Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter Edition 4 – Winter 2018 Welcome to the fourth edition of Mid and East Antrim’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership’s Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter. I continue to be encouraged by the Neighbourhood Watch network in Mid and East Antrim and I am happy to encourage new schemes. If you are thinking of starting a new scheme please make contact with PCSP staff who will be happy to assist you with the application process. As we make our way into winter and the Christmas festivities it is easy to
become a little complacent about crime prevention. Whilst we are fortunate to live in one of the safest areas, we want to remind residents that burglars are often opportunistic! Let us not make it easy for them by leaving doors and windows open or leaving valuables easily accessible. Unfortunately in recent months there has been an increase in scams both in terms of rogue traders and via the telephone/ internet. Within this edition we have included advice about the Nominated Neighbour Scheme and tips to Celebrate a Crime
Free Christmas. If you do find yourself in the position where you feel you have been scammed we urge you to please report. Whatever your resolutions as we approach the New Year, we hope that the tips, advice and contact details provided in this issue will help you to become more vigilant and proactive at keeping yourselves, your property and your communities safer. Wishing you a Happy & Safe Christmas and 2019! Mid and East Antrim PCSP Chair, Cllr Paul Sinclair
Supported by
making Mid & East Antrim safer
More than 100 lives changed by Mid and East Antrim Support Hub in first year Mid and East Antrim’s ‘Support Hub’ has helped change more than 100 lives for the better since it launched a year ago. The initiative sees Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Department of Justice, PSNI, NIFRS and other statutory agencies, working together to help vulnerable individuals get the right support. The framework involves representatives from various agencies, meeting regularly to discuss local individuals who may require support, and working out how those agencies work together to provide help.
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The idea has helped people through referrals to the right support services or the passing on of information to direct them to different ways to get help. Police Service of Northern Ireland Superintendent Davy Beck explains how the Hubs work: “Each agency in the hub identifies vulnerable people and, with their consent, shares what relevant information they have with the other partners. This helps create a full picture of their particular circumstances.
“One example is of a young man living alone in a housing executive flat, suffering from mental health issues, alcohol and drug misuse. He had a close family circle, but younger men were taking advantage of him by using his property as a place to deal drugs. The Support Hub was able to help by securing him an appointment with health professionals, substance support services, as well as securing appropriate accommodation. He is now thriving as part of a volunteer group. This shows Support Hubs help deliver the right support at the right time.”
Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Anne Donaghy said: “We are delighted to see this initiative across the borough working and changing the lives of families and individuals here. It truly is Community Planning in action by doing what it says, and putting people first. This is further evidence that a joined up approach benefits us all and we are actively improving services for people in Mid and East Antrim. “This is about a collaborative working approach to help the most vulnerable in our society. This shows council’s commitment to helping support and empower our citizens, building stronger and sustainable communities as a result.”
The Department of Justice’s Head of Community Safety Division Steven McCourt said: “At the heart of this scheme are individuals. Many of them are the most vulnerable people in our communities, men and women who need support. The right help from the appropriate agencies not only helps improve people’s quality of life, but it can also often steer them away from the justice system. “Agencies working together and sharing information is an important component of the draft Programme for Government. Support Hubs demonstrate how statutory partners working together can literally change lives for the better. I congratulate everyone who, working together,
are now delivering this important service to those in need across Mid and East Antrim.” The hub meets regularly to help refer people and deals with a number of issues including addiction, hate crime, mental health, physical health, housing and more. The other partners working together in the Support Hub alongside council include Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Youth Justice Agency, Education Authority, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Probation Board. To find out more go to www. midandeastantrim.gov.uk/ SupportHubs
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Nominated neighbour scheme
Celebrate a crime free Christmas
What is the nominated neighbour scheme?
With Christmas and the January sales, shopping takes up a lot of time during the winter months. Shoppers are often so busy thinking about things that need to be done that they can fall victim to criminals. Remember, remain alert and follow these few useful tips!
The scheme seeks the help of neighbours or relatives to check whether unexpected callers are genuine, especially those calling on more vulnerable members of the community. You will get a card to hold up to the window or door telling the caller that you do not recognise them and to go to your Nominated Neighbour. The Nominated neighbour will then try to check the caller’s identity. A genuine caller will not mind following the instructions on the card.
How do I find a nominated neighbour? Arrange with a trusted neighbour or a member of your family who lives nearby to be your Nominated Neighbour. Ask them if they will be prepared to help you check the identity of any
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unrecognised callers to your home and if they would be willing to accompany them while they speak to you.
Why become a nominated neighbour? Essentially it is about being a good neighbour and looking out for the older and more vulnerable members of the community.
What do I have to do? If ad unknown caller attends the address of your neighbour while they are alone in the house the caller will be shown a card instructing them to contact you their Nominated neighbour. Your name, address and telephone number will be displayed to the stranger if you agree to be a Nominated Neighbour. This ensures that your vulnerable neighbour does not have to talk to any unknown callers at the door, until
you have verified who they are and if necessary have returned with the caller to your Neighbours address. If you are unsure whether the caller is on legitimate business or you are unable to verify who they are, then politely ask them to make an appointment. If they continue to try and gain entry to your neighbour’s home then call the Police.
You can get Nominated Neighbour forms and no cold caller stickers from Crime Prevention Officer on 101 Ext.2760
Online
Personal & home safety
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Use common sense when shopping online - remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Use secure websites. Look for https:// and padlock image. Use secure payment such as Paypal or a pre-paid credit card for all online purchases Sponsored links are not always reliable and can be used by criminals. Never use your bank passwords any other website. Banks and financial institutions don’t send emails asking you to verify your bank details. Be cautious using social media such as Facebook – never advertise that your home is empty by showing you are somewhere else, your purchases or a countdown to your holidays.
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Never leave any valuables on view in the car or at home - like everyone else, thieves like to window shop before obtaining their goods. Always cover the keypad when entering your cards PIN and be aware of who’s round you. Park in a busy, well-lit area you feel safe walking to. Take into account that it gets darker earlier in the winter months. If you will be away from home for a few days, use light timers or ask a neighbour to turn your lights on and off to ensure it’s not obvious the house is empty. Local all windows and doors – even if you are only away for a few minutes. Never leave your keys in the ignition when your vehicle is unattended.
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10 top tips to protect your tank 1 Lock your gates.
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2 Disguise your tank.
7 Consider installing security lighting and CCTV.
The simple act of keeping your garden or drive gates closed and securely locked can prevent a theft. Ensure that all gates and fences are in good repair. Consider fencing, trellis and defensive planting. The planting of hostile, thorny shrubs around your tank and boundaries can provide extra protection. Good examples of defensive plants are Pyracantha, Berberis, Climbing Rose, Hawthorn and even Gooseberry.
3 Create obstacles.
Plant pots and general garden paraphernalia can be placed in the path of any potential intruders. They will make noise and waste time moving the items or navigating around them. Remove and secure any tools or ladders which could be used as an aide to commit crime.
4 Limit the quantity of fuel in your tank.
Full tanks are a more popular target, so consider limiting the amount of oil that you have in your tank at any one time.
5 Lock your tank.
Use a good quality, alarmed padlock or install lockable caps with crop proof fittings. Where possible fit hardened flexible casings to any vulnerable fuel hoses so that they are harder to cut.
Fit a ‘level gauge’. With an audible alarm. The alarm should sound if the oil level in the tank suddenly drops, or falls below a certain point.
Road safety Winter driving Road Safety Education Officer Constable Sydney Henry has provided the following tips to keep safe on the roads this winter. Before you set off on your journey:
Lights can not only warn you of an intruder but also alert neighbours and passing patrols.
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Check your planned route is clear of delays and listen to weather reports
8 Install a ‘tank cage or guard’.
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Make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted fully.
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Remove all snow that might fall into the path of other road users
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You MUST be able to see so clear all snow and ice from windows
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You MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible
This is particularly important if you have already suffered a fuel theft. These welded cages offer the best protection while still allowing tanker access. Although this solution may seem expensive, when weighted up against the cost of lost fuel and/ or a new tank that may be damaged during fuel theft, it can prove more cost effective in the long term. Such cages can also be alarmed as an additional layer of security.
9 Site your tank cleverly.
If you have cause to re-site your tank or are installing a fuel tank for the first time, ensure that it is placed in a secure location - visible from your home and surrounding properties but not from the road.
10 Hide scrap metal.
By removing any scrap from the view of potential offenders, you can avoid drawing attention to your property or your fuel tank! The Oil Firing Technical Association for the petroleum industry offers advice and guidance for those who use and store oil on their premises.
Speed is a crucial factor in difficult and adverse weather conditions, so you should drive slower than in fine weather. In winter conditions, make sure you maintain safe distance behind other vehicles in case you have to take sudden evasive action. Remember, a good driver always takes into account the weather conditions and drives accordingly.
Useful Contact Numbers
Your PCSP members
PSNI contact details
10 Elected Members
9 Independent Members
7 Statutory Partners
Cllr Brian Collins (Chair)
Mary Watson (Vice Chair)
Northern Ireland Housing Executive
Cllr Andrew Wilson
Marjorie Hawkins
Cllr Reuben Glover
Brenda Leslie
Ald Sam Hanna
Jonathan Cooke
Cllr Cheryl Johnston
Emma McIlveen
Cllr Lynn McClurg
Wendy Kerr
Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Name
Rank
Role
Station
Mobile
Michael Simpson
Inspector
Neighbourhood Police Team Ballymena
Ballymena
07734580501
michael.simpson@ psni.pnn.police.uk
Trevor Atkinson
Inspector
Neighbourhood Police Team Larne & Carrick
Carrick
07775662096
trevor.atkinson@ psni.pnn.police.uk
Chris O’Flaherty
Sergeant
Neighbourhood Policing Team Carrick
Carrick
07787133250
chris.oflaherty@ psni.pnn.police.uk
Police Service of Northern Probation Board Youth Justice Agency
Chris McIlroy
Sergeant
Neighbourhood Policing Team
Carrick
07787224732
Chris.McIlroy@ psni.pnn.police.uk
Ald Gregg McKeen
Ashleigh Perry
Education Authority
Michelle McKillop
Sergeant
Neighbourhood Policing Team
Ballymena
07917094898
Michelle.McKillop@ psni.pnn.police.uk
Ald William McNeilly
Rodney Quigley
Stephen Rainey
Sergeant
Community Planning Sergeant
Ballymena
07920502825
stephen.rainey2@ psni.pnn.police.uk
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service
Cllr Paul Sinclair
Marian Maguire
Mid and East Antrim PCSP contact details Contact the PCSP staff by phone, email or call into the office: Larne Town Hall, Upper Cross Street, Larne. BT40 1RZ Tel: 028 2826 2459/60/61 Email: pcsp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Cllr Patrice Hardy
In an emergency call 999 PSNI non-emergency number 101 • • • •
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Victim Support: 028 2563 0784 Crime stoppers: 0800 555 111 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Violence helpline: 0808 802 1414 Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey (ABCLN) Women’s Aid: 028 2563 2136 Crime Prevention Officer Stuart Willkie: 07500036996 / Ext 86008 / phone 101
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TUESDAY 22nd JANUARY 7PM - 9PM
CONVERSATION
CARRICKFERGUS REGISTER: What will make a difference in your community?
www.roc.uk.com/carrickfergus
OR CALL: 0161 393 4511
How to keep safe this Christmas Studio Theatre, The Braid, Ballymena Wednesday 21 November 7.30pm You are invited to attend a public PSNI Policing committee on this theme. For more information on the meeting, contact: 028 2826 2459 or pcsp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
TOWN HALL JOYMOUNT CARRICKFERGUS BT37 7DN
Come to meet with others from your local community including police and fire services, the local council and faith based groups to discuss ways of working together for the good of the community.
This newsletter is supported by The Northern Ireland Policing Board and The Department of Justice. With thanks to PSNI, Crimestoppers and Neighbourhood Watch for providing information for this leaflet.