Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter - Autumn/Winter 2021

Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter Edition 13 – Autumn/Winter 2021

making Mid & East Antrim safer

Autumn/Winter home security – top ten tips

FOREWORD from Mid and East Antrim Policing and Community Safety Partnership Chairperson, Councillor Danny Donnelly.

As Autumn/Winter approaches and the darker nights roll in there are a few things as you need to consider to stay safe. When securing your home it is very important to ensure all locks, alarms, CCTV and security items around your home are in good working order. Take this time to ensure they are all working and if not take actions to ensure you are safe.

Welcome to our 13th edition of the Mid and East Antrim Neighbourhood Watch newsletter. I like most of you, entered into 2021 facing the many challenges that the restrictions brought, impacting on many aspects of our lives. Although the restrictions have been difficult but essential, we are entering into what is traditionally the season of goodwill and hope, and we can feel that we have turned a significant corner back to some level of normality. However, we must still continue to play our part in reducing the demand and pressure on our Health system, by continuing to follow the message of ‘hands, face, space’ for a bit longer.

The resilience of the Mid and East Antrim community has been immense throughout the past year. I continue to see and hear about everyday acts of kindness from both friends and strangers which really foster a positive community spirit helping each other through this difficult time. Schemes such as neighbourhood watch have been instrumental in helping to prevent further

isolation whilst also providing support and advice to help prevent crime and for that I am thankful. Unfortunately, I have heard of many scams this year where unscrupulous individuals have used the COVID crisis as an opportunity to steal money and identities where they can however, I am in no doubt that by sharing crime prevention advice and making others aware of such scams, many criminals have been prevented from prospering. I would encourage everyone to help reduce crimes like these by familiarising themselves with crime prevention advice via the PCSP facebook page, by talking to our local crime prevention officer and by taking the advice of organisations such as the ScamwiseNI partnership.

PCSP already has several initiatives planned to take forward in 2022. These include initiatives to help make young people safer, support for older and vulnerable individuals as well as community groups to address fear of crime, working with Women’s Aid to help address domestic abuse and also to help support vulnerable

people through the use of multiagency support hub.

These are just a few ways that the Partnership are working to make the Mid and East Antrim Borough safer. This action plan will build on previous good work as well focusing on the development of new projects.

You will see at the back of this edition a list of useful contacts including how to contact the PCSP. Please do not hesitate to make contact if you wish to find out more about the work of the Partnership or if you have any concerns you wish to raise.

Best Wishes and Stay Safe!

Cllr Danny Donnelly

You can take a number of practical steps to secure your home and family.

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Close and lock all doors and windows even if you are only going out for a few minutes.

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.

Keep your valuables out of sight.

Cancel milk or other deliveries if you will be away from home.

Don’t leave car keys near your door, letterbox or windows.

Always check who is at the door. Not sure? Don’t open the door.

Set your alarm when going out and at night time. If you do not have an alarm consider installing one.

Ask a neighbour or a friend to check your property and to remove post from the porch/hallway.

Inform police if your house is to be vacant for any length of time.

Always keep sheds and outbuildings locked and secure ladders

Christmas safety not toys and they do not have to comply with toy safety regulations - place them high up and out of reach of young hands

• Give yourself enough time to prepare and cook Christmas dinner to avoid accidents that come from rushing, and wipe up any spills quickly

Christmas is a time when your home is likely to be full of people, and it’s in the excitement of the season that accidents can easily happen.

But one of the good things about Christmas is that there are typically more people around to supervise children and, with a little more care and forward planning, most accidents could be avoided.

ensure they comply to safety standards

Christmas safety tips from Royal Society for prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) • Make sure you buy children’s gifts for the correct age group and from reputable retailers, and

• Keep decorations and cards away from fires and other heat sources such as light fittings and don’t leave burning candles unattended

• Remember to buy batteries for toys that need them – that way you won’t be tempted to remove batteries from smoke alarms • Look out for small items that could pose a choking hazard to young children, such as button batteries

• Remember, Christmas novelties and decorations are

• Have scissors handy to open packaging, so you’re not tempted to use a knife, and have screwdrivers at the ready to assemble toys • Beware of trailing cables and wires in the rush to connect new gadgets and appliances, and always read the instructions • Falls are the most common accidents so try to keep clutter to a minimum and make sure stairs are well-lit and free from obstacles.

• Plan New Year fireworks parties well in advance and follow the Firework Code • Do not drink and drive, and plan long journeys so you won’t be driving tired

Three new ‘Chatty Cafes’ for Larne! and a bun while having a conversation and meeting new people. You never know who you might get talking to and a nice chat can mean the world to someone – whether its 5 minutes or an hour of good conversation ” Louise from the Prom Café said “The Chatty Café is such a simple idea which produces amazing results by just talking and communication with others. The Prom café is proud to be involved and we know our customers will absolutely love it”

Following on from the success of the first Chatty Café opened at Blessings Café in Cullybackey, three new Chatty cafes have opened in Larne: – at the Salvation Army, Main Street, The Prom café at Larne Leisure Centre and at Barbara Ann’s Home Bakery at Fairhill.

The idea of a Chatty Café is to encourage venues to designate a table and make it available as a ‘chatty table’ where customers can sit if they are happy to talk to other customers.

The scheme, being rolled out by Mid and East Antrim

Loneliness Network, part funded by MEA Council, aims to tackle loneliness and reduce isolation by creating opportunities to talk and interact.

It comes off the success of the Chatty Benches scheme which has seen bright yellow benches in public spaces create an opportunity for conversation in the outdoors.

Annemarie and Philip from the Salvation Army said “This is such a great scheme - promoting understanding and kindness and the Salvation Army are so proud to be involved. I can reassure

people that if they are feeling isolated they will get a big welcome if they come down to the Main Street, call in and have a chat. You never know what people are going through and a bit of laughter and conversation can lift everyone’s spirits. I really hope this scheme will encourage more people to reach out and make that first step.“ Barbara from Barbara Anns added “Its great to see the Chatty café scheme coming to Larne . Now that we are recognised as a ‘Chatty Café’ customers can enjoy a cuppa

The three new Chatty cafes for Larne were opened by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr William McCaughey who said: “One in three people in Northern Ireland are likely to experience feelings of loneliness in their lifetime.

Throughout this difficult year of lockdowns, isolation and restrictions on our social

activities, human contact has been limited which has impacted upon our mental health.

“The challenges the pandemic has created in terms of creating loneliness in communities is something that the Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network aims to tackle. I am delighted to attend the launch of three more Chatty Café for Larne and look forward to seeing many more established across the borough.”

Yvonne Carson, Thematic Lead for Loneliness & Social Isolation, NHSCT added “It’s very encouraging to see the establishment of three more Chatty Cafes in the Mid and East Antrim Borough.

At a time when we have seen many restrictions on our social activities it’s great to see initiatives like this promoting interaction and conversation.”

Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network launched in December 2019 and is made up of a range of community voluntary and statutory organisations who all work together to prevent and address loneliness.

To find out more go to www.midandeastantrim. gov.uk/healthandwellbeing

Cold Calling - Protect you and your property!

If someone calls at your door that you are not expecting the advice from police is: •

Keep front and back doors locked.

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Always ask for an identity card and check it carefully - you can use the quick check service. A genuine caller will not mind. waiting.

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Never do business with cold callers.

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Do not keep large sums of money in your house.

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Do not let someone accompany you to the bank to withdraw money.

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If a doorstep caller refuses to leave your premises, close the door and call 999.

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IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT!

Winter Driving advice 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 blackets and a fully charged mobile phone.

If you must travel in wintry weather remember to: • Make sure your vehicle is in winter roadworthy condition.

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.

Ask yourself whether your journey is really necessary.

• 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.

If you must travel in wintry weather remember to: • Slow down and leave plenty of room to stop. You should allow 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 four-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

• Carry wellingtons or other strong boots and weatherproof clothing in case you 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.

Your PCSP members

Chris Mcllroy

Sergeant

Neighbourhood Policing Team Carrick/ Larne

Carrick

07787224732

Chris.Mcllroy@psni.pnn.police.uk

10 Elected Members

9 Independent Members

7 Statutory Partners

Tony McClelland

Sergeant

Neighbourhood Policing Team Carrick/ Larne

Carrick

07827925770

Daniel.mcclelland@psni.pnn. police.uk

Ald Gregg McKeen

Mary Watson (Vice Chair)

Northern Ireland Housing Executive

Michelle McKillop

Sergeant

Neighbourhood Policing Team Ballymena

Ballymena

07585703099

Michelle.adams@psni.pnn. police.uk

Ald John Carson

Marjorie Hawkins

Police Service in Northern Probation Board

Stephen Rainey

Sergeant

Community Planning Sergeant

Ballymena

02825667277

stephen.rainey2@psni.pnn. police.uk

Cllr Andrew Wilson

Brenda Leslie

Youth Justice Agency

Cllr Lauren Gray

Wendy Kerr

Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Cllr Timothy Gaston

Thomas (Lexie) Scott

Education Authority

Cllr Thomas Gordon

Norman Hamilton

Community Planning Sergeant

Mid and East Antrim PCSP contact details

Cllr Cheryl Johnston

Sharon Maxwell

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service

Contact the PCSP staff by phone, email, or call into the office:

Cllr John McDermott

Gillian Gordon

Cllr Danny Donnelly (Chair)

80 Galgorm Road Ballymena County Antrim BT42 1AB Tel: 028 93 358311 Email: pcsp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Charlene Thompson

Cllr Marc Collins

PSNI Contact Details Name

Rank

Role

Station

Mobile

Email

Beverlie Reid

Inspector

Neighbourhood Police Team Ballymena

Ballymena

07780110529

Beverlie.reid@psni.pnn.police.uk

Colin Ash

Inspector

Neighbourhood Police Team Larne and Carrick

Carrick

07557261796

colin.ash@psni.pnn.police.uk

Simon Coupland

Sergeant

Neighbourhood Policing Team Carrick/ Larne

Carrick

0791739043

simon.coupland@psni.pnn. police.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

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.

making Mid & East Antrim safer