Make sure it’s getting to you – and nobody else. If you live in a flat, be aware that other people have potential access to the front door; so it’s worth taking your post in as soon as you can, and arranging to pick up bank cards and cheque books from a local branch.

In any case, consider registering with the Mailing Preference Service – (mpsonline.org.uk) which will take your name off most direct mailing lists. This means you should get far fewer of those application forms which come complete with pre-filled-in details and which can easily be sent off in your name.Where many of us go wrong is in forgetting to get all mail redirected when we move. Inform the companies you deal with, but also get everything formally redirected by the Royal Mail.

SEEN THE LIGHT!

There is no doubt that burglars prefer to operate in the dark. A quick look at the figures shows that there is always a rise in house burglary once the nights start to draw in. The reason for this is quite simple. Not only can thieves move around during the dark evenings without drawing attention to themselves’ but it’s also easy for them to spot the unoccupied house.

When the thieves are asked how they got away with it, they will reply ‘it’s easy, just look for the houses in darkness.’ Whilst it’s not possible to deter all burglars, there is no doubt that if your house or flat looks occupied, many thieves will give it a miss.

The use of a timer switch connected to a lamp can be used effectively to turn on lights in your absence. These are relatively inexpensive to purchase.

CREDIT CARD FRAUD

While banking organisations insist that “plastic” is still safer than cash (and only 0.13 per cent of card transactions in this country are fraudulent), the fact is that when credit cards were first introduced in the UK in the 1960s, it was much more difficult to obtain credit. Also, it was never envisaged that people would be able to spend on them without being physically in front of a vendor, or without the actual card. Now you can buy goods and services over the phone or the internet armed with minimal personal information, the card number, details such as an expiry date and, perhaps, a three-digit security code. Criminals with the most fleeting access to your card can use it to produce “clone” cards and even watch or film you using your PIN number. And the increase in phone and internet account servicing means that sometimes we don’t receive paper bills, (for example, if we’ve agreed to waive them in exchange for reduced rates), making it easier to lose track of genuine spending.

On the internet – If you are buying or ordering on-line, order only from websites which you are satisfied are secure enough to trust with your card details. Most use software to scramble your details to protect them from hackers, but they should have a section on the site (sometimes listed under Frequently asked Questions, or FAQs) to describe the security measures in place. If possible, phone through card details, rather than e-mailing them, but make sure you know to whom you are speaking.

Over the phone – Don’t make purchases where you might be overheard giving personal details such as from an open-plan office at work, but particularly in public using a mobile telephone, where criminals might even use a device called a scanner to listen in on the transaction.

Never give personal or account details to any person who has “cold-called” you, even if they give you a contact number to call them back on, however plausible they may seem.

Consider asking a credit reference agency to send you a report detailing recent applications for credits you have made – to see if there are any you don’t know about – and any non-payment on credit agreements that exist in your name – there will be a charge for this service.

If you know someone has stolen personal information, you can pay the Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance System (CIFAS) – an organisation of lenders and other service providers – for “protective registration,” which means your address will carry a warning so that future applications are referred back for further validation. Call CIFAS on 0870 010 2091 -www.cifas.org.uk.

DOORSTEP TRADERS

*Tips to keep you safe *

·   Always take care when opening the door to anyone.

·   Make sure you use your door bar or chain.

·   Always check the persons ID Card and verify that they are genuine.

THE BASIC RULE IS DON’T DO BUSINESS ON THE DOORSTEP.

·   If you are looking for a tradesman, there are schemes around the area that can help.

·   If you want more information on  

   the schemes that are available

   contact  the Consumer Helpline     on 0113 3 848 848.

     ·   If you are having any work   done then it is worth paying   only on completion of the                 job.

·   Make sure you are entirely satisfied with the work before you pay.

·   If you agree to buy goods from a doorstep seller, and you did not invite them to call, then you may have a short period of time in which to cancel the order.

·   If you do wish to cancel a contract you have signed seek help and advice as quickly as possible.

·   If a doorstep seller is in your home and is pressurising you to buy, then firmly ask them to leave your property. If they refuse to do so then contact the 

Police on 0845 60 60 606.

·   Remember FREE SECURITY ADVICE is available from the Crime Prevention Officer at your local police station.  

Police Non-Emergency

Number 0845 6060606

Neighbourhood Policeman

And Team  - PC John Heys

01943 858 035

Otley Police Station

01943 858071

Neighbourhood Watch

Liaison Officer –

Peter Krushniak 0113 2413441

Noise Nuisance Team

(9am – 5pm) 0113 247 6026

Rubbish Removal

0113 247 7477

Street Lighting 0845 1240113

Leeds             Community Mediation Service  0113 242 411

Leeds Victim Support

0113 395 1260

Drug Helpline 0800 776600

Leeds Womens Aid

0113 2460407

The YARN Committee wish to thank Royal Mail for delivering the News Letter and The Dragons Health Club - for    allowing YARN the use of their facilities for the YARN monthly meetings.