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.

 

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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.

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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.