Our Police Community Support Officer, Sarah Gray, holds monthly surgeries in the Village Hall where anyone may come to discuss any matters with which she may be able to help. The next one is:
Anyone noticing suspicious or anti-social behaviour should call the Neighbourhood Watch dedicated phone No. 01604 432436 or Northamptonshire Police on 03000 111 222 and ask for Daventry Rural South Safer Community Team or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Latest News
This is a message from Northamptonshire West Police to
all residents of South Northants, Daventry and Northampton and was issued on 18 June.
We have been informed that charity leaflets have been received by residents in
South Northants, Daventry and Northampton area, notifying them of collections
of clothing commencing next week by a company calling themselves SOS Clothes
Ltd.
Residents in the north of Northampton have already received these leaflets.
The company are apparently collecting on behalf of the Tree of Hope Children's
Charity (Reg No 1043092).
Please be aware that this collection is not licensed, SOS Clothes Ltd have
stated that they have not delivered any leaflets and will not be collecting
clothing items anytime next week. They believe that this must be a bogus company
using their leaflets.
Please pass this message on to family, friends and neighbours especially those
that are elderly and vulnerable.
Please contact the police if you see anyone collecting clothing on behalf of
SOS Clothes Ltd using the dedicated Watch number 01604 432436 alternatively
contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers below
quoting WB/CMS/1420/10
Vandalism in The Spinney
Sadly towards the end of April, an incident of vandalism
which occurred in Roughmoor Spinney was reported. The noticeboard was broken
from its fixing when the two oak supporting legs were broken off at ground
level. At the time the notice board was
erected, the legs were set into concrete and therefore a considerable force
must have been used to break the legs off. Three youths were approached by a member of
the community, but it is believed was given false information.
Needless to say the cost of repairing this notice board
will be considerable as the legs were of strong solid oak and very expensive.
The incident was reported to the police but if anyone has further information
that may help to find the culprits, please contact PSCO Sarah Gray on one of
the numbers given above.
A message for any
horse or pony owners living in the Parish
It seems that horses and ponies are being marked, either
by plaiting a small section of hair in the mane or tail or by painting a small
cross on the animal. It is thought that this system of marking could be to
identify an animal ready for stealing it within the next day or so. Please
check animals regularly.
A timely reminder as summer approaches
If you go into
the garden, please close windows and lock doors. It only takes a minute for
someone to slip into your house and help themselves to whatever they may take a
liking to.
The Neighbourhood Watch surgery dates for the next two
months are as follows:-
Saturday June 12th 10.30-11.30 a.m. in the Village Hall.
On Saturday July 24th between 12 noon and 2pm our PSCO
Sarah Gray has arranged to bring along a Police CCTV van so that members of our
community can have a chance to see this equipment in operation. This will be an
excellent opportunity to meet Sarah and see how it works.Sarah assures me younger members of the
community can have hands on experience of the CCTV.
Ros Gardner NHW Co-ordinator
Vehicle Security
The Police have previously issued advice to all residents in the Daventry area:
Please
be aware that across Daventry, residents are continually suffering from
opportunist offences where properties and vehicles have been left insecure.
Residents
are reminded to secure all vehicles when not in use, even for the shortest
periods of time. Please remove all valuables from your vehicles rather than
hide them in the boot or glove box, activate alarm systems where fitted and use
steering locks. If you are able to
remove the front display on stereo systems please do so when you leave your
vehicle unattended. Never leave you
car running unattended; apart from possibly losing it, you may find the
insurance company won't cover the loss.
Please
remember to secure all rear and side accesses to your home, ensure all windows
and doors are locked when not in use, even for the shortest period of time. Please store all keys in a safe but easily
accessible place in case of an emergency.
Fraud concerning telephone charges
The police have recently warned (4 Aug 2009) that a professional sounding man claiming to be from BT is ringing phone numbers which he finds in the phone directory and tells you that your bank has stopped the direct debit to BT.He goes on to say that you are in arrears with your phone bill (usually a small amount like £9) and he needs your credit card details to settle the outstanding amount otherwise your phone will be cut off.He demonstrates how easy it is to cut you off by asking you to hang up and then try to dial another number.He’s cheating because he doesn’t hang up his end and simply puts you on hold: he subsequently rings you back to get the card details. Obviously if he gets that information, you stand to lose a great deal more than £9!
Keep your house secure
Please be extra vigilant over the summer holiday season. Remember that most burglaries happen quickly and whilst the house is empty. Here is a check list to protect your property:
Secure all doors and close all windows
Lock garages and sheds
Lighting - leave an automatic time switch to operate on one or two lights during the evening or arrange for someone to come in and close curtains.
Burglar alarm - always set before leaving home
Tell neighbours - ask someone to keep an eye on your property
Close front and side gates
Report anything suspicious
Finally, don't forget that when you're either working or relaxing in your garden, the house and the cars parked on the drive are just as vulnerable. Please ensure maximum security is maintained at all times.
Whilst there has been no reported crime recently in the village, be aware that it is happening in neighbouring villages.
Vehicle thefts
There have been incidents in Whilton where houses have been broken into during the night and it would appear the specitic purpose was looking for motor vehicle keys with the view to stealing vehicles parked out on driveways. lt is known that people do leave their car keys in very accessible places, particularly overnight, which is not a good practice. It is strongly recommended that keys are taken to the bedroom overnight, whether it is ground floor or first floor, and if you have a burglar alarm, always set it when you go to bed at night.
Credit and Debit Card Fraud
There have been instances in the past where cards have been compromised at service stations.
The police advise people always to be cautious when using a card. Don't give it to anyone else and put it in the machine yourself. It's a good idea to cover the machine with your hand to prevent people reading the PIN over your shoulder and if you suspect there is a camera overlooking the machine, alert the authorities. Finally, always check your bank and credit card statements. If you don't recognise an entry, contact the bank in the first instance and you can also get in touch with the police on the above number.