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About the Findon Valley Residents' Association
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The Findon Valley Residents' Association is a charity registered in England and Wales: 267009
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Community Watch 2011 ARCHIVE Return to the current year's notices by clicking here. Issued: 18 December 2011 METAL THEFT In the current climate some timely advice follows for you to pass on to your neighbours, friends & family: Metal theft Global rises in the price of lead and copper have brought increases in metal thefts. Over recent months the price of metal has increased substantially which has made it very desirable for criminals. Metal-framed windows, roofs, copper rainwater pipes, iron gates, manhole covers and even church bells are all valuable items and can mean high rewards for thieves. Homes, churches, business premises and public buildings are all potential targets that could suffer from metal theft. Help us to help you. Sussex Police targets offenders and works towards reducing this kind of crime, but there are ways of avoiding becoming a victim or repeat victim: We strongly recommend that you review the security of your property. Please consider the crime prevention advice in this section to protect your property against metal theft. Some of the security measures below are low-cost options, while others involve using more high-tech solutions at a greater expense. Some security measures will be more appropriate than others for your property. Low-cost options
On a personal note may I take the opportunity to thank you for passing on my messages over the past year and wish you all a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2012. Best wishes from PCSO Shauna Bowen, Offington Community Officer Worthing Neighbourhood Policing Team Issued: 16 December 2011 ADVERSE WEATHER - ADVICE FROM NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Winter storm advice Keep up to date with the latest storm warnings at the Met Office website, and for local advice check the East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council websites. The Environment Agency website has details of flood warnings in your area. Things you can do to prepare:
If a storm hits:
When the storm has passed:
Preparing for snow and ice When snow and ice affect the county, we recommend the following to help keep disruption to a minimum:
Issued: 8 December 2011 Click here to read the minutes from the Worthing Neighbourhood Watch 2011 AGM. ROAD FATALITY STATISTICS MAPPING TOOL You may be interested to see this Road Fatality statistics / mapping tool. It is possible to see the location and summary incident data on supposedly all road fatalities between 1999-2010. Britain has one of the best records in the world for road casualties. However, hundreds still die on the roads every year. In 2010, the police recorded 1,850 deaths, 22,660 people seriously injured and 184,138 who received light injuries. About the map: Using official data recorded by police in Great Britain between 1999 and 2010, every road collision in which someone died has been recorded. In all, 36,371 fatalities are marked on this interactive map. To view the map, please follow this link: Issued: 7 December 2011 Local Neighbourhood Watch is warning about a scam letter that is being posted to residents, purporting to be from a company in Hong Kong. The letter claims to be from a Hong Kong based business called ‘Hung Kai Finance Company Limited’. It states that a recently deceased member of the recipient’s family had accounts in China and that the recipient is entitled to $10.5 million. This is a scam. Do not contact the sender and ignore the request if you receive a letter like this. People are also being warned never to hand out bank details during correspondence such as this. Read more about the Hong Kong inheritance scam on the Langar cum Barnstone Parish Council’s website. Please note: Action Fraud is not responsible for the content on external websites. To report a fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online fraud reporting tool. Issued: 5 December 2011 Areas on the coast have been affected by a numbers of vehicle crimes recently. These have been breaks to vehicles, broken windscreens and breaks to Vans where tools have been stolen. Please make sure your vehicle is secured when left unattended, remove all valuables, personal items etc. Try to park where possible in a garage or secure area and if parking on street, consider leaving your vehicle in public view where opportunists will not be provided the advantages of cover or darkness. Should you see or hear anything suspicious, please report on 101 or by email to contact.centre@sussex.pnn.police.uk If you witness a crime in progress dial 999. Issued: 30 November 2011 OFFINGTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PANEL MEETINGS There are Neighbourhood Panels in each electoral ward across Worthing and were set up as a Police Community initiative for residents to raise concerns in their ward with the Police and local councillors and other local agencies. Any resident can raise issues for consideration by the panel and may attend meetings. Anyone wishing to attend a panel meeting for the first time should contact our PCSO Shauna Bowen via the non emergency police tel no 101. Click here to read the minutes from the latest meeting. NEWHAVEN SHOP BREAK-IN Overnight from Monday 28th into Tuesday November 29th, a shop in Newhaven High Street was broken into electronic equipment to the value of around £3000 was stolen. We would like to encourage the public to contact the police if they are offered any electrical items for sale in Newhaven or surrounding areas especially brand new items without receipts, which may be sold a discounted prices. Anyone with information about this incident should please call 101 or email the contact centre at contact.centre@sussex.pnn.police.uk and quote serial number 0432 29/11/2011 Issued: 25 November 2011 CRIME & POLICING NEWS UPDATE Click here to read the November news update from the Home Office. Click here to read about an important change to the PCC structure. Issued: 23 November 2011 ATM/CASH MACHINE THEFTS Click here to read a document from Sussex Police. COASTAL VEHICLE CRIME Our coastal areas, Saltdean, Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs have recently been affected by a series of thefts from Commercial vehicles. Tools are being taken from commercial vehicles overnight and there have also been reports of thefts of vehicle parts. Police can provide free tool security marking and printed leaflets to leave in your vehicles advising that there is nothing of value inside; however, we are asking the public to take some simple security measures to help safeguard your property against these crimes.
Please remain vigilant and let us know if you see or hear anything suspicious on contact number 101. like wise if you have any information relating to these incidents please inform Police on either 101 or via email at contact.centre@sussex.pnn.police.uk. Issued: 22 November 2011 REPORTING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Sussex Police are working hard to tackle all forms of Antisocial Behaviour across our District. In order for us to effectively tackle an issue, we do rely on public information. The information you provide alerts us to were, when and how these issues arise, and give us the best possible chance to implement effective actions at the most effective times. We would like to encourage the public to report any Antisocial Behaviour issues which affect you, within your community, in your day to day lives. These incidents or occurrences can be reported to Sussex Police on telephone number 101 or by email at contact.centre@sussex.pnn.police.uk Issued: 21 November 2011 A MALE PERSON ASKING FOR MONEY
Please
be aware of a male person who is currently active in the East and
Central area of
The male is described as mid forties, gaunt looking, with skinny
build, approx 5ft
6 to 5ft 8, with short dark
brown hair which is receding. He usually gives his first name,
which is Ian.
Ian has
conditions not to ask for money in this way, but we have had
reports that he is still doing this. The last report was in
If you are approached by him, please call the police on 101 as soon as you are able to. We are committed to catching criminals and making your area a safer place to live. The information we receive from you and your neighbours plays a huge part in enabling us to do that. Any information you can give us is greatly appreciated. THEFT OF A DRAIN COVER A woman 'had a lucky escape' when she plunged 20ft into a sewer after thieves stole a drain cover. The woman, who has not been named, suffered only cuts and bruises after dropping into the darkness in Broadbridge Heath, near Horsham, West Sussex. She was able to call 999 and was eventually rescued and treated for her minor injuries. A Sussex Police spokesman said: 'A woman had a lucky escape after she fell down a main sewer drain hole. 'She received minor cuts to her lower legs and was taken to the Crawley walk-in centre. This was some 20ft drop into what appears to be main sewers. It is believed the drain cover had been moved by thieves who were trying to sell it for scrap. Horsham is beginning to see a rise in drain and manhole covers being stolen as scrap metal.' Police are asking members of the public to report any suspicious activity. Issued: 17 November 2011 U-CASH SCAM
A scam phone call was made to
an elderly lady in Chailey.
The received call was from a
Middle Eastern male who informed the lady that she was entitled to
some money and that if she purchased some U-CASH vouchers to she
would be given a cheque for a substantial sum.
The lady was told she
could get the vouchers from local newsagents. The lady could not
get the money together and the male stated he would call her back.
A further call was made an
hour later and she was asked again if she could get the money.
After final call was received sometime later, the lady told the
man not to call back. The number the male called from is confirmed
to be unused. Police were advised and the manager of the local
store was contacted. The store does not sell U-CASH vouchers.
Enquiries into this have
shown that several people have received calls of this nature
telling them to do exactly the same thing and that it is a
confirmed scam. Although this incident has occurred on Lewes
District, it is not an isolated occurrence and could be occurring
across the country.
Or report via email at
contact.centre@sussex.police.uk Issued: 15 November 2011 CHRISTMAS DRINK/DRIVE CAMPAIGN People across Sussex who choose to drive while impaired this Christmas season are being warned that the risks are too great. Sussex Police yesterday (Monday 14 November) launched its Christmas anti-drink/drug driving campaign in conjunction with Sussex Safer Roads Partnership. From now until the beginning of January police across the county will be stepping up their usual activities to crack down on people who think that impaired driving is acceptable. Chief Inspector Di Roskilly of Sussex Police Road Policing Unit said: "Like many other festive seasons previously we are concerned about the number of people who still choose to mix drinking or drug consumption with driving "It is the responsibility of the driver to make sure they are not impaired when they get behind the wheel, but this year we would also like to encourage other people to help us keep people safe and report those who still insist on driving. "Mobile phone users can now report people they believe are drink or drug driving or those who are about to drink or drug drive by texting 65999. Some people may find this easier, especially as it can be done discreetly. "Also this year we will be making applications to the courts for vehicles of persistent drink or drug drivers to be forfeited, along with our usual covert and overt operations and educational events alongside partners." During the same campaign last year 6501 tests were carried out in a seven week period with 176 drivers arrested for being over the limit or refusing to provide a breath sample. CI Roskilly said: "Drink and/or drug driving will not be tolerated in Sussex, not only is it against the law but it is known to result in death or injury to either yourself or others. Our role is to keep people safe on our roads. "If you are planning on having a drink or taking drugs this festive season we ask that you ensure you know how you are getting home and don't get behind the wheel while impaired. Remember that you may still be over the limit the morning after." Phil Henty, Operations Manager for the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, said: "Anti-drink and drug driving messages will be promoted throughout communities across Sussex once again this Christmas. However, we also remind motorists to stop and think before they get into their vehicles the night after a party.
"Alcohol can take time to
get out of a motorist's system, so if the celebrations lasted
into the early hours, drivers should be aware that they can
still be over the limit even after a few hours' sleep. The Sussex campaign coincides with the national Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) anti-drink drive campaign and the Tispol European campaign. If you would like to make a report to Sussex Police 999 if the activity is currently taking place or 101 if it's not an emergency. You can also make reports through the Operation Crackdown website www.operationcrackdown.org or text 65999. Mobile phone users who text 65999 to make a report are asked to include as much information as possible. Details about where the driver is leaving from, where they are going, the make of vehicle, a registration number and their name will all assist police to trace the driver. Issued: 10 November 2011 METAL THEFTS There is an increase in metal thefts, from lead on buildings to cables and scrap items. Please pay extra attention to your security precautions both at home on outbuildings and commercial around properties, especially now the evenings are becoming dark earlier.
Consider security lighting and
ensure entrances to all such buildings and premises are secured with
durable locks.
If you see anything suspicious call 101
or in an emergency, or if a crime is seen to be occurring call 999.
Stay
vigilant and report immediately any persons or vehicles acting
suspicious (this includes cold callers / door knockers).
Please do try and provide as much information to the call handler as possible, such as:
Type of vehicle – colour, make,
model, registration and direction of travel.
Persons – description - approx
age, height, hair colour, clothing worn, tattoos etc. COAST VEHICLE CRIME A black Jaguar Estate vehicle was stolen from Robinsons Road, Newhaven between 8pm last night and 8:30 this morning. There were also incidents of thefts from vehicles in Roderick Avenue, North Peacehaven and Sutton Road, Seaford. PLEASE pay extra attention to your vehicle security, the coastal areas have been subject to thefts of and theft from motor vehicles for some months. Your local Neighbourhood policing teams are working hard to combat this trend, however, we urge you to take some extra precautions which may assist to safeguard your vehicle against thieves. DO NOT LEAVE ANY VALUABLES IN YOUR VEHICLE. Remove ALL electrical equipment, flip front stereos, Sat Nav systems, hands free kits, loose change and other personal items. If they are on view or in your unattended vehicle, they are vulnerable. ENSURE YOUR VEHICLE IS LOCKED at all times when unattended, even if you are just popping to a shop... THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT WHERE YOU PARK. If you have to park on the road, look for well lit areas in the public view and avoid back streets where lighting is poor or concealed areas. Always use a garage if available and ensure that too is locked. If you have had a Sat Nav in your vehicle, wipe off the ring mark left by the holder: this may indicate to an opportunist that there is a device concealed within the vehicle giving them cause to break in. Report any suspicious sightings of vehicle interference, persons in suspicious circumstances and incidents of damage or thefts to Sussex police on 101 or in an emergency or if a crime is in progress dial 999. COMPUTER SCAM There have been several reports over the past week in Castle ward of cold callers phoning residents and asking for credit/debit card details in order to debug a virus on their computer. Please be aware of this scam and never give out personal or bank details including credit or debit card information over the phone. Issued: 4 November 2011 BEWARE ONLINE CRIMINALS WHEN CHRISTMAS SHOPPING ON THE INTERNET
With the UK's busiest online
shopping day 'Mega Monday' (6 December) fast approaching , we are
joining others in ringing-out the bells about the growing threat of
online fraudsters. Visit Action Fraud for daily prevention tips in the run up to Christmas. Issued: 31 October 2011 CRIME & POLICING UPDATE - OCTOBER 2011 Click here to read the online version. Issued: 31 October 2011 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH E-NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2011 Click here to read the online version. Issued: 27 October 2011 SUSSEX POLICE GOES LIVE WITH 101, THE NEW NON EMERGENCY NUMBER On 1 November police forces throughout England and Wales will all switch from their various non emergency contact numbers to 101. Sussex Police have been preparing for months for the switch over and have been live testing the 101 number since July in order to monitor how well the technology works. Chief Superintendent Wayne Jones, Head of Sussex Police Communications Department said: "We are really pleased that Sussex Police was one of four forces asked to live test the new number. It has enabled us to address any problems and correct them in time for the national launch. "The introduction of 101 will provide a common, easily remembered and accessible number that will not only be simpler for residents of Sussex, but will also reduce confusion for visitors to the county. "As from 1 November, all of our contact details will be changed on our website as well as social media sites and will appear gradually on new printed information. However, any printed material with an expected shelf life of more than 12 months is already been produced with the new number. "Calls to the 101 non-emergency number will cost 15 pence for the entire call, no matter how long the call or what time of day it is. This applies to both landlines and mobile phones. In an emergency, callers should still dial 999, which is free. Those members of the public with impaired hearing or speech can still use the text phone -18001 101. "You can also report most non-emergency crime at no cost via our website at www.sussex.police.uk/contact-us/report-a-crime-or-incident. Online crime reporting was introduced back in January and has proven very popular with many of the public who prefer this method of contacting the police rather than phoning. "For the time being the 0845 number will continue to run in tandem with 101." When a member of the public calls 101, the system will determine the caller's location and connect them to the police force covering that area. They will hear a recorded message announcing which police force they are being connected to. If a caller is on a boundary between two or more forces, the recorded message will give them a choice of which force to be connected to. Police call handlers in the force control room for that area will then answer the calls and respond appropriately. The caller will not be put through to a large national call centre. Professor Gordon Bull from Sussex Police Authority said: "The introduction of the new non-emergency number is a real step forward and I am delighted that rather than having to remember different numbers depending on where you are in the country members of the public will be able to dial this simple and effective number to contact the police wherever they are." Issued: 25 October 2011 Click here to read about how to protect your home this winter. SECURITY BICYCLE MARKING Due to the increase in stolen bicycles in the Worthing area lately, Sussex Police are holding free bicycle security marking. This is taking place by the Worthing Guildbourne Centre, Chapel Road, and is between 09:00 and 15:30 every day this week until Friday. Please feel free to come along with your bicycle! Issued: 24 October 2011 PROJECT KRAKEN VEHICLE ALERT At 1430 hours on 24/10/2011 a black coloured Audi A3, index, S571 SBU, was seen in the Chichester harbour areas paying attention to boat yards and marine premises. Vehicle was in possession of two white, possibly Eastern European males with hooded tops. Please report any sightings. Thank you. Sussex Police Project Kraken Team. http://www.sussex.police.uk/advice-and-support/projects/kraken Issued: 21 October 2011 SUSSEX NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH FEDERATION MOVES ON Brenda Whitmell and Robin Matthews, the Chair and a Vice Chairman/Treasurer respectively of Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation, retired from the Federation at the recent Annual General Meeting, after many years of long and loyal service. The newly appointed Chairman is John Wright, Chairman of Crawley Neighbourhood Watch, and the Deputy Chairman is Derek Pratt, the Vice Chairman of Crawley Neighbourhood Watch and also Chairman of the Neighbourhood Watch North Sussex Search Team. Crawley Neighbourhood Watch is widely respected as being one of the most pro-active Neighbourhood Watch town schemes in Sussex. Paying tribute at the AGM John said: ”Brenda has been the Chairman of the Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation for over 10 years, and during that time she has also served on the Neighbourhood Watch South East Regional Forum, and represented the interests of the South East at Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network, the national umbrella organisation for Neighbourhood Watch. NHWN represents all Neighbourhood Watch and Home Watch members across England and Wales. It is the body that engages with the Home Office and other partners at the strategic level. Similarly Robin has been a stalwart of Neighbourhood Watch in Sussex, and we wish them both a very long and happy retirement.” Three Vice Chairmen were also appointed; John Holman represents West Sussex and also becomes the new Treasurer, Mike Hewens represents East Sussex, and Peter Brookshaw represents Brighton & Hove. Other key appointments were Ann Goodridge as Secretary and Robin Hargraves as Sales Officer. The Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation, set up in 1995 with the full support of Sussex Police, acts as a forum, co-ordinates resources, provides help to its members and helps to share good practice across the County, as well as seeking to raise the profile of Neighbourhood Watch. It also represents the views of our members to the South East Regional Forum, and where necessary to National Neighbourhood Watch. The main purposes of Neighbourhood Watch are to promote good citizenship and greater public awareness through Neighbourhood Watch groups, increase public participation in the prevention and detection of crime, reduce the fear of crime, improve police/community liaison and increase community safety. Neighbourhood Watch is about making sure that no one has to feel afraid, vulnerable or isolated in the place where they live. It’s about people looking out for each other, crossing barriers of age, race and class to create real communities that benefit everyone. Neighbourhood Watch is a “grass roots” organisation, run by its members for its members and is one of the UK's largest voluntary organisations. Anybody can join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Usually residents in a neighbourhood who support the aims and objectives of Neighbourhood Watch agree amongst each other that they will come together and form a local scheme, with the help and support of Sussex Police. This might be one or two streets in a town, or even part of a street, or it could be an entire village. Sussex Police maintains a register of all recognised schemes, and checks the suitability of the local co-ordinator to hold that position. John Wright Chairman, Sussex Federation Neighbourhood Watch Issued: 16 October 2011 CRIME ON OFFINGTON WARD Just wanted to make you aware that last night - Saturday 15th October 2011- Police received a call saying there was an intruder within a property in Offington Drive. On Police arrival the intruder had fled however an area search of the surrounding Roads together with a call from a concerned resident about a person on their property led to the arrest of a male who was located in a garage in Offington Avenue. The male is currently in custody while enquiries are continuing. As we know Offington has been hit badly over the past month or so with mainly outbuilding & vehicle breaks so this arrest is welcome news. Best wishes from PCSO Shauna Bowen, Offington Community Officer Worthing Neighbourhood Policing Team Issued: 14 October 2011 SHED, GARAGE BREAKS & THEFT OF SCRAP METAL In the Lewes District there has been an increase in thefts from sheds and outside storage areas. Sheds and outside storage areas are often overlooked by occupiers when securing their property but often have high value equipment such as power tools, lawnmowers, bicycles and various valuable bric-a-brac and scrap metal. This type of crime is counted as a burglary other than dwelling and is attractive to criminals due to various factors including property that is of high value, difficult to trace and easy to sell on due to demand. Simple actions such as ensuring that your shed is in good condition, is locked with padlocks and any valuables are either stored elsewhere or marked with anti theft security markings, failing that ensure that serial numbers of your property are recorded. Various shed alarms are available from the internet or local hardware store. Crime Prevention Advice:
THEFT OF DIESEL Crime Prevention Advice Theft of fuel is currently of concern amongst policing and the community across the UK. Fuel is being stolen from vehicles and storage tanks by the use of siphoning equipment that can vary from the basic tube to more sophisticated arrangements involving pumps. Have a look on the internet as many sites sell anti -siphoning devices.
Please can I ask everyone to be vigilant and report immediately any persons or vehicles acting suspicious. Please do try and provide as much information to the call handler such as: Type of vehicle – colour, make, model, registration and direction of travel. Persons – description - approx age, height, hair colour, clothing worn, tattoos etc For information on crime prevention look on our Sussex Police website. Please pass on this advice to friend’s family and neighbours. This is my first community message that I have forwarded if you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact me julie.whittakerjones@sussex.pnn.police.uk Many Thanks Julie
PCSO Julie
Whittaker-Jones
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