Christmas Message 2011.

Dear Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator

It’s that time of year again, and I would like to thank you for the work you have done in your community for Neighbourhood Watch this year, and for all the help and support you have given me.

If you are going away for the holidays please remember to set timer switches to turn on lights within your property, lock windows, and make sure you engage a mortice lock on front and rear doors.

Home Security information:

An insight into what deters burglars from targeting a property was given by a prolific burglar who was recently jailed for 5 years after admitting 25 counts of burglary.

In a letter he wrote that he would not select a property with any of the following:

• A well lit premises
• The presence of a dog
• Anti-climbing paint on drainpipes, balconies etc.
• Barrier fencing above garden gates and perimeter walls
• Motion sensor lighting
• Beware of dog stickers
• Alarm warning stickers
• Pebbles/shingle near rear patio doors
• CCTV camera (dummy or live)
• Pad sensors behind doors/windows
• 'Switch house alarms on'

In the lead up to Christmas it is more than ever the time to ensure your property is secure from the risks of burglary and your property is properly protected.

Gaming consoles (X Box, Play Station, Nintendo Wii)

On line gaming consoles are one of the most popular Christmas gifts for children and adults, and are becoming one of the most sort-after items in domestic burglaries. Steps can be taken to secure your property and to assist in recovering items should they be stolen.

• 1. Register your item with the guarantor on the day of purchase.
• 2. Immediately take a note of the serial number.
• 3. Keep a log of all tags used on your console.
• 4. Mark your product using approved property marking system such as Selectamark, Selecta DNA or Smart water. Also mark your system with your house number and postcode using an Ultra Violet marker pen which is available from the Neighbourhood Watch office.
• 5. Register your item at www.immobilise.com along with any other valuables you may have.
• 6. Keep your console out of view from windows when you’re not at home.
• 7. If stolen; check on eBay, gum tree, craigslist, cash converters, local second hand shops, markets and boot sales. If your item is seen, contact police immediately on our non emergency number, 101.

It is also good practice to discuss the uniqueness of your console with friends in your circle of gaming. This will assist for them to help recognise your console should it be stolen.

Important points

Gamers may notice when a known tag user changes tact or behaviour or whether they are playing different games etc. Report all suspicious activities to Police.

The hard drives on gaming machines hold credit card details as well as previously used tags. It’s in the interest of parents to make sure consoles are registered and secured etc.

Please note that the Neighbourhood Watch office will be closed from 16th December until 3rd January. During this period your Safer Neighbourhoods Teams will look after any Neighbourhood Watch enquiries. Contact details for Safer Neighbourhoods Teams can be found at www.met.police.uk/haringey.

The 101 non emergency number is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Christmas and the New Year for non-emergency report and advice.

I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year, and look forward to working with you in 2012.

With very best wishes for the festive season

Pauline.

For More Information Download the Festive Crime Menu 2011.
Pauline Syddell
Community Neighbourhood Watch Link Manager Haringey Borough
Metphone: 776803
Phone: +44 (0)20 8721 6803
e-mail

Further Crime Prevention Advice.

Weather can be a decisive factor in the day-to-day life of a criminal; on miserable, cold and wet days more people will stay home and shut their doors and windows, making it less easy for the opportunist burglar. Come the sunshine caution is thrown to the wind and doors and windows are left open to let in the fresh air and the burglars. Sunshine brings a change in people’s attitude and moods, people are happier, more trusting, and more likely to enter into conversations with complete strangers, resulting in criminals taking advantage of people’s happier nature, to execute their criminal activities and scams. Statistics show that sunshine can contribute to an increase in burglaries by up to 40%.

There are many budding 'entrepreneurs' out there who come up with very good ways to make tax free money, one of these being door to door collections for donations to charity or sponsorship for local events and schools. The forms they present are well thought out, professional and very believable. Do not hand over cash to these people, no worthy cause will benefit from these illegal collectors.

Please can I ask Coordinators to remind your members of the importance of not leaving ground floor windows open, even if you are at home. It only takes a burglar a few seconds to get into your home and steal your belongings whilst you have popped into another room. One of our members in the Bruce Grove Ward has been a victim of such a crime and I am informed by Anna, the Watch Coordinator that this not the first incident. Although this happened on Bruce Grove Ward, these opportunist burglars could just be passing by your home! If you see anyone acting suspiciously please dial 999.

WINDOW LOCKS AND FITTINGS (24/4/2008).

Sash Windows: Fit two sash stops, one flush with the window and one no more than 130mm (5”) up. This will enable you to lock it in an open position for ventilation.
Examples of this type of lock are- Chubb WS1 Window lock, Ingersoll SW66 or ERA 822.

Wooden or Metal Casement or Fanlight Windows: Fit two clenching staple locks to large casements and one to smaller fanlight windows. These locks cannot be locked in an open position so it is important to make sure that they are engaged and fully locked before you leave your home. Examples of this type of lock are- Chubb 8K101, Yale P113 or ERA 810 for wooden windows. Chubb 8K106, or Yale p113M for metal windows.

UPVC, PVCU or PVC Windows: Check with the manufacturer before fitting any locks onto these types of window as you may invalidate any warranty. Locks are available for these types of window. Examples are- Chubb 8K123 or ERA 810.

Louvre Windows: There are no locks that can be fitted to this type of window. It is recommended that you remove each pane of glass, clean and superglue them back into the metal frames, and then tighten retaining screws.

Most of these locks are available from locksmiths and DIY stores and can be fitted by a competent DIY enthusiast.

Burglars are at their most vulnerable when they can be seen forcing their way into houses or flats. Locks increase the time they have to spend outside your home and the likelihood of discovery. They will always go for the easy option, which is either an open window or a window without locks.

For further information and advice on home security please contact the crime prevention office on 020 8345 2164

To learn more about crime prevention you can visit these links:

www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention

BBC Crimewatch website