Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter
Edition 8 – Winter 2019 I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 8th edition of the Mid and East Antrim PCSP neighbourhood watch newsletter. As we approach Christmas, you will notice we’ve added some advice which is particularly relevant at this time of year. Winter road safety is important and motorists need to pay due care and attention on the roads in the winter and be able to adapt to changing conditions.
Even the most experienced drivers can find themselves getting into difficulties when the roads are icy. In this issue, we would also like to remind you that opportunistic criminals can strike anywhere – even in car parks, on the internet and from your own home. This newsletter contains tips and advice on remaining vigilant during the run up to Christmas and reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime this festive season.
making Mid & East Antrim safer
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 community safer. Wishing you a Happy and Safe Christmas and 2020! Mid and East Antrim PCSP Chair, Ald. John Carson
Police remind people to be vigilant in the run up to Christmas
Top ten tips to stop the burglar!
In the run up to Christmas, police are urging homeowners to take steps to protect their property and reduce their risk of becoming a victim of crime this festive season.
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Close and lock all doors and windows even if you are only going out for a few minutes.
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Leave a light on if it will be dark before you get home. Consider security lights. To a burglar a dark house is an empty house.
Police are also asking people to look out for vulnerable neighbours and relatives during the festive period. Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said: “We as a police service will do everything in our power to tackle crime, however we also need the help of you, the community, to ensure that burglars do not get away with their crimes. “With Christmas approaching we would remind people it is not a time of rest for criminals; they too are doing their Christmas shopping, looking to gain advantage at your expense.
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“Don’t make it easy for them, stay alert to your surroundings and report anything suspicious to police immediately. When you get home, keep your presents safe. Everyone likes to see Christmas presents around a tree, but make sure that no one can see them from outside. It is important to ensure you always lock your doors and windows at night and when out to secure those high value items you may have at Christmas. “We are encouraging everyone to report suspicious activity to us – no matter how insignificant it may seem, the report of a suspicious vehicle or people acting strangely in your neighbourhood can help us to prevent and detect crime.
“Domestic burglary has been and will remain a priority for us. Talk to your family and neighbours about the top ten tips and the simple measures you can take to make your home more secure. If you have an older relative or neighbour help them to keep their homes safe and talk to them about home security. Here are the Top Ten Tips to help remind people that they can take steps to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime.
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Keep your valuables out of sight.
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Cancel milk or other deliveries if you will be away from home.
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Don’t leave car keys near your door, letterbox or windows.
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Always check who is at the door. Not sure? Don’t open the door.
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Set your alarm when going out and at night time. If you do not have an alarm consider installing one.
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Ask a neighbour or a friend to check your property and to remove post from the porch/hallway.
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Inform police if your house is to be vacant for any length of time.
If you would like further advice on home security you can contact your local Crime Prevention Officer on the non-emergency 101. Report any suspicious activity, no matter how trivial you may think it is to police, and If it is an emergency always ring ‘999’. If you want to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
10. Always keep sheds and outbuildings locked and secure ladders. www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
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Bogus Callers and Rogue Traders
are operating in this area
Police advice on dealing with salesmen and other strangers calling at your door. 4
Protect your home Don’t be a victim of burglary, take steps NOW to keep your property safe
Find out more by calling the police and asking for your Crime Prevention Officer or Local Policing Team or contact the PCSP through your local council
Road Safety Winter Driving
New driver scheme presentations
Motorists need to pay due care and attention on the roads in the winter and be able to adapt to changing conditions. Even the most experienced drivers can find themselves getting into difficulties when the roads are icy.
Mid and East Antrim PCSP are working with the New Driver Safety Ambassador CIC Limited to give presentations in all of the local secondary schools in the Borough.
Ask yourself whether your journey is really necessary. Before you set off on your journey: • Make sure your vehicle is in winter roadworthy condition. • Check that your tyres meet the legal requirements. Tyres that do not have the legal tread will seriously affect your car’s traction and steering. • Clear your windscreen properly of ice and snow. • Check brakes, lights, and oil and washer fluid levels. • Carry water and de-icer in the car with you. • If you are going on a longer journey, make sure you bring food, hot drinks, warm blankets and a fully charged mobile phone.
The overall purpose is to educate young people about the dangers of driving especially as they are inexperienced drivers, teaching them about all things motoring especially road safety and how it can affect them, their friends and family if they are involved in a serious road traffic collision.
If you must travel in wintry weather remember to: • Slow down and leave plenty of room to stop. You should allow
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at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels lock, ease off the brakes. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists and always clear all ice and snow off the car windows before setting out. Drive slowly on snow in the highest gear possible. Never overtake snowploughs or gritting lorries. The drivers have limited visibility, and you are likely to find that the road in front of them is worse that the road behind. Do not assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even fourwheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads. Carry wellingtons or other strong boots and
weatherproof clothing in case your have to get out and walk, or push a car. If you get stuck in snow: • Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way. • Use a light touch on the accelerator to ease your car out. • Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car. • Pour sand, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels – or even use your foot mats – to help get traction. • If you must leave your car, arrange to have it recovered as soon as possible. If you think it is in a place that may pose a danger to other road users, call the police to let them know.
The Safe Motoring Presentations target audience are students aged between 17 and 20 and will be delivered by way of interactive presentations in post 16 schools in the Mid & East Antrim council area. The New Driver Safe Motoring presentation deals with road safety especially speed and driver distraction. It also discusses the Share the Road to Zero pledge and encourages the young people to complete the pledge. This presentation won a Highly Commended award
at the UK Young Driver Focus Awards in 2016 and schools have requested the presentation year after year. We also give each post 16 student within the school a copy of the New Driver NI magazine which compliments the presentation as all the information discussed will also be highlighted with the magazine.
At the end of every session, we collect the Share the Road to Zero pledge cards and input the information onto a computer and forward this information onto the Department for Infrastructure Road Safety Team.
The Safe Motoring presentation follows a format which every young person will find interest in as it discusses the pros and cons of the following: • • • • • • • • • •
Picking the right driving instructor The theory test The practical test Buying a car Insurance Penalty points Car Maintenance Collisions Staying Safe on the road Discussing the Share the Road to Zero pledge
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www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
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Stay vigilant to suspicious activity
Your PCSP members
Police fully understand the impact on a community, and the cost to a business targeted by criminals who go to considerable lengths to steal ATMs.
As a result of the local council elections which took place on 2nd May the membership of the PCSP has changed. See below table listing the local PCSP representatives. For more information visit www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/resident/community-safety
Not only does this type of crime have a considerable impact on communities, but there is also a significant price to be paid by the business targeted. A dedicated team of Criminal Investigation Department detectives across Northern Ireland continue to investigate these incidents and is proactively progressing enquiries, to identify and apprehend those responsible. Police continue to work alongside retailers and banks and would encourage businesses to regularly review their crime prevention measures to minimise their risk of becoming a victim of crime. We encourage those either using or storing heavy lifting machinery like telescopic handlers and diggers on sites or facilities 10
near commercial premises to ensure that these machines are kept locked, secured and immobilised to prevent theft. More generally, we would also encourage people who live close to businesses like filling stations and local shops to contact police immediately if they see any unusual activity or people in the area. For example, if you hear machinery later at night or in the early hours please let us know. Report any power outages close to commercial premises during the hours of darkness via 101.
Also, if you see people or vehicles appearing pay particular attention to certain premises, call police on 101. In an emergency or if you suspect a crime is in progress, dial 999. Alternatively information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak and stop crime.
10 Elected Members
9 Independent Members
7 Statutory Partners
Cllr Gregg McKeen Ald John Carson (Chair) Cllr Andrew Wilson Cllr Mrs Lauren Gray Cllr Timothy Gaston Cllr Thomas Gordon Cllr Miss Cheryl Johnston Cllr John McDermott Cllr Danny Donnelly Cllr Marc Collins
Mary Watson Marjorie Hawkins (Vice Chair) Brenda Leslie Jonathan Cooke Emma McIlveen Wendy Kerr Ashleigh Perry Rodney Quigley Marian Maguire
Northern Ireland Housing Executive Police Service of Northern Probation Board Youth Justice Agency Northern Health and Social Care Trust Education Authority Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service
PSNI contact details Name
Rank
Station
Mobile
Rory Bradley
Inspector Neighbourhood Police Team Ballymena Inspector Neighbourhood Police Team Larne & Carrick Sergeant Neighbourhood Policing Team Carrick Sergeant Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Neighbourhood Policing Team
Ballymena
07557261877
Rory.Bradley@psni. pnn.police.uk
Carrick
07917586430
ciara.mullan@psni. pnn.police.uk
Carrick
07787133250
simon.coupland@ psni.pnn.police.uk
Carrick
07787224732
Ballymena
07917094898
Chris.McIlroy@psni. pnn.police.uk Michelle.McKillop@ psni.pnn.police.uk
Sergeant
Ballymena
07920502825
Ciara Mullan Simon Coupland Chris McIlroy Michelle McKillop Stephen Rainey
Role
Community Planning Sergeant
stephen.rainey2@ psni.pnn.police.uk
Mid and East Antrim PCSP contact details
This newsletter is supported by The Northern Ireland Policing Board and The Department of Justice.
Contact the PCSP staff by phone, email or call into the office:
With thanks to PSNI, Crimestoppers and Neighbourhood Watch for providing information for this leaflet.
Larne Town Hall, Upper Cross Street, Larne. BT40 1RZ Tel: 028 2826 2459/60/61 Email: pcsp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk 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
making Mid & East Antrim safer