HILLSIDE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: Archived Newsletter Christmas 2002

Contents: (click on a topic to jump to it)

PC Bob Davies Leaves Furzedown "Homebeat"

Going Away Over Christmas?
Here are a few of the things you should think about before you set off:

1. Tell your neighbours you are going away and to keep an eye out—ask them to push mail through the letter box (don’t cover the bottom half of glazed front doors with paper—this advertises that you’re away! Ask a neighbour to go in and remove mail from view instead).

2. If possible, leave keys with a trusted neighbour. Ask them to check for water leaks, freezer operations etc.

3. Don't leave any presents or Xmas fare on open view when the premises are unattended.

4. If you have an alarm make sure it is working correctly and set before you go but notify the Environmental Services Department at Wandsworth Town Hall (020 8871 6137) of the names and addresses of at least two people who hold the keys to your house. They should live within a reasonable distance (20 minutes away max.) and know how to stop and reset the alarm.

5. Speak to the milkman to cancel your milk. Don't leave a note saying, "We're going on holiday" and remember to cancel the papers - but remember to watch what you say. Be discreet - you never know who is listening.

6. If you are going away for more than a couple of weeks consider having your mail delivered to a friendly neighbour. You can arrange for this to be done at your Post Office.

7. Lock all doors and windows and remove the keys from the locks. Don't hide them in a sugar pot, tea caddy, drainer in the kitchen or under a plant pot or doormat.

8. Lock your garage and shed and secure ladders. Don't provide the burglar with the tools to commit the crime.

9. Consider leaving valuable jewellery and other items with your bank.

10. Don't put your home address on the outside of your luggage for outward journeys - put it inside the case or bag.

11. Make a note of credit card and travellers cheques numbers and the numbers to contact if you lose them or they are stolen. Keep these in a safe place, away from these items.

12. Remove particularly valuable or attractive items that can be seen through windows. If you set the video to record your favourite programme, make sure the lights on the recorder can't be seen from outside.

13. Don't close curtains and blinds - this can be the give-away during the day. Ask neighbours to go into your house/flat regularly to open and close curtains and switch lights on and off after dark.

14. Automatic devices are now available to turn lights on and off and to operate curtains.

15. If you are leaving your car behind remove all valuables, make sure it is locked and, if one is fitted, set the alarm.

16. Is everything around your home correctly postcoded? It is advisable to photograph items which are of high value, or which cannot be marked with a postcode.

17. If you were to lose your keys whilst away from your home and didn't have access to a spare set, how easy would it be to gain access? If you can think of a way, so can the burglar and the time has arrived to seek help.

18. Never be afraid to seek advice on crime prevention. This can be obtained free of charge from: Wandsworth Crime Prevention Centre, 17 Arndale Walk, Wandsworth Shopping Centre London SW18, (telephone 020 8871 0803), open between 9am and 5pm Mon to Sat.

Then relax and enjoy your trip!.

PC Bob Davies Leaves Furzedown "homebeat"
After several years as sectir officer for Furzedown Ward, PC Bob Davies has decided to return to beat duties at Tooting Police Station early in the new year.

He has done so much for the community—including this Watch—his move is a loss to Furzedown, however he will still be on patrol as part of the operational team inTooting. I’m sure you will join me in wishing him every success in the future. As yet there is no news about a replacement homebeat officer.

(update Feb 03 - PC Melanie Box has been appointed to replace Bob).

Anti-Terrorism Branch Urge Vigilance This Christmas
The Metropolitan Police Anti Terrorist Branch are urging the public to be extra vigilant over the Christmas period. People are being asked to remain alert, and report anything suspicious to police.

DAC Peter Clarke, Head of the Anti Terrorist Branch said: "London, and indeed the rest of the UK, continues to face a range of terrorist threats from a number of different groups.

The threat from Irish dissident republican terrorism continues to be of great concern to us. During the festive period - which in the past has been targeted by terrorist groups- we need the public to be extra cautious."

The Anti Terrorist Branch are asking people to be especially vigilant to their surroundings in the run up to Christmas, particularly when out in public places.

If you see a suspicious package, article or vehicle don't touch it, move away and call 999.

Police are also encouraging the public to call the free confidential Anti Terrorist Branch Hotline (0800 789 321) if they have any information about people or activities that could be linked to terrorism.

DAC Clarke continued: " I would urge anyone with information about suspicious behaviour to contact us. Terrorists need somewhere to live, somewhere to store their equipment, and they need vehicles to move around in. If you let property or storage space and you have noticed something suspicious please contact us.

Terrorists also need money, and often commit fraud to finance their activities. Perhaps you have had dealings with somebody who has given you cause to be suspicious. If so don't hesitate to contact us.
The Metropolitan Police is doing everything possible to combat the threat of terrorism but it is only with the help and support of the public that we can reduce the harm which it causes."

Christmas Fraud Warning
Credit card customers are too lax with their security, making them fraud targets, a new survey reveals. Although most customers are aware of the dangers most take little preventive action and many do not check their statements.

Macro 4, a financial business information and software company, which commissioned the survey of 1,000 adults, warned consumers to be extra vigilant at Christmas.

Credit and debit card fraud has increased by 53% during the past two years, with organised criminal gangs being blamed for the rise. The most common type of counterfeiting is called skimming, where the data on a card's magnetic stripe is electronically copied and used to make an illegal copy of a genuine card.

The industry hopes that the introduction in 2003 of chip cards and the personal identification number (Pin) payment system will lead to a significant reduction in most types of card fraud. But if consumers do not check their card statements then the new technology may go to waste.

The survey revealed that nearly half of credit card holders either do not bother to open their statements or give them only a cursory glance. As a result, many Christmas shoppers will fail to notice fraudulent payments on their cards, the survey concludes. And 45% of the adults surveyed admitted that they do not bother to retain credit card receipts for cross-checking against statements.

"Despite all the investment going on to make credit cards more secure, fraud is still on the rise and much of it is simply going undetected by consumers," Lynda Kershaw, group product manager at Macro 4 said.

News From The Watch Co-Ordinator
The paper copies of Newsletters delivered ti members have a new look— and there have been a nu,ber of behind-the-scenes changes to how this website is provided. Let me know what you think and if you spot any problems.

No Christmas drinks this year—my apologies—I simply haven’t had time to organize the event this time.

The results of our survey/petition about traffic in our road are now in... the most popular first:

20mph speed limit (80% in favour),
one way street (76%),
humps & no through road (both 54%).

There was at least one form returned from 80% of households! So in the new year I’ll be petitioning for our road to become one way with a 20mph limit. Thanks to all who filled in the form.

That’s all for now—have a safe and happy festive season.

Best Wishes
Andy
Watch Coordinator.