Security and Safety
Members have continued to make us all aware of security and safety issues that they have encountered, and the details have been made known to the Editor for inclusion in the Community News.
We also include here general security and safety advice.
House numbers/name: The emergency service was delayed in locating a home because the house number could not be clearly seen from the road. The question is asked ‘Can yours be seen?’
Car thefts: A resident suspected a high value car was stolen from a neighbour’s driveway. Because the owner was away and they did not know the registration details they were unable to report it to the police. The question is asked ‘Should your car registration details be left with a nearby neighbour?’
Satnav’s: A member reported that criminals had identified that a satnav with suction pads leaves marks on the windscreen when removed. The vehicle is then broken into in the hope that the equipment is in the glove compartment. The question is asked ‘If you have one, have you removed the traces on the screen?’
Mail on the doormat: There have been many examples of residents being able to see large amounts of mail in the hallway and sometimes parcels on the doorstep. This informs everyone, including ‘on the look-out’ burglars that the owners are away. The question is asked ‘What precautions do you take whilst you are away?’ 090 NUMBERS – just one recent example of junk mail coming through our letterbox is a request to call an automated 090 phone line to win a prize. Action : Bin it.
Cold callers: Most of us have encountered door step sellers, for driveways, double glazing, decorating, roof renovation and so on and so forth. There have been many cold call incidents reported in our Parish and the question is asked ‘Do you send them on their way, let them in or report them to the police on 01202 222 222, or in an emergency 999?’
Telephone scams: Most of us receive them and most of us do not respond. A member did actually do what was asked and the experience was a costly £15. The question is asked ‘Do you immediately press the off button on your ‘phone?’
Doorstep clothing collection scam: Consumer Direct suggests that you carefully read the details on the plastic bag/flyer that is left with you. You may be misled in believing that the collection is for charitable purposes. In reality the collection could be organised by commercial operators who sell the donated items for profit. In some cases a Registered Charity number is in fact a Limited Company number. If you have any doubts you can contact the Charity Commission Helpline on 0845 300 0218
E-mail scam: - emails, purporting to be from BT, are being sent with the intention of causing concern telling us that our billing information is incorrect and the BT services will be disconnected unless we “click here”. Action : Delete it.
Unsolicited Goods: Don’t sign for parcels that you are not expecting – they could, for example, contain unwanted goods demanding current/future payments with phone contact details that may be outside the UK. Under the Unsolicited Goods and Services Act 1971 it is an offence to demand payment for goods known to be unsolicited (sent to a person without prior request made by them or on their behalf). Someone who receives goods in these circumstances may retain them as an unconditional gift and does not have to pay for, or return, any unwanted goods. Anyone who receives a demand for payment for unsolicited goods should report the matter to their local Trading Standards department.
Credit Card Verification: Calls are being received whereby the recipient is being advised that their card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern and that the caller is verifying the card detail before initiating a fraud investigation. The caller asks the recipient to confirm the numbers on the reverse side of the card. There are 7 numbers, the first 4 are part of your card number and the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. DO NOT GIVE OUT THESE 3 NUMBERS. These 3 numbers are often used to make Internet purchases. Tell any caller that you’ll call your credit card company directly for verification of the conversation. Credit card companies NEVER ask for anything on your card as they already know the information since they issued the card. If you give the scammers your card information you’ll see charges for purchases you didn’t make on your bank statement and by then it’s almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
Digital TV switchover (planned for 2012): Beware of cold callers. Digital UK/Consumers Direct recommend residents use a registered digital installer who displays a 'Digital Tick' logo. This means the contractor is approved, security checked and possesses the relevant qualifications and insurance. More information can be found at www.digitaluk.co.uk or by calling 08456 505050.
Gas Safe Register: As of 1 April 2009 this became the new regulation covering all gas installation and servicing engineers. Anyone carrying out gas work (including liquid propane gas) must be on the Gas Safe Register. CORGI is no longer the accepted standard. Before agreeing the undertaking of any work ensure that you see the engineer's registration card. It should have a photograph, name, validity date and registration number. On the reverse side it indicates the type of work that they are registered to perform (e.g. gas cookers, heating). Validity can be checked on the website www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or by calling 0800 408 5500 for advice.
Fire safety: Fires strike when you least expect them, often at night. They spread quickly but it is smoke that is the real killer. If you are asleep when a fire starts, and you don’t have a smoke alarm to wake you, your chances of survival are zero.
Get equipped: smoke alarms can be purchased for around £5. Check the battery once a week and dust the alarm every 6 months. Change the battery every 12 months (unless it is a ten year alarm) and change the alarm every 10 years. Alarms with strobe lighting and vibrating pads are available for people who are hard of hearing or deaf. Dorset Fire & Rescue provide a totally FREE service – they offer advice, fit free smoke detectors and make a general risk assessment of your home. If you would like to know more contact 01305 252600.
Just moved in: A member asked if we introduce ourselves to new neighbours in our neighbourhood. There is a way of making them feel welcome, and perhaps telling them about the local amenities including, of course, Home Watch. The question is asked ‘Is this something you would appreciate if you had just moved in?’
These are just some examples where members wish to help ensure we are more alert and avoid becoming the victims of crime. In most cases the police have been involved and we continue to provide valuable intelligence which strengthens the partnership between Home Watch and the Police.
If you would like more information about security you may wish to visit the Home Office website: www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk
You may also find the following website links useful:
www.securedhome.co.uk/securitybasicscategory.htm
www.homeoffice.gov.uk/secureyourhome/