Bogus Callers

Bogus Callers

Bogus Callers

Bogus Callers.

Following several incidents of persons claiming to be from the water service we are advising householders to only open their door to persons they know and always ask for identification from anyone claiming to be from a certain company.

` Quick Check` is aimed at reducing distraction burglaries and whilst it is geared primarily towards the more vulnerable in our community, it can be used by everyone.

It is simple to use and works as follows:

1 A bogus / genuine caller arrives at the door of a person's home.

2 The householder requests the caller to wait outside & asks for their name & the name of the company they represent.

3 The householder calls the Quick Check Freephone number 0800 013 22 90.

4 The call is answered 24/7 by the 'Quick Check' team from Fold Telecare, Holywood.

5 Quick Check have direct lines to the main utility suppliers (Phoenix Gas, Water Service etc etc).

6 Keeping the householder on the line, Quick Check ask the company if that person works for them & should be calling with that householder today.

7 If the response is 'Yes' the householder is advised to check ID carefully before admitting the caller (or given the option to reschedule the visit when a friend or family member can be present).

8 If the answer is 'No', Quick Check will contact the police stating they believe they have a bogus caller at the householder's address and will advise the householder to keep the caller out.”

Suspicious Vehicle

Suspicious Vehicle

Report of a yellow transit type van with registartion similar to SJ53LUR acting suspiciously in rural areas of Lisburn this morning.

No offences have been reported however please be mindful to bogus callers, rogue traders and those seeking to obtain scrap metals often without permission.

Theft and Criminal Damage

Criminal Damage / Burglary

On 09/01/13 property at Ogales Road, Ballinderry was discovered broken into and a considerable amount of damage caused.

Windows, sinks, shower, cisterns and toilets in the property were smashed by the burglars.

If you noted any activity around the property in recent days or can assist in identifying these criminals who caused thousands of pounds worth of damage please contact police with details.

Vehicle Thefts

 

4 cars were stolen from east Belfast yesterday morning when the owners had left them running to defrost the windscreens. This has occurred before notably in the Dunmurry area and this is a reminder NOT to leave your vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition. Thieves are wise to this practice and will seize the opportunity to steal your car.

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

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.