General - Counterfeit Coinage - follow up information

Counterfeit Coinage

Further to yesterdays message on the fake pound coins.

Best advice is that if you receive such coins retain them and check with the bank. Some members have pointed out that they have taken similar coins to the bank only to be told they are in fact genuine. Obviously this means any of fake copies in circulation are pretty good. (I am assuming if that is the case they would exchange them if required.)

We have had several instances over recent months when persons have tried to offload large amounts of coins into the system.

The original report was passed to us by CSN member so I will endeavour to get more accurate information on the matter and pass it on to you.

General : Counterfeit Coinage

Counterfeit £1 Coin
There has been a marked increase in the number of counterfeit £1 coins entering circulation. Please check your change or if receiving cash payments any pound coins.

The forged coins in some instances appear to be lighter in weight, very shiny, the Queen's head is larger and the rim of the coin on the flat does not appear to contain small dots or design around the edge.

General - Christmas Crime Prevention

Christmas Crime Prevention  The last minute rush is on for those must have Christmas necessities, food and presents. (Yes, even the burglar is under pressure at Christmas!) So please remember: to secure your gifts out of sight in the vehicle when parked for shopping. Utilise the boot.  Lock that car. Car thieves really appreciate that unlocked door or open window.

Ensure your home is locked to prevent access by the passing burglar (even if you are at home) - they do go searching for the easy access points.  Use the burglar alarm if fitted when you are out.

Don't advertise the fortune in gifts under the easily viewed Christmas tree. These people do not have the same moral thought or conscience you or I have - they will not spend a fortune in gifts when they can steal them in two minutes, no doubt with the obligatory free family car to carry them away with!!

Please enjoy your festivities but don't spoil it by that one drink too many, then uttering the non-festive comment that leads to the domestic incident. The "talking when I should have been listening" approach that results in black eyes and split lips. No matter how much you felt she deserved it and no matter how nicely your house is decorated with tinsel and trees such acts of violence are illegal and really, we don't want to spend Christmas with you either.
Do not drink and drive - leave those keys at home so you can relax and enjoy your festive time. Bad enough a drink driver being caught - your worst is a disqualification from driving, loss of a job, a criminal record or possibly prison. For a victim your gift is for life - if they survive.
Keep an eye to those elderly and vulnerable neighbours and family. They used to have the responsibility to look after us now it is our responsiblity to look after them. The criminal still seeks to take advantage of them through burglary, bogus calls and rogue traders.
Drive safely through this snowy spell. We all took the driving test. We all know the rules of the road. (Yes, we do have better things to do and if we didn't have to deal with the "innocent member of the public" breaking the law we would indeed have time to catch the "real criminal".)

Show a little common sense and consideration for other road users - driving is still a privilege not a right.

Take note of all the above and trust me when I tell you there is no turkey dinner served in Lisburn custody on Christmas Day.

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Amidst all the festive mayhem, unwrapping of presents, the cooking of the turkey and the present opening with family and friends please spare a thought for "our family".

Some of them will have given up such a celebration time to ensure you can freely enjoy the privileges of Christmas in safety and security. Some will miss the awe on their children's faces at Santa's overnight visit and presents left. Other's the family re-union missed until another year. All because they are doing a job others take for granted.
Perhaps we don't get it right all the time - but mostly we do. If we are not there when you expect us its because we are somewhere else with someone who did and who indeed at that time needed us even more. Be it the elderly burgled, the robber trying to make good his escape, the serious assalut in progress or that serious or fatal road traffic collision and dealing with the traumatic aftermath and the never expected house call. Not a pleasure I assure you.
We cannot appear instantly, we do have to travel there - safely - and that does take time. We do have to make sure that what we are tasked to is what we should expect when we get there. Such is the climate in which we currently work and so we feel our families deserve that necessary caution.
Alas, even in this last year there are those of "our family" who will not enjoy such festivity. Those whose Happy Christmas will be tempered by an empty seat at the festive table and who won't again have the quietly whispered "I'm home" after night shift or tea time cry of "Daddy's here".
We do try our best and in this job there is no greater satisfaction than bringing the criminal to book or helping that person in distress, that is what we do. We seek only appreciation through the understanding of what serving our community really means.
I would like to thank all who have participated in Lisburn Community Safety Network over the last year. The numbers have swelled yet again and continues to do so. Your co-operation and enthusiasm has been once again encouraging and helpful and I trust that this has been reciprocated to you. Your comments are always welcome and encouragement greatly appreciated.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas, that you experience and enjoy the spirit of its true meaning and may we all have a peaceful and prosperous 2010.
And finally....
on Christmas Eve, in the still of the night, when the children are finally asleep yet you sleepily rouse to hear that crunching in the snow outside your window, the turn of a door handle and the creak of a floorboard tread lightly underfoot and blearily spot that elfin type shadow stealthily makes it's way through the house - remember - ...........the "Big Guy" always uses the chimney!!

So dial 999 asap and call the Police, it's probably a creeper burglar!!

Merry Christmas everyone,

Lisburn - Ballinderry - Drug Success

Drugs Successes
There were a number of City Centre burglaries recently and as a result of a quick police response last Wednesday night the said criminal was caught in effect, red handed after breaking into a local motorcycle shop.
Police then carried out a follow up search at the hapless criminal's address (no, in smug fashion he didn't want to tell us where he lived, but we found out) in the Ballinderry area. This was to search for further evidence of burglary and stolen goods.
Much to their pleasure the searching officers actually uncovered a major drugs cultivation project and a large amount of suspected class A and class B drugs - total value estimated to be around £30,000!!
No bail I'm afraid - he has been remanded.
Happy Christmas Mr Criminal - not quite the white one you were expecting!

Bogus callers - general

Bogus Callers / Rogue Traders


Rogue traders may be operating in the Maze area of Lisburn. An elderly resident was approached in the area by the occupants of a silver Transit type van registration PEZ**** around 4pm.
The astute resident noted they did not call with other houses to offer there power washing services.

Maghaberry - suspicious vehicle.

Suspicious Vehicle


At 13:35hrs on Tuesday 15th December 2009, a silver Ford Transit van, registration number LNZ8015 with two males on board was observed "acting suspiciously" in the Maghaberry Village area.
Persons using this van may be involved in "bogus caller" type activity, where they particularly target elderly and vulnerable members of the community with a view to carrying out thefts and burglaries.
If you see this van in your area, please contact the Police immediately.

Burglary Ballinderry

Burglary
Texaco filling station, Glenavy Road, Ballinderry was broken into overnight and a large quantity of cigarettes stolen.
Did you notice any activity or vehicles in or around the property after closing time? Shutters were forced and a vehicle would have been required to shift the stolen goods.

General NIE Scam - all areas

NIE have been in touch with PSNI re the following scam that has occurred over recent weeks.
Below is a copy of their recent press release details.
Please ensure you pass these details on especially to vulnerable and elderly neighbours and family.
Phone Scam For Bank Details
Local energy company, NIE Energy, would like to warn customers to be careful following a spate of bogus telephone callers.
In the most recent incident, a woman with a foreign accent called pretending to from NIE Energy. She said she was calling to arrange to fit an energy saving device and then asked for address and other personal information.
Chris Bell from NIE Energy said: “We have had a number of reports of similar incidents in the last few weeks, so we thought it would be good to let other people know of this scam.
“In the latest case, the gentleman was rightly suspicious when the caller started asking for address and other details. Our customer knew that we would have that information already and would have no need to ask for it. In a similar incident a few weeks ago, a man with a foreign accent called saying he was from NIE Energy and went on to ask for bank details.
“What we would advise is that if any customer is worried that the caller isn’t legitimate, terminate the call. Legitimate companies won’t have a problem with you calling them back. In the case of NIE Energy, you can find our telephone number on the back of bills or direct debit statements and also in the Yellow Pages and Phonebook, as well as online.”
If there are any other similar calls, you can contact NIE Energy’s Customer Helpline is 08457 455 455 (local call rate. Mon-Fri 8am-8pm and Sat 9am-1pm).

General - Creeper Burglaries - All Areas

There has been a recent trend whereby creeper burglaries have occurred around tea-time / early evening while occupants are in the house.
As the house is occupied the property is unlocked and the thieves enter the house through the unlocked door and steal the car keys / vehicle. This criminal activity during the busy evening with persons and vehicles out and about or making the homward journey obviously arouses less suspicion than the thieves operating in the late of night or early hours of the morning.
Please ensure your property is always secure even if in residence at the time. A simple turn of the key will allow access to those who are welcome and keep out those who are not!

General - Quads - Mopeds etc

QUADS, GO PEDS AND MINI MOTOS


If you are thinking about buying your child a present then think very carefully before you put their lives or the lives of others in danger by buying them a quad, a go-ped or a mini moto.
These are not toys but they are powerful machines with the potential to kill or seriously injure children who use them. Please think seriously about where your child is going to use a vehicle and the legalities of it.
Under law quads, go peds or mini motos are actually classified as motor vehicles.
They are not suitable and not legal for use on roads or footpaths unless the rider has or complies with the following:
A driving licence

Road tax

Registration with DVLNI

Insurance

Lights and reflectors

Number plate

Must comply with all aspects of road traffic law

Fulfil all requirements of regulations relating to motor vehicles

General All Areas - Stolen Vehicle and Traders

A white Ford Transit van registration 08-LH-873 was stolen form Main Street Glenavy around 1215pm yesterday.
The vehicle was equipped with ladders, scaffolding and fitted with 3 spotlights on the front and roll bars. The van contained all the equipment required by the owner for his business.
Again if sighted or if you can assist in identifying the offenders or associated vehicles please contact police with details.
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Reports of "traders" and vans operating in the Moira area offering cleaning services.
These persons have been checked by police and all is legitimate. However please be wary of rogue traders offering expensive services and targeting elderly and vulnerable persons for custom.

General - Firework Safety

Firework Safety Code
• When buying fireworks, make sure they comply with BS 7114 and are clearly marked for their intended use “Indoor, Garden or Display”

• Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin.

• NEVER put fireworks in your pocket or anyone else’s.

• Read the instructions carefully, using a torch or a hand lamp. Never use a naked flame.

• Light fireworks at arms length using a taper or a firework lighter.

• Stand well back and NEVER return to a firework after it has been lit.

• Always supervise children around fireworks.

• NEVER throw fireworks.

• Keep all pets and animal indoors.

• Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11 pm.
Sparklers
• These are often viewed as being harmless but they do burn at fierce temperatures. To a young child, the heat from a sparkler is equivalent to the heat from a welding torch.

• Never give sparklers to young children under five.

• Always wear gloves with sparklers, preferably leather ones.

• Hold it at arms length and always have an adult light it.

• Never wave sparklers about near anyone else as you could burn them.

• Never hold a baby in your arms when you are holding a sparkler.

• When the sparkler has finished, put it into a bucket of cold water straight away.


What you should know when buying fireworks
• Fireworks must not be sold to children under 16 years of age.

• Fireworks cannot and should not be bought in Northern Ireland without a licence. The only exceptions will be Category 1 i.e. sparklers and indoor fireworks.

• To fire any outdoor firework you must apply to the NIO for a licence.

• Only Category 2 garden fireworks can be purchased by the general public.

• Fireworks of erratic flight, mini-rockets, bangers and air bombs are illegal.

• The cost of a fireworks licence is £30. When applying for one you must specify who is using the fireworks.

• Fireworks should not be fired between the hours of 11.00 pm and 7.00 am

General - All Areas - emails et al

Bogus E-mails

Just a further reminder of the still bouyant trend of e-mails and letters to members of the public from alleged banks, organisations, lotteries etc in which they request money or personal banking details.

The best advice that can be given is to destroy or delete any such communications as they are bogus ie scams aimed at extricating money either directly from you or through accessing your bank accounts when supplied with personal details.

CSN member reported receiving such an e-mail today alledgedly from the Bank of Montreal. It requests the reader to click an email address link for new security procedure.

If you receive a similar mail message please delete. Under no circumstances release any personal banking details to such an address.

General - suspicious vehicle

Suspicious Vehicle

White Ford Transit Pick-up UEZ8335 two males on board ( scrap in rear) making similar enquiries from at least two seperate residents of Demiville Avenue Maze BT27 5RE regarding ownership of vehicles parked at that location.

Please be wary of bogus callers and rogue traders. Ensure property locked and secure if left unattended. There have been a number of tool thefts and garage / shed break-ins over the last few weeks in the Lisburn area.

Glenavy, Aghalee and General.

Suspicious Vehicle A red Citroen van bearing the registration number REZ4146 was reported acting suspiciously in Main Street Glenavy around 0830am yesterday morning. This may be a false registration plate. If this vehicle is sighted please contact police with details.

A 1997 black / blue Renault Clio registration PAZ4094 has been involved in several incidents over recent days including two thefts from the Sprucefield area. If sighted please contact police with details.

Vehicle Crime Around 1am this morning thieves made an unsuccessful attempt to steal a car from the Willow Walk area of Aghalee. If you noted any suspicious activity persons or vehicles around the area please contact police with details. Ensure property and vehicles are properly secured when not in use.

Moira - Burglary and Criminal Damage

Burglary / Criminal Damage / Theft

There were a number of reported incidents overnight in the Moira area which may be connected.

A red Vauxhall Cavalier was stolen from property in the Castle View Park area around 1115pm last night. It is believed a silver Ford Focus with blacked out windows and partial registration HCZ**** may have been used by the thieves involved and may have been in tandem with a silver Vauxhall Omega.

If you sighted these vehicles and can help clarify the vehicle registrations or descriptions of the occupants please contact police with details.

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Subsequently three other properties were reported to police this morning as having been broken into in Main Street Moira.

Again if you witnessed any activity, persons or vehicles in the area that aroused interest please contact police with details.

Aghalee Burglary

Burglary

Property at Broadwater Cottages, Aghalee was burgled in the early hours of this morning - around 0330am. Around this time police also received reports of suspicious activity on the Soldierstown Road, Aghalee and a short time later in Stonebridge Meadows, Stoneyford.

A dark blue VW Bora was noted with a number of males on board in the area.

If you can offer any assistance or noted any activity in the area that would assist in identifying this vehicle and occupants please notify police with details.

General - bogus telephone calls

Bogus / Nuisance telephone sales calls

Please note details of the Telephone Preference Service which will screen out all sales calls. Any that do call are therefore dubious. Its free too.
http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/tps/

There still continues to be incidents where people are being duped by postal and telephone scams advising them they have made big lottery wins.

If you have not entered "the competition" you cannot have won.

General Awareness Needed

Bogus Telephone Calls / Scams

There have been a couple of reports of people receiving telephone calls enquiring to peoples identity and asking them if they are aware of changes in the Consumer Credit Act possibly to extract more personal details.

Please treat these calls as bogus and do not give out any personal details over the telephone to persons or organisations unless you have instigated arrangements to do so.

Abridged minutes for CPLC meeting Wednesday, 10th June, 2009

1. Police Update Sgt. Calvert informed the meeting of the relative absence of burglaries and hoped that the trend would continue as would the police operations in support of this aim. Concern was however expressed on the level of anti social behaviour in certain parts of the sub division. There would now be endeavour focused on apprehending the suspects and in turn prosecutions could follow. The supply, distribution and usage of illegal substances was under focus but recognised as a continually increasing problem.

2. Aghalee. The speedy repair of the road hazard on the road leading from Aghalee to Glenavy was welcomed. A quiet period.

3. Ballinderry. The rise in anti social behaviour and criminal damage, including damage to the school was being addressed. It was hoped that the new pairing of residents’ groups in Upper and Lower Ballinderry might be able to make inroads in to the problems coupled of course with increased police operations.

4. Glenavy - Little change to previous minutes, but the rise in criminal damage, antisocial behaviour and general community disquiet was causing concern for both residents and police. Repair of Glenavy’s bridge hazard was to be addressed.

5. Maghaberry – Praise was levied at all groups through out the region that were involved in youth and community initiatives – the value of this could not be overrated.
Moira –Underage drinking and anti social behaviour was being monitored and action taken when necessary. A lengthy discussion and explanation regarding new signals and road signage which it was hoped might improve the current congestion of traffic.

All Areas - "hit and run"

Hit and Run Road Traffic Collision

On 11/06/09 around 10pm a red Vauxhall Astra, registration UBZ 1704 (the offending vehicle) was driving at speed down Lurganure Road, braked sharply, skidded and crashed into a wall of a property on Lurganure Road, demolishing a 9 foot section of it! The vehicle then bounced back, and hit another car on the road.

When the occupants of the second vehicle got out to speak to the occupants in the offending car, to check if they were ok, they sped off.

The details of the offending vehicle were noted as a red Vauxhall Astra, registration UBZ 1704, with 'R' plates up. The driver was described as about 18-20 years old, with dark hair

Police believe they know the identity of the driver / owner but it is believed he has also moved out of his address to avoid police.

If you know the whereabouts of this vehicle (no doubt displaying considerable damage) or may know who owns it and the whereabouts of the owner please contact police with details.

General - suspicious vehicles

Suspicious Vehicle / activity

Two transit type vans (white) were noted acting suspiciously. Vehicle registrations reported were DV54GAU and T999AFE. Vehicles may be legitimate but please be wary of bogus callers etc that may be operating in the Lisburn area.

Abridged minutes of Moira CPLC Meeting this date.

1. Police Update – Concern was expressed regarding the recent increase in domestic and commercial burglaries, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. It was explained however that many types of crime are cyclic. The police did emphasise to communities that they should be especially vigilant for suspicious activities and to use a greater awareness in the security of domestic problems. Too often the police witness great lapses in home security due to nothing more than inattention.

2. Aghalee. An increase in speeding cars through the village was disturbing. It was hoped that the dangerous road subsidence on the Glenavy Road would be addressed by Road Services in the near future.

3. Ballinderry. The rise in anti social behaviour and criminal damage was alarming to both the residents and the police. Increased attention will be paid to the areas of concern to attempt to nullify this very displeasing development.

4. Glenavy - Little change to previous minutes, but a more detailed report will be available at the next meeting.

5. Maghaberry – Maghaberry has been experiencing similar types of crime and anti social behaviour that has pervaded many similar settlements in the sub division. Will paid credit to the initiatives developed by the community centre and all present wished them every success with their advances.

6. Moira – A recent spate of burglaries targeting commercial premises was somewhat unusual. Police were furthering their investigations

General Rogue Traders

Rogue Traders / Cold Callers There are a number of reports of persons in the Laurelhill and Ballymacoss area calling at doors and offering cleaning services. They are apparantly not dissuaded with a simple "no thanks". Please be aware of high pressure calls by such people and be mindful of elderly and vulnerable family and residents living in the area to ensure they are not taken advantage of. Whilst no offences have been reported or committed I would suggest caution and judgement on value for money in such services being offered. (Circa £250 for washing your drive or roof using your water and an unknown brand of "detergent". Prices in recent weeks have been quoted as high as £1000! This of course can include the free van ride to the local ATM for you to collect your money especially if elderly and transport is a difficulty.) Current reports suggest a white Transit style van FEZ7532 and a blue van (registration not known) with persons with a southern brogue currently involved in this activity today.

Moira Burlary and Suspicious Activity

Old Kilmore Road, Moira around 330pm yesterday a local resident disturbed a male entering a residential property. It is believed this male was accompanied by another and may have made off in a red Vauxhall Corsa VIB2064 (false registration) which was also used in a petrol theft from the Spar Glenavy Road, Moira. Any sightings of this vehicle should be reported immediately to police.
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Moira Primary School, Backwood Road, Moira was broken into overnight Monday into Tuesday and an office ransacked. If you noted any activity in or around the school that raised your suspicion please contact police with details.
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Moira Bakery, Main Street, Moira was also broken into over the weekend. Again if you can offer any assistance in identifying any persons or vehicles that may have been in the area at an unusual hour notify police with details.

Moira Suspicious Vehicle

Suspicious Vehicle
Old style red 3 door Vauxhall Corsa (red paint faded ) with black wheel arches and R plates. Two males on board noted fitting false registration plates VIB2064. One male described as having cropped / shaven ginger hair, both in their 20's.
Involved in theft from garage in local area of Moira. Vehicle was sighted on Magheramesk Lane, Moira. If sighted notify police.

General All Areas - suspicious vehicle

Suspicious Vehicle A blue Ford Mondeo registration T225SFW with distinctive white alloy wheels was noted acting suspiciously in the Sprucefield and City Centre area of Lisburn.
If sighted please notify police with details

Moira Road Suspicious Vehicle

Suspicious Vehicle
Report yesterday evening of a suspicious white Nissan Vanette XBZ6960 noted in the Moira Road area of Lisburn.
If sighted please notify police in an effort to identify the vehicle and occupants.

Glenavy - Burglary.

Burglary Vehicle

A red BMW 3 series with a registration number FAZ4857 was involved in crime in the Johnston Park Court area of Glenavy early this morning. The vehicle with 4-5 occupants were involved in the theft of a motor scooter. This vehicle has been involved in several criminal incidents in the Lisburn area over the last two weeks.

If sighted please notify police immediately.

General - Rogue Traders

Rogue traders
Reports of a team of "traders" operating in the Glebe Manor area of Anahilt in silver and white transit type vans. These "workers" are offering "cleaning / power washing services. Current prices reportedly started at £1000 (yes - £1000 and a very pressured sales pitch) finally bartered down to £100!!! in one instance. (Great business great discounts!)
Due to the nature of these hard sell tactics please be mindful of elderly and vulnerable neighbours. These persons have also been noted in driveways and rear of properties in the area and numerous comings and goings.
Please ensure properties, garages and outhouses are secure. Whilst no offences have been committed or suggested common sense prevails when strangers are frequenting the area given recent thefts and burglaries in the locale. One local concerned resident was confronted by these traders when he was noted taking registrations as he was concerned as to the activities of these people ("Trader" discovered down the side of his house - left when asked to do so by the family dog), the "traders" were none too pleased.
Local police have been notified and will be checking out these reports.

Moira - Theft

Theft A green single axle car trailer and a red Greenhill ride on lawnmower were stolen from a farm yard on the Lime Kiln Road, Moira between 6pm Monday 09-02-09 and 9pm Thursday 12-02-09.
Did you notice any unfamiliar people or vehicles in the area? Can you offer any descriptions or vehicle registrations?
Please ensure that where possible equipment is stored securely and any "suspicious" callers are reported.

General - Telephone scam

Telephone Scam

Local CSN member reports having received a telephone call from a person purporting to be from a UK Police Force. This person thanked them for the financial support through advertising donations and requested further money.

The member was aware of a similar "scam call" to a local playgroup (alerted via CSN) some months ago and attempted to identify the caller and their location at which point the caller terminated the call.

Please continue to be aware of bogus calls and callers and of e-mail and postal scams directed at obtaining monies by deception.

Maghaberry - suspicious vehicle.

Suspicious Vehicle

There have been a number of burglaries in the Maghaberry area over the last two weeks including yesterday. There have also been reports of a southern registered white van possibly with high level spotlights operating in the area close to these incidents.

Whilst the vehicle may be legitimate any sightings of a van matching this description should be passed to police with details.

If you have concerns of any nature regarding suspicious vehicles or persons in your area please notify police.

Maghaberry - Burglary

Burglary Property at Hammond Farm, Maghaberry was broken into yesterday daytime. The crime was discovered at around 7pm. The thieves had forced entry to the house via a rear kitchen window and subsequently stole amongst other things a television.

Did you notice any activity or strange vehicles in the area? If so, please contact police with details.

General - Stolen Vehicles

Stolen Vehicles

Two vehicles have been stolen this week in Lisburn where the owners left the car running and keys in the ignition. Both incidents occurred during the morning school run time. No doubt left for a few seconds only but only took a few seconds to steal!

Please be aware car criminals may be checking areas for such vehicles of opportunity and report any suspicious persons or vehicles.

as with houses - Check it! Close it! Lock it!

Ballinderry - Criminal Damage

Criminal Damage

Ballinderry Primary School, Crumlin Road Ballinderry was subjected to criminal damage and graffiti. It is believed the damage was caused on the evening of 05/01/09.

If you noticed any activity or persons around the school during this period out of hours, please contact local police with details via any of the means below.