Editorial

WNW received the following from a resident of Anderida Road, Willingdon

Regarding our discussion at yesterdays Neighbourhood Watch Meeting, 02/03/2020.

Last year an elderly neighbour was scammed by individuals offering to do her garden, probably targeted because it looked a bit untidy. I don't have full details, but a relative informed me it was a large sum of money that was lost. The second elderly person targeted by two men in a battered dark Green Transit van with sign writing on the side relating to a “Gardening business” cold called and saying outside work needed doing ( ie, guttering etc), resident taken to the bank by them as the sum required for materials was more than could be obtained from cash point. Work was never completed, Police notified, I actually saw some cash being paid to these men, but didn't realise at the time what was happening. I didn't like them they were rude to me, they were in their fifties, scruffy, and overweight.

Wealden Prevention Inspector Jonathan Gross said: "We recognise the impact being a victim of crime can have on a person. We are visiting every victim of burglary in Wealden, and all viable lines of enquiry for each individual case have been - and continue to be -  investigated.

"We understand the community's concerns and are working across all the towns, parishes and villages in Wealden to engage with residents. We also work very closely with councils and other authorities in Wealden, and regularly share intelligence with other districts within Sussex Police, and other police forces, in a bid to identify those responsible for crimes in the area and bring them to justice.

It is such a great shame that Wealden Police DO NOT share local crime figures with Willingdon Neighbourhood watch.

Sussex Police are working hard over Christmas to keep you and your family safe, but here are a few simple steps you can take to protect your home, presents and loved ones this festive season.

When you are out shopping please remember:

•   Keep valuables in inside coat pockets or internal zips in bags to prevent pickpockets

•   Only carry the cash you need, do not carry large amounts with you

•    Avoid going back to your car to drop off presents part way through your trip, if you do keep presents in the car ensure they are well out of sight and the car/boot is locked

When you’re out in the evenings:                                                                                                       

•   Never leave your valuables unattended in public area

•   Avoid walking home alone in the dark, and never with someone that you do not know

•    Drink responsibly, never drink and drive, arrange for a taxi or a designated driver for the evening

When you are at home:

•   Don’t leave presents under your Christmas tree if they are visible from windows or doors

•   Never keep large amounts of cash at home

•   Check you have adequate home insurance to cover high value items

•    Make sure your home looks occupied, leave a light on or a timer light or radio playing

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After Christmas:

•   Avoid becoming an easy target for post-holiday burglars/robbers by not leaving boxes for new electronics and other items outside your wheelie bin; break down boxes, and remove labels before putting inside a wheelie bin

•    Register your newly gifted items with your home insurance provider and with property registering websites such as www.immobilise.com - if your valuables are stolen it will allow you to tell the police, your insurer and second-hand traders to assist in recovering your property and catch the thieves.

Apply for a free call blocker today: www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/callblocker

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