Seasons Greetings and a very Merry Christmas.

Seasons Greetings and a very Merry Christmas.

I would like to say "thank-you" to all those who have supported Lisburn Community Safety Network through another year.

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 and especially helping prevent it happening to you.

Requests to participate in the network have yet gain increased and this is a great encouragement particularly as CSN is a voluntary extra and your support is the main factor in keeping it going. However given CSN is a voluntary initiative this has meant other commitments especially in recent weeks having to take priority and thus impacting on the even the small time required to keep you informed and issue appeals.

My thanks to the Lisburn, Moira, Hillsborough and Dunmurry Neighbourhood Police Teams who promote CSN on my behalf during their dealings with the community.

Once again the increase in members of the public contacting police in regards to suspicious vehicles, persons or activity has indicated the appeals and awareness are having a positive impact. Again 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 seek to take advantage of the elderly and vulnerable and the trauma that such victimisation leaves in its wake.

Please continue to be vigilant in activity in your area, securing properties and vehicles even over the remaining festive period. Humorous as our Willie Nickit crime prevention promotions are the message is all too real as are the criminals who spare no thought for their victims especially at Christmas.

We have had very good successes in the Lisburn area 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 2013 with disruption and prosecution of those lacking morality and whose aim is to prey upon the vulnerable and exploit the elderly and those that spread fear and discord in our community through their criminal activity.

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. The ongoing flag protests have greatly impacted on policing demands in recent days. The ongoing public order issues now require our services on top of an already demanding policing schedule, with increased shifts, officers retained on duty after normal hours and for most the cancellation of Christmas and Boxing day with our families to facilitate others with their right to protest…peacefully… and no doubt.. after.. they enjoy their right to a family Christmas together.

A special thanks must also go to our own families, partners and children who regularly and at short notice forgo their family rights and privileges without complaint to enable us to do our job.

Such activity pales with recent events sadly showing that there are still those who seek to prevent us and our colleagues in other services doing our job to protect you, the community, and as with any other days of the year we are with necessity required to remain careful and vigilant whilst performing our daily tasks both professionally and in private. 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. This has been all too readily brought home with the loss of our Prison Service colleague, David Black only a few weeks ago and close calls for officers in incidents in Dunmurry in recent months. There is no switching off for us even at Christmas. It is a happy time for most but a poignant reminder to others that the cost in serving the community in which we live and work can be payment of the ultimate price and our thoughts are with the Black family at this time.

As on previous occasions 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 police presence at your family function. Peace and goodwill are sadly very quickly dispensed with alcohol fuelled domestic violence which 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 for police and so unnecessary if only these events were enjoyed responsibly.

Despite the current refurbishment programme I can assure you that Lisburn custody suite still falls somewhat short of the Hilton experience and to be frank the free breakfast, hangover permitting, and the subsequent criminal record simply isn’t worth it. Be responsible and whatever else if drinking at all please please leave those car keys at home and book a taxi!

Finally remember it is called Christmas for a reason, please remember and enjoy its true meaning. It’s also a time for family celebration and preparation. Have a very happy Christmas and I trust a peaceful and rewarding new year for all.

P.S.

Bogus caller alert if you meet a person in your property matching the description of short, rotund, grey / white beard, big nose, red suit and cap over the evening 24^th 25^th December 2012 driving a rusty white Ford Transit van telling you he was just looking for scrap metal or offering to power wash the inside of your chimney for £300+ and a free ATM collection service please be assured he is NOT the "real thing" and police should be notified immediately!!

Alternately if year on year your property has been entered without authorisation over the festive season, your mince pies have been hoofed, your brandy bottle broken open, coal left in your stocking, a load of tat under the Christmas tree and reindeer poo trodden into the carpet then I would suggest you have been particularly naughty and strongly lacking in belief!

Have a very Happy Christmas and make it special!!

Security Tips

Seasons Greetings

Security Tips for Christmas Shopping

Secure your vehicle

Make sure you put the goods you have purchased in the boot of your car out of sight or make several trips to avoid providing the opportunistic criminal an invitation to break into your car.

Secure your money

Don't carry large sums of money / visible cash that is easily accessible to criminals or would be thieves. Keep it where only you can easily get it.

Secure your home

Attractive as it is presents stored under the Christmas tree in view is an easy target for the burglar. Remember when you are out window shopping so is the burglar.

Theft and Burglary

A small white dumper truck has been stolen from a works site on the Ballinderry Road Lisburn overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.

The theft occurred between 430pm Tuesday and 8 am yesterday morning.

If you noted any activity around the site or the vehicle being moved overnight please contact police with details.

 

Burglary

A property at Beechfield Manor, Aghalee was broken into yesterday between 2pm and 530pm by criminals forcing entry through a kitchen window.

An number of jewellery items were stolen.

Did you note any persons or vehicles in the area or activity that sparked tour attention that may assist in identifying the culprits? If so please contact police with details.

****************************************************************************

Suspicious calls

Suspicous Calls

Caller reports today having receiving a suspicious phone call yesterday. The call was made by a male with an English accent and was very hard to make out. He knew the person ran a farm business and was asking if they would make a donation for an army charity in either Aldershot or Alderhill as they were looking for local business' to sponsor them.

The male caller was told that they didn’t own a farm and he was calling a private house. The male then stated he could also take private donations. He was told there was no interest in making a donation and the call ended.

Return calls to check the details had no result.

Please be aware of possible bogus calls and do not provide financial information or donations to cold callers without first identifying the are genuine.

Christmas Message

D - Division and Facebook

All areas of D District are now on Facebook!
Police officers across D District are now regularly updating Facebook followers with details of issues of interest and giving an insight into day to day policing in the local area.

The Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus Facebook page was the first to be set up in District in the summer of 2011 and now has almost 6,300 likes. Lisburn joined earlier this year and has since attracted over 3,100 likes. Antrim officers are the latest to begin live postings and their page now has almost 850 likes.
Facebook offers police a way of providing information to local communities faster than ever before.

District commander Chief Superintendent Henry Irvine, “While many people still rely on ‘traditional’ media outlets, such as local newspapers, TV and radio for information about what is happening in the area around them, many others use social media platforms to keep informed. As a police service we recognise the need and benefit of communicating and engaging in discussions through this medium.

The speed of modern communications and the urgent nature of some messages police need to circulate means social media offers police an excellent way to get information out to local people quickly. It only takes a few minutes to upload information, and this can then be accessed instantaneously by our followers.

We welcome comments or questions from our followers however anyone posting abusive messages towards either police or other users, or those using threatening or foul language abusive can expect their comments to be removed. Anyone who persists with such activity, could find themselves permanently blocked.

While we will do our best to answer questions and reply to posts, the sites aren't monitored 24/7. They not intended as a means for reporting crime and people are encouraged to continue to use the 0845 600 8000 number to report incidents in their area or to dial 999 in an emergency."

Burglaries Maghaberry and Aghalee

MOIRA CSN
Over the past week criminals have targeted homes in Aghalee and Maghaberry areas of Moira. The incidents occurred during the day when the properties where unoccupied and entry use via the rear of the property. As Christmas is fast approaching Police are concerned that the criminals are becoming more active on the lead up to the festive break with the strong possibility that more expensive items will be store in homes.

 

Police are appealing to residents to lock and secure their homes at all times and to report any suspicious activity to Police on 0845 600 800

Your Call Can Make The Difference!

DETI News Release - HOUSEHOLDERS WARNED TO BE ON THEIR GUARD AGAINST ROGUE TRADERS

 

DEPARTMENT OF ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

12 November 2012

Householders warned to be on their guard against rogue traders

Trading Standards Service has warned Northern Ireland householders to be wary of rogue doorstep traders.

Latest figures released by Consumerline during National Consumer Weekreveal there were nearly 700 doorstep selling complaints in Northern Ireland in the last year.

Home improvements, sales of mobility aids, tarmacing and paving, and repairs to domestic appliances topped the list of complaints. Nearly 200 complaints were received for uninvited doorstep traders (1).

In a push to protect the vulnerable, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's Trading Standards Service is joining forces with the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) Doorstep Selling campaign, empowering local residents to deal with untoward doorstep sellers, including those who are invited into the home after a cold call sales approach, and specifically traders offering mobility aids or home improvement and repair services.

Research conducted on behalf of the OFT highlights the elderly as being particularly at risk of doorstep selling scams (2). One in five people over the age of 70 who were interviewed admitted to not being confident in deciding whether to employ a tradesperson and a fifth of those questioned couldn’t see through pressure sales tactics such as having to pay cash in advance or having to make a quick decision to get a good deal (3).

Damien Doherty, TSS Area Inspector says: “Not all doorstep sellers are bogus, however unlawful traders can be unscrupulous. A charismatic salesperson can be intimidating and it is easy to fall for their charm. This is a skill often used by rogue traders, to convince vulnerable people to buy a mobility aid or home improvement service they may not need, or agree to terms they haven’t fully checked out.

"I’m urging everyone who knows or cares for a vulnerable, elderly person to make sure they are aware of their rights when it comes to suspect door step approaches and carefully research salespeople before inviting them into their home. No one should feel pressured into making a rash buying decision. If in doubt always think twice and get a second opinion.”

He continued: “While it is not illegal to canvas for work door to door, rogue doorstep trading, both invited and uninvited, remains a serious issue for vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly who live alone. Decisions made on the doorstep can result in a great amount of distress for those who are duped out of money for substandard products or services. It is crucial to be aware of your consumer rights and share this knowledge.”

TSS offers the following top 10 tips on how to deal with doorstep sellers:

Ten Top Tips

Buy Wisely and Safely on your Doorstep or in your home

Many people who sell things on the doorstep, on the phone and even in your home are legitimate traders, but unfortunately some aren’t. Rogue traders may use illegal pressure selling tactics to make people buy and they can ignore their legal rights. The Office of Fair Trading has developed ten top tips to help you buy safely and with confidence on your doorstep – and to help you say ‘no’ when you need to.

1. Don’t sign on the spot
Don’t feel pressured to agree on the spot - if you are interested in what they are selling, you can ask them to come back at another time that is more convenient for you, maybe when you have someone else with you or you’ve shopped around.

2. Check the trader’s identity
Always ask for an identity card and look up the organisation to check the salesperson’s identity is genuine. Don’t use the number on their card. Check if the trader is a member of a reputable trade body, like the Direct Selling Association, whose members should ensure their salespeople sell responsibly.

3. Be wary of special offers or warnings about your home
Don't get taken in by sales banter or high pressure selling techniques. Don’t be hurried into a decision even if there is a discount. The discount might be on a price that is too high in the first place.

4. Always shop around for the best price
Check with other companies offering the same product first. Make sure the price and product is right for you.

5. Read the small print
Always read documents carefully before you sign them and make sure you fully understand your rights. It’s best to ask salespeople to call back so you can do this in your own time – don’t be rushed into signing before you feel ready.

6. Double check the facts
Make sure you fully understand the total costs of the transaction – including estimates, delivery and installation and the arrangements for after-sales servicing, such as the guarantees or warranties. Only agree to make a purchase once you’re entirely satisfied that the transaction is acceptable.

7. Talk to someone you trust for a second opinion
Take the time to talk to someone you trust – for example your family, a friend or carer – before you sign anything.

8. Don’t hand over a cash deposit
Avoid handing over money before work is started. A reliable trader will never ask you to do this (even if they need materials). Never agree to go with a trader to the bank to take money out.

9. Think very carefully before you agree to a trader starting any work straight away
If you agree to have any work done or goods delivered within the seven day cooling-off period, you may have to pay if you later change your mind and cancel the contract.

10. Trust your instincts
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

And finally ... it’s OK to say no

Remember it’s your doorstep and your decision. If you feel pressured for any reason ask the person to leave. If in doubt, visit http://www.consumerline.orgor call the Consumerline on 0300 123 62 62.

 

Reply to:

Reply to colin.audley@psni.pnn.police.uk

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Send

Willie Nickit arrives in New Delhi, India

Several - all areas - general

 

CSN Message

Criminal Damage

Glenavy Protestant Hall, Main Street, Glenavy was subject to an overnight arson. At approximately 0350am this morning police and fire officers were at the scene where tyres had been placed against the front door of the hall and set alight.

Did you notice anyone in the vicinity of the hall in the early hours of this morning? If you can assist in identifying the criminals involved please contact police with details.

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On Friday morning 19/10/12 a burglary was discovered at a property on Tullyard Road, Moira.

A number of sheds were entered and a red Honda Quad bike was stolen.

The break-in occurred between 9pm on the 18th and 0615am on the 19th October and a vehicle most likely would have been required to steal the quad bike.

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Again if you noted any unfamiliar persons, vehicles or activity in the area please notify police with details.

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Drugs

On Saturday evening police carrying out a routine stop on a vehicle in Benson Street Lisburn discovered a large amount of cash and illegal drugs in the vehicle. Two arrests were made and further follow up searches at related properties recovered more suspect drugs and drugs related items.

Reply to:

Reply to nigel.fitzsimons@psni.pnn.police.uk

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Farm Watch

I am pleased to inform you that a`Farm Watch` scheme will be starting in D District in Nov 2012 in partnership with the 4 x PCSPs.

I have attached a leaflet on how the scheme works for your information.

The launch dates and venues of the schemes are listed below and allows you to attend a launch at a venue and date that suits you. These launches are intended to raise awareness of the scheme and to provide information on how the scheme works and how you can become a member.

1. Antrim Borough - Tues 30th Oct 2012 - 7pm - Crumlin Community Centre
2. Newtownabbey Borough - Thurs 8th Nov 2012 - 7pm - Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey
3. Lisburn Borough - Tues 20th Nov 2012 - 7pm - Hillsborough Old Court House
4. Carrickfergus Borough - Mon 26th Nov 2012 - 7pm - Carrickfergus Town hall, Dobbs Room

*** Could I please ask that you raise awareness within the farming community in your area of the event through whatever means you have.

Details of the scheme will shortly be put on the PSNI web-site - www.psni.police.uk - d-district - community safety - farm watch

Thanks again.

Suspicious Vehicle - All Areas

Suspicious Vehicle

Reports of a Blue Transit van with registration similar to OHZ5706 with markings "Professional Coatings" called at a property in Drennan Road Lisburn area today and were very persistant for a sale.

Please be wary of cold callers. If you are sourcing work done be sure to contact a reputable firm.

All Areas - Bogus Callers

Police in D District (Antrim, Carrickfergus, Lisburn and Newtownabbey) are advising householders to be wary of a new bogus caller scam which takes advantage of the new “digital TV switchover”

A number of people across the District have reported bogus callers trying to trick their way inside by saying they are making preparations for the householder to receive digital channels on their television sets.

The ‘digital switchover’ means homes will no longer be able to receive an analogue signal and will only be able to watch a television with a built-in digital receiver, a digital set-top box or a subscription to a satellite or cable service.

Anyone calling at a home to do any work in connection with the switchover will only do so where a the householder has arranged an appointment. All digital installers wear uniforms and carry ID. In the interests of security they can also arrange a password with the homeowner and installers will also telephone households in advance of the appointment so that they will know the technician calling with them is genuine.

As with any unplanned or suspicious caller, householders should not grant them access the home without satisfying themselves the caller is who they claim. Residents are encouraged to use Quick Check - 0800 013 22 90 - a 24-hour Freephone service which can independently verify the identity unexpected callers.

Local police can be contacted on 0845 600 8000 or in an emergency via 999.

All Areas - Bogus Rate Refunds

This is being covered by the BBC - for your info.

5 September 2012 Last updated at 10:36

Bogus callers alert over rates refunds

Land & Property Services, the agency responsible for collecting rates, is urging householders to be on their guard against bogus callers.

It comes after two incidents when callers tried to obtain bank details from householders on the pretext that they were due a refund on their rates.

The incidents happened in the Belfast and Lisburn areas in recent days.

The agency stressed that ratepayers should not give bank details to anyone who contacted them about refunds.

In a statement, it said: "At times, LPS may contact ratepayers either by phone or in person to discuss outstanding rates or to seek further information about a rate account.

"When LPS staff phone you, they will always confirm security information in relation to your rate account with you. "

The agency said on occasion it was necessary for its staff to call at customers' doors but they would carry identification, including their name and photograph.

"Householders should take care to examine the ID of persons calling at their door," said LPS.

"If in doubt, telephone the LPS helpline on 0300 200 7801 where staff will be able to confirm if the person is genuine."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19488608

General All Areas

Distraction Burglaries

Three persons were responsible for an attempted distraction burglary at approximately 4:40pm in Hillsborough yesterday afternoon.

Two males in their mid-late 20s called at the home of an elderly female saying they were from NIE and they wanted to check a telegraph pole in the rear garden. A third male, wearing grey trousers and a blue top with dark hairwas standing in the street waiting for them.

They were believed to be using a black Audi with silver roof rails. No registration identified as yet.

A similar incident occurred in the Newtownards area around lunchtime also involving 3 males.

On Thursday 23 August 3 around 530pm males also claimed to be heating engineers in order to gain access to a property in the Lawnmount Crescent area of Lisburn.

Please make elderly neighbours / relatives aware of bogus callers operating in the area. Any legitimate callers will have correct identification and will allow time for checks to be carried out.

Please report any suspicious callers to police and if possible note details of any vehicles and registration.

Suspicious Activity

Suspicious Activity

Two males were disturbed in the Trummery Heights area of Maghaberry around 3am on Thursday 16 August.

The householder was alerted by the activation of security lighting. The men ran off but had been disturbed around the oil tank. Both were wearing dark heavy rain jackets.

All areas general

Morning all.

Please see details below of a method being used by mobile phone call/ text scam artists. Of note is the use of a false UK landland number to lull the victim into a false sense of security.

Mobile phone users are asked not to accept a UK contact number as proof that a mobile phone cold-caller is genuine as 'fake' UK landline numbers can be used by fraudsters to mask their overseas location.

Police are aware of a number of 'scam' texts and phone calls designed to trick members of the public into making payments for non-existent services, such as Payment Protection Insurance compensation and computer fault repair.

A phone call or text is received by the mobile phone, using a UK landland number for the potential victim to call back to find out more. However, such landline numbers can in fact be based overseas and are not proof that the caller is genuine.

If such a call or text is a scam the fraudster is likely to be based overseas, despite the appearance of the landline number offered.

The scam caller will then ask for a 'U-Cash' voucher or similar to be used for payment to be made for services which do not exist.

Police would always recommend that members of the public who wish to use the services of a firms such as Payment Protection Insurance recovery company or a computer repair company do so by seeking a personally recommended and/ or reputable and established firm.

Anyone who has lost money to a scam like this should report it by contacting police on 0845 600 8000 and also using the Action Fraud website (www.actionfraud.police.uk). Members of the public who were not a victim but aware of an attempted fraud should use the Action Fraud service directly.
Further guidance -
Advice to avoid computer software service/ repair scam calls -

• Computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer. Fraudsters make these phone calls to try to steal from you and damage your computer with malware. Treat all unsolicited phone calls with scepticism and don’t give out any personal information.
• Computer firms tend not to send out unsolicited communication about security updates, although they do send security software updates to subscribers of the security communications program. If in doubt, don’t open the email.
• Microsoft does not request credit card information to validate copies of Windows. Microsoft does validate requests to download software from its website via its ‘Genuine Advantage Program’, but never asks for any personally identifying information, including credit card details.
• The ‘Microsoft Lottery’ does not exist.

Thanks and regards,

Colin

Glenavy - arson attack

Arson

There was an arson attempt on Glenavy Protestant Hall Main Street Glenavy overnight.

Two wheelie bins had been placed against he gates to the hall grounds and set alight.

Again if you noticed any suspicious activity around the hall please contact police with details.

Oil thefts and Scam - All areas

Oil Thefts

This is a reminder that with the holiday season approaching and schools closing for you to be mindful of any activity in any neighbouring schools, church buildings and other such properties which will be affected by attendance in the July and August period.

In recent weeks there have been a number of bulk heating oil thefts from such establishments and any suspicious activity, persons or vehicles around such premises should be reported to police.

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Scams

Yesterday and elderly Lady residing in the Lisburn area received a telephone call from a female identifying herself as a "Shelley Rogers" who was involved in settling PPI (payment protection insurance) claims that had been improperly sold.

This person had all the personal details of the Lady concerned and informed her that a male by the name of "Nick Phillips" would be calling that afternoon to present her with a cheque in excess of £2600. The Lady was then told that a further male (no name given) would call and collect from her a UKASH voucher to the value of £377 which she was to purchase from a local store.

It was emphasised that the Voucher was not to be given to the first caller.

The Lady concerned was astute enough to realise that this was a scam but played along stating she had not got £377 and settled on £177. The Lady also checked with the store named who informed her that such vouchers are not issued to senior citizens in any case due to a Crimestoppers alert on such activity.

Please be mindful of any such scam calls and notify police of any details involved. Please be sure elderly and vulnerable family and neighbours are made aware.

UKash is a legitimate form of e-money product; other types would include prepaid debit or credit cards. The main use of the UKash vouchers is to trade or make purchases online without the requirement of having a bank account.

This form of electronic money is increasingly being used by fraudsters when targeting victims in the various forms of ‘Advanced Fee’ scams.

(UKASH for their part have been proactive in improving their counter fraud measures and now operate a 24hr reporting service for people who want to report voucher fraud)

Home security - all areas - awareness

The following details relate to incidents that have recently occurred within the Moira area that police wish the public to be made aware of through the CSN. *******************************************************************************************************************************************

Over the past 24 hours two houses in the Gortraney Road and Clontarriff Road areas where broken into by forcing entry into the properties whilst the occupants where away. Although both incidents are at present not believed to be linked it is clearly evident that criminals are searching for potential targets especially vacant homes.

Police are appealing for information regarding these incidents if you where in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious to contact Police on 0845 600 8000.

HOUSEHOLDERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT WHEN LEAVING THEIR HOMES THAT THEY ARE LOCKED AND SECURED. SHOULD ANYONE WISH TO HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL SECURITY ADVICE ABOUT THERE PROPERTY TO CONTACT LOCAL POLICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ARRANGE AN INSPECTION.

In an separate incident two males attempted to gain entry to out buildings at Aghalee Parish Church in the early hours of Tuesday 12th June. Police have a definite lines of enquires but would still like to speak with anyone in the area at the time who may have seen suspicious activity.

REMEMBER BE ALERT! BE AWARE! AND BE SUSPICIOUS!!!!

Moira - Oil Theft

Oil Theft Between 31/05/12 and yesterday morning several thousand litres of heating oil were stolen from the oil tanks at Meadow Bridge Primary school on Lany Road Moira. This is the second such theft from a local country Primary School in the last two weeks. Did you notice any activity in the school over the holiday break or any tanker type lorries in the vicinity? If so please contact police with details.

Distraction Burglaries - all areas

Distraction Burglaries

Over the last month there were a number of incidents in neighbouring areas (Finaghy, Carryduff & Bangor) where two males posed as members of the Water Service "checking taps for blue dye".

Very vague descriptions - one described as swarthy skinned, no vehicle identified.

Please be wary of bogus callers - proper representitives of any agencies will have photo identification and will be patient to wait for you to check credentials with the relative agency.

Please ensure elderly and vulnerable family and neighbours are aware.

Garages and Sheds - All areas

As we approach the brighter nights and the gardening season the local police and Community Safety Partnership would like to remind residents of a few simple crime prevention techniques that can help deter criminals and help prevent thefts from garden sheds and garages.

By following a few simple steps you may be able to avoid becoming a victim of this sort of crime;

✜ Ensure you always lock your shed or garage

✜ On sheds use a Hasp lock (this is a plate that covers retaining screws)

✜ Fit curtains or blinds to your shed or garage to stop persons looking in.

✜ Consider coverage of your shed or garage by a censored light.

✜ Make sure all property in your shed or garage is properly marked (postcode and house number).

✜ Consider fitting a portable PIR alarm (less than £15 from any DIY store) or one linked to your house alarm.

✜ Make sure all ladders and tools that could assist the criminal are locked away securely.

Help to make your community safer, and deter criminals by securing your property, by reporting suspicious activity promptly to police, and by demonstrating that you are switched on to crime prevention