Police and Neighbourhood Watch

Police Safer Community Team Surgeries

 

Our Police Community Support Officer, Sarah Gray (pictured right), holds periodic surgeries on the Village Green where anyone may come to discuss any matters with which she may be able to help.  The next scheduled visit is:

Friday 10th February (2.00 to 2.30 pm)

Further information on the work of the Safer Community Team can be found on their website and you can always contact them by e-mail at SCTDaventryRuralSouth@northants.police.uk.

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 your car running unattended; apart from possibly losing it, you may find the insurance company won't cover the loss.

There have been incidents in Whilton where houses have been broken into during the night and it would appear the specific purpose was looking for motor vehicle keys with the view to stealing vehicles parked out on driveways. It 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.

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.

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!

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.