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Hadleigh Sector Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

CRIME REDUCTION ADVICE
SUMMER HOLIDAYS
Whilst I would like to wish anyone going on holiday an enjoyable and safe one, can I just remind you to carry out some careful preparation before going away to reduce the risk of a break in.

Burglars prey on unsecured homes and the more weaknesses a home has the more of a target it is to burglars or opportunist criminals.

· One of the best ways to secure your property is to install a comprehensive security system, preferably with motion detectors.

· If your home looks unoccupied a burglar may decide to take the risk so to further protect your house you need to make a burglar believe people are living in your home. It is much less likely to be broken into.

· Marking your property is a powerful tool for recovering stolen goods and displaying signs or stickers stating that your property is marked will make a burglar think twice. Display the signs in a place where a burglar is going to see it
from outside (in a window for example).

· Let your neighbours know that you are going on holiday. If neighbours or friends and family park their cars in your drive, retrieve your post and generally keep an eye on your house then it will appear to any burglars that the house is occupied.

· And don't forget to cancel the milk and papers being delivered.

TALKING OF HOLIDAYS
Millions of families heading off for the beaches, ports and airports over the next few weeks are being urged to make their journey planning a key part of preparing for their holiday.

Top tips include avoiding peak travel times, allowing plenty of time for the journey, taking regular breaks and making sure both vehicle and passengers are well-prepared.

The Highways Agency, which manages England’s 4,300-mile network of motorways and major A-roads, is expecting heavy traffic on the main getaway routes, especially on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 July when the majority of schools will have broken up for the holidays.

The major road network is monitored all year round by the Agency’s National Traffic Control Centre (NTCC). Traffic data feeds into a range of information services that drivers can use to get updates on any delays or disruptions ahead, including signs and signals, information screens at motorway service areas, for further general details on driving around Britain this summer click on this link: http://www.highways.gov.uk/summer

For details of roadworks and restrictions within the UK, click on http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic/traffic.aspx

Or click on this link to see straight away where the roadworks are in the East of England http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=414504&SubjectId=8

TOWING TIPS OVER THE SUMMER HOLIDAY PERIOD
If you're taking to the roads with a caravan, trailer or horsebox, don't set out without a final safety and maintenance check, especially if you leave it standing for most of the year.

Before setting out, make sure your trailer is properly serviced and fit to be on the road. Your trailer should be given a regular service by a reputable dealer.

Before you set off

Carry out a final maintenance check before you set off.
· Is the load correctly distributed and firmly secured?
· Are all the lights undamaged and working correctly?
· Are the tyre pressures correct and all tyres in good condition?
· Is the trailer correctly coupled to the tow ball or pin?
· Is the coupling height correct? It should be level.

On the Road
Driving with a loaded trailer will inevitably affect the vehicle's performance:
· Moving off needs more effort.
· It will take longer to slow down and stop.
· You need to take extra care when negotiating sharp bends.

You need to check:
· That the vehicle and trailer are loaded securely and correctly distributed in accordance with the manufacturers' specifications.

Are you adequately covered for recovery and breakdown?

Most recovery agents won't cover a trailer unless it's specified in your contract. Make sure you have specialist breakdown cover. Standard trailer insurance does not automatically include breakdown cover.

Reversing with a Trailer
· Make sure the area behind you is clear before reversing.
· Be especially aware of children and pedestrians.
· Try to get somebody to observe for you.
· Practice makes perfect! Try reversing before setting off.

Have you got the Right Licence?
An ordinary category B licence allows you to drive a vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes Maximum Gross Weight and to tow a trailer that weighs up to 750 kilograms Maximum Gross Weight, giving a Maximum Combination Weight of up to 4250 kilograms.

Drivers who have got a B category licence are entitled to tow a trailer over 750 kilograms Maximum Gross Weight provided that the gross weight of the trailer does not exceed the unladen or kerb weight of the towing vehicle, and the maximum combination weight does not exceed a total of 3.5 tonnes.

Speed Restrictions
· Always keep within the legal speed limit.
· 30mph limit applies on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.
· 50mph applies on single carriageways unless signs show otherwise.
· 60mph applies on dual carriageways and motorways.
NOTE: When towing You must not travel in the right-hand lane of a motorway with three lanes or more.

Avoid problems before they happen
· Following these 4 simple rules could help you to avoid unnecessary repairs.
· Avoid parking your trailer on long grass - moisture could damage it.
· When you park up, you must not leave a detached trailer on a public road. If it is hitched up it must always be parked with lights on at night on any public road.
· On a level surface if it is safe to do so, avoid parking with the handbrake on.
· Grease all the greasing points with a grease gun, plus the brake cables or rods, and handbrake.

What if you break down on a motorway?

Remember it is illegal to stop on a hard shoulder except in an emergency. If an emergency forces you to stop, then follow these top 5 personal safety tips from the Highways Agency:
· Pull onto the hard shoulder and park as far to the left as you can.
· Turn on your vehicle's hazard warning lights.
· Leave the vehicle via the doors furthest away from traffic and stand as far away from traffic as is safe.
· Contact the Highways Agency using the emergency roadside telephone.
· Follow the instructions from Highways Agency staff.

IMPORTANT PUBLIC INFORMATION
The Opening Hours Of Police Stations

Public Invited To Give Their Views Over The Opening Hours Of Police Stations
Suffolk Constabulary and Suffolk Police Authority are asking the public to submit their views on the opening hours of public enquiry desks at police stations across the county.
Changes were made to the opening hours following the approval of a business case submitted to Suffolk Police Authority on Friday 21st May.
The changes approved involve some slight reductions and increases in opening hours, resulting in consistency in public access to police station enquiry desks across the county.
The Constabulary currently operates 19 public enquiry desks, each varying in the level of demand they receive from the public and in the hours they are currently open. The changes approved mean that the opening hours of these enquiry desks will now reflect the demand they face, avoiding inefficient use of resources.
A consistent framework for opening hours has been agreed, and now further consultation with the public is required to determine the exact opening hours of these enquiry desks, to best suit local needs.
Ipswich, Bury and Lowestoft Police Stations were designated as tier 1 stations, serving a significant size population in urban areas and receiving the highest level of visitors. They will be open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.
The opening hours for enquiry desks at tier 2 stations, serving mid-sized towns with medium levels of visitors and tier 3 stations, serving mid-sized to small towns with the lowest level of visitors, require further consultation.
The enquiry desks at tier 2 stations: Sudbury, Mildenhall, Newmarket, Stowmarket, Haverhill, Felixstowe, Leiston, Woodbridge, Halesworth and Beccles will be open for 8 hours per day between 7.30am and 6.30pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Halesworth will be open from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
The enquiry desks at tier 3 stations: Capel, Hadleigh, Brandon and Ixworth will be open for 2 hours per day for 3 days a week between Monday and Friday.
Posters are now being displayed in all tier 2 and tier 3 stations which allow members of the public to state their view on the exact hours within the agreed time frames the public enquiry desks should be opened. Posters will be displayed until the end of July, before being sent to the project team who will use these in deciding the new opening hours.
Safer Neighbourhood Team officers will also be addressing community meetings on the issue and asking those attending for their views.
These changes affect the opening hours of the public enquiry desk facility at police stations. The stations themselves will remain fully operational. They will not affect the availability of police officers to respond to emergency incidents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, nor the continued presence of Safer Neighbourhood Teams to engage with the public on local concerns and to deal with community issues on a daily basis.
Members of the public can have their say on opening hours by taking part in an online survey found on the Constabulary website at www.suffolk.police.uk
The full Police Authority paper detailing the changes to be made to individual Police Station opening hours can be viewed online at www.suffolk.police.uk under committee papers.

REMEMBER IF YOU LEAVE YOU VEHICLE
Please remember when walking your dog, going for a ramble or even just leaving your vehicle for two minutes, to remove items of value from your vehicle.

In the past couple of weeks, several handbag, purses and mobile phones have been stolen as a result of being left unattended in cars, and don’t think by hiding your valuables you will deter thieves!!
They know that’s what people do and will find that handbag under the passenger seat or purse under the blanket on the back seat!!
As for us ladies, when out walking the dog, did we really need to take our handbags or is it just by force of habit that we pick them up, I think the latter seeing as how many get left on that back seat under the blanket……

So remember, Remove it or lose it!!

CRIME UPDATE
REGIONAL METAL THEFT OPERATION - UPDATE

Thirty vehicles were stopped and checked during a multi-agency operation held at Barton Mills on recently using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology as part of a regional partnership response to the rise in metal theft.

Operation Tactful ran between 11am and 5pm and involved officers from Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire Police. More than 30 officers supported representatives from partner agencies including the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), the UK Border Agency, the Heath and Safety Executive (HSE), British Telecom, EDF Energy, Suffolk Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs.

Detective Chief Inspector Louisa Pepper led the operation that was part of a national day of action against metal theft. She says, “There is a worldwide shortage of metal, especially aluminium, copper and lead, which means prices for scrap are high and metal theft is more attractive for criminals. Each force in the Eastern Region has seen a significant increase in theft of metal with around 150 offences of metal theft reported in West Suffolk since April 1st 2010. For the UK as a whole it’s estimated to cost businesses around £770million each year.

“These offences affect the whole community - lead has been stolen from commercial, community and residential property, catalytic converters have been removed from vans and private cars, and households have had vital services cut when electricity and telephone cabling has been pulled up from beneath the roads or taken from substations. As well as the cost of replacing the stolen material, a large amount of damage is caused as the material is often ripped from its foundation with little thought for the original building or vehicle. This operation has taken a step towards combating this type of crime.”

ANPR technology was used by police officers to stop suspicious vehicles on the A11 and surrounding roads, and escort them to a specially cordoned off site off Fiveways Roundabout. Police officers and partner agencies then carried out thorough checks on both the vehicles and their occupants.

Four vehicles were seized for having no insurance, two vehicles were seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act and a stolen motorcycle was recovered. Fixed penalty notices were also issued for no insurance, as well as faulty lights, tyres and trailers.

A 53 year old man from the Beccles area was arrested on suspicion of theft of cabling and has been released on police bail to return to Bury St Edmunds Police Station on 20th August.

A 42 year old man from London was arrested on suspicion of handling and receiving stolen goods and has been released on police bail to return to Bury St Edmunds Police Station on 26th July.

A 42 year old man from London was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis and cannabis resin and received a caution for each offence.

Thirty-four prohibition notices were issued and 71 advisory notices given out. The HMRC fuel testing operatives dipped 24 tanks for red diesel but none was found. Suffolk Trading Standards requested further information from 24 people and there was one waste licence offence dealt with by the Environment Agency.

DCI Pepper continues, “By working together with Cambridgeshire and Norfolk Police we were able to monitor one of the main routes through East Anglia. The ANPR system allowed us to identify, stop and process a number of vehicles for a wide range of offences along with our partners at the checking site.

“Criminals who use the roads are often committing a number of crimes, including using untaxed, uninsured and unroadworthy vehicles. If we can take away their access to these vehicles we can limit their opportunity to commit further crime.”

In addition to the A11 site, Safer Neighbourhood Team officers visited scrapyards in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire to carry out checks to ensure that records are being correctly kept and encourage the reporting of any suspicious transactions. One yard will receive a follow-up visit to recheck records.

Forest Heath SNT Inspector Neil Ireland took part in these checks, he says, “We visited the scrap dealers not only to ensure they are complying with regulations around metal trading and storage, but also to educate them about how to identify stolen items and how to notify us. Often dealers are unaware that the metal is stolen and their profits are hit if stolen material is seized following police checks. We will continue to work with scrap yards to educate them, stop them from unwittingly taking in stolen metal and, in turn, reduce the opportunities for thieves to make money.

“We were also joined by representatives of SmartWater. SmartWater is a colourless, odourless liquid that forensically links burglars to crime scenes and stolen property. It is invisible to the naked eye and is virtually impossible to remove, with each bottle having a chemical code which is unique - meaning if property that has been marked is stolen and recovered it can be traced back to the owner. The representatives were able to check items which had been traded at the scrapyards and I’m pleased to report that no items marked with SmartWater were found.”

DCI Pepper says, “There are a number of different approaches to tackling metal theft, and all involve partnership working, whether the partners are the agencies that were involved in the ANPR checks, outlets for the stolen metal, or the business community and general public. Everyone can play a part in keeping their property safe and reporting any suspicious activity.

“Many scrap metal dealers in Suffolk are signed up to Suffolk Constabulary’s messaging service Police Direct and dealer schemes, so we can quickly pass on timely and relevant information about stolen items and they can quickly pass back information about suspicious traders. A number of watch schemes are also in operation including Neighbourhood Watch, Industrial Watch and Farm Watch, where crime prevention advice and information is shared and the community works together to make it harder for criminals to target them.

“Owners of properties vulnerable to metal theft are urged to make their buildings and sites as secure as possible to keep criminals out. Where possible it is advised to use security lighting to deter thieves, and CCTV can also deter as well as capturing images of offenders and their vehicles. All gates and entrances to premises should be properly secured. Valuable property can be marked with SmartWater or other marking methods and photos taken, to identify it if it’s recovered.

“In some cases several thousand pounds’ worth of metal in its various forms has been stolen from premises, which takes a considerable amount of time to remove and a vehicle to transport. Any sightings of persons acting suspiciously near building sites or any property with lead roofing, or cold calling looking for scrap metal should be reported to police.”

Anyone with any information about metal theft should contact Suffolk Police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Further advice about protecting your property can be obtained from your local Crime Reduction Officer, and details on local Watch schemes can be obtained from your local Community Watch Liaison Officer on 01473 613500.

WARNING ABOUT RISE IN COPPER THEFTS
Suffolk Constabulary are asking residents to be on the look out for suspicious people hanging around empty or derelict properties and houses being renovated due to a recent rise in thefts of copper.

A spokesperson said , “We think the rise in this type of theft is occurring as a result of the continuing increase of prices of scrap copper. Historically this type of theft occurs from building sites, however more recently offenders have been gaining entry to empty or un-inhabited residential and business properties to obtain the metal.

“Offenders can cause extensive and costly damage to properties, ripping out radiators, pulling pipes from walls and removing pipes from lofts. On some occasions the water has not been shut off prior to the pipes being removed causing additional water damage. There is also a real possibility that someone may try to remove gas pipes that could obviously result in a potentially dangerous gas leak.”

Officers are advising people not to leave their properties vacant when possible. When this is not possible, they are offering the following advice to help reduce the chances of this happening:

Keep windows covered, in particular on the ground floor to stop property looking empty.
· Put interior lights on a timer switch at night.
· Consider exterior security lighting.
· Regularly remove letters and newspapers from the front door area.
· Turn off gas and water supplies.
· Keep any installed alarm systems activated.
· Inform neighbours and ask them to keep an eye out.
They also recommend that any properties that have been empty over the past few months are checked to ensure they have not been subject to crime.

Suffolk Police are keen to prevent this criminal behaviour and urge members of the public to phone 999 if they see anyone acting suspiciously around a vacant or un-inhabited building. The SNT’s are working with property agents, builders and plumbers merchants and property developers in their areas.

POLICE CRACK DOWN ON NOISY EXHAUSTS – UPDATE
Almost 100 vehicles have had their exhausts tested for excessive noise in Suffolk following the successful trial of a new device. Officers from the Bury Roads Policing Unit (RPU) have been testing a noise meter, and now all three RPUs in Suffolk are equipped with one.

The device is designed specifically to test the volume of exhausts, and records levels of ambient noise, idling noise and then revving to gain an average noise reading. Most vehicles when manufactured must have exhausts emitting no more than 82 decibels, and if a modification exceeds 90db a prosecution can be brought. Most modified vehicles tested using the new device have registered at over 100db, roughly the equivalent of a pneumatic drill or a chainsaw.

Temporary Sergeant Paul Stock from the Bury RPU introduced the meter, and now all RPU officers have been trained how to use it. Since the training was completed in mid May, 96 vehicles have been stopped in Suffolk, with 68 drivers receiving fixed penalty notices for having an excessively loud exhaust.

T/Sgt Stock says, “During the trial we gave advice to drivers whose exhausts were too loud, but now all RPU officers based in Bury, Halesworth and at Police Headquarters have been trained to use the meter we have moved on to enforcement. Over two thirds of those vehicles we tested had illegal exhausts and have had to pay a £30 fine as well as the cost of making the exhaust legal again. If the driver doesn’t remove the modification and is stopped again, we can prosecute through the courts for failing to maintain the silencer, which could attract a fine of up to £500.

“Many motor vehicle enthusiasts modify their exhausts without realising just how loud they’re making them, and we receive regular complaints about noisy vehicles and perceived speeding which can often be down to the noise. Now we’re using the meter we’re also receiving positive feedback from the communities that these loud exhausts are being dealt with.”

SCAMS
THE OLD BT SCAM RAISES IT’S HEAD YET AGAIN

My thanks go to a NHW co-ordinator, who alerted me to the fact that apparently the old BT scam is back, where the person pretends to be from BT’s business section, giving out their phoney contact business telephone number, threatening to cut people off and bluffing that they can carry out such an action there and then, if the resident doesn’t offer to make a payment giving out their bank card details.

I will not go on about this, as I know how well aware you all are of this old trick and how none of you will be taken in by this scam, or ever give away your personal bank details.

We all know that the caller just pretends to hang up and that as he is still on the phone to you, you can’t call out until he actually properly puts the phone down and finishes his call to you.

Just to warn you though that such a person might call and how you can tell them that you don’t deal with such calls that can’t be verified by official mail from the utility provider to back up what the caller is alleging.

ANOTHER SCAM THIS TIME CAN YOU BELIEVE IT THEY ARE PRETENDING TO BE NHW

We have also had a warning from National Neighbourhood Watch regarding a telephone/ advertisement scam.

A person apparently has been phoning people claiming to be from’ Neighbourhood Watch Support’ to say a brochure is being prepared to go out to local residents

The resident then agrees to place an advertisement and later receives a phone call from ‘Business Community Support Multimedia’

These are not genuine companies and have no connection with Neighbourhood watch

Do not agree to anything over the phone from ‘cold callers’ even if you have done business with the firm in the past. If they phone you uninvited this is ‘cold calling’

YOU ALL KNOW WHAT TO DO – SAY NO THANKYOU AND PUT THE PHONE DOWN

You do not have to listen to any of the conversation from these people.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR LOCAL AREA?
EVENTS DIARY
To view further events at which your local officers will usually be present, click on the following email link: www.onesuffolk.co.uk/SaferSuffolk/EastBabergh/Public+Events+Diary.htm

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM INFORMATION
CONTACTING YOUR LOCAL SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM OFFICER
To speak to an officer from your local SNT, because they may well be out on patrol, the easiest option is to telephone 01473 613500 and ask the operator either for the officer in person or ask to be put through to East Babergh Neighbourhood team office. Or if you like you can email them directly through the following link: Email: babergheast.snt.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk
Or you can write to their office at
Capel Police Station
Bentley Road
Capel St Mary
Suffolk
IP9 2JN
For further information about Babergh East Neighbourhood Team, which includes various facts such as details of Team Members, covering your area; Priorties; Campaigns and Meetings, please choose the following link. www.onesuffolk.co.uk/SaferSuffolk/EastBabergh

MEET THE TEAM
Babergh East SNT – Police Surgery, Wednesday 21st July, Pinewood Community Hall, Laburnham Close, Pinewood, Ipswich 7pm-7.30pm.

COMMUNITY SAFETY
Your local contacts in the Community Safety Department are:CRIME REDUCTION OFFICER: VERITY LINE Tel: 01284 774312 Email: verity.line@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

COMMUNITY WATCH AND SNT LIAISON OFFICER: TONY SIMPSON Tel: 01284 774313 Email: tony.simpson@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER
This newsletter is produced by:
Tony Simpson - COMMUNITY WATCH & SNT LIAISON OFFICER
Tel: 01284 774313
Email: tony.simpson@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

If you have details about any crimes, then please contact your local Police Station, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.