CARRICKFERGUS NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAM AND YOUTH JUSTICE AGENCY LAUNCH ‘THINGY’ APP

CARRICKFERGUS NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAM AND YOUTH JUSTICE AGENCY LAUNCH ‘THINGY’ APP

 

‘Thingy’ app is a new free Smartphone app designed for young people by young people.

 

Jointly funded by Carrickfergus PSNI Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Youth Justice Agency the app was conceived, planned and designed by a group of teenagers from Genesis Youth club in Whitehead together with a number of youths currently engaged with the Youth Justice Agency. It contains a wealth of information relevant to young adults from alcohol and drug awareness, to sexual health and crime.

 

Constable Shaun Fraser, Carrickfergus NPT said; “The app is one of a kind and a source of loads of useful information unique to Northern Ireland and particularly the local area.   

From conception, everything about ‘Thingy’ has been driven by the young people; the content formed out of what they knew would be useful for them in their everyday lives. They even came up with name! 

For many teenagers it can be difficult to know where to turn for help or advice when they find themselves in challenging circumstances. Often they are frightened to ask for guidance on issues like drugs or alcohol for fear they'll get into trouble and as a consequence they can sometimes end up making uninformed and unsafe choices.  

 

The 'Thingy' app contains a wealth of information on a range of issues teenagers face as well as a host of names, numbers and links to local agencies and services that can help with any number of problems or concerns.”

 

Ben Rayot, Youth Justice Agency commented; “’Thingy’ is an exciting and innovative new initiative which has given our young people an opportunity to undertake positive work for the overall benefit of their communities. The fact that it has been developed by young people for young people means that it addresses the real issues and concerns faced by young people and will help them access vital support services at the very time they need that support. Indeed in extreme circumstances where a young person may be feeling severely depressed or suicidal, it could prove to be a life-saver.”

 

Ricky Linton, Genesis Youth Club added; “Working on the app has been really fulfilling for the young people involved. It has shown them that they are capable of accomplishing great things. Each young person involved in the development of ‘Thingy’ app will also receive a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award for their efforts.”

 

Constable Fraser added, “It is important that our teenagers feel empowered regarding their own safety and that we equip them with the tools to make positive life decisions. The ‘Thingy’ App enables our young people to get informed on any issue they face. It’s totally free and can be accessed anytime, anywhere on their Smartphone or tablet.” 

 

The ‘app’ can be downloaded at www.thingyapp.com

Personal Security

If you are about to do a spring clean here is some advice to help prevent the chances of having your identity stolen through your personal documentation and information. Feel free to display on notices boards, newsletters etc to help raise awareness.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is when criminals get hold of your personal details and use them to open bank accounts, get credit cards, loans or state benefits in your name.

To stop identity theft you need to:

• Burn or shred all old documents, including any bank or credit card statements, passports, driving licences and household bills.
• Check your statements carefully and report any unusual transactions immediately.
• Immediately report a lost or stolen passport, driving licence or credit card to the organisation that issued it.
• Get a copy of your personal credit report from one of the major credit reference agencies. This will help you to find out if someone else is applying for credit in your name.
• If you move house, inform your bank, credit card companies and all other agencies with which you do business.
  • Royal Mail has a redirection service, which you may consider using to ensure your post arrives at your new address.
  • However, if you suspect your mail is being stolen then contact the Royal Mail Customer Enquiry line: 08457 740 740.
• Never give personal or account details to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly, either by phone, post, email or in person.
• If you use the internet then always use a different password for each account. Do not use family names or dates of birth as passwords, as these can be easily guessed.
• If you receive an email requesting your personal banking details, contact the banking industry to make sure it is not a scam.

Stay Safe Online

Only send your personal details to secure websites starting with ‘https’ in your web browser address bar, instead of the usual ‘http’.  Secure websites will also have a padlock sign, which is usually displayed in the bottom right of your web browser.

Never give out your security details.  Emails asking for your password or PIN could be from criminals ‘phishing’ for your details.

Sometimes fraudsters can redirect you from a genuine website to their fake, lookalike site to ‘pharm’ (capture) your details.  Check the address bar in your web browser and only send your details to secure sites that you know are genuine.

Home and Personal Security

We are urging homeowners to protect their properties following several "creeper" burglaries across the district recently.
A creeper burglary is when thieves enter your home to steal valuables, including the keys to your car.

The following points will help protect your home. They are:
• Double lock with a key, front and back doors. Just lifting the handle up from the inside is not sufficient as the burglars can pop them open. The doors have to be locked with a key.
• Do not leave house/car keys in an area visible from the front door/letterbox, which could be fished out through the letterbox
• Do not leave house/car keys in an obvious place, such as by the front door, on kitchen worktops, in a key box. Put them elsewhere
•When you go to bed at night activite your alarm and zone it so the downstairs is alarmed if possible.
• Do not leave any valuables in the car
• If applicable, ensure that any tracking devices are activated on the vehicle
• Report any suspicious activity/persons/other vehicles around your vehicle or a neighbour who has a valuable car
• When going away for any length of time, ensure that your vehicle/house is checked by a neighbour, hide the keys, or disable the vehicle/put an obstacle in front of it.