Friday 29 April 2011

Belong to a club?

Why not use this site to give yourselves wider recognition and publicise your events?
www.clubbz.com

What can Clubbz do for my club?

Clubs and groups from any activity and interest can create a fully editable set of pages promoting themselves, what they do, when and where. If we don't currently list your activity, get in touch and we'll create it, all we ask in return is for you to spread the word and get others on board. Clubbz provides a wide range of club management and promotional tools, use as little or as much as you like!
  • Advertise your club/group location, contact details and meeting/training times. 
  • Promote forthcoming events and publish your recent news. 
  • Manage your members with auto event reminders and contact management system. 
  • Link to your existing website and let us pass you more visitors. 
  • Unlimited photos gallery space. 
  • Private admin panel to allow you to edit and update your listing, ensuring accurate details are displayed to the public. 
  • Online and email support. 

What's the best thing… It's FREE!

SNT Newsletter - 29th April

Update from WELLESBOURNE

Sunday 24 April 2011

The Money Advice Service - free money advice to all

A new nationwide service launches today (4 April) to provide free, unbiased advice to help everyone make the most of their money.

The Money Advice Service will help people take the right financial decisions and act on them, by giving personalised advice online at moneyadviceservice.org.uk, over the phone on 0300 500 5000, and face-to-face across the UK through a national network.
The Service is free and here to help those millions of people who need practical money advice, whatever their financial circumstances.
Money Advice Service, 04/04/2011

Proof of identity

You may know who you are but can you prove it? This LINK gives you many options that may help with your Proof of identity

Friday 22 April 2011

SNT Newsletter - 22nd April

SOUTHAM
  • Car keys - keep them near you even while you sleep!
  • Going away?
  • Report crime, don't leave it to someone else.

Little Treasures clothes collection?



This is a very dubious charity. Read LINK1 and closer to home LINK2 before leaving the bag out next Wednesday.


There are plenty of bona fide collectors eg Air Ambulance but if you want to pass on anything decent you would be better off taking it to a charity shop. Many of the bag collectors just sell on at about £500/ton.


Follow this LINK for a more general warning about Charity Collection bags.

Wednesday 20 April 2011

Would you like to see NW more involved in the Community?

I have just received the following email which set me thinking about what other activities NW might become involved with in the village.

If you have any suggestions please get in touch either by using the comment area at the end of this entry or by EMAIL.

Thanks,

Keith

From the Chair of NHWN.

Whilst the traditional values of Neighbourhood and Home Watch remain, in many areas there is more to the organisation than mere crime prevention and detection.  Neighbourhood Watch is a catalyst for many other activities.

Neighbourhood Watches are organising street parties for the Royal Wedding and The Big Lunch and many Watch members receive training in emergency flood prevention, counselling and a variety of other skills.  In Sussex Watch members are involved with searching for missing persons and in London Watch members receive salt in the winter from their local authority.  Some Watches are involved with Street Patrols; other Watches organise football teams as a means of youth diversion.  The list is endless.

It is important that we have a database of all activities that are carried out by Watch members which can be shared with our Watches who may be interested in such programmes.

Please
send me details of all such activities undertaken by Watches in your region and we will compile an online list.

I can be contacted on
james.maddan@ourwatch.org.uk

Thanks,

 
Jim Maddan
Cllr Jim Maddan

Mobile No. 07956 366160

Tuesday 19 April 2011

Waste Core Strategy


Current stage - Emerging Spatial Options consultation




Warwickshire County Council is consulting on its Emerging Spatial Options document as part of the Warwickshire Council Council Waste Development Framework Core Strategy. The consultation will run from the
21st March 2011 to the 20th May 2011.

The comments received will help us to decide which spatial option and draft policies should be put forward for consideration in the next stage of the plan. This will be a 'Preferred Option and Draft Policies' document, due for consultation in August 2011.
Further information is provided on the Emerging Spatial Options consultation webpage.

Waste Core Strategy Emerging Spatial Options consultation document cover





Trading Standards Update - 19/04/2011

18/04/2011 Disability Equipment Scam

Householders are warned to beware of cold callers offering disability aids and equipment. Warwickshire Trading Standards Service has received reports of elderly people agreeing to meetings in their homes with salespeople who have cold-called them on the telephone. In some cases these individuals have falsely claimed to be working for genuine businesses or claimed to be working for businesses that have, (unbeknown to the consumer), ceased trading. Some consumer have paid out thousands of pounds in cash for equipment that never arrives.

Warwickshire Trading Standards Service advises consumers to think twice before asking a sales representative to visit your home. Look for local businesses with verifiable trade premises and go on recommendation if possible. Paying with a credit card for goods worth over £100 gives you protection if the business goes bust and the goods do not arrive.

Consumers signing a contract in their home following an unsolicited visit have 7 days in which they can cancel.

For more information, please visit our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards

18/04/2011 American 'Green Card' Phishing Scam

Consumers are alerted to a scam email that falsely claims to have been sent by the US Government, inviting recipients to send $880 fees by Western Union transfer in return for entry to the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.

The program is genuine, the congressionally mandated Diversity Immigrant Visa Program makes available up to 55,000 diversity visas (DVs) annually, drawn from random selection among all entries to persons who meet strict eligibility requirements from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.

However, the email is one of a number of scams which attempts to lure people, desperate for a US visa.

For more information, visit: http://www.state.gov/
  • The email alert system is a quick, simple and cost effective means by which Warwickshire Trading Standards can alert interested individuals, community organisations, businesses, charities and others to the latest Trading Standards issues/scams etc.
  • Please feel free to cascade this information to whom ever you feel appropriate (including using the information in your newsletters/websites etc.). Please ignore the Restricted Notice on the bottom of this page - this is automatically generated but is not meant to apply to the information in this email.
  • The email alert system is designed to work as a two way communications system. Therefore, if you have any information you wish to provide to Warwickshire Trading Standards Service, either for our information, or to appear in future email alerts, please email me.
  • To add, amend or remove your details from this email circulation list, again, please email me.
  • A list of all the latest email alerts is available on our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/latestscams

Simon Cripwell
Senior Information Officer
Trading Standards Service
Environment and Economy Directorate
Warwickshire County Council
tel. 01926 414039
mob. 07771 975570
email. simoncripwell@warwickshire.gov.uk
web.
www.warwickshire.gov.uk
My normal working days are Monday to Thursday

Saturday 16 April 2011

Protect your valuables one way or another.

LINK
Very similar to SmartWater which is recommended by Warwickshire Police and available to NW members at a very reduced price. Ask your coordinator.

Friday 15 April 2011

SNT Newsletters - 15th April

SOUTHAM - Last published 8th April so probably not for another week.


WELLESBOURNE

Suspicious Behaviour



Dear All,
For Observation please:
At 1315 today a man with dark hair and a strong south Irish accent came to the back gate of Myer Bridge Farm, Daventry Road, Southam
He was driving a black Vauxhall Vectra and there was another man and a child in the car.
He said he was from Mollington and that he knew the farmers neighbours (he mentioned them by name) and that they had told him my mobile home was up for sale.
He said he needed a mobile home as he was doing some work on his place.
This male was told the mobile home was not for sale.
The male has then asked if the touring caravan or small tractor were for sale.
The farmer has said that he had nothing for sale and the male went on his way.
The farmer rang his neighbours and they knew nothing of this man, or a conversation about the mobile home being for sale.
No vehicle registration was obtained so please be aware.
Kind Regards,
Southam Farm Watch.
Southam Police Station
01926 684984

Wednesday 13 April 2011

Action Fraud Website

actionfraud.org.uk is the place for you to find out about fraud.

We’re the UK’s national fraud reporting centre. If you’ve been scammed, ripped off or conned, there is something you can do about it - get in touch with us.

You can now forward on scam emails you receive to Action Fraud at email@actionfraud.org.uk. Read more about forwarding scam emails to Action Fraud. Important: When you send an email you are doing so over the open internet, which we cannot guarantee the security of. Therefore please do not send personal information, such as your address or bank account details, when emailing Action Fraud.

The New Official National Neighbourhood and Home Watch website goes live

www.ourwatch.org.uk website is taking over from the www.mynhw.co.uk site which will be redirecting any traffic to the new site as from Monday 11 April. 
Our website is the only recognised and supported national website for Neighbourhood and Home Watch by the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). 


MORE

Saturday 9 April 2011

Rogue Traders and Security of your home

From Southam SNT


Dear All,
Recently we have had some calls from members of the public concerned about possible Rogue Traders and Security of their homes.
Many burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves who simply enter homes through open windows or unlocked doors.

Implementing home security measures is the best way of reducing the chance of being burgled and, for a relatively low cost you can protect your property and make it difficult for a burglar.

Look at your home through a burglar’s eyes, and see where opportunities exist for your home to become a target.

To complete the Home Office, home security self-assessment form please find attached the form below.
SELF ASSESSMENT FORM
Below is some simple advice to follow in regards to your home security:
Doors:
  • Keeping your doors locked, even when you are at home, is vital for good home security.
  • Keep keys out of sight, and reach, from cat flaps, letterboxes, and downstairs doors and windows Please don’t be tempted to keep a spare key hidden outside; this is an open invitation to thieves
  • Make sure doors and door frames are in a good condition.
  • Wooden doors should be solid and at least 44mm thick Wooden front doors should be fitted with a 5-lever mortice deadlock, and an automatic deadlocking rim latch (both to BS3621). Wooden back doors should be fitted with a 5-lever mortice lock (BS3621), and key operated mortice bolts top and bottom (BS3621)
  • When replacing doors invest in door-sets, which are certified to British Standard PAS24-1: 1999
Windows:
  • An open window may let in more than a cool breeze. If you open a window for an air, make sure you close it when you go out.
  • To limit the windows opening, consider fitting restrictors to downstairs windows Ensure all ground floor windows, and any that are easily accessible from a flat roof, are fitted with window locks
  • When replacing windows invest in ones that are certified to British Standard BS7950
Lights:
The right lighting, correctly positioned can be a real deterrent to a burglar. Lighting allows a property to look occupied, and removes the offender’s cover of darkness. Be wary not to light an offender’s path, only illuminate areas which are overlooked, and where an offender is likely to be seen.
    • A constant level of lighting provided by a dusk-to-dawn sensor light is ideal at the front of the house. By lighting the front doorway it removes the cover of darkness, and allows callers to be identified at night
    • At the rear or to the side of your property, passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor light will draw your or your neighbours’ attention to any activity
    • Homes that do not look occupied after dark are a target for burglars, especially in the winter months. Use energy saving lights with timers to make your home look occupied
Alarms:
It is nationally recognised that burglar alarm systems are an effective burglary deterrent, and alarm systems are highly recommended to prevent crime. Offenders avoid anything that may draw attention to them as they strive to work anonymously.

If you already have an alarm system, take advantage of it and ensure that it is set when you leave the property and when you go to bed.

    • If you are considering investing in an alarm system, we recommend that you obtain 3 quotes from at least 3 security companies who are subject to independent inspection by a recognised body, either NSI (The National Security Inspectorate) or SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board)
    • There are essentially 2 types of alarm system:

      1) An audible only system, which will sound a bell or siren to attract attention and help deter any potential burglary. This system should comply with the current recognised British or European standards

      2) A monitored system will, in addition send a signal to a central monitoring station that can alert the police.


      Both systems can be programmed to dial direct to a key holder.
    • Having a pet does not prevent you from having an alarm system. This is something you should discuss with your installation company
    • When investing in an alarm system, ensure that you have bell boxes positioned at both the front and rear of your property.
    • The police will attend when they receive notification from a central monitoring station that a police approved monitored system has been activated. In addition they will attend a 'bells only' audible alarm if additional information is received indicating that an offence is in progress
    • An alarm system is not a replacement for the usual security measures and is not an alternative to good doors, windows and locks. Alarm systems form part of a security package to help make your property less inviting to a thief, complimenting the other security features
If a company approaches you to assess your security, treat them with suspicion and always obtain at least three different quotes from different companies.
Any further questions or queries please contact us here at Southam,
Kind Regards,
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk

Thursday 7 April 2011

Metal Theft - How you can help

The rise in the value of scrap metals has also seen a rise in the theft of scrap lead and copper. This is seen as a fast and immediate way of making quick money with unscrupulous metal dealers. Thefts range from opportunistic minor thefts of cable and copper piping, to larger crimes, like removal of church lead roofs and lightning conductors from telephone masts.
Your local policing team are closely monitoring local scrap dealers, but you can also assist us in the following suggested ways:
  • Ensure your local church and school facilities are alerted to the need to be vigilant to metal thieves. The crime prevention plans which all churches have previously put in place should be dusted down and checked. Consider security marking valuable property and items, and ensure that applications such as SmartWater are signed and registered.
  • Be on the lookout for flatbed lorries or strangers collecting metal. Vehicle registration numbers and description of vehicles are very useful. Operation Pilfer is the operational name we have given to our intelligence gathering operation for metal thefts.
Please contact Warwickshire Police to report all suspicious activity and persons on 01926 415000. If a crime is in process please dial 999.
Regards,
Southam Farm Watch
Southam Police Station
High St.
Southam
CV47 0HB
Email: southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk

Wednesday 6 April 2011

Trading Standards Update - 06/04/2011

06/04/2011 Energy Suppliers Hard Sell to Vulnerable Consumers

Warwickshire Trading Standards Service are warning householders in the Nuneaton area to beware of door to door energy supply representatives. The service has received complaints than some unscrupulous representatives have been targeting sheltered accommodation housing complexes. In one case, two people with dementia were convinced to change their supplier. The reps, who typically work on commission, try to gain entry to the property and ask to see household bills.

Changing you energy supplier should not cost you any money, but if you don't do some research and shop around, you may find yourself switched to a more expensive tariff than the one you are on!

At www.energywatch.org.ukthere is a simple price comparison tool which can help you compare gas and electricity prices in your area for all energy suppliers.

06/04/2011 Bogus Census Collectors

From today, those people have not yet returned their census forms will begin to receive visits from census collectors. Warwickshire Trading Standards Service has received reports from neighbouring counties that complaints have been received about the activities of bogus callers, trying to enter someone’s house by posing as a census official. Officials are only likely to call at householders who have not filled in forms and should have ID. If consumers are unsure about a caller - DON'T OPEN YOUR DOOR.

Call the census helpline on 0300 0201 101 to verify whether it is a genuine census call. More information is available at: www.census.gov.uk

06/04/2011 Bogus 'Hijack' Paypal Email

Warwickshire Trading Standards have been alerted to the latest bogus 'phishing' email. The bogus email states it has been sent by Paypal and claims that the recipients Paypal account has been hijacked. The email contains a link to a bogus website from which personal or financial information could be stolen.

Avoid opening suspicious emails and never follow the links they contain or reveal any personal or financial information. For more information, please visit: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards
  • The email alert system is a quick, simple and cost effective means by which Warwickshire Trading Standards can alert interested individuals, community organisations, businesses, charities and others to the latest Trading Standards issues/scams etc.
  • Please feel free to cascade this information to whom ever you feel appropriate (including using the information in your newsletters/websites etc.). Please ignore the Restricted Notice on the bottom of this page - this is automatically generated but is not meant to apply to the information in this email.
  • The email alert system is designed to work as a two way communications system. Therefore, if you have any information you wish to provide to Warwickshire Trading Standards Service, either for our information, or to appear in future email alerts, please email me.
  • To add, amend or remove your details from this email circulation list, again, please email me.
  • A list of all the latest email alerts is available on our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/latestscams





Simon Cripwell
Senior Information Officer
Trading Standards Service
Environment and Economy Directorate
Warwickshire County Council
tel. 01926 414039
mob. 07771 975570
email. simoncripwell@warwickshire.gov.uk
web.
www.warwickshire.gov.uk
My normal working days are Monday to Thursday

Tuesday 5 April 2011

Incidents in Offchurch, Stratford, Long Marston & Ettington

Incidents in Offchurch, Stratford, Long Marston & Ettington INC 174 of 4 April
Please be aware of the following incidents which have occurred at rural premises in South Warwickshire over recent days.
  • During the night of 20 into 21 March offenders forced the padlock off a chicken shed at a home in Village Street, Offchurch and stole 200 Goldline point of lay pullets.
  • During the night of 23 into 24 March offenders forced their way into an outbuilding at a farm premises in Halford Road, Stratford and stole a Kercher pressure washer. The offenders also forced the locks off a diesel tank at the farm and stole a large quantity of fuel.
  • During the night of 27 into 28 March offenders kicked in the lower panels of two doors at an Antiques Business in Long Marston and then climbed through. Once inside, the offenders stole a large quantity of gold and sliver jewellery.
The offenders had their faces covered and wore camouflage tops.
  • During the night of 3 into 4 April offenders are believed to have parked a vehicle in the gateway of a farm premises in Fosse Way, Ettington and then disabled an alarm to get into the premises. The offenders then forced open the bottom of a patio door and got into the hallway of the house. They were then disturbed by a dog and left the house via the front door.
Our colleagues in West Mercia Police have made us aware that they too are suffering an increase in diesel thefts, mainly from commercial storage tanks.
Insecure tack rooms have also been targetted by opportunist thieves who have stolen tack, rugs and equipment from tack rooms and from gateways.
One recent incident involved a farmer being telephoned by a stranger and told that his sheep were out on the road. the farmer went out to check and left his Landrover near to the field while he recovered his sheep. The Landrover was then stolen while it was left unattended. Please don't leave your keys in your vehicles when you are working nearby. The NFU report that in excess of 200 Landrovers and other 4x4 vehicles were stolen last year and most of these were never recovered as they were stripped down for parts and sold in bits.
Electric fence energiser units seem to be the current target of thieves. As they are portable and are easy to steal. Please avoid leaving them in sight if possible. Make attempts to hide them behind logs etc and please ensure that you mark your postcode on them with paint, nail varnish, Smartwater or other permanent marker. Please also pick them up and secure them away when they are not in use.
Thankyou.
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk

Suspicious behaviour 5/4 15:00 - white Citreon Van, V Reg

For your observations please.
When: In the past 10 minutes
Where: Manor Farm, Napton, direction of travel not known
What: A white Citreon Van, V Reg, with Blue sign writing on the back "Plumbing Drainage and Carpentry"
Driven by: White Male, early 20's, blonde hair
Act: Has driven into the yard and upon being seen has quickly turned around and driven off at speed.
Should this vehicle come onto your farm or business please obtain the registration number and contact us
Kind Regards,
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk

Friday 1 April 2011

It's no joke - Latest SNT Newsletters for 1st April

SOUTHAM - Published 25th March


WELLESBOURNE

Ammonium Nitrate Fertiliser - Keep it safe

Dear All,
The price of Ammonium Nitrate Fertiliser has risen significantly over the past few months, and this is likely to make it an increased target of theft. The attached link will assist you with reviewing your security and provide you with a ten point plan for the security of fertilizer:
Do not store fertiliser where there is public access.
Do not leave bags of fertiliser in the field overnight.
Do not store fertiliser near to, or visible from, the public highway.
It is an offence to sell – on ammonium nitrate fertiliser without the proper certification (detonation resistance certificate).
Do retain and file all fertiliser delivery notes.
Do, wherever possible store fertiliser inside a locked building or compound.
Do fully sheet fertiliser when stored outside and regularly check to ensure that the stack has not been tampered with.
Do carry out regular, frequent stock checks.
Do report any unexplained stock discrepancy or loss/theft to the police immediately.
Do purchase your fertiliser from a FIAS approved supplier.
For further detailed information regarding security please go to:
<http://www.secureyourfertiliser.gov.uk/principles.htm>
<http://www.projectsoe.org/>

Kind Regards,
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk

Fewer aggravated Burglaries and Robberies

In 2009 –10 there were 66 (17.7%) fewer aggravated burglaries and robberies, in comparison with 2008-9.
Warwickshire Police, working with partners to protect communities from harm.
Please visit http://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ for more force news and information.
Think - do you need to print this email?

Rural theft - items marked

Dear All,
On two occasions recently a field in the Woodford area of Northamptonshire has had items stolen.
Between the 16 and 17 February, a brand new Rutland ESB 57 electric fencing energiser was stolen, it was marked and scratched with the postcode of NN10 8DU using permanent marker.
Between the 26 and 27 February, 4 rolls of electric fencing tape, a fence post driver, 4 headcollars and 4 new cerise colour heavyweight turnout rugs (2 x 6'3" and 2 x 6'9") were also taken. All rugs were marked with the postcode NN10 8DU on both sides in permanent marker.
Please report and be aware of any suspicious persons or activities on your land, please ring Warwickshire police on 01926 415000.
Kind Regards,
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk


395 fewer people were the victim of serious violence, in comparison with 2008-9 (down 13.0%)

In 2009 –10, 395 fewer people were the victim of serious violence, in comparison with 2008-9 (down 13.0%).
Warwickshire Police, working with partners to protect communities from harm.
Please visit http://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ for more force news and information.
Think - do you need to print this email?

TV digital switchover - at the end of March - Beware bogus callers

Dear All,
With the TV digital switchover happening at the end of March please be aware of Bogus Callers knocking on your door offering to retune your televisions. These people will deliberately target the elderly and vulnerable who may have concerns about the switchover, and their intention will be to enter the property and steal money, handbags and other small items of value.
There are organisations that will help with the switchover, and their employees will carry identification, please ensure that before you let anyone into your property that you have had a good look at any identification offered, and that you feel comfortable about them being there. The best policy would be to ask a relative or trusted neighbour to help and advise you with the retune, and not let strangers into your house.
If you have any concerns about a caller at your door particularly during this period then please make sure you call Warwickshire police on 01926 415000
Kind Regards,
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk



395 fewer people were the victim of serious violence, in comparison with 2008-9 (down 13.0%)

In 2009 –10, 395 fewer people were the victim of serious violence, in comparison with 2008-9 (down 13.0%).
Warwickshire Police, working with partners to protect communities from harm.
Please visit http://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ for more force news and information.
Think - do you need to print this email?

Theft of red diesel and Rural Prevention Advice

Dear All.
In the Byfield area, there has been a theft of red diesel
Location:
Woodford Halse Road
Date/Time:
Between 5pm on 08/03/11 and 7.30am on 09/03/11
Method: Unknown
Stolen Items: 100 litres of red diesel
Crime Prevention Advice:
Perimeter - Keep your hedges, fences and gates in good repair. Ditches form a natural barrier. Fit gates with capping hinges so they cannot be removed easily. Consider perimeter detection systems.
Tools/Machinery - Record the make and serial number of items. Mark or stamp easily removed items with your postcode, followed by the first two letters of your farm’s name, or other identifying marks. Consider making a secure cage or structure for more valuable items which should be sited within a secure and alarmed building. Also consider forensic marking products.
Fuel – Ideally locate fuel tanks in an overlooked area away from main roads. Pumps should have locking devices and/or isolator switches. Also consider a fuel tank alarm.
Animal - Check animals regularly. Consider marking your animals in a way which would make them identifiable. Keep photographs of valuable animals.
Kind Regards,
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk


Warwickshire Police increased the number of serious sexual offences detected

In 2009–10 Warwickshire Police increased the number of serious sexual offences detected.
Warwickshire Police, working with partners to protect communities from harm.
Please visit http://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ for more force news and information.
Think - do you need to print this email?

Olympic Scams - Don't be a victim

Dear All,
Now the ticketing process for the Olympic Games has begun, new advice has been launched to make sure it’s the criminals who miss out.

The rise in the use of the internet to purchase tickets and accommodation packages online, coupled with the huge expected demand, gives criminals new opportunities to sell non-existent tickets and steal personal and credit card details to use in other crimes.

Over 8 million tickets will be made available for the Olympic Games and a further 2 million for the Paralympics. The ticket process for the Olympic Games opens on 15 March and runs until 26 April. By taking some simple steps anyone buying a ticket can keep help prevent them becoming a victim.

Detective Inspector Louise Ward, from the Fraud Unit, said: “The 2012 Games will be one of the biggest sporting events this country has ever hosted, with nearly 11m tickets available for events right across the country.

“Criminals will be looking for ways to con and steal, either through selling fake tickets or setting up professional looking sites which may look honest, but could leave you a victim.

“There is some easy-to-follow advice which will help keep you safe and ensure you can enjoy the Games next year.”

If you’re buying a ticket for the Games:
    • The London 2012 ticket application process opens on the 15 March and you have until 26 April to apply for tickets through LOCOG as tickets are not allocated on a first come first served basis
    • The only way to apply for a ticket in the UK is at www.tickets.london2012.com <http://www.tickets.london2012.com> This is London 2012’s official site. You can also get a postal application from any Lloyds TSB branch, or from any public library in Northern Ireland. Don’t buy a ticket from an unauthorised website or tout. You risk being scammed, and not getting the ticket you wanted and paid for
    • If you get a ticket for an event you can’t attend, you can return your ticket to get a refund through the London 2012 official ticket exchange. Your ticket will then be officially resold. Details of this will be announced in due course
    • There are only three official providers for Games Breaks and Hospitality
Packages in the UK - these are:
Thomas Cook - www.thomascooklondon2012.com <http://www.thomascooklondon2012.com>
Prestige Travel - www.prestigeticketing.london2012.com <http://www.prestigeticketing.london2012.com>
Jet Set Travel - www.jetsetsports.com <http://www.jetsetsports.com>

    • Other websites or companies will not be authorised to sell you a ticket as part of a package in the UK. Always check the terms and conditions to see exactly what you are being sold
    • Outside of the UK, London 2012 tickets are sold through the country’s National Olympic Committee, or their authorised retailer
    • If you found tickets for sale before the 15th March 2011 or available from any unauthorised source at anytime, they will not be genuine. Report it to your local police, or London 2012 via brandprotection@london2012.com
    Kind Regards,
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk


Warwickshire Police increased the number of serious sexual offences detected

In 2009–10 Warwickshire Police increased the number of serious sexual offences detected.
Warwickshire Police, working with partners to protect communities from harm.
Please visit http://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ for more force news and information.
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Ifor Williams missing again (triple axle) - Mark it and it might come back

Dear All,
Rural Watch Stratford Area:  Theft of trailer from rural premises in Evesham Road, Dodwell INC 311 of 17 March
Please can we make you aware that sometime between 10am and 5pm on 17 March offenders stole a 3.5 ton triple axle Ifor Williams trailer from a field at a rural premises in Evesham Road, Dodwell.
The offenders cropped the clamp and the hitchlock from the trailer.
There have been a number of thefts of batteries from tractors in rural areas of Warwickshire. Please could we ask you to mark your batteries so that they are identifiable, perhaps with a postcode or a farm name etc. We may be able to recover some of the batteries and if we catch offenders with them, we have a better chance of obtaining a conviction. Thankyou.
Kind Regards,
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk

Reducing robbery, targeting robbers.

Reducing robbery, targeting robbers   Reducing robbery, targeting robbers

Robbers, we are targeting you and will use every tool available to us to detect, arrest and sentence you.
Please visit http://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ for force news and information.
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No one asks for your PIN, except a crook

Dear All,
The below incident is something to be aware of.
This is a Community Message from Aylesbury Watch Office on Monday 28 March 2011.
In the last week, four thefts of purses have been reported in the Aylesbury Vale area. On at least two occasions the offender has telephoned the victim, claiming to be from their bank, regarding the theft of their cards. He has then requested that they confirm their details and pin number. Money has then been withdrawn from the account. The victims have stated that the offender sounded very plausible and genuinely believe him to be from their bank
These offences have occurred in the Buckingham and Winslow area but it is worth reminding everyone about keeping their wallets / purses safe when out and about in the Aylesbury Vale area. Make sure purses are in a zipped bag and that access cannot be gained to the purse from anyone walking behind you. Do not leave property unattended in handbags and do not leave handbags in shopping trolley whilst you are getting items from the shelves. Do not have your wallet in an accessible back pocket, where it could easily be lifted by someone ‘bumping into you’.
NEVER give your pin number out to anyone, including anyone ‘claiming’ to be from your bank. Your bank will never ask you for your pin number over the phone.
Police are following a number of lines of enquiries in relation to these offences.
Police would also like to hear from anyone that might have been victim of a similar crime that has not reported it yet.
Kind Regards,
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk




Members of organised crime groups were identified and charged

In 2009 –10, 45 members of organised crime groups were identified and charged, three times higher than our force target.
Warwickshire Police, working with partners to protect communities from harm.
Please visit http://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ for more force news and information.
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Spate of Metal Thefts - The church & school could be targets, please be vigilant

Dear All,
I would like to make you aware that there has been a series of metal thefts across the rural villages of Daventry and last weekend Overstone Parish Church had £4,000 of lead stolen from their roof
This crime was clearly planned but generally metal thefts are mostly opportunistic. We ask that if anyone sees persons scouting for scrap or driving around slowly in vans pick ups and tippers to give us a call on 01926 415000 ideally with the registration number and a description of persons involved.
Clearly not all scrap metal collectors are criminals but if you can assist us in building a picture of these offenders we will have a better chance of catching those who help themselves.
Kind Regards,
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk




New road safety strategy was launched to deliver more protection to road users

In 2010 a new road safety strategy was launched to deliver more protection to road users throughout the county, by robustly dealing with those who pose the greatest risk of harm.
Please visit http://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ for force news and information.
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The 2011 National Census - Check ID - Beware of scams

Dear All,
The 2011 National Census took place on Sunday 27 March and people will now be returning their completed questionnaires to the census office.
We are aware that the census may give potential distraction burglars or rogue traders an opportunity to target vulnerable people in our communities. To help prevent this, please take note of the following information and, if possible, pass it on to family, friends and neighbours:
  • If you have completed and returned your questionnaire promptly (ie before 6 April), you will not be contacted by census field staff.
  • All census staff will carry an ID card with a photo, logo and hologram, which they should automatically show to you. They may ask for name and number of residents, but they will not ask for specific details (like credit card or bank/building society details, etc – never disclose these).
  • If you forget to complete your form, a census collector will call to request that it is completed. Make sure you check their identity and photo to ensure they are valid. Always use a door chain when opening the door.
  • Our main advice about preventing distraction burglary still applies – if you’re not sure, don’t open the door. Telephone the census helpline on 0300 0201 101 to check the identity of the census collector.
  • If you wish, you can request a pre-arranged appointment with a collector, via the census helpline number.
If you have any reason to suspect a caller is not genuine, call Warwickshire Police on 01926 415000, giving us as much information as you can.
For further information about the census, check online at www.census.gov.uk
Kind Regards,
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk



Kill your speed

Kill your speed. In the UK in 2008, 4685 people were killed or seriously injured countrywide in crashes where speed was a contributory factor.
Please visit http://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ for force news and information.
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Drive resurfacing - Special Offer

I have a report that an elderly householder in Northend was recently offered a drive job by a very smartly dressed man in a very smart van and an Irish accent.


Of course the offer was refused but please spread the word and try to take the VRN of any vehicle apparently involved with cold calling.