We now have yet another promise for the introduction of Community Contacts, the new messaging system which will streamline the way Sussex Police send out messages to Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators and members. The trials for this new system were due to start in Shoreham on 20th. April and it is anticipated that it will be coming to Chichester District some 3-6 weeks later allowing for staff training.

The information we receive from the police will be filtered and the team of Police Officers, Community Support Officers and Special Constables will remain committed to keeping the members of the community safe. The aims of Neighbourhood watch remain unchanged, that is to reduce the opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour to occur by deterring would-be burglars and vandals, and to maintain a community spirit so that all residents can contribute towards our protection through communication and co-operation. To achieve these aims information must flow in both directions. The Police need our help, they need us to report suspicious activity direct to the Police using the non-emergency number 0845 60 70 999 and the 999 number when you genuinely believe it is an emergency, identifying yourself as a member of the Lurgashall Neighbourhood Watch scheme. The Police need community intelligence to achieve our shared aims.

As you may be aware there have been a number of thefts of garden ornaments etc. recently so it is all the more necessary to remain vigilant as regards suspicious vehicles and individuals and be security conscious at all times. Paul Read. 01428 707385.

There has been a leaflet drop by a company SHC Collections asking you to leave out clothing for the third world.
A quick check on the internet will reveal the company SHC is not a charity but is a registered profit making company that is trading by trying to persuade people to part with second hand items by using emotive wording in their leaflets.
Trading Standards say "The donated goods are not passed on to those who need them but are sold abroad for a profit. Unfortunately genuine charities are missing out due to these unscrupulous organisations.
What they are doing is not illegal but they do try to give a misleading impression that the items being collected are for charitable purposes, when in fact it is just to line their own pockets.

Leaving bags out for these people will just encourage them to keep targeting our area.

At a recent Neighbourhood Watch meeting in Chichester, Mark Rendall, the new N. W. manager for the Sussex Police revealed that people are not calling 999 for fear they will be criticised if the incident they are reporting may not be considered severe enough. The police have noticed more and more people are calling the 0845 number because they are so worried that what they are witnessing may not be considered an emergency.

Mr. Rendall went on to say "we need to encourage people to feel free to use the 999 number when they think a crime is being committed." He also went on to say that another trend is that people often waited several hours before notifying police of something suspicious. Delay in passing on information means that it is too late for them to act and criminals have got away with a crime. The 0845 60 70 999 number was set up specifically to deal with non-emergency calls.

Sussex Police will be looking at ways to encourage more people to report crimes or suspicious activities as they are happening by calling 999.

The Police are currently setting up Neighbourhood panels across the district, which will identify neighbourhood policing priorities that really mean something locally. Neighbourhood Watch is a step forward in modern policing, it provides additional eyes and ears and is important in the fight against crime. Remember that the Sussex Police and Parish Council websites, www.sussex.police.uk and www.lurgashall.org respectively can be accessed to keep you up to date between Newsletters. Paul Read. (O1428 707385).

We have been made aware of the following scam:
A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a premium rate number). DO NOT call this number, this is a mail scam originating from Belize. If you call this number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already been charged £0.15 for the ‘phone call.

There continue to be reports of thefts in our area and beyond. Today’s criminals are very mobile and we need to continue our vigilance to assist the police. Recently a van called on us and the driver asked if we had any buildings needing painting, which we hadn’t and the van left. Details, registration number, description of occupants, time of visit etc. were passed to the non-emergency police number, 0845 6070999 straight away. Later that day, I received a call from the police to say that the van had been traced to a traveller’s site in Cranleigh. I cannot stress too strongly the need of prompt reporting of suspicious calls of this nature to help the police to build up a picture of the activities of the criminal fraternity. Remember, call the police as soon as possible, don’t leave it until tomorrow and if you think a crime is being committed call 999.

If you are going for a walk and leave your car in a park at one of the local beauty spots don’t leave valuables hidden your car, the thieves know where to look, take cash and credit cards etc with you in a security wallet.

Paul Read Tel. 707385. Email read85@btinternet.com.

John Wilding has tendered his resignation as Co-ordinator for Hillgrove and I would like to thank him very much for his conscientious service to the community. I am pleased to announce that John Clark (707230) has kindly agreed to take over the duties.
Co-ordinators receive Crime Ring messages from time to time giving details of current criminal activity, requests for suspicious vehicle sightings, information on current scams etc. to be passed on to members of individual Watches.

Just to remind you Police Neighbourhood Watch information is available via this Website, www.lurgashall.org/nw. Click on Local Policing and enter your post code in the box and our Neighbourhood Specialist Constable, Phillip Hanlon's page will come up and from there you can see what is happening in our area. I also receive additional information from other sources via email and can keep you up to date by forwarding any relevant local information. If you would like this please let me have your email address at read85_at_btinternet.com; messages will be sent out BCC to preserve individual recipient's anonymity from each other.