© duffieldderbyshire.co.uk - 2010 Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter (August 2010):  by Valerie Thorpe MAKING LIFE DIFFICULT FOR THE WOULD BE THIEVES August’s article comprises items of police advice that I’ve received recently Police Surgery:  The next police surgery will be held on Friday 6the August at the Ecclesbourne Close, Community Centre between 2.00-3.00pm. This is a drop-in session to allow residents to meet their local officers, ask questions about neighbourhood policing or share any concerns they may have. Possible computer fraud: Recently an Amber Valley resident had a phone call from a man stating he was from ‘Microsoft Office’.  He informed the PC owner there was a fault with their computer due to viruses and also that he could improve the internet speed. He asked the owner to sit at the computer and follow directions that he would give to them and download a package that would solve the problem.  He then informed the person that there would be a cost for this service.  The person receiving the call informed them that they were not interested and the call was terminated. Enquiries have revealed that other residents have also received similar calls.  This appears to be an attempt to install malicious software. Please be careful and never give out personal details to unknown people who call you as you can never be sure they represent the organisation they purport to be from. Summer Security Reminder 1: The police have been receiving reports of sneak-in burglaries after people forget to lock conservatories and patio doors following summer events like barbecues and family gatherings.  Please make sure you lock all windows and doors when you are not directly observing them. Summer Security Reminder- 2: Residents are also being warned to keep their homes secure during the warm weather after five houses were burgled in less than a week after leaving doors and windows open to try to keep cool. Unfortunately opportunist thieves may use this to their advantage and so please consider security when leaving access points open.  It only takes a minute for a thief to sneak in and take items to hand and mobile phones, purses and keys are perfect items to take.  If you are out in the garden or at the back of the house please make sure that windows and doors at the front are closed and locked. Also when you go out ensure that everything is shut and locked. It only takes a minute to check the house is secure and it may save you the upset of being burgled. Police Urge Shed Security: Police in Amber Valley are urging residents to keep their shed and outhouses securely locked to prevent crime as traditionally thefts from gardens and shed burglaries increase as the weather gets warmer.  Many people store valuable items such as mountain bikes, motorbikes, golf clubs, DIY power tools, lawn mowers and other garden equipment in their sheds and the criminal fraternity are aware of this. Some useful tips are: • Protect the boundary and access of your garden • If possible locate your shed in your garden so you can clearly see the door and window of your shed while you are still within your home. • Use a good quality padlock/hasp or mortice lock on the door. • If using a hasp, ensure the screws are covered and cannot be accessed by a screw driver. • If fitting a mortice lock ensure the door panel and frame are strong enough to hold the fixtures • Ensure the hinges cannot be easily removed • Make sure the doors and panels of the shed are strong enough not to be kicked in or forced by bodily pressure • Cover the windows and fit Perspex or laminated glass which will offer good protection • Cover the shed with a PIR security light • Fit an alarm • Use a ground or wall anchor to secure your bike in the shed and lock valuables together to prevent them being easily removed • Visibly and permanently mark your property - it helps identify it as yours and is less desirable for a thief. www.duffieldderbyshire.co.uk