SOUTH RIBBLE
About Us
News
Crime Prevention
Meetings & Events
Contacts
Links
OLDER STORIES...
POSTER COMPETITION
Click the image to view the winning entries
-----------------------------------------------------
DISTRACTION BURGLARY
25/11/08 - At 16:45hrs on Monday 24th November, a male has called at an address in the Penwortham area and informed the 87 year old lady that he was from the Water Board. The offender claimed that he had called to check the radiators for a possible leak. The offender asked the lady to clear out the cupboard under the sink and whilst she was doing this an accomplice has entered the house and has gone upstairs, searched the bedroom and stolen some property. The offenders are described as:
-
1st Male – Early 20’s, 5ft 7" tall, wearing a dark coloured suit.
-
2nd Male – 50 years old, pale complexion, thin face, slim build with an Irish accent, wearing a dark coloured suit.
Be on your guard for bogus callers. Callers may pretend to be officials from an organisation such as the council or your utility company, when in fact they want to trick, steal or overcharge you for work they may carry out. Don't be frightened - most visitors are genuine, but it makes sense to be aware.
How can I protect myself?
-
STOP - Before you answer the door, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Make sure your rear door and any other doors leading outside are locked before you approach the front door.
-
CHAIN - Open the door with the chain or door bar in place. A door bar or chain acts as a useful barrier when talking to unexpected callers. Talk through a window if you can.
-
CHECK - Always ask for ID. Genuine callers will always have identification. If you are still uncertain, phone the organisation and confirm the person's identity. Genuine callers will be happy to wait.
Some companies have
password protection schemes where they will supply you with a password
that only you and the caller will know.
Neighbourhood Watch schemes are proven to reduce burglary and deter
bogus callers. If you are in any doubt do not let them in, keep
everything locked, dial 999 and ask for the police.
Reporting bogus
callers.
If you think you have been a victim, report it to the police straight
away. Give a description of the caller and notify your neighbourhood
watch co-ordinator or representative so they can warn others in the
area. It is important you report such crime as it is highly unlikely you
will have been the only victim, and these criminals do not limit their
activities to just one area.
-----------------------------------------------------
NOT PROBATION
23/10/08 - During the evening of Wednesday 22nd
October, a young coloured gentleman called at an
address in the Much Hoole area trying to sell goods.
The young gentleman informed the resident that his
Probation Officer had found him the job and that he
was saving up to pay for further education. This
male did not appear to be carrying any ID.
This morning the Probation Service confirmed that
they do not support any such schemes.
------------------------------------------------
DOORSTEP SELLER
15/7/08 - Residents are asked to be wary about an unknown white male who is currently believed to be operating in the Chatburn, Ribble Valley area. He has recently knocked on an elderly lady's door in Chatburn & told her he was Keith from a company called Morbens (a real company who are believed to be unconnected with this man) & handed over the contact details for this company. The woman bought a mattress for £300 cash and was driven to the bank by the trader who ensured that she used her bank card to withdraw the money. She is unhappy with the product but is unable to obtain a refund since the contact details she has are unconnected to the actual trader who sold the goods. The trader cold calls and does not give written cancellation rights as required by law, he breaches the Business Names Act requirements, and he is prepared to apply pressure in order to get payment. Consumers agreeing to deal with cold callers should be aware that they will have a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although if the trader has already begun to carry out any job when cancellation occurs, the customer may have to pay for the work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, via Consumer Direct on 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
-----------------------------------------------------
Lancashire Neighbourhood Watch Forum are continuing to distribute these "Next of Kin" cards.
It's a simple principle; Fill in your details on the reverse, & carry the card at all times.
To obtain these cards
free of charge,
please
contact us.
How to set up
"No Cold Calling" zones.
-----------------------------------------------------
2007 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The SRNWA AGM took place at the Civic Centre
on Thursday 13th September 2007. The evening was very well supported. The
Deputy Mayor formally opened the AGM. Inspector Moore from the Air Support
Unit gave an excellent presentation about the work of the Air Support Unit
which was well received by all who attended.
Inspector Shead spoke in relation to the role of the Southern
Communications Room which handles all the telephone calls from within the
South Ribble Area. He then answered questions put to him from the
audience.
Inspector Newton also addressed the meeting and spoke about the importance
of Neighbourhood Watch, emphasising that South Ribble is one of the safest
places to live.
Five new members were elected onto the SRNWA Executive Committee. I would
like to welcome them.
On the evening, raffle tickets were sold in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice
and £115 raised. A cheque was presented to St Catherine’s Hospice and a
certificate has since been received with a letter of thanks.
I would like to pass on my thanks to Superintendent Copley and Alison
Hatton from South Ribble Community Safety Partnerships who between them
donated £50 towards prizes for the raffle.
Another feature of the evening was that Trading Standards / Crimestoppers
/ South Ribble Neighbourhood Watch Association / South Ribble Community
Safety Partnerships and Lancashire Fire and Rescue all put out display
stands on the night. The evening concluded with a closing speech from Mr
David Borrow MP.
I have received some extremely positive feedback regarding this years AGM
and I welcome any comments be it good or bad, so that I can work towards
an even better event next year.
Beverley Warburton
-----------------------------------------------------
Record your
phones' serial number to ensure it can be traced if stolen.