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SOUTHAM SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS SAFETY UPDATE
23 July 2010
GOING AWAY THIS SUMMER?
GOING AWAY THIS SUMMER? This time of year often sees many going away for a summer break. Warwickshire Police would like to offer the following advice to keep your home safe during this time.
Make your home look like someone’s in. Don’t close your curtains as this shows the house is empty. Ask someone you trust to draw curtains at night and to remove post from behind your front door.
Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries.
Use automatic timer-switches to turn lights on when it goes dark.
Check that all doors and windows are locked.
Don't leave spare keys outside, or in a garage or shed, and put car keys or garage keys out of sight in the house.
Use timers for radios if you need to be away from home overnight. They will create the impression that someone is in.
Activate burglar alarms.
Join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme. County Neighbourhood Watch details
Install external lights. They will deter the criminal who wishes to work undetected.
Be a good neighbour. If you see anyone acting suspiciously around a property you know to be empty, call the police.
Crimestoppers
If you have any information relating to a crime, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit:
www.Crimestoppers-uk.org
Warwickshire Police
To report a crime to Warwickshire Police, please call 01926 415000. In an emergency, please dial 999.


WATCH OUT FOR MOTORCYCLISTS, ADVICE FOR MOTORISTS
You may feel that these messages are preaching to bikers but THINK! also aims messages specifically at drivers. The latest TV ad encourages car drivers to look out for motorcyclists.
Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road than car drivers. They don't benefit from a protective metal environment or the stability of four wheels. But as a driver you can help keep bikers safe by remembering a few basic rules. To ensure you don't have an injury to another road user on your conscience KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR MOTORCYCLISTS.

The first thing to remember is that motorcyclists travel the UK's roads differently. For a start, they can make quicker progress, especially through slow moving traffic. It might be frustrating for you to see motorcycles weaving through traffic queues when you are stuck. But even if you think they are riding dangerously, a hostile reaction from you will make a bad situation worse.

Check your mirrors regularly and give motorcycles room. Motorcyclists cannot avoid hazards as quickly in wet or greasy conditions. A crash, which might not hurt you, can kill or seriously injure a motorcyclist. Always look over your shoulder before making a manoeuvre, especially being aware of blind-spots in your car, such as windscreen pillars and head-rests.

AT JUNCTIONS
When coming out from a side road, note parked cars or large vehicles obstructing your view of a motorcyclist. Before turning left, make sure a motorcyclist isn't on your inside, and before turning right, make sure a motorcyclist isn't on your outside. Give motorcyclists room at roundabouts. Don't squeeze motorcyclists' space at traffic lights, it can make them accelerate faster to get a lane.
WATCH OUT FOR MOTORCYCLISTS, ADVICE FOR MOTORISTS WHEN OVERTAKING
Give motorcyclists as much room as you would a car. They might need it to avoid a pothole, a manhole cover or a loose surface. Don't overtake when you can't give enough room - for example, where the road narrows. Don't overtake when approaching a junction.

WHEN PARKED
After parking, check for motorcyclists before opening your door. It is safer for your passengers (especially children) to get out of the vehicle on the side next to the kerb. When pulling away from the kerb, look out for motorbikes. They have a narrower profile than other vehicles, which can make them harder to see.

HONE YOUR SKILLS
Have you thought about developing your driving skills further? An advanced driving course could help you with new techniques. If you are newly qualified, you may not recognise hazards as early as experienced drivers. Ask a driving instructor about the PASS PLUS scheme - a course of further instruction to help you gain experience (there is a charge but it can be off set by cheaper insurance).

For further information go to www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring


FARM WATCH
FARM WATCH Please read message below from Warwickshire watch schemes co-ordinator Julie DALE, regarding a publishing scam.
On both the 12 and 13 July 2010, a farm house in Brinklow near Rugby was contacted by telephone the male caller stated he was calling on behalf of the local PCSO and Farm Watch and asked for a financial contribution to a magazine they were publishing. Upon declining the offer the phone was slammed down. It is believed the first call was made from a call centre.
Warwickshire Police do not sell advertising space by cold calling people, and such calls should be treated with extreme caution.
Any information concerning this please contact Julie DALE the watch co ordinator.
A suspicious car was seen near to a recent Arson in Ladbroke. Please contact Police on the number below should you see a Red Audi, 4 door saloon car, VRM: M766 JEG in your area. Please quote Incident 492 of 10 July.
If you have any information about this incident please e-mail 'southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk' or please ring 01926 415000 and ask for the Communications Centre. Please tell them that you are ringing in in response to a message or call Crime Stoppers 0800 555111


FEARS OF CRIME IN WARWICKSHIRE FALLS TO ITS LOWEST IN TEN YEARS
Warwickshire Police is pleased to report that fear of crime across the county is at its lowest levels for ten years.
Crime levels are no longer perceived to be the factor most in need of improvement.
Fear of being a victim of domestic burglary fell from 68.2% in 2000/01 to 50.8% in 2009/10, a reduction of over 17%.
During the same period fear of having a car stolen fell by 20% from 59.9% to 39.9%.
Fear of physical attack by a stranger also fell from 47.9% to 38.1%, a reduction of over 9%.
DCC Andy Parker said: “The results of this survey reflects the hard work undertaken by Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire County Council and other agencies in reducing crime and residents’ fear of crime.
"We aim to build on these successes, making Warwickshire even safer and protecting more people from harm."
* All statistics used in this release were obtained from the Warwickshire Observatory’s Fear of Crime & Perceptions of Anti-Social Behaviour document 2009/10.
FEARS OF CRIME IN WARWICKSHIRE FALLS TO ITS LOWEST IN TEN YEARS


CRIME STOPPERS
CRIME STOPPERS Crimestoppers information leads to 31 arrests in Warwickshire.

Anonymous information received via Crimestoppers has assisted officers in detecting and arresting 31 individuals in Warwickshire, between April 2009 and March 2010, and 580 in total since 1993.

Countrywide, Crimestoppers has led to 100,000 criminals being arrested in the 22 years since the charity was formed in 1988.

For over two decades Crimestoppers has received anonymous information via 0800 555 111 and www.crimestoppers-uk.org leading to:

* 21 people currently being arrested and charged every day
* 887 people being charged with murder/attempted murder since 1988
* Over £189 million of drugs being seized and the recovery of over £112 million of goods.
* Last year (2009/10) was Crimestoppers’ most successful with 7,474 arrests and charges being made, over 2,000 higher than ten years ago.

Acting on information provided by Crimestoppers, police in Warwickshire have successfully closed cannabis factories, prosecuted drink drivers and recovered dangerous weapons, reducing the risk of harm to the communities of Warwickshire.

Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, founder and Chairman of Crimestoppers, said: “Reaching this milestone shows the vital role Crimestoppers plays in the fight against crime and in making our country’s streets and communities safer. Many criminals would never have been caught without Crimestoppers.
“When I set up the charity more than 20 years ago, I wanted to empower the man -and woman - in the street with the means to hit back against criminals they could see were ruining our society - but without any risk of the informant being identified by those they were targeting. Anonymity for those providing information to the police has been the key to our success.”

In recent years, the charity has launched a number of specific initiatives including:

* Fearless – aimed at promoting and introducing young people to the service provided by the charity. Fearless also promotes Crimestoppers’ anonymous text messaging service on knife crime.

* Most Wanted – The Crimestoppers website (www.crimestoppers-uk.org/wanted/) allows the public to view photos, watch CCTV footage and read descriptions of people who the police are currently looking for. Since November 2005, over 900 of those featured have been arrested.

* Crimestoppers is totally anonymous; they want to know what you know about crime in your area, not who you are. You will never be asked your name. Crimestoppers receives anonymous information via telephone 0800 555 111 or online from the Crimestoppers website www.Crimestoppers-uk.org

·* Two-way online form - Crimestoppers can now facilitate a ‘conversation' with people who provide information online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. While the contact remains entirely anonymous and is not a ‘live chat' system, users are provided with a login so that they can return at a later date to see if Crimestoppers has any further questions for them about the information they have provided previously.


TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES PARK LANE, ST JAMES ROAD AND WATTONS LANE, SOUTHAM
The following roads will be closed to through traffic:-
Park Lane, Southam, from the junction of C210 Market Hill to the junction with St James Road , St James Road from the junction with Park Lane to the junction with C36 Welsh Road West and Wattons Lane from the junction with Park Lane to the junction with footpath over the river, for traffic calming and carriageway resurfacing works.
The dates for the closures are from the 2 to the 20 August 2010.
An alternative route will be available via: C36 Welsh Road West, C210 Coventry Street, C210 High Street (and in reverse order). Access to and egress from properties and land adjacent to this length of road, and for pedestrians, will be maintained at all times. The Council regrets any inconvenience that may be caused.

BULL STREET, SOUTHAM
The above road will be closed to through traffic from the junction of the C211 Daventry Street to outside number 2 Bull Street, an approx distance of 25m, for a gravity sewer repair by Severn Trent Water Ltd.
The dates for the closures are from the 16 to 20 August 2010.
An alternative route will be available via: Craven Lane, Pendicke Street, School Street, Daventry Street (and in reverse order) One
Way Order on Bull Street and Craven Lane, suspended for the duration of the closure.
Access to and egress from properties and land adjacent to this length of road, and for pedestrians, will be maintained at all times. The Council regrets any inconvenience that may be caused.
BRICKYARD LANE, NAPTON-ON-THE-HILL
The above road will be closed from the junction of the A425 Daventry Road to the Canal Bridge, a distance of approx 800m, for approximately 2 weeks between the 9 and 27 August 2010 for carriageway resurfacing works.
An alternative route will be available via: A425 Daventry Road, C50 Butt Hill, C50 Vicarage Road, C50 Hackwell Street, C50 High
Street, C50 New Street, Howcombe Lane, Poplar Road, Brickyard Lane (and in reverse order).
Access to and egress from properties and land adjacent to this length of road, and for pedestrians, will be maintained at all times. The Council regrets any inconvenience that may be caused.


UNIFORM CHANGES FOR WARWICKSHIRE POLICE
From Monday 12 July members of the public will notice a change in the appearance of Warwickshire Police Officers, Special Constables and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).
As part of a uniform review for front line officers, the traditional white shirt and black tie is being replaced with more practical dark coloured tops.
All police officers who are required to wear body armour will now wear black zip up tops, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who also wear body armour, will be dressed in blue button up polo shirts. The black tops also have "Police" displayed on both sleeves and "PCSO" showing on the sleeves of the blue tops.
The new style tops are a lightweight design which is more practical for officers on operational duties. Made of polyester the tops are designed to wick moisture away from the body surface, keeping the officer feeling cooler and more comfortable.
The choice of the black zip-up tops and blue button up polo shirts follows a lengthy period of in-force trials of garments made in different designs and materials, with officers from the Operations Task Force putting the new tops through their paces.
Inspector Lucy Sewell of the Operational Task Force, who has been involved in the decision to adopt the new style uniform said, “The new style top is lightweight and is more practical for those officers who must wear protective body armour.The officers trialling them have reported that they have found the new tops to be comfortable in both hot and cold weather.
“In addition to the comfort and practicality of the garments, they must also look smart. Officers who have been wearing them during the two year trial period have reported receiving no adverse reaction from the public.
"Although there will obviously be an initial cost in the change over to black tops, this will be offset in the long term."
From Monday 12 July all operational officers who wear protective body armour will be wearing the new darker coloured tops under their body armour.
When Police Officers and PCSOs are not involved in frontline duties they will continue to wear the traditional white shirt and black tie during Winter months, and a white shirt with open collar during the Summer.


CASH MACHINES - 8 WAYS TO STAY SAFE
Cash machines are generally very safe to use however LINK has put together a guide on what to look out for when using any cash machine.
1. Protect your PIN by standing close to the machine and shielding the key pad with your other hand.
2. Check to see if anything looks unusual or suspicious about the cash machine. If it appears to have anything stuck onto the card slot or key pad, do not use it. Cancel the transaction and walk away. Never try to remove suspicious devices.
3. Be cautious if strangers offer to help you at a cash machine, even if your card is stuck or you're having difficulties. Don't allow anyone to distract you.
4. Where possible, use a cash machine which is in clear view and well lit.
5. Check that other people in the queue are a reasonable distance away from you.
6. Keep your PIN secret. Never reveal it to anyone, even someone who claims to be calling from your bank or a police officer.
7. Avoid opening your purse, bag or wallet when you are in the queue. Put your money away immediately.
8. Regularly check your account balance and bank statements, and report any discrepancies to your bank immediately
CASH MACHINES - 8 WAYS TO STAY SAFE


GOOD NEWS
GOOD NEWS Burglaries fall by 26% in Warwickshire.
Warwickshire Police is pleased to report that burglary offences in the county have fallen by 26%.
Between April 1 and June 30, 2010 there have been 430 incidents, compared to 579 during the same period in 2009.
Detective Inspector Mark Davison said: "Burglaries have fallen significantly in the last year. We now are averaging under five burglaries a day across the county. We hope this results demonstrates to the public that we are we committed to protecting them from harm, loss and distress in their communities."

Vehicle crime falls by 16% in Warwickshire.
Warwickshire Police is pleased to report a 16% fall in vehicle crime this year.
Between April 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010, 971 incidents of vehicle crime occurred, 179 fewer than in the same time period in 2009.
Theft of vehicles also fell by 23%, from 281 in 2009 to 215 in 2010, during this time. There has also been a 13% reduction in theft from vehicles, from 869 in 2009 to 756 in 2010.
Detective Sergeant Martyn Stephens, Force Crime Reduction Manager said:
“Whilst these reductions are encouraging and reflect our commitment towards tackling this issue, Warwickshire Police, together with partners, will continue working together to reduce incidents of vehicle crime, further protecting communities from harm.”
Home Office crime figures released - April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010.
As the Home Office releases national crime figures for last year, Warwickshire Police’s Visible Results campaign continues to show how crime has fallen in the county.
In Warwickshire last year (2009/10):
* 8103 crimes were solved
* 3621 fewer people were the victims of crime,
* 1008 fewer vehicle crimes took place,
* 4434 fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour occurred,
* 69,686 999 calls were answered – 88.4 within 10 seconds,
* £576, 455 worth of assets were recovered from criminals,
* 393 fewer people were victims of serious violence,
* 192 fewer homes were burgled or vehicles stolen,
* 66 fewer robberies or aggravated burglaries took place,
* 45 members of organised crime groups were identified and charged.
T/Superintendent Mike Wylde said: “As a force we are proud of the visible results we continue to achieve. Significant improvements have been made in all priority areas, which have previously seen the highest number of incidents and crimes.
“These would not be possible without the involvement and input of partner agencies and local communities. We will continue to work together to protect people who live; work and travel in the county from harm.”
The twelve-week campaign - launched in May 2010 to promote visible results in areas such as vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour - continues to run at force, borough/district and local level, ensuring that the messages are relevant wherever you live in Warwickshire.
Visible Results features on posters and postcards, in leaflets and is promoted on buses, trailers, billboards and phone boxes, to increase public awareness of the protection we deliver.
David Carter, Strategic Director, from Warwickshire County Council, said: “We fully support Warwickshire Police in this campaign and look forward to working together in the future, to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and improve the quality of life for local communities.”
Sentencing adjourned for man who has pleaded guilty to sexual offences
Sentencing was adjourned at Warwick Crown Court this morning for Daniel Lishman who has previously pleaded guilty to a number of sexual offences against children and the vulnerable.
The sentenced was adjourned by His Honour Judge Hodson pending four further investigations.
Lishman from Raunds, Northamptonshire today pleaded guilty to two further counts of sexual assault
- the sexual assault of a child under 13 on March 20 2009
- the sexual assault of a child under 13 also on March 20 2009
Lishman will be sentenced on a date to be arranged.
When he is sentenced, Lishman asked that four further counts of sexual offences be taken into consideration.

On Sunday 18 July, Warwickshire Police received information regarding a vehicle driving into a wall in School Street, Southam and that the driver failed to stop. Officers searched the area and stopped the driver. The driver will be appearing at Stratford Magistrates Court for Drink Driving and failing to stop at the scene of accident.


CAN YOU HELP SOLVE THESE CRIMES?
SOUTHAM
Between 4.30 and 7 am on Thursday 15 July, an attempt was made to enter two vans in Kineton Road Industrial Estate. Do you drive in this area on the way to work in the early hours of the morning? Did you see anything unusual? If you did please contact Southam Police Station quoting incident number 58 of 15 July.
Between 1.45 and 3.30 pm, a mobile phone was stolen from Southam College. Incident number 258 of 20 July. Please try and remember to keep all your valuables in with you.
Between 4 pm on Friday 16 July and 9 pm on Sunday 18 July, a house was broken into in Springfield Grove. Two gold chains, two sets of gold cufflinks one with red stone in centre, a gold ring with a cluster of gold balls and a gold ring with Kurt and Robin engraved. Have you seen this jewellery, do you know who has it? If you have any information relating to this crime, please contact PC Purcell at Southam Police Station quoting incident 82 of 21 July.

PRIORS HARDWICK
Between 10 pm on Thursday 15 July and 7 am on Friday 16 July, two matt blue flower pots were stolen from a front garden in London End. Incident number 85 of 16 July.

AVON DASSETT
Between 9 pm on Wednesday 14 July and 7 am on Thursday 15 July, a 4 metre wide trampoline was stolen from garden/paddock in Avon Dassett. Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in the area during this time? Incident number 406 of 15 July.
CAN YOU HELP SOLVE THESE CRIMES? LONG ITCHINGTON
Between 6 pm on Friday 16 July and 9.28 pm on Saturday 17 July, a metal shed in Stockton Road was broken into and property stolen. Incident number 222 of 18 July.

BISHOPS ITCHINGTON
Between 4.15 and 6 pm on Wednesday 14 July, a fence was damaged in Manor Road. If you witnessed this please contact us quoting incident number 264 of 15 July.

HARBURY
Between 3.30 and 3.40 pm on Monday 12 July, a petrol hedge strimmer was stolen from Farm Street whilst owner working in garden. Incident number 355 of 12 July.


WHAT IS VEV?
WHAT IS VEV? Many victims of violent crime choose not to report to the police, however, a victim may be willing to have their injuries recorded confidentially by a voluntary sector agency. The VEV project was set up to allow people to have evidence of a crime recorded by a voluntary agency, so the victim does not have to go to the police.

The Stratford branch of Victim Support (Tel: 01789-266626) or Warwickshire Domestic Violence Support Services (Tel: 01789-263691) have staff who are trained to use approved VEV cameras to record injuries or damage to property.
Physical injuries: bruises, cuts, scratches, pulled out hair etc.
Property Damage: broken windows, damaged door, offensive graffiti etc.
Photographic evidence can be recorded so that you have proof to take action at a later date. This evidence is then kept confidential and secure for future use. The evidence can be used in criminal court or in civil proceedings, if the victim decides they want to take action. Alternatively it can be kept on file (for a maximum of 6 years) or you can choose to have the photographs destroyed. You can access support and information to help you decide what you want to do. You will never be forced to have your evidence recorded - photographs will only be taken with your consent. All victims will be treated with dignity and understanding. Staff will be sensitive and understand that your injury may be of an intimate nature. VEV agencies will NOT tell anyone else that we have your photographs. If you have reported the crime to the police you do not need to use the VEV service.


Call us on:

01926 684984

or email us now
Southam SNT

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