January 2021


A belated Happy New Year!  Fingers crossed that 2021 is a happier, safer and kinder year that 2020 was!  Christmas seems a distant memory already – I hope you had a good one (despite the restrictions).

 

RNW CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION (Christmas 2020)

We were very doubtful whether we would be able to run our annual competition for pupils at the village primary schools this year, appreciating what a difficult a situation the schools were in.  We usually ask their pupils to design the Christmas card that the committee send to all our Street Co-ordinators.  The schools were approached and we were delighted (and relieved) that Mr Summers class, at Abbey Gates Primary School, took on the challenge.  There may not have been as many entries as usual, but there were several pictures received which would have made lovely cards. Pc Whild and PCSO Szeluk, our Neighbourhood Policing Team, had the difficult job of judging the entries and choosing one overall winner and two runners-up. 

 

Congratulations to Daniel E, aged 9, who was the overall winner. He received a ‘One4all’ gift card, a certificate and a selection box. 

 

The runners-up were Heath D, aged 10, and Niamh O’H, aged 9. They were both presented with a certificate and a selection box –

well done!

 

The announcements were made via video link with Mr Summers’ class and he subsequently presented the prizes. We’d like to say a big

thank you to Mr Summers for being so accommodating, Mrs Dearden for her support throughout and, of course, all the pupils who submitted entries.

 

CRIMES* REPORTED 12.11.20 – 13.01.21      *Acquisitive Crime + Damage

(Excludes crimes of a domestic nature, neighbour / employment disputes, non-payment of goods, e.g. shop thefts)

Date

Time of Day

Crime

Location

Comments

22 - 25.11.20

Not Known

Theft

Not Known – between Paris and Ravenshead

Victim purchased an item from company in Paris.  Delivered by UPS but package believed tampered with and nothing inside.  Item apparently stolen

26 - 30.11.20

Not Known

Theft

Ravenshead Leisure Centre

Offenders stole a wheelie bin which was chained to a post (also took chain)

30.11.20

0715 - 0920 hrs

Criminal Damage

Ravenshead Leisure Centre

Offenders damaged fencing

2 - 3.12.20

1200 - 1000 hrs

Criminal Damage

Regina Crescent

Offender(s) damaged wooden fence panel

July - Dec 20

Not Known

Burglary - garage

Milton Crescent

Over a period of 5 months offender(s) entered an insecure garage and stole various items

16.12.20

Bel'd occurred at 2230 hrs

Criminal Damage

Milton Drive

Offender(s) threw paint over 2 vehicles parked on driveway, some also splashed onto building. 

20.12.20

1950 hrs

Criminal Damage

Vernon Crescent

Offenders (group of approx 8 teenagers) cut the ribbons around the Christmas tree in front of the Village Hall.  One also took a bauble from the area.  Told to return it by a local resident.  All walked off along Vernon Crescent (in direction of Leisure Centre)

2.1.21

Reported at 1958 hrs

Criminal Damage

Regina Crescent

Offender(s) damaged several wooden fence panels

2.1.21

Reported at 1958 hrs

Criminal Damage

Regina Crescent

Offender(s) damaged 1 wooden fence panel

LATEST WARNINGS

Since the publication of the last newsletter, RNW has issued a couple messages to our members.  I feel it is worth mentioning the 2 below for the benefit of all residents: 

1.  Cold Caller in the Village

On the afternoon / early evening of the 29th December, a man was calling at properties, claiming to be an ex-offender, selling goods.  (Often such callers also claim to be on a ‘rehabilitation scheme’ and will offer poor quality goods, such as dusters, ironing board covers etc. at greatly inflated prices).  Remember, cold callers are not always who they say they are – and can be involved in various types of criminality.

 

RNW strongly recommends that residents DO NOT purchase goods or services at the door from any cold callers.  If you choose to open the door to a cold caller, use a door chain / bar if you have one.

Our advice is, if you are visited by a cold caller, say 'No thank you' then close and lock the door.

NEVER let any cold callers into your home – no matter what they say.  (If they claim to be from a company / organisation, stating there is some sort of urgency, close and lock the door then phone the relevant company / emergency service to check).

 

Even if they are polite and leave when requested, we recommend you call the Police on 101 (straight away) to inform them - the Police like to know who is around. If you feel threatened by any cold caller (i.e. they are particularly 'pushy' or aggressive or they refuse to leave) ring the Police immediately on 999. 

 

If you want a particular service or item, shop around; ask for recommendations from friends or family.  Alternatively, use the Trading Standards Approved 'Buy With Confidence' scheme (website: www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk) or the Citizens Advice Consumer Service (tel 0808 223 1133).  Ideally, get 3 quotes. 

 

2. Covid-19 Vaccine Scam

A warning has been issued regarding fake NHS text messages and phone calls circulating in relation to the Covid-19 vaccine.
The text message contains a link which, when you click on it, takes you to a convincing fake NHS website that asks for personal details including bank account information. Any text message containing a link should be treated with caution. The best way to find information from GOV.UK, or any other agency, is to visit that particular website via a trusted source (such as through Google or Bing) and do not click on links in unsolicited texts or emails. 

 

There have also been reports of criminals making telephone calls and asking for payment over the phone before you can attend your vaccine appointment. The vaccine is free. If you receive such a call, please hang up immediately. 

 

The NHS will never ask you for banking details, passwords, or PIN numbers and these should serve as instant red flags. Do not provide any information to the scammers (or any unsolicited callers), please also report suspicious messages to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk. 


These scams appear very convincing. If you think you have been a victim of fraud: 
• Please let your bank know immediately          • Contact Action Fraud on the details above.

 

DON’T FORGET

Please report all crimes and any suspicious activity to the Police on 101 (if you have reason to believe that a crime is in progress dial 999). 

Sue Harris

For further advice please visit our website: www.ravensheadneighbourhoodwatch.co.uk

To contact RNW email us at rnwinfo@yahoo.co.uk or leave a message for us on 07583 296 466