Seasonal awareness - all areas

All,

Just a short message to say thank you once again to all those supporting Lisburn Community Safety Network.

With 2011 coming to a close it is hard to believe another year has passed so quickly. I trust that you continue to find the Network helpful in keeping you aware of what is going on in the Lisburn area and as an aid to preventing crime especially of it happening to you.

Numbers have yet gain increased and this is a great encouragement particularly as CSN is a voluntary extra and your support is the factor in keeping it going. My thanks also go to the Neighbourhood Police Teams who promote CSN on my behalf during their dealings with you.

In particular I have noted the increase in members of the public contacting police in regards to suspicious vehicles, persons or activity and notably the messages in relation to rogue traders and bogus callers have been taken on board and that has helped curtail the activities of those that would take advantage of the elderly and vulnerable and the trauma that such victimisation leaves in it’s wake.

Prevention is better than cure and I urge you to continue to be vigilant in activity in your area, securing properties and vehicles even over the remaining festive period. Opportunist criminals still have their “last minute shopping” to do too.

We have had very good successes in the District over the last year and many criminals are now paying the appropriate price for their activities and many others have had their criminality disrupted. It is our aim to build further on these successes in 2012.

Once again please spare a thought for those of my colleagues who will be on duty and away from families over the next few days and nights. There are still those who seek to prevent us doing our job to protect you, the community, and as with all other days of the year we are with necessity required to remain careful and vigilant whilst performing our daily tasks. Please be patient and understanding. Our desire is to finish a successful day’s work and go home safely to our own families and yet vigilance is required there also and this has been all too readily brought home with the loss of another colleague earlier in the year and close calls for others. There is no switching off for us even at Christmas. It is a happy time for most but a poignant reminder to others of the cost in serving the community in which we live and work.

As usual I would appeal to you to enjoy your festive “spirit” but temper it with common sense and do not spoil your Christmas with the requirement of a uniform presence at a non-fancy dress party!! Domestic violence continues to be a bane of our society and coupled with alcohol fuelled assaults that do make the Christmas and New Year celebrations a busy time – unnecessary if enjoyed properly.

Finally, if you'll indulge me, remember it is called Christmas for a reason, enjoy its true meaning. It’s a time for celebration and preparation.......

Have a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and rewarding new year.

P.S. Was fortunate enough to meet the “The Big Guy” at a festive celebration last night. I can report all is going to schedule, if you have been good you are on the list. Carrots are still in vogue for the reindeer and stop-off snacks are readily received – and although I would caution for “in charge of a sleigh under the influence” but I can find no corresponding legislation!!!

Only 2 more sleeps to go….1 and a bit no doubt for those involved in any “pre-construction” activity.

Please approach such with care and caution and an element of pre-planning. Such things as Lego, I assure you, does not respond in any way to undue pressure or detrimental words of criticism and only serves to test your patience and the lack of understanding of the relative 7 year old as to why Dad is not enjoying the father / son bonding session.

Merry Christmas and make it special for them!!

N.

Nativity maybe but not a new warning.

Christmas Greetings wrapped in Awarenes

All Areas general and suspicious vehicles

Suspicious Vehicle

Report of a red Vauxhall Movano van with registration similar to FN05NUW operating in the Ashcroft Way Ballinderry area yesterday afternoon.

Possible rogue traders - please be wary of cold callers and approaches to vulnerable or elderly neighbours and family.

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E Mail Spam Warning

A local CSN member was subject to a SPAM email indicating he had booked an American Airline flight ticket by way of his credit card, but before he opened the email he went on to the Airline's website to check the flight details and time. That was when he discovered the warning about spam emails.

From AMERICAN AIRLINES Website:

It has come to our attention that there are a lot of spam emails being sent at the moment that indicate the sender as being American Airlines. These emails are what is known as Phishing Emails and have not been sent by American Airlines.
Phishing is the practice of sending phony email messages that are disguised as legitimate and often include company logos that look real. A typical Phishing Email will include a false claim about a customer’s account and either a link or button that takes them to a “spoof” website that mimics a reputable company’s actual website, in hopes that they will disclose personal information such as a credit card number or account information. Some Phishing Emails may also have attachments which may contain potential email viruses.For more information about Phishing Emails and how to protect yourself go to www.aa.com/i18n/urls/phishingEmails.jsp

Quick Check Scheme

Quick Check


Crime Prevention's Quick Check scheme, which allows householders to use a freephone number to confirm if a caller on their doorstep is genuine, has recently been promoted in the media.

The service is provided in partnership with Fold Telecare and Virgin Media with the support of utility companies who register their details.

Easy steps with Quick Check

Before you answer the door, make sure your back door is locked.

If you have a door chain remember to use it before you open the door.

Ask the caller for their identification and check it carefully.

Ask them to wait outside and close the door - genuine callers will not mind.

Ring Quick Check on freephone 0800 013 22 90. Your call will be answered personally and promptly by a trained operator. They will check with the company on your behalf, that the person at your door is genuine. If they are not or they think that there is something suspicious, they will contact the police immediately.

Do not let anyone into your home until you are satisfied as to who they are.

Quick Check is a free telephone service, which is available 24 hours a day all year round to residents throughout Northern Ireland

Security Tips Christmas

Security Tips for Christmas Shopping


1. Make sure you put the goods you have purchased in the boot or your car out of sight or make several trips to the shops. Do not provide the opportunist criminal an invitation to break into your car.

2. Don’t carry large sums of money that are easily visible and accessible to would be thieves. Keep your money, purse or wallet somewhere safe that only you can get to.

3. When you get your goods home keep them out of sight from anyone who wants to have a look in your windows. The criminal knows we keep goods at home to give out as presents so by putting in simple crime prevention steps you can make it more difficult. Thieves see an open window as an open invitation to gain access to your home and an open invitation to steal your valuables. Don’t let them.

General ATMs - All areas

As we approach Christmas it is important to be vigilant when using ATMs to lift money.


ATM skimming is when someone illegally copies your account details from the magnetic strip on your credit or debit card when you use an ATM.The fraudster then uses your details to create a fake or ‘cloned’ card. In most cases, they use the fake card and PIN to withdraw money from an ATM.

This week two skimming devices have been detected on bank machines in Belfast City Centre and two on other ATMs in the Greater Belfast area .

Please be aware of this and the nature of the people behind this is they move from town to town and could be heading to an ATM near you.

Below is some advice to consider:

Warning signs — what to look out for?

Does the ATM look like it normally does – can you see any unusual additions, marks or changes?

Are there any signs that someone has tampered with the ATM - can you see any glue residue, exposed wires, pieces of double-sided tape?

You notice something suspicious about the card slot on an ATM (e.g. an attached device).

You notice unusual or unauthorised transactions on your account or credit card statement.

If you notice any of these warning signs contact your local branch and call the police on 0845 600 8000



Using an ATM safely?

Only use ATM machines in a well-lighted, open, high-traffic area during the daytime

ATM machines in supermarkets are safer for night time use

Avoid ATM machines adjacent to obvious hiding places

When you approach an ATM scan the area first for loiterers

Have your card ready and leave quickly, not counting your cash in public

Walk or drive away immediately if your instincts tell you so