Crime Prevention Panel

Crime Prevention Panel Activity August/September 2010

2010-11-23T20:09:00.002Z

Members of the Panel assisted the Police by issuing a questionnaire covering various subjects to members of the general public. The Panel members attended at Milngavie Precinct; Fraser Centre, Milngavie; Asda, Bearsden; and Westerton Gala Day. The public were most cooperative and the general opinion was that they were satisfied with the service provided by the Police, although more Police on the street was a main concern.

A new question introduced on this year's questionnaire regarding the use of Taser Guns resulted in general agreement of their use, but only when in the hands of highly trained officers.

Doris Sofio
Chair, CPP

Suspect Telephone Calls

2010-11-23T19:50:00.005Z

'Crime Awareness':

1. This is a growth area amongst con merchants &c. We heard recently of a phone call from a company named as "Crime Awareness". The purpose of this call being to have a member of their staff visit your home, and advise on 'security'. On enquiring where the caller obtained the person's telephone number, the reply was that 'they' procured 'phone numbers from an outside agency'. This was dealt with by the member of the Panel who had been contacted. Please ensure that no information is given out, no further discussion should take place, end the call and check your 'caller display', and if the caller's number is given, take note and report it to the Police.

'Burglar Alarms':

2. Another call - a person said she was phoning on behalf of her next door neighbour who had received a call to ask if he had a burglar alarm. The Panel member receiving the call asked if the neighbour was present and could he speak on the telephone. The caller brought the gentleman to the phone, but is was obvious he did not want to give further information. He said that 'someone was at the door' and terminated the call. This type of call is suspicious, try to obtain some information without giving any information out, and report if to the Police.

'Home Fix':

3. Yet another call - supposedly from an organisation called 'Home Fix' claiming they had offered an annual service contract costing £60, to sort any problems experienced in using Sky TV Service, on a previous phone call to the house and now required credit card details. When our Panel member contacted Sky TV Service, the Bank, the Police and other agencies it transpired that no one had every heard of this company. The Panel member phoned this 'organisation' back and told them she would place the matter in the hands of the Police. She was then informed that the contract had been cancelled.

In the words of a Lieutenant in an old US TV Crime Programme - "let's be careful out there!"

Do not give out personal information to telephone requests of this type without first checking with relevant agencies. And do let the Police know about these issues. If possible, check the telephone number of the caller and pass this on to the Police, and if necessary contact BT.

Doris Sofio

Chair, CPP

British Transport Police

2010-11-23T19:44:00.002Z

In January 2010 Constable Peter Quinn of British Transport Police was invited to address Panel members. He gave a very interesting talk which covered the early days of the British Transport Police right up to the present time. Surprisingly he spoke, without notes, for about forty-five minutes. His talk invited a number of questions, especially covering the historical period he had outlined. Nowadays of course there is little difference between the regular police and the transport police, even in uniform and equipment, and the only difference in car markings is the names of their service and relevant identification numbers. Later in the year we heard, as is common in all police service nowadays, that Peter had been transferred to another area. We hope he writes a book on the history of the service in due course!

Doris Sofio
Chair, CPP

Farewell to Inspector Ross

2010-11-23T19:37:00.002Z

In February 2010 Bearsden and Milngavie Crime Prevention Panel organised a farewell event for Inspector Bill Ross who was in charge of Milngavie Police Office, and was a well respected officer who worked closley with the Crime Prevention Panel. He was to be transferred to other duties outside the area. He addressed various representatives from local Community Councils, Residents Associations, Des McNulty (local MSP), members of his own community policing team, and invited guests, on his view of community policing and how the Crime Prevention Panel could help continue what he had started. Our youngest member, a pupil at Douglas Academy, Milngavie, presented him with a framed certificate thanking him for his work within the area.

A buffet was provided and a good evening was had by all. The staff at Kilmardinny House, Bearsden, did a sterling job for us on this occasion.

Doris Sofio
Chair, CPP

Storage of Tools

2010-11-23T19:34:00.002Z

Tradesmen and DIY houseowners are inclined to leave shovels, bricks, bags of sand and aggregate around their garages or towards the rear of their home. These items may not attract thieves in themselves, but they provide useful means of entering a house by breaking a window &c. Please tidy away any gear which could make life easy for a house/shed breakin merchant.

Doris Sofio
Chair, CPP

Copper and Lead

2010-11-12T20:33:00.001Z

The second hand value of copper and lead is attractive to thieves at the moment, those who live outside the main towns should be aware that lead may be stripped from their roofs, and copper may also be stripped out, particulary if they are away on holiday, or work away from home all day.

Doris Sofio,
Chair, CPP

White Goods

2010-11-12T20:31:00.001Z

With the increase in second hand prices given for metal, white goods left out for local authorities to remove are being 'removed' overnight by opportunists following the metal money. Just check that no damage has been done to your property when these items (usually quite heavy) are removed in such a manner.

Doris Sofio
Chair, CPP

Car Registration Plates

2010-11-12T20:28:00.002Z

Thieves are stealing plates from cars (and motor bikes) and using them on their own vehicles in order to escape detection when they enter petrol service stations, fill up with fuel, then drive off without paying. Petrol stations usually have cctv focussed on their forecourts and their tapes show the car number plates as they wait at the pumps. If you do not garage your car safely overnight, stolen number plates for this purpose can result in great inconvenience to yourself (having to buy and fit replacement plates; but, also having to report the theft and liaise with the police when they follow up on such thefts).

Doris Sofio
Chair, CPP

What Do You Keep In Your Garage?

2010-11-12T20:25:00.003Z

a freezer full of food? a couple of sets of golf clubs? two or three mountain bikes? power tools? electric power mower? garden tools? fishing rods and tackle?

Thieves breaking into your garage (usually a padlock worth a few pounds on the door) often disappear with goods around £5,000-£10,000 (excluding the car, if one is indeed garaged there). Investing in a proper security system would make more sense.

Doris Sofio
Chair, CPP

Freezing Conditions

2010-11-12T20:22:00.002Z

Car owners do not lose your car this winter by turning on the ignition and leaving the car to defrost itself while you finish your breakfast indoors. Naturally, when you emerge to drive off, there will be no car......AND your insurance policy will be null and void if you have left the engine running and the car unlocked.

Doris Sofio
Chair, CPP

Community Policing in East Dunbartonshire

2010-11-05T19:06:00.003Z

Police statistics indicate the following:

Strathclyde Police CD Sub Division

77 square miles, population of 108,243:-

Bearsden 25.9%
Bishopbriggs 21.7%
Kirkintilloch 18.4%
Milngavie 12.9%
Lenzie 9.7% (plus the villages)

(It is projected by 2016 the very elderly, 75+, will increase by 66.9% - by far the highest increase in Scotland)

The large amount of high amenity residential property means housebreaking is an issue, and the area is very attractive to the travelling criminal. Local concern is also raised with regard to youth disorder and the associated offences of vandalism, litter and graffiti.

In an emergency always dial 999
For non urgent crime contact your local Police office (Milngavie) 0141 532 4000 which may be answered by the Govan or Motherwell call centre.

Doris Sofio
Chair, CPP

Community Policing Updated

2010-11-05T18:59:00.005Z

From 25th October 2010 changes in the community policing teams emanating from Milngavie Police Office were introduced:

CD Sub Division of Strathclyde Police includes Milngavie Police Office, 99 Main Street, Milngavie G62 6JH (0141 532 4000)

The following 3 teams all have Milngavie Police Office as their HQ

Bearsden North Community Policing Team (e-mail @Strathclyde.pnn.police.uk) contact no. 0141 532 4004 (Sergeant Karren Chesters, PC Ian Macleod, PC Stuart Porteous & PC Max Shaw)

Bearsden South Community Policing Team (e-mail as above) contact no. 0141 532 4080
(Sergeant Karren Chesters, PC Kerry Gibson & PC Alexander Moore)

Milngavie Community Policing Team (e-mail as above) contact no. 0141 532 4032 (Sergeant Karren Chesters, PC Mark Burns, PC Robert Scott, PC Garry Sergeant and PC Colin Ecclestone)

Inspector John O'Neill oversees these 3 Teams, and he is mainly based at Bishopbriggs Police Office.

Doris Sofio
Chair, Crime Prevention Panel

Panel Activities

2010-03-12T16:14:00.001Z

Saturday 27th March 2010

Panel Members will be in Milngavie Precinct on the above date from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. We will be interested to hear of your concern over any local issues in Milngavie and Bearsden.

DS

Operation "CLEAN SWEEP" - 21-27 April 2010

2010-03-12T16:01:00.001Z

Milngavie will host the latest event during the week 21st - 27th April 2010. All branches of the Police Force will be participating, e.g. police dogs, horses, motor bikes and other specialised units. Members of the Crime Prevention Panel will be actively participating. Watch out for further details on time and venue in the local press and posters, and do come along, bring the family!

DS

Presention by Inspector Bill Ross - Friday 26 February 2010

2010-03-12T15:46:00.003Z

Inspector Ross asked the Crime Prevention Panel to organise a meeting on the above date at Kilmardinny House to which were invited representatives from Bearsden and Milngavie Community Councils and Residents Associations, as well as Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Service, some guests, and he brought along some of the Community Police covering this area, and our two Community Support Officers. He give a power point presentation on the outcome of the two year public participate survey which Strathclyde Police had undertaken with the population they served to ascertain which areas people would prefer the Police to give priority in their five year action plan. This was well received, and raised several unexpected questions. Then a suprise presentation of framed certificate expressing the appreciation of the Crime Prevention Panel was presented by its youngest member, Lewis Grant of Douglas Academy. This was followed with a suprise finger buffet and non-alcoholic drinks.

Inspector Ross has now been transferred to London Road, Glasgow. His post has been discontinued at Milngavie. We wish him well.

DS.

Long Term Car Parking Advice

2009-08-01T15:57:00.001+01:00

Dog walkers and others using the Mugdock Car Parks should be aware that their actions are being watched by potential thieves. Ladies gathering by their cars, and carefully locking their handbags, cameras and other valuable items in the boot are signalling to those watching that they will be away for a considerable time. The opportunistic thief will then throw a brick through a window then remove the back seat and gain access to the boot. Males who leave their cars with sets of golf clubs, and/or collapsible bikes &c. on view find their property meets the same fate.

Since hiding items in the boot cannot ensure safety if left long term, please take as little as possible in your car, OR, have items in the boot before reaching such secluded areas. Leaving items within the car which are seen by passers-by are always an invitation for potential crime.

DS, Chair

Garage & Shed Security Information

2009-08-01T15:52:00.001+01:00

Thefts from garages and sheds in the Bearsden/Milngave area have increased dramatically. Some break-ins are achieved by unscrewing the hinges on doors.
These would be instantly protected by grinding or hammering the screw heads so that it would be useless trying to gain access with a screwdriver.

DS, Chair

Cold Calling re House Security Systems

2009-07-18T15:29:00.002+01:00

On 28th February 2009 we posted a Blog warning everyone of a firm cold calling residents to involve them in acquiring a house security system. A Panel member was called last night with the introductory information that 'since you live in an area with a high incidence of housebreak-ins' - enough to upset those of a nervous disposition.

Please refer to our 28th February Blog again, and do not be persuaded by cold telephoning to take on any obligation to allow workmen into your home. If would be helpful to the police if you have the last number incoming call facility, to note this and let the police have the number.

Those wishing to install a house security system should liaise with the local community police in the first instance, via Milngavie Police Office.

(DS, Chair)

GOOD ADVICE ALL YEAR AROUND

2009-06-25T16:48:00.002+01:00

DO NOT KEEP LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY IN YOUR HOME.

(Chair CPP, June 2009)

Door Bars and Chains

2009-06-25T16:36:00.004+01:00

A door bar or chain acts as a useful barrier when talking to unexpected callers. It is a worthwhile investment.

ONLY PUT YOUR DOOR BAR OR CHAIN ON WHEN YOU ANSWER THE DOOR. DON'T KEEP IT ON ALL THE TIME IN CASE YOU NEED TO GET OUT IN AN EMERGENCY.

Alert - Bogus Mobile Telephone Engineer

2009-06-25T16:28:00.002+01:00

There is a fraud company using a device that once you press #90 or #09 they can access your 'SIM' card and make calls at your expense.

If you receive a phone call on your mobile from any person, saying that he or she is a company engineer, or tellilng that they're checking your mobile line, and you have to press #90 or #09 or any other number, end this call immediately without pressing any number.

(Chair CPP, 24 June 2009)

Security Advice

2008-06-10T21:25:00.001+01:00

Des Clark, Police Community Safety Officer has an ongoing programme of
safety talks which he gives to local groups. Des would visit and give
advice on Safety, security and any relative help required. Call him
direct at Milngavie Police office – direct telephone number 0141 532 4019

if no reply leave a message on answering machine and he will get back to
you.

CRIME PREVENTION PANEL

2008-06-05T13:13:00.003+01:00

CRIME PREVENTION PANEL members are local residents who liaise with the
Police, and Fire Service.
Projects include - personal alarms for distribution to vulnerable
persons, grants to support local police.crime prevention
initiatives,involvement with schools include Art competitions,and
football tournaments which are always attended with enthusiasm

Our project for 2007 was a very ambitious I.T.project with pupils and
staff of Douglas Academy, Milngavie This involved the purchase of
specialist I.T equipment which was mainly funded by the Panel. A DVD was
produced and distributed to the pupils involved, the school, various
interested groups, and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue. A presentation was
recently given to Principal Guidance Teachers throughout East
Dunbartonshire Those attending were extremely interested and agreed that
this type of project and equipment could be useful in the future. We are
at present in discussion re this year's projects. Suggestions to date,
being highlighting "bogus callers", street interviews involving local
residents, and working with young persons . Our web site,

www.crimepreventionpanel.org will soon be updated with links to EDC and
related sites.

Bearsden & Milngavie Panel is the only remaining one in East
Dunbartonshitre, meeting every 2 months at Milngavie Police Office New
members are always welcome. Members from Community Councils – Bearsden
North – West – East and Milngavie – representative pupil from Douglas
Academy – Mosshead Residents Association – business people - Rotary, and
Killermont Residents Assoc. regularly attend. Neighbourhood watch schemes
operated some years ago which could be resurrected.
(e.g. Burnbrae Residents Association still has a scheme in operation).

Artwork from the 2005 Local Schools Poster Competition

Consequences Project Video

2008-05-19T09:19:00.002+01:00

2007 Animation scheme Proposal

2008-05-18T21:38:00.000+01:00

2007 – Animation Pilot Project.
Over a two year period the Panel has been attempting to raise funds for a pilot animation project ‘Consequences’, to be undertaken initially by selected schoolchildren, first deciding on a crime prevention theme, and writing a story, a script, making their own scenery and plasticene type models of people then having the models act out the drama, filming the proceedings and finally producing a DVD to be available for purchase, and on the website for downloading if required.

The stand-alone workstation would then be available for use by individual schools in Bearsden and Milngavie to work on continuing crime prevention themes, while gaining some expertise in producing, directing, scriptwriting, editing and photographing the end results.

The money is now available and the equipment will be purchased in the near future.
Tim Cullen, a member of The Panel, will instruct the teachers on how to manage the IT element of this project and will have a continuing interest in its progress.
He is the webmaster of The Panel’s website.

Finalisation of the pilot DVD will be publicised in the local press and on this website sometime in the summer months.

The Bearsden and Milngavie edition of The Extra wrote an article on the Crime Prevention Panels Animation scheme.

Crime Prevention Initiatives: Football

2008-05-18T21:37:00.000+01:00

2006 Five-a-Side Football
Teams for Primary School Children.
The Panel donated £500 towards the cost of this year’s ‘Five-a-Side’ football teams for primary schoolchildren, organised by Strathclyde Police. Ten teams from the following East Dunbartonshire schools took part (some schools fielding more than one team) – Baljaffray, Bearsden, Castlehill, Clober, Killermont, Milngavie, St Andrews and Westerton.

Crime Prevention Initiatives: Speakers

2008-05-18T21:35:00.001+01:00

December 2004 - 'Natural High'
The Crime Prevention Panel was please to offer their support to David Graham's interactive show that was performed in a number schools around Bearsden and Milngavie. By all accounts it was very well received.

Crime Prevention Initiatives: Alarms

2008-05-18T21:29:00.005+01:00

Personal Security Alarms

These Mini Minder key-ring alarm with a deafening 130dB siren are the only Sold Secure Approved Personal Alarms in the UK.

Police and Security Advisers recommend the use of Personal Alarms such as these to reduce the threat of assault, rape, animal attack and obscene phone calls.
MK001 Mini Minder Key-Ring Personal Alarm: Activated by pulling the pin strap.
DIMENSIONS 40mm Width 45mm Height 16mm Depth. Supplied with Alkaline batteries.

Garden Shed Alarms
The Crime Prevention Panel is please to offer shed alarms to protect your belongings. This screaming alarm has an advanced movement detector designed to detect entry or exit through doors/windows.

This device can also be used as a hand-held personal alarm or even a melody doorbell so that you can know if someone knocks or opens a door. It's remarkably easy to set up and has many other features.

Supplied with door/window mounting bracket, strap and batteries.
The MD194 will emit a 130dB alarm if activated. Suitable for garden sheds, garages, caravans and personal property. Supplied with 3 AAA batteries

Colouring Book

Cycle Passport and Mobile Phones Initiative

2005 Local Schools Poster Competition

2008-05-18T20:28:00.013+01:00

2005 Local Schools Poster Competition

One of our most successful crime prevention initiatives was the 'Design a Crime Prevention Poster' Competition held in 2005. Three local schools were invited to enter.

All entries can be vieiewed online.
Clober Primary School P2-3 entries
Clober Primary School P5 entries
Clober Primary School P7 entries
Milngavie Primary School entries
Mosshead Primary School entries

Entries
At the end of 2005 the Panel organised a poster competition the theme being crime prevention. Three schools from the area took part. Doris Sofio (Chair of the Panel) said that in total from three schools 107 entries were received. The competition was open.

She said that the standard of entries were exceptional and Rhona Wilson, owner of Art Forum Milngavie had a hard task to choose winners which were judged not only on crime prevention content but on artistic quality. Prizes to the winners were presented and cheques were given for their participation with thanks for their community spirit.

Winners

Clober Primary School P2-3
Winner: Always wear your seatbelt by Rachel T

Runner Up : Never put Graffiti On other peoples property by Ross S

Clober Primary School P5
Winner : If U spray U will pay by Eilidh M

Runner Up: Broken glass - No class by Fraser G

Clober Primary School P7
Winner: Beware of the Booze by Alison M

Runner Up: Be wise Dont vandalise by Courtney K

Milngavie Primary School
Winner: Guess the criminal by Zak M

Runner Up: You shouldn't rob by Andrew B

Mosshead Primary School
Winner: Be aware and Take care by Louise B

Runner Up: Be aware Crime happens everywhere by Jonathan W

Some Basic Advice: Bogus Workmen

2008-05-18T20:26:00.004+01:00

BOGUS WORKMEN

How can you prevent yourself from becoming a victim?

Here are a few easy things you can do; by following this guide and remaining alert you will help to keep your possessions secure

Always examine identity documents presented by anyone calling at your door

Compare any photographic image with the person; if in doubt keep them out.

NEVER leave workmen alone in your house; remember it only takes seconds to steal your property.

If you have arranged for workmen to come to your house, ideally you should try to have a relative, friend or trusted neighbour with you.

Be wary of workmen casually calling at your door offering to do remedial work to your property. Are they who they say they are?

Always try to get a quote in writing before allowing any work to commence. Two or more quotes from different tradesmen will give you a much better indication of expected costs.

If they say urgent repairs are required to your house or property, you should contact a reputable company to check this. Yellow Pages or a personal recommendation by someone you know and trust is the best place to start from.

You should pay for any work done by cheque, this leaves a clear trail, which bogus workmen and other fraudsters do not like. If the workmen want to accompany you to your bank or building society to withdraw cash…be very wary.

You should contact your local police office should this happen.

If you suspect someone calling at your door is a bogus workman or other fraudster, try to take a note of their description and the make, model, colour and registration number of any vehicle used. This will assist the police to trace these people.

If you require any further information or advice regarding bogus workmen or any other security concern, please contact the Crime Prevention Officer at Milngavie Police Office on 0141 532 4009 for assistance or advice.

Some basic advice on Crime Prevention

2008-05-18T20:20:00.002+01:00


	LOCK UP Make sure your home is secure and lock up every time you leave Most break-ins happen when a house or flat is empty Help to make your home more secure: Make sure you leave your home secure both day and night A time switch will put the lights on and off when you are out Don’t let your T.V. or video be seen through a window Draw your curtains if you are going out at night Get a friend or neighbour to look after your home when you are on holiday If you go away, cancel the milk and newspaper DON'T TEMPT THIEVES Park your car in well lit areas Keep valuables out of sight Remove Stereo Secure Windows and Doors Arm Alarm or Immobiliser If it's your birthday or Xmas don't leave presents in view
	BEWISE: Beware of Bogus Callers Ensure Proof of Identity Watch your Wallet & Purse If in doubt keep them out Secure your Cash Emergency – Dial 999

What we do

2008-05-18T20:18:00.000+01:00

What we do
The Bearsden and Milngavie Crime Prevention Panel meet regularly at Milngavie Police Station. The Panel support crime prevention initiatives coming from the local community and from the police. The initiatives we support help reduce crime and the fear of crime in Bearsden and Milngavie for both the local community and for businesses in the area. Previous crime prevention initiatives have included:

Personal alarms for distribution to the vulnerable
Shed alarms to help protect garden property
Grants to support local police crime-prevention initiatives
Involvement in schools to generate awareness on crime prevention
Supporting Neighbourhood Watch schemes