burglary’. Two others – ‘Object ID’ and ‘Sneak-Ins’ were also mentioned.

‘Object ID’ or property marking is not a new concept. Postcoding-, photographing- and making written records of- any valuable or unusual items and including bar-coding all come into this category.

‘Sneak-Ins’ In a six month period during 2001, 5798 Sneak-ins were recorded. This equates to almost 20% of all burglary. It can be prevented at no cost by taking control of keys and locking all doors and windows and making sure those car keys, wallets, purses, money, jewellery and other attractions are kept out of sight.

These cards are available through the Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators and at local police stations.

Doorstep Callers

Don’t make it easy for thieves – take the following simple advice to significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. It is not only the elderly who are targeted by bogus callers. Offenders often pose as officials from the council, utilities or as workmen to get inside people’s homes.

Before you open the door, check to see whom it is by looking through your front window, or by using a door viewer if you have one.

 Only open the door when you have put the chain on.

 Get a good look at their clothing. Some official callers will have a uniform bearing the company organisation or logo. Remember that a uniform alone doesn’t make the caller genuine. Also ask to see proof of identity. Genuine callers will carry an identity card, usually displaying their photograph.

 Utility services may operate a password system – contact your local branch to find out.

 Suggest that the caller should come back later, especially if they have no appointment. You can then check their story by telephoning the organisation or company they claim to represent.

 Check any telephone number the caller gives you in your own telephone directory. Do not rely on any number offered by the caller – it may be the number of a partner in crime.

 Always lock the back door before opening the front door, or vice versa. Bogus callers sometimes work in pairs – one caller could be distracting at the front, whilst the other sneaks round the back. Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming they have seen something untoward in your back garden or somewhere that may encourage you to leave your house.

 Let the police and your neighbours know if you have had a suspicious caller at the door.

Locks and chains are only a deterrent if they are used!

  Emergency situations can arise. Do not leave the door chain on all the time, as this may cause a delay – only put the door chain on before answering the door.

REMEMBER – IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT

The Internet

This newsletter along with those from the surrounding areas is now published on the Internet. The website address is - www.leedsnorthnw.org.uk (that's this site)

In addition the new Official National Neighbourhood Watch Association website can be visited at – www.neighbourhoodwatch.net (also known as www.nwatch.org.uk)