Local News

You might consider “Your energy Sussex”, which is operated by several councils in Sussex including West Sussex County Council, East Sussex County Council, Horsham District Council, Arun District Council, Lewes District Council, Eastbourne Borough Council, Brighton & Hove City Council, and a few other councils in Sussex. “YES” is not for profit group supplying low cost energy to homes only in the South of England they don’t pay dividends to shareholders or bonuses to directors because they are owned by Sussex councils.

If you are interested and wish to learn a little more about “YES” – free phone 0800 952 0001, or via their webaite at www.yourenergysussex.org.uk

Make this summer a safe one for your children online

Summer’s here: It’s a great time for your children to enjoy more time with you and maybe head off for a family holiday. However, the long days home from school also mean that they will probably be spending more time online… whether it’s on social media, playing games or watching videos. You want your children to be sociable and inquisitive, but above all, to be safe.

How long are they spending online? What content are they looking at? Who are they talking to?

These days, it’s just as vital to make sure children are safe online as in the street or the park.

Here are some expert tips on helping to protect your children from increasingly commonplace issues such as accessing inappropriate content via websites and streaming, sharing too much personal information, believing fake news, and thinking everyone they meet online is a friend.

Expert tips for being a switched on parent:

• Talk regularly with your children about their and your online lives - Get them to show you what they’re doing and try some of the technologies out for yourself. Show you understand how important technology is to them and talk about the benefits. Don’t shy away from discussing responsible behaviour, and talk about bullying and adult content in the appropriate language for their age.
• Set boundaries and rules from a young age - including how much time they can spend online for a healthy balance. Set an example by using your own mobile devices responsibly and at the right time.
• Talk to your friends, family and other parents about how they help their children to progress and keep safe online. Exchange tips and share experiences.
• Use parental control software and apps on computers, mobile devices and games consoles, privacy features on social networking sites, and the safety options on search engines.
• Opt into your ISP’s family filters - But use technological controls only in conjunction with giving guidance and advice.
• Tell your children that not everybody they meet online is who they appear to be - Whether they’re on social media, chatrooms, games or YouTube. Be aware that changes in behaviour or moods may be a sign of some kind of online abuse. Find out how to use social networks’ reporting buttons and show your children.
• Check lower age limits of social networking and picture sharing sites - and make sure your children aren’t using age-inappropriate sites, apps or games. Download apps only from recognised sources such as App Store and Google Play. Add your own email address when setting up accounts for your children.
• Keep yourself up to date with new game ‘fads’, especially those with negative publicity because they may be violent, encourage gambling or leave the way open for grooming.
• Be aware of the rise in children’s live streaming of themselves and the dangers associated with it - There is also a danger of children randomly being exposed to inappropriate content on video streaming sites such as YouTube.
• Talk to your children about online safety basics - such as not clicking on random links or attachments, good password practice, not turning off internet security programs/apps and firewalls, and not revealing personal information such as their address, current location or private images.
• … and you can find more information and advice at these websites:

www.nspcc.org.uk/share-aware

www.parentzone.org.uk

www.internetmatters.org

www.thinkyouknow.co.uk

For more information and comprehensive, expert, easy-to-follow advice visit:

www.getsafeonline.org/safekids

To contact Sussex Neighbourhood Watch please E-mail enquiries@sussexnwfed.org.uk or visit www.sussexnwfed.org.uk.

I asked the guy's name - he gave me the very 'English' John Peacock with a very 'African' accent - & phone number -0800 0800 152. Obviously the fellow realized I didn't believe his story, so offered to demonstrate that he was from BT. I asked how & he told me to hang up & try phoning someone - he would disconnect my phone to prevent this. AND HE DID !! My phone was dead - no engaged tone, nothing - until he phoned me again. Very pleased with himself, he asked if that was enough proof that he was with BT. I asked how the payment was to be made & he said credit card, there & then. I said that I didn't know how he'd done it, but I had absolutely no intention of paying him, I didn't believe his name or that he worked for BT. He hung up. I dialed 1471 -number withheld I phoned his fictitious 0800 number - not recognized. So I phoned the police to let them know. I wasn't the first! It's only just started apparently, but it is escalating. Their advice was to let as many people as possible know of this scam. The fact that the phone does go off would probably convince some people it's real, so please make as many friends & family aware of this. How is it done? This is good but not that clever. He gave the wrong number - it should have been 0800 800 152 which takes you through to BT Business. The cutting off of the line is very simple, he stays on the line with the mute button on and you can't dial out - but he can hear you trying. (This is because the person who initiates a call is the one to terminate it). When you stop trying he cuts off and immediately calls back. You could almost be convinced! The sad thing is that it is so simple that it will certainly fool many. By the way this is not about getting the cash as this would not get past merchant services - it is all about getting the credit card details which include the security number, to be used for larger purchases.

Some burglars prey on people’s trust and kindness and use distraction as a means of getting into your home. A distraction burglar/bogus caller's intention is to trick people into allowing them into the property, or create a diversion so an accomplice can sneak in. Because elderly or vulnerable people are often targeted, distraction burglary can have a devastating effect - victims can lose their confidence and peace of mind, as well as money and possessions. Distraction burglars make up a story to get into your home, with only one intention - to steal! They often pose as a tradesmen or officials or ask for your help with something:

· Playing for sympathy - "I've broken down, please can I use your phone?" "I don't feel very well, could I use your toilet or get a glass of water?"

· Lost ball - "I've lost my ball/my son's lost his ball, please could I look for it in your garden?"

· Good Samaritan - "I've just caught someone climbing out of your window, I think they might have stolen something. We need to check your money hasn't been taken."

· Using children - "Hello could my son and I come in to ask you some questions for his school project?"

· Fake emergency - "There's a gas leak/flood in your road, I have to come in to turn off your supply."

· Leaving a note - "I've popped round to see my auntie/friend who lives next door, but she's out at the moment. Please could I borrow a pen and paper to leave a note?"

Some work alone, but often they work in groups of two or more, usually one person will knock at your door with a convincing excuse that seems genuine or urgent. The talker will persuade you to let them into your house and keep you occupied whilst others sneak in and search your house to steal cash and valuables. Distraction burglars can be men, women or children and sometimes a combination, smartly or casually dressed.

Be vigilant of unknown people calling round

· Don't let anyone into your home that you don't know. Always ask for identification - official visitors won't mind being asked for ID.

· Fit a door chain, if you have a solid front door, fit a wide angle door viewer.

· If you were not expecting anyone, explain that you need to check they are legitimate and ask them to wait outside for a few minutes. Take a note of their name and the company they claim to be working for and then close and lock the door.

· Look up the phone number for the company in a telephone directory or on the internet and check they have an employee of that name and that they are visiting you on legitimate business. Never just take someone's word for it and don't use any phone number they give you to check their identity - you don't know if it's a genuine number.

· If someone is asking for a favour, such as to use your toilet, borrow a pen or retrieve a ball, don't let them in. Instead direct them to a shop, office or public place. It's only natural to want to help someone, but sadly that's one of the techniques often used by distraction burglars.

· If you have any concerns about someone who has called at your door, call police immediately. If you have a chance try to note what they look like and any vehicle they have with them, so police can investigate.