Neighbourhood Watch Update 2011

Going away for a winter break? Make sure your home is safe and secure.

Doors and Windows
Take some time to check out the locks you have in your home.
Insurers recommend that the lock on the main door has a British Standard 3621 mark. Otherwise, make sure it is a mortice deadlock of at least five levers or any rim automatic dead latch with a key locking handle on the inside.
For any other external doors, they should either be to the above standard, or have a lock and key operated security bolts fitted at the top and bottom. For sliding patio doors, key operated patio doors mounted internally on the centre rails are also adequate.
Opening windows on the ground floor, basement and accessible upper floor windows should be fitted with key operated security devices or shutters securely locked internally.

Discourage Burglars
Most burglars look for easy targets – so if they see an opportunity they are more tempted to break in. To reduce your chances of theft:
- Check around your house for security weak spots such as concealed entrances, poor lighting or doors and windows that can be opened from the outside.
- Lock away garden tools and ladders that could help a thief break in, and lock sheds and garages too, especially if they adjoin your home.
- Photograph any valuable items, and if possible security mark them with your postcode and house number.
- Never leave keys in a lock, or a ‘secret’ hiding place like under the mat – burglars know them all!
- Trim garden hedges so that doors and windows can be seen and no-one can hide.
- Always lock your shed or garage – especially if it has a connecting door to your house.

Criminals on the web lurking to scam shoppers this Christmas

With the UK's busiest online shopping day 'Mega Monday' (6 December) fast approaching , we are joining others in ringing-out the bells about the growing threat of online fraudsters.

With over half the UK adult population now shopping online, forecasters predict pre-Christmas web sales will peak at £23.2m between 12-1pm on 'Mega Monday' . Police analysts advise this frenetic activity also raises the risk of buyers losing money to criminals.

Shoppers should be aware that behind some flashy websites, canny criminals are looking to cash-in on the December online spree. Anonymous fraudsters can set up legitimate-looking websites to sell either counterfeit goods or no goods at all. According to figures compiled by the NFA's Action Fraud and the City of London Police's National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), there has been a 15 per cent increase in reports of online shopping and auction fraud since July .

The organisations are also warning people to take extra care when purchasing popular Christmas gifts online. Previous reports to Action Fraud and other agencies, suggest the following products are the top five to feature in online shopping and auction fraud:

1. Smart Phones
2. Digital Cameras
3. Designer goods including jewellery and branded boots
4. Laptops and notebooks
5. Video game systems.

Visit Action Fraud for daily prevention tips in the run up to Christmas.