Foreword
Welcome to the 18th Edition of our Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter! As the days grow longer and the warmer weather beckons us outdoors, we are reminded of the vibrant and close-knit community we share here in Mid and East Antrim.
This newsletter serves as a testament to our collective efforts in fostering a safer, more connected neighbourhood. Over the winter months, our Neighbourhood Watch groups have demonstrated exceptional vigilance and community spirit. In this edition, we will provide valuable updates and tips to ensure our community remains a safe haven throughout the summer.
Our summer edition highlights several key areas:
1. Safety Tips for Summer Activities: With more of us enjoying outdoor activities, it’s crucial to remain aware of safety practices, whether you’re hosting a BBQ, going away in your caravan, or simply spending time outside of your home doing some much needed gardening.
2. Crime Prevention Initiatives: Learn about the latest strategies and resources available to help prevent crime and Anti-Social behaviour in our neighbourhoods. From home security tips to cyber safety, we’ve got you covered.
3. Energy Saving tips for this summer: Summer is a time where we can all feel the benefits of being energy conscious.
4. Local Services and Contacts: A handy directory of important local services, ensuring you have quick access to the support you need. Summer is a time of rejuvenation and connection. As we enjoy this season, let’s continue to uphold the values that make Mid and East Antrim such a wonderful place to live. Together, we can ensure that our neighbourhoods remain safe, welcoming, and full of community spirit.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our Neighbourhood Watch. Your participation and support are the cornerstones of our success. Here’s to a safe and enjoyable summer for all! Warm regards,
From Chair Cllr Jackson Minford & Vice Chair Mr Noel Rogan
We want you to have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Whether you're seeking advice on how to address anti-social behaviour or looking for practical tips to secure your home or caravan, we've got you covered.
Take a moment to read through our advice on how to stay safe this summer and enjoy every moment to the fullest.
PSNI safety tips this summer
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)
What is anti-social behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) encompasses various forms of disruptive conduct, including:
• Excessive noise
• Graffiti
• Littering
• Neighbour disputes
While these behaviours may not be classified as criminal offences, they can significantly impact the quality of life for individuals and communities. If you encounter any instances of anti-social behaviour, it is crucial to report them promptly to prevent the situation from escalating.
Who deals with anti-social behaviour?
Local councils, the Housing Executive, housing associations, private landlords and police are responsible for dealing with different types of anti-social behaviour. Learn who to contact regarding specific types of noncriminal anti-social behaviour on NI Direct's website.
What type of anti-social behaviour should I report to police?
Some anti-social behaviour is criminal activity. You should contact us to report:
• Motoring offences
• Drunken and rowdy behaviour in a public place
• Criminal damage
• Assaults
• Theft
• Intimidation
• Harassment
• Drug use or drug dealing
• Hate crime
Report anti-social behaviour
In previous years we have dealt with broken windows, graffiti and other incidents such as burglaries at schools. If you spot something that you think is suspicious, or you are concerned about anti-social behaviour in your area, please report it to us on 101 or dial 999 if it is an emergency.
Home Security
A significant number of burglars are opportunistic individuals who take advantage of the lack of security measures in place, such as open or unlocked doors and windows, removing the need for forced entry.
Even if you are not heading away this summer, it is still important to remember to secure your home when you are outside enjoying the sunshine.
To deter thieves, here are some tips on how to protect your home:
• Always ensure your windows and doors are locked
• Mark valuable items in your home with your postcode and house number
• Don’t keep large amounts of cash in your home
• Leave a front room or bedroom light on if it will be dark before you get home
• Consider installing a home security system
• Consider security lights - to a burglar a dark house is an empty house
• Lock garages and sheds
• Give your property an occupied look by using timer switches for lights when your home is empty
• Always keep sheds and outbuilding locked and secure ladders
Domestic Burglary
• Before you leave, go into each room in the house and make sure all the windows are tightly shut and locked. If no window lock is fitted you may want to consider buying one. A burglar may be less likely to enter your home if a window needs to be smashed.
• Check all doors leading into your home are secure and locked.
• If you have a garage, put your car inside if you are not taking it on holiday.
• Make sure the car doors and boot are locked and the windows are shut.
• Put car keys somewhere they cannot be seen or easily found by a burglar.
• Recent improvements in car security mean that the easiest way for a thief to steal a car is to break into your house and steal the keys for it.
• Ensure your main garage door is shut and locked.
• If there are any bicycles or toys sitting around the outside of the house, put them away.
• If your bins are due to be emptied while you are away, ask a
neighbour if they can put them out of sight.
• Make your house look occupied by putting lights and/or a radio on timer switches.
• Set a burglar alarm if one is fitted to your home. Consider fitting an alarm if not.
• If you have outbuildings that store valuable possessions or have doors that lead to your house, this checklist can be used to make them more secure also.
Inform local police the relevant dates your property will be vacant.
Neighbours can look out for each other. Chances are if a criminal targets one house in a particular street he may try another a few doors up. You know who lives on your street so if you see someone acting suspiciously note down any important details such as a description or car registration and contact police. We will follow up on your call and there is every possibility your information could prevent a crime.
Find out if there is a neighbourhood watch scheme in your area.
Oil Theft
The police are offering the following advice to prevent heating oil theft:
• Check your heating oil regularly and often.
• There are many devices on the market for measuring how much oil is in your tank, buy one and use it.
• What security features does your tank have lockable fuel cap, sensor lighting coverage, etc.
• Is your heating oil tank easily accessible to vehicular traffic –next to a road, car park etc. If it is you are more high risk.
• Be a good neighbour and report anything suspicious around a neighbours home. Persons taking hoses through to oil tank etc.
• Make sure that your boiler is securely locked up with a good quality padlock.
• Make it hard for an intruder to gain access to the rear of your home. Install locks to the area of the tank.
• Use plants with thorns or spikes around your oil tank.
• Install an automatic sensor PIR operated security light or, ideally, install ‘dusk to dawn’ lighting.
• Consider a shed audible alarm.
• Mark you boiler with your post code and house number using an engraving tool.
Caravan safety this summer
Caravan Security
If you are heading off to the caravan with friends and family, please remember the following tips to ensure that your caravan is as secure as possible.
• Lock Up – Always close doors, windows and any skylights when you leave your caravan, even if it’s for a short time. Always lock your caravan and take the keys with you.
• Leave curtains open. By doing this, possible intruders can see there are no valuables lying around.
• Don’t leave valuables on display. Take all your valuables with you when you leave your caravan.
• Get to know your neighbours and look out for your neighbour’s caravans when they are vacant.
• Use an alarm and security markings. Have a reliable alarm fitted and mark valuable possessions such as laptops and televisions with a UV marker. This helps police identify recovered property.
Keeping your caravan safe from fire
• Park them at least 6 metres apart.
• Make a fire escape plan- make sure you can get out of a window if needed.
• If there's a fire - get out, stay out and call 999 immediately.
• Have a smoke alarm, fire extinguisher, a fire blanket and carbon monoxide detector.
• Do not dry clothes on or right next to a heater.
• Turn gas off when not in use.
• Don't overload sockets.
• Smoke outside and keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• When not in use, fuel should be stored 6 metres away from your caravan or mobile home and away from heat.
Water Safety this summer
Water Safety & Drowning Prevention
When the weather is warm, you may want to cool down in the water outdoors, but there are many hidden dangers that make some waterways unsafe for swimming.
• In the summer head to a lifeguarded beach, and swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Be aware that cold water can affect you physically and you can get ‘Cold Water Shock’.
• The water can also be deeper that you expect and often difficult to estimate the depth before you get in.
• There may be hidden currents.
• There may be hidden debris under the surface that you could
• When you enter, take a moment
Many people accidentally drown in the UK each year and more than half of those people had no intention of entering the water.
DROWNING PREVENTION
BE WATER AWARE
Water Safety & Drowning Prevention
What to do if YOU fall into deep water:
• If you fall into deep water, you should lie on your back and float.
• Fight the instinct to panic or
• Avoid walking near water even if the path is lit. You may not see trip hazards or even the water’s edge in the dark.
• If you’re with other people, stay with your group and don’t wander
DROWNING PREVENTION
BE WATER AWARE
Your PCSP Members
Elected Members
Cllr Gregg McKeen
Cllr Roy Beggs
Cllr Lauren Gray
Cllr Timothy Gaston
Cllr Maeve Donnelly
Cllr Marc Collins
Cllr Ian Friary
Cllr Tyler Hoey
Cllr Jackson Minford (Chair)
Cllr Angela Smyth
09
10 Independent Members
Noel Rogan (Vice Chair)
Sharon Maxwell
Eugene Reid
Lexie Scott
Naomi Coupland
Wendy Kerr
Evelyn Hughes
Stephen Weir
Brenda Leslie
Statutory Partners
Northern Ireland
Housing Executive
Police Service of
Northern Ireland
Probation Board
Youth Justice Agency
Northern Health & Social Care Trust
Education Authority
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service 07
Mid and East Antrim PSNI Contact Details
Ballymena
LNPT Inspector Graham 07890 399990
LNPT Sergeant McToal 07812 480855
Larne
LNPT Inspector Ash 07557 261796
LNPT Sergeant Coupland 07764 638412
LNPT Sergeant Mcllroy 07787 224732
Contact our PCSP staff by phone, email or call into the office:
80 Galgorm Road
Ballymena
County Antrim
BT42 1AB
pcsp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk 028 9335 8311
www.psni.police.uk/about-us/ local-policing/mid-and-eastantrim
In an Emergency call: 999
PSNI Non-emergency call: 101
Victim Support 028 2563 0784
Crime stoppers 0800 555 111
24 hour Domestic & Sexual Violence helpline 0808 802 1414
ABCLN Women’s Aid 02825632136
Crime Prevention Officer Paul Black 0750 003 6996 or Ext 86008 or phone 101
This newsletter is supported by the Northern Ireland Policing Board and Department of Justice, with thanks to Crimestoppers and Statutory Partners for providing relevant information.
midandeastantrim.gov.uk