Police News
KCC and Kent Police Partnership
Pcso Pete Gardner and KCC Community Warden Mira Martin are part of the Kent Community Safety Partnership, between Kent Police and Kent County Council. Pete polices Staplehurst , Mira works in Staplehurst and Marden.They can be contacted in the following ways:
For all emergencies dial 999
101 The police non - Emergency number
101 is the number to call when you want to contact your local police - when it’s less urgent than a 999 call. 101 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
When to call 101?
You should call 101 to report less urgent crime and disorder or to speak to your local officers.
For example, you should call 101 if:
- your car has been stolen
- your property has been damaged
- you suspect drug use or dealing in your neighbourhood
Or to:
- report a minor traffic collision
- give the police information about crime in your area
- speak to the police about a general enquiry
101 is being introduced as part of the government's wider work to improve access to the police, ease pressure on 999, and help to efficiently and effectively tackle crime and disorder.
FOLLOW MAIDSTONE POLICE ON TWITTER FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION AND ADVICE - Maidstone Police Twitter address is kentpolicemaid
The partnership was formed to give rural communities the opportunity to work towards achieving the quality of life everyone expects with the help and support of Pete and Mira.
Between them you have the opportunity to voice your concerns about anything that affects your everyday life in the village. They will do their very best to achieve positive results. They will be pro-active in the village, but can only deal with issues that are brought to their attention. Any information given will be dealt with confidentially. Their work is dependant on this information.
They are also able to give advice on crime issues, crime prevention, council matters, anti social behaviour etc.
PLEASE KEEP REPORTING INCIDENTS TO THE POLICE.
SPEEDING THROUGH THE VILLAGE
In light of residents concerns regarding speeding through the village Pcso Gardner requested S/SGT Podger
and his team to conduct speed checks in the village.
These have been carried out over the last 2 weeks and the result of this is that several warnings have been issued to speeding drivers.
S/SGT Podger commented that a large amount of these warnings were issued to local residents.
S/SGT Podger and his team are planning to continue carrying out checks at least once a week.
MESSAGE FROM TRADING STANDARDS
Kent Trading Standards have received reports of two males operating out of a white Ford van. The men are currently working in the Downswood area of Maidstone offering to do work, such as cutting down trees, in residents’ gardens. The identity of the males is unknown to Kent Trading Standards however concerns have previously been raised where the same males have been seen to be looking through residents windows prior to knocking on the door.
Kent Trading Standards advise consumers to be wary when dealing with traders at their door. Consider carefully whether you do want the goods or services offered.
In most cases if you agree to buy anything costing over £35 from a trader at your door, the law gives you a 7 day "cooling off" period to change your mind. The trader must give you a written cancellation notice if you agree to have any work done. Failure to give this notice is a crime.
If you are considering work in or on your property it is always best to get at least a couple of quotes from traders. You can find reputable traders on the "Buy With Confidence" good trader scheme run by us. Our officers vet all traders on the scheme for trustworthiness and to ensure they comply with consumer protection laws. Or, ask for recommendations from friends or family.
If you have any information concerning these men or for details of Buy With Confidence traders please call Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 0808 156 2256. You can also visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk for a list of traders.
TELEPHONE SCAMS
If you receive a telephone call that you believe is a scam then please be directed to the following sites for useful information:
And finally look at the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) on the net this is a free service which will screen and stop most unsolicited calls
Bogus callers /Distraction Burglaries
Operation Liberal is a national campaign designed to highlight the varied tactics used by people to gain entry into homes.
It is sponsored by the Energy Retail Association and features the slogan `Not sure? Don't open the door.
Simple measures can help in avoiding becoming a victim of this crime.
Genuine tradesmen or staff from such companies will wear a uniform and will carry an identification card for the person to see before gaining entry into homes.
They will have no issue with you asking to see the identification. Nor will they object to you contacting the utility company to confirm they are who they say they are.
Bogus callers, rogue traders and distraction burglars prey on older or more vulnerable members of our communities before seizing their opportunity.
This can cause confusion and distress for the victim, and potentially, the loss of their personal items or money. It can also have a negative impact on their health and confidence.
Some items that are taken are often of great sentimental value, rather than monetary, and are irreplaceable to the victim.
Ensure your back door is locked when answering the front door. Thieves will use distraction techniques in order to enter your home.
Door chains are a good way of securing your home and keeping bogus callers out.
Neighbourhood Watch is a great way to keep up to date with crime prevention advice, and what's going on in your community.
Reduce the risk of being a victim and minimise your risk of employing a rogue trader:
· Do not deal with doorstep callers offering work on your home or garden
· Use traders who are members of officially recognised organisations
· Check that the tradesperson is from the company they say they are from
· Ask for quotes in writing
· Ring more than three traders to get a feel for an average price for the job
· Remember traders must give you written notice of your right to seven days cancellation when agreeing to do work at your home, including work gained from a cold call
Please contact your local police station, if you have any doubts about whether a tradesperson is legitimate
REMEMBER - IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, DON'T OPEN THE DOOR!
Posters are also available on the Kent Police website
www.kent.police.ukFor details of approved traders visit
www.buywithconfidence.info. You can also call Consumer Direct on 08454-040506 for details of Buy with Confidence, or if you have experienced any problems with rogue traders. Trading Standards is also involved with the setting up of Cold Calling Control Zones in the county, aimed at stopping people being targeted in the first place.
Safety advice is available through the Kent Police website
www.kent.police.uk/safetyadviceKent residents can call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506, who will pass on information to Trading Standards Kent office. Alternatively, visit
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/Kent/ and fill in the online form.
Securing your Shed
As with any form of site security you should start with the perimeter and work your way towards the centre…
A better designed or built shed is a good start, avoid sheds with windows, they are a weak point and allow the offender to see any high value goods inside.
How well is your shed constructed?
Make sure the shed is properly constructed and anchored to the ground and think about where your shed is placed.
Avoid placing the shed against the house or garage, where it can be used to climb to a first floor window.
Secure the door using good quality lock, pad bolt or hasp and staple with padlocks.
Consider using security lighting in that area of the garden,
Consider fitting a shed alarm, this can be mains or battery powered.
Mark all valuables. Postcode can be engraved on objects like bikes, and lawnmowers, for higher value goods forensic marking may be used.
More expensive items can be placed in a wire cage, which can be fitted inside the shed.
High value items like bikes and mowers can be secured using a bolt anchored into the ground inside the shed.
Perforated mesh grilles will help protect vulnerable windows, while still allowing light to enter the shed.
A shed bar provides a visible deterrent, which protects the Lock and Hinges. Details of both can be found at Décor Grille Security who are an ACPO approved security company.
CURRENT ISSUES
One of the major complaints received by us surrounds problems with anti-social behaviour. The complaints include noise, criminal damage and the illegal use of motor vehicles on footpaths and open spaces. If you have any information as to the persons responsible for these activities then please contact us so that the appropriate action can be taken.
We have also received a number of complaints regarding horse riding on footpaths and on the Surrenden Playing Field. If you are a horse rider then please be aware that it is an offence to ride on the footpath (other than those designated for dual use). If you have any information on persons riding horses on the footpath then please contact us so that we can pass on the appropriate advice.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
We are currently seeking more volunteers to join Neighbourhood Watch and Country eye is the rural equivalent of Neighbourhood Watch. If you live in a rural area and use any of the following – Rural churches, Farms, Golf clubs, Public Houses, River or Waterside Activities, Wildlife Organisations, Country parks, Stables, Small Businesses, isolated Dwellings – and are interested in reducing rural crime and the fear of crime contact either Mira Martin on 07969584179 or Lorraine Hemphrey, NHQ Liaison Officer at Maidstone Police Station 01622 608173.
STAPLEHURST POLICE SURGERY
Pcso Pete Gardner will be holding surgeries at the library on the following times and dates. it is your opportunity to speak about any concerns or issues you have as a resident or to get advice about crime prevention.
Saturday January 28th 2012 10:00 - 12:00hrs
Saturday February 25th 2012 10:00 - 12:00hrs
Saturday March 31st 2012 10:00 - 12:00hrs
Saturday April 28th 2012 10:00 - 12:00hrs
Saturday may 12th 2012 12:00 - 13:00 hrs
Saturday June 16th 2012 12:00 - 13:00 hrs
CRIME PREVENTION
1. Do you have a burglar alarm?
2. Do your windows in your house have locks?
3. Is your shed and garage alarmed?
4. Are all valuable items out of sight?
5. Does your car have a suitable alarm or visible deterrent?
6. Is your property inside your house suitable marked?
7. Have you ever heard of RADIUM?
8. Are you a member of neighbourhood watch?
9. Do you know about holiday watch?
If you have answered NO to any of these questions then you need to seriously think about contacting us so that we can advise you on protecting your property now.
USEFUL CONTACTS
Organisation Telephone Email/WebsiteDVLA – untaxed vehicles 08000 325202 www.dvla.gov.uk/public/unlic_veh/report_online_dg.htm Bogus callers – Trading Standards 01732 525291 Handyvan/Homesafe – crime prevention for the over 65’s 07811271254 Unwanted phone calls/junk mail 0545 070 0707 www.tpsonline.org.uk British Transport Police 0800 405040 Maidstone Borough Council 01622 602000
KENT POLICE - KENT KeyLink
Kent Keylink is a not-for-profit organisation working in partnership with Kent Police - all proceeds will be made available for rural, business and residential communities to bid for towards crime prevention initiatives.
Kent Keylink will ensure registered key-holders are contacted by Kent Police should anything untoward happen to your property, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Kent Keylink will also ensure that in the event of a trades-person needing to attend your property, your preferred trade services are automatically contacted.
For £20 per year (residential) or £25+VAT (businesses) you can benefit from:
· Quick, easy and secure immediate registration*
· A link to the Kent Police Data Command System
· Your preference of trades service providers
· 24/7 online update facility to let us know when your property will be empty
· Next of kin details for vulnerable residents
In addition you will receive email crime alerts and reminders*
Unless you register, Kent Police will no longer hold any present key holder details.
Visit www.kentkeyline.co.uk for further details or for a manual registration form call 01622 636326
* Manual registration forms available on request
* Online subscribers only