If you are receiving nuisance calls a reminder that you can take action. Follow the link below for information.

https://ico.org.uk/nuisancecalls

There are a number of things you can do as an individual:

• Pass information on to the police or local authority about crime problems or problem individuals. This could include:

• Agree informally to keep an eye on each other’s homes and vehicles and report any problems to the police. 
• Contact your local community safety officer or crime reduction officer if you have an idea for a project you could become involved in.
• Share information with each other if you hear of any problems in your area.
• Volunteer for any local projects if you have time.

   

Bogus callers can sound believable. Make sure in your own mind that they are whom they claim to be by following these simple steps:

A] Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them.

B] If you are not expecting anyone and they do not have an appointment, do NOT let them in.  If they persist, call police on 999 immediately.

C] Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your garden or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house - they may have an accomplice awaiting this distraction.

D] If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in.  Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person.

E] Treat every stranger with caution. If you are worried, dial 999 immediately and ask for the police.

HOME SECURITY ADVICE:

•         Consider leaving a light on in your house on a timer switch, also near the front door a radio on a talking channel - this is to give the impression that there is someone in.
•         Consider installing a burglar alarm box at the front of your house, or if you have the funds a burglar alarm and set it before you go to bed.
•         If you have a driveway it is advisable to leave your car in your drive, this too gives the impression that there is someone in.       
•         Fit good quality deadlock to all exterior doors and lock them.
•         Try to have good perimeter fencing to limit access to the rear of your house.
•         Fit window locks to all windows—especially those on the ground floor.

•         Consider installing security lights around your home.
•         Ensure that all ladders and tools are locked away and cannot be used by burglars to gain entry.
•         Keep your house and car keys out of sight and away from the front door where they can not be reached.
•         Consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch Group.
•         Do not leave valuables in view and vitally important to get a safe installed if you have expensive gold  jewellery.
•         Make your home look occupied when you are not there by setting lights and TVs on timer switches.

MOTOR VEHICLE CRIME PREVENTION:

•         Try to park your car in a well lit area.
•         Ensure that your vehicle is free from any valuables/cash.
•         Ensure that you set your vehicle alarm after exiting your vehicle and check that the doors are locked -  some thieves use electronic jammers to block the signal from your key fob to the locking mechanism.
•         If you have a drive, try to park your car on it and close the gate/lock the gate if you have one.
•         Consider installing security lights around your home to illuminate your car.
•         Remove all sat navs from your vehicle before parking and also the marks left by the sat nav and do not   leave your sat nav in your car.
•         Keep your house and car keys out of sight and away from the front door where they can not be     reached -        hide them in your house.