Watch Out - Neighbourhood Watch

WATCH OUT! - Eastleigh Neighbourhood  Watch Association

2011 CENSUS HOAX WARNING

NW are aware that an e-mail entitled "Population Census: a message to everyone - act now" is eing circulated, allegedly in the name of National Statistician, Jill Matheson.  This e-mail demands individuals provide furthe personal information and threatens fines for non-compliance.
This e-mail is a scam and a hoax. It has no connection whatever with the National Statistician, the 2011 Census or the Office for National Statistics.
NW believe the links in the e-mail could download malware to any computer where the user clicks on the links.  Anyone receiving this, or similar e-mails, should delete them, not open any links and certainly not provide any information.
For more inforationon how to protect yourself from this type of threat, please see www.getsafeonline.org
If you wish to, please report receipt of any such suspicious e-mails to www.actionfraud.org.uk
Nofurther requests relating to the 2011 Census will be forthcoming from the Office for National Statistics.

BIKE THEFTS INCREASING

Recently the weekly crime bulletins issued by the Police have been showing significant increases in bike thefts in all parts of the Borough.  In many cases rhese have been rom back gardens or insecured sheds; others have been to bikes  locked to apparently secure posts or frames.  This problem has been given borough-wide priority by the Community Safety teams.
The Police advise that cycle locks whti steel cables can no longer be considered safe as they are vulnerable to cutting with bolt croppers. Instread, the use of a hardened steel D-lock is recommended.  Even one of these attaching the bike to a secure post may be insuficient if the bike has expensive wheels; in such cases two D-locks are recommended, fitted around both the bike frame and the wheels.  To facilitate recovery in the case of loss it is also recommended that bikes should be security coded.  Contact the Police on 0845 0454545.

WHEN OUT SHOPPING

Hampshire Police advise that when you're out spending money thieves may be out too, looking for opportunities to commit crime.  Follow these tips to stay safe while you're out shopping:

• Remember to take your credit and debit receipts with you: some of them may carry your card details.
• Try to pay using a debit card rather than using lots of cash.
• Take extra care when using a cashpoint or chip and pin: don't let anyone see your pin number.
• Keep your cheque card separate from your cheque book and never write down your pin number.
• If you carry a handbag, keep your purse at the bottom. Keep your handbag fastenened at all times.  Crowded shopping areas are very popular with pickpockets so never keep your wallet in your back pocket.
• Don't leave any bags, including your handbag, in the shopping trolley while you shop.
• Stay alert when using your mobile. It's very easy for someone to snatch it out of your hand.
• Always put shopping and parcels in the boot of your cars when driving.
• Don't return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping, as thieves may watch car parks.
• Don't leave valuables on the seat of your car - they attract thieves.
• Keep the car dor locked, even when travelling.
• Don't leave your house keys in your car.

DISTRACTION BURGLARY

Although anyone can be a victim of distraction burglary, bogus callers often prey on elderly or vulnerable people because they see them as easier targets. 
If you know someone who is elderly or vulnerable who might not be aware of this advice, please do all you can to help them protect thenselves and their homes.  Offer to help your neighbours to check the identification of callers.  If you have elderly friends or relatives, have a look at their home to see if there are any extra security measures that could be taken.  If they don't have a door chain or spyhole make sure they have one fitted.  They can be bought from most DIY stores for less than £10.

A "memo minder" is a good way to remind vulnerable people of what they should do before opening the door.  It allows a family member to record a short message which is played every time they go near their front door.  They are available from £20 at specialist DIY stores.  Where possible, help vulnerable people to set up passwords with utility companies, so that they will know if the caller is genuine. 
Encourage them to use a bank account instead of keeping large amounts of cash in their homes.  Help them to keep their garden tidy; some burglars keep a look out for unkempt gardens because it could be a sign that someone elderly lives there.

EASTLEIGH CENTRAL REPORT

Eastleigh Central team continue to work hard on the key crime areas of burglary, car crime and violent crime.  Throughout the Central area all these crimes are down compared to the same period last year.  They have had success in tackling purse thefts in the town center, have successfully executed recent drug warrants and have put cycle thieves, drink drivers and speeding motorists before the courts.
Town and Residential: crime and disorder associated with public drinking and theft of cycles.  For Fleming Park and Aviary Estate theft of cycles, especially from college campuses and antisocial behaviour on Grantham Green, speeding, and on surrounding areas and on the Aviary estate.  There will be a firm focus on antisocial behaviour towards the summer months.
Eastleigh Neighbourhood Watch Association   www.eastleighnwa.org.uk