Neighbourhood Watch coordinator from Brandon wins county competition
From l-r: Peter Newby - Pinewood drive, Brandon NHW co-ordinator (runnerup), Pam Miller, Coltsfoot Close, Wickhambrook NHW co-ordinator (runnerup), Bob Jones, Crown Street, Brandon NHW co-ordinator (winner), Diane Townsend Community Watch Liaison Officer Forest Heath, Bury St Edmunds South (Including Haverhill) Network Co-ordinator and PCSO Terry Joynson from Brandon Safer Neighbourhood Team
A Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator from Brandon has won crime prevention equipment for his scheme.
Bob Jones from Brandon was among the Neighbourhood Watch coordinators who took part in Suffolk Police’s ‘Lights on Timers’ week campaign in October.
The week saw watch coordinators put a crime prevention postcard through the letterboxes of neighbours’ properties they saw in darkness.
The postcards gave advice to residents encouraging them to think about the security of their home when it is not occupied.
Nearly 100 schemes took part distributing about 3,000 cards.
The names of participating co-ordinators were entered into a prize draw with the opportunity to win crime prevention equipment such as alarms and timer switches for their scheme.
And Mr Jones came first, while Peter Newby also from Brandon and Pam Miller from Wickhambrook were runners up.
Chief Inspector Jenny Powellfrom Suffolk Constabulary’s Community Safety Department said: “Leaving your house in total darkness is a sure sign no-one’s at home and an invitation to burglars.
“Burglars look for quick win opportunities; they don’t want to run the risk of a confrontation so simply leaving a light on to give the impression someone is at home is often enough to deter them.
“Timer switches can also be fitted to operate radios and lights if you’re not back from work until after dark or if you’re away for a few days.
“Leaving a light on costs literally pence in electricity – and that pales into insignificance compared to the hundreds of pounds in insurance excess you might have to pay should your home be broken in to.
“A high proportion of all break-ins are as a result of properties being left insecure so checking all windows and doors are locked before leaving the house is crucial.
“Other home security essentials are to use your burglar alarm if you have one – it’s amazing how many households don’t bother – and also to never leave a spare key under the doormat or a flowerpot. Burglars will always look there first so it’s not much of a ‘hiding place’.”
Anyone wishing to find out more about crime prevention advice and home security should contact their local Crime Prevention Officer at Suffolk Police on 101.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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