Neighbourhood Watch

Statement from the National Association dated 17th March 2006

It is with a great sense of personal regret that I have to inform you that at its meeting yesterday (Thursday, March 16) the Board of Trustees, acting on a report from its financial advisers, concluded that the future solvency of the National Neighbourhood Watch Association (NNWA) could no longer be guaranteed. Therefore, in order to meet its liabilities and its obligations to its employees, the Trustees agreed unanimously that the three permanent members of staff working at NNWA headquarters in Hatfield be made redundant and the appropriate steps taken to close the NNWA.

To read the full text please go to www.neighbourhoodwatch.net

ALL CAR OWNERS AND CAR DRIVERS, PLEASE READ
( originated from Alliance Cornhill insurance - thanks to Bob Heath of West Midlands Group of RoSPA Advanced Drivers Association for the warning)

Be aware of a new car-jacking scheme.You walk across the car park, unlock your car and get inside, lock the doors, start the engine and select reverse. You look into the rear-view mirror to back out of your parking space and notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift back into park or neutral, unlock the doors and get out to remove the paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car the car- jackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. Your engine was running and you would have left your handbag or briefcase in the car.

APART FROM STEALING ANYTHING OF VALUE, THEY MIGHT FIND YOUR ADDRESS AND THEY ALREADY HAVE YOUR KEYS !

Remember, if you see your rear view blocked like this just drive away and remove the paper later !

Shed doors are easy to break into so strengthen the door frame if you can. Outside door hinges should be fitted with coach bolts or non-return screws. Look at the roof, makes sure it is sound and firmly secured to wall frame.

Most garden shed window glass is only held in place by thin timber battens that are nailed into place. Consider replacing these with stronger timber section of steel then secure both types with coach bolts or non return screws. Replace glass with perspex or wired glass, use a lock on any windows that can be opened, consider fitting net curtains so that people cannot see inside.

The following information was passed to the staff of Wolverhampton City Council - sounds like a scam we should all be aware of!

If you receive one of these calls, upon answering the 'phone you will hear a recorded message congratulating you on winning an all expences paid trip to an exotic location. You will then be asked to press 9 to hear further details: if you press 9 you will be connected toa pemium rate line that costs around £20 per minute. Even if you disconnect immediately it will remain connected for a minimum of 5 minutes costing around £100.

The final part of the call involves you being asked to key your postcode and house number (which has other potentially serious consequences). After a further 2 minutes you will receive a message informing you that you are not one of the lucky winners. The total bill will be £260.

Since the calls are coming from outside the UK, BT and other telephone companies are left relatively powerless to act. The only safe solution is to HANG UP before the message prompts you to press 9; even safer is to HANG UP on any unsolicited 'free offer' call.

Other variations involve people claiming to be engineers testing the line: DO NOT DIAL 9, 0 or 0,9# FOR ANYONE - unless you want a huge 'phone bill!

On mobile phones - a missed call comes up, the number is 0709 020 3840. If you call this number back the call will cost £50 per minute. People have complained but these are, apparently legal. Some digits may change but the 0709 will remain the same so beware!

20th June 2004: noted in the Daily Mail a report that the National Neighbourhood Watch Association is having its £500,000 grant by government withdrawn thus effectively forcing its closure. The NNWA say this has happened within two days of them signing a sponsorship deal which has been withdrawn as the government (Home Office) have refused to allow the use (by the sponsors) of the logo. The HO response was that the NNWA financial books were not in good shape, they had been warned to do something about it and having failed the above noted action has been taken.

Neighbourhood Watch was launched in the UK in 1982 after British Police had seen it working in Chicago. More than 155,000 local schemes are in operation covering one in four households. As far as the scheme covering Upton Warren is concerned the possible demise of the NNWA should have little impact; this scheme registered (free) but, apart from one rather poorly photocopied letter (received three times) confirming our registration, when I was the co-ordinator there was nothing else forthcoming from them. The local police in Droitwich supply information to co-ordinators and keep them informed of anything impacting their scheme and I am sure this will continue. This community web site will also continue to pass on any relevant information to residents.

In the late 1990's a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme was created; the majority of residents in and close to the village joined. In addition to the possible insurance benefits (some companies give a discount if you are a member) there is the feeling of belonging to a group of people who look out for each other.

The Scheme only works if we all keep an eye open for each other - this is not nosiness, it's what used to be called 'community spirit'.

After a very unfortunate spate of burlaries in the parish during 2003 we seem to have calmed down, but don't be fooled - they are still out there waiting to take advantage of unlocked cars, sheds or homes.

If you see anything odd, people or cars 'lurking', strangers acting suspiciously get in touch with The Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator on 861905.

If you are not sure if you are a member of the Scheme or want to join please contact the co-ordinator on the above number.

There are sub co-ordinators in each part of the Parish, please contact the main co-ordinator for details.

In November 2003 police in Redditch were warning householders not to respond to hard sell tactics from companies promoting sales of home security systems - although it is now April 2004 the information remains valid.

Crime Risk Manager PC Stan Baker recommends people thinking of having an alarm system installed should call either the National Approval Council for Security Systems on 01628 773367 or the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board on 0191 296 3242. Both organisations can provide a list of accredited companies that supply remote signalling alarms which are accepted by police.

Check that your proposed company is acceptable to your insurer
That the company operates a 24 hour call out service and a 4 hour emergency attendance. That installations comply with European and British standards.
Make sure the quote includes the terms of maintenance and monitoring contracts