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Community Information
Useful Information for Our Community
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CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE
Whilst we are proud to say that Melling is a safe place to live we would just like to pass on the following advice so that we don’t make it easy for the criminals.
The following information has been taken from the GOV.UK website:
Vehicle Crime
Most vehicle crime is preventable. It can take as little as 10 seconds for a thief to steal something from your car. The best way to protect your belongings is to lock your car whenever you leave it. Other things you can do include:
Removing everything from the car; don't even leave a jacket where it can be seen
Closing the sunroof along with the windows when you leave
Not storing things in the boot; take them with you
Storing car ownership information in your home, not your car
Having a routine to ensure you always take the keys out of the ignition
Taking removable stereos and sat nav equipment with you
In addition, using secure (theft resistant) number plates can make your plates less attractive to thieves
Where you park can make a big difference to the safety of your car and your belongings. Look out for car parks approved by the police Safer Parking scheme. You can find them by looking for their distinctive Park Mark signs.
How to keep your car safe at home
Thieves sometimes break into houses looking for car keys. They can also use wires and hooks 'to try and drag' your keys through the letterbox.
Keep your keys away from doors and windows, and tucked away out of sight.
Have your vehicle's windows etched with its registration number or the last seven digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This can put criminals off, as it makes your car more difficult to sell. It also makes it easier for police to get your car back to you if it is stolen.
Motorbikes
There are plenty of ways you can help to keep your motorbike safe:
Always lock your bike and set its alarm if it has one
Try to use a designated motorcycle parking place with a stand and security loop
When leaving your bike for some time, try to lock it to something secure. At home, you can fit special attachments to lock your bike to
Use a motorbike cover
Have the motorbike marked with its vehicle identification number (VIN)
Don't leave items such as helmets or other possessions with your bike
Think about where you park - try to park where there are lots of people passing, good lighting and CCTV
Burglary
Homes with no security measures in place are five times more likely to be burgled than those with simple security measures. Good window locks and strong deadlocks can make a big difference.
Taking just a few steps can make a big difference in keeping your home safe from burglary. Here are a few tips:
Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you're just out in the garden, remembering to double-lock UPVC doors (lift handle and turn key)
Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox (remember a device could be used to hook keys through the letterbox)
Install a visual burglar alarm
Install good outside lighting
Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property
Leave radios or lights in your house on a timer to make the property appear occupied
Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition
Secure bikes at home by locking them to an immoveable object inside a locked shed or garage
Keep ladders and tools stored away; don't leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home
Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property
Ensure rear fencing is in good repair
Improve natural surveillance at the front of your property i.e. trim high hedges
Mark your property with postcode and house number and register your property for free with Immobilise
Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch
Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows
Store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe or bank vault
Doors and windows
In most burglaries, the criminals broke into the house or flat through the door, either by forcing the lock or kicking it in. So make sure your doors are strong and secure. Consider fitting a bar for extra strength; a locksmith can advise you on how best to do it.
Glass panels on doors are particularly vulnerable. If you have one on your door you could replace it with laminated glass, which is stronger. You can also buy a film in a DIY store that you can stick over the glass to make it harder to break.
Home security and DIY shops sell inexpensive, key-operated locks to fit most kinds of windows. Fit window locks with keys to all downstairs windows and those upstairs that are easy to reach.
Distraction burglary
If you're not sure who is at your door, don't open it. Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they are claiming to be from i.e. gas, electricity, water and police. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider - Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller - they may be bogus. The 'Waterboard' no longer exists, it is an obsolete phrase used only by bogus callers.
Going away on holiday
Make your home look like someone is living in it:
Use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights and radios on when it goes dark
Cancel any newspaper or milk deliveries
Use the Royal Mail's 'keepsafe' service - they keep your mail for up to 2 months while you're away. Mail sitting on your doorstep is a sign that you are away
Trusted neighbours may be able to help you by collecting your post, opening and closing curtains and they could park their car on your driveway
Avoid discussing holiday plans on public social networking sites - burglars can use any information you post on there to their advantage
Keep your home freeze free and welcome whatever winter brings
While predicting weather in the UK may never be a simple task, taking steps to protect our homes during icy weather really is.
That’s the message water company United Utilities is promoting with Winter Wise 2017 – a campaign designed to equip around 3 million homes with tips and resources they can draw on to make sure cold snaps don’t end up taking the fun out of frosty winter days, leaving us all free to say, “Winter? Brrring it on!”
Top of the tips list and one key preparation that many of us forget, is to make sure our pipes are protected by being lagged. Fixing damage caused by household pipes that have frozen and burst can run into hundreds of pounds and can be extremely stressful.
As well as being potentially expensive in terms of calling out an emergency plumber, burst pipes can cause a whole heap of hassle that we just don’t need over winter. But the good news is that there are simple steps to avoid falling victim to frozen pipe problems.
United Utilities has developed an area on its website - www.unitedutilities/winterwise - offering advice on this topic, both about preventative measures and what to do should the worst happen. Essentially though, there are two top tips:
1) Find out where your stop tap/stop cock is, in case you have a burst pipe, as this will enable you to turn off water supply to your home.
2) Use lagging to stop your pipes from freezing in the first place.
It’s sound advice. Half of all North West residents have never even checked whether their pipes are lagged, so now is definitely the time to take a look. It’s a cheap, simple precaution that could end up saving you money and a great deal of hassle.
The United Utilities website also features a downloadable guide to other top tips, including advice on keeping yourself and your home warm and well over winter – with links to organisations that can lend a helping hand in a cold weather crisis.
The guide also features details of United Utilities’ Priority Services, a range of services designed to help customers who may benefit from a little extra support due to factors such as age, ill health, disability, mental health problems, financial troubles or language barriers. As well as reading more about the scheme in the winter guide, you can also visit www.unitedutilities.com/priorityservices or call 0345 072 6093 to find out more.
A Sefton Crime Alert for the members of Home Watch and the residents of East Sefton from Merseyside Police.
Burglaries
In the past 14 days burglaries or attempted burglaries have taken place in the following areas.
LITHERLAND - Moss Lane, Sonning Avenue
LYDIATE - Rosslyn Avenue, Stangate
MELLING - Giddygate Lane, Spencers Lane
NETHERTON - Lunan Drive
In one of the burglaries car keys were taken from the house and the car was stolen.
Crime Prevention Tips
Keep Your Card Safe
With Christmas shopping now taking place and shops getting busier by the day, cards will be used more frequently. In the messages leading up to the festive season, tips will be included on ways of protecting your cards from the activities of fraudsters.
Protect you card by placing it a special metal sleeve or card holder. This prevents your card details from being read by fraudsters, as can happen if the card is kept in a normal leather purse or card holder. This applies particularly to Contactless cards.
Always check your bank and credit card statements carefully.
Store personal information securely.
Be wary of letting your card out of your sight when making a transaction, particularly in bars and restaurants and especially when abroad.
Contact numbers
Local Police Neighbourhood Teams TELEPHONE 101
Margaret Jepson Sefton Crime Alert Co-ordinator TELEPHONE 0151 777 3419
Email – Margaret. Jepson@merseyside.pnn.police.uk
Protecting your Bicycle
AD lock although expensive, is the best deterrent to try and avoid a pedal cycle being stolen. Many cycles cost a lot of money, so cyclists may consider paying out more money for a stronger lock is a worthwhile consideration.
When at home try to keep cycles out of sight and locked safely away.
Register the cycle with Immobilise and consider enhancing the registration with an Immobitag RFID tag
A Sefton Crime Alert message for the residents of East Sefton from Merseyside Police and Sefton Home Watch.
Hot weather is a sign for opportunist burglars to be on the outlook for open doors or windows.
Between 17th and 26th July burglaries or attempted burglaries took place in the following locations:
Four Acre Drive, Foxhouse Lane, Greenside Avenue, Peterlee Way and Mostyn Avenue.
In at least four incidents, entry was gained via insecure doors and windows.
If you live in a house, bungalow or flat the message is the same:
Close windows that can be easily accessed. That includes windows on the upper floors of a property particularly near flat roofs or drain pipes.
Lock the front and back doors with a key.
Keep keys out of sight near doors. Car and house keys have been known to be obtained by burglars using a hook and cane. This has resulted in houses being accessed and vehicles taken.
For security reasons it is not advisable to keep keys near windows or cat/dog flaps.
Lock external doors when you are in the garden.
Lock patio doors after use.
Put all tools safely away in sheds and garages and lock the doors. Burglars rarely carry tools with them to break into a property they use a spade or other implement that has been left out on view.
Report any suspicious sightings or behaviour in your area.
From previous messages you may be aware of all this information, but please pass it on to your neighbours, friends and relatives. The number of people who are asking to receive the Sefton Crime Alert is steadily increasing, and for their benefit occasionally security tips need to be repeated.
The Police need our help to fight the battle against the burglars.
Neighbourhood News
During the afternoon of Tuesday 26th July a motor bike was stolen from outside an address in Park Lane in Maghull. A search of the general locality was made by the family and quickly located two males with the bike down a side alley. They gave chase having alerted the police, who arrived at scene and one of the males was detained and arrested.
There are naturally further enquiries to be made to identify the other person involved in this theft.
We encourage bike owners to be vigilant when parking up either on the street or on drive ways. Ensure that the bike is secured with a strong and substantial locking device. If they are able to secure their vehicle to an immovable object then this will deter an attempt. Obviously the police would encourage the use of immobilising systems/tamper alarms/data tagging (usually available through insurance companies).
Contact numbers
Local Neighbourhood Police teams TELEPHONE 101
Margaret Jepson – Sefton Crime Alert Co-ordinator TELEPHONE 0151 777 3419
Email – Margaret.Jepson@merseyside.pnn.police.uk
A message from Inspector Phil Hatton
Dear Residents of Melling.
I have been asked by your Parish Council to summarise a verbal presentation I gave to them at the most recent Parish Council Meeting.
You may be aware that Melling currently sits within the Policing Neighbourhood known as ‘East Sefton’. East Sefton incorporates six political Wards. The team of Sgts, Constables & PCSO’s are responsible for tackling those issues which present continuing risk across the Neighbourhood.
Melling itself does have an aligned PCSO (Peter Miley) - who will try to address issues in the first instance. If he cannot, then he can request additional support.
Crime & anti-social behaviour (ASB) reports in Melling currently present it as one of the safest areas in Merseyside.
Incidents which present threat to residents are a rarity in comparison to many other Communities.
You may be aware of an incident of robbery at the hairdressers in June.
This is the only robbery reported in 2016. We continue to work with local businesses and advise on their corporate procedures , as well as implementing target hardening measures at various stores, such as ‘Smartwater’ alarms and ‘Smoke cloaks’. Whilst we do not routinely advertise exact locations – Melling is covered. There has been a continuing year on year reduction in this type of offence.
Similarly, you may recall a serious sexual incident which occurred on the canal towpath in December 2015. The response to that incident was quick and effective, in no small part due to the local knowledge of your Neighbourhood Team. The offender was in custody within hours.
At the beginning of June this year, there was a report of an indecent exposure on the canal towpath. The suspect was on a bike and there was no contact or harm to the adult female victim.
Research does not indicate that this incident fits into any type of pattern at all – all indications are that it was a ‘one-off’. There has been nothing since.
I would hope that residents are not deterred from making use of the great area they live in. Our PCSO’s are paid to ride bikes along the canal towpath –you may see them to say hello!
We are effective at stepping into any incidents or patterns which we believe can present a risk of harm. Even if other areas may take priority with such issues – we will remain invested in Melling as part of ‘our’ area, and ready to deploy appropriately should the need present.
Going into 2017, Merseyside Police will undergo a restructucture –to meet budgetary targets and reflect increasing and changing priorities.
I am happy to report that there will still be a commitment to Community Policing.
What is clear though is that we need to look to enhance our methods of contact. Forums such as this, Community Events, Twitter, or the new “MerseyNow ” messaging service –will all be important going forwards.
Similarly we need effective partnerships. The community can take the lead in this regard, and I would urge those who are interested to look into setting up a Neighbourhood Watch:
If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more about Neighbourhood Watch, please contact your local Citizens in Policing Coordinator via the details listed below:
•Email:Citizens.in.policing@merseyside.police.uk
•Telephone: 0151 777 4182
•Post: Citizens in Policing, Canning Place, Liverpool, L18JX
•Twitter:@MerpolCEU
In conclusion, you live in a really good area from a policing perspective. You need to remain security conscious, there are always going to be travelling opportunistic thieves. And, you need to continue to show what you are prepared to tolerate by remaining in contact with your Police:
Non –emergency phone – 101
Emergency -999
Email – Aintree@merseyside.police.uk
Twitter - @ Merpol Copy Lane
Merseynow – register at www.merseynow.org
Crimestoppers (anonymous) -0800 555 111
Stay safe,
Inspector Phil Hatton
East Sefton Neighbourhood
(Litherland, Netherton,Maghull,Aintree,Lydiate & Melling)
Copy Lane Police Station
A Sefton Crime Alert message for the residents of East Sefton from Merseyside Police and Sefton Home Watch.
Purse thefts
Thefts of purses and wallets can happen at any time, but crowds attract pickpockets. There have been a number of reported thefts of purses in Sefton from several different types of shops from a small jewellery shop to large supermarkets. CCTV footage have captured a female carrying out a theft, she is described as white, with thick black bobbed hair with a fringe, medium build, wearing an ornate pair of sunglasses.
Crime Prevention Tips
Be particularly aware of your purse/wallet in crowded situations such as rush hour trains and buses. If you are jostled in a crowd, be aware that a pickpocket might be responsible.
Be aware of arguments or commotions designed to distract you while your pocket or bag is being picked. Sometimes the thieves work in pairs or groups to cause a diversion while one of them steals your purse or wallet.
Minimise the amount of cash and valuables you carry in your bag. Divide cash between your purse/wallet and pockets.
Warning about a scam
A caller phoned a Sefton resident and told him his computer was under attack from hackers in Texas and he had 20 minutes to resolve the issue before his computer went down. The woman caller was keen to say that she was genuine and the call was not a hoax. At this point the resident terminated the call. He then obtained the telephone number of the caller, and ‘googled’ the phone number. It had been reported dozens of times as a similar scam call but the number is still ‘live’.
You can find out more about the telephone scams by either googling the number, if you have it, or putting ‘Who calls me’ into ‘Google’ to gain further information.
Contact numbers
Local Police Neighbourhood Teams TELEPHONE 101
Margaret Jepson- Sefton Crime Alert Co-ordinator – TELEPHONE 0151 777 3419
Email – Margaret.Jepson@merseyside.pnn.police.uk
A Sefton Crime Alert for the residents of East Sefton from Merseyside Police and Sefton Home Watch.
Warning about a telephone scam.
Two reports have been received from residents in different parts of Sefton about a scam which is basically the same, but presented in a slightly different manner. Both people received a phone call supposedly from the Government Pensions department. The caller told the residents they had been awarded £8000 for being upstanding citizens, they had always paid their taxes and bills on time, did not have a criminal record and neither had been declared bankrupt.
They were given a reference number and a phone number. They were told to phone immediately and quote the reference number, they had to ask to speak to a named person from the finance department so their claim could be processed. One was told to send £210 via the Post Office the other just told to ring the given number.
The telephone number was researched on Google, a number of reports had been filed stating it was part of a scam.
Be aware if you are offered money or told you have won money in a lottery or competition you have never entered it can be a ploy to obtain your bank or other financial details.
Crime Prevention tips
If someone attempts to snatch your bag, purse or wallet LET IT GO. Your health and personal safety are more important than money.
Carry your keys on your person separate from any documents which may give your name and home address details.
Contact numbers
Local Police Neighbourhood Teams – Telephone 101
Margaret Jepson – Sefton Crime Alert Co-ordinator – TELEPHONE 0151 777 3419
Email- Margaret.Jepson@merseyside.pnn.police.uk
Council Warns Against Nuisance Calls
Sefton Council is warning residents to be vigilant following a number of nuisance calls that have targeted households across the borough.
The cold callers claim that the Government has issued new regulations requiring everyone to have energy efficient boilers installed by the end of the year. However Sefton Trading Standards have assured householders that there is no such requirements in place and urge residents to be cautious if they receive any calls of this nature.
Cllr. Pauline Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services, said "Unfortunately it appears many cold callers are now making potentially misleading claims in order to deceive residents and potentially coerce them into purchasing goods or services. I would urge residents to be cautious and to check any information provided by telemarketing companies."
Southport Cllr Simon Shaw has personally been on the receiving end of these calls and contacted Trading Standards to highlight the issue. He added" The worst offending company starts off their cold call with a recorded message saying that householders are required to install new boilers before the end of 2016 and then invites them to press a button on their telephone keypad to speak to somebody. Although there are good reasons to install energy efficient boilers it is simply incorrect to say that the Government are forcing the issue. I very much support Cllr. Lappin's warning"
Residents who would like to find out information on local energy schemes and offers can contact Energy Projects Plus (a local environmental charity) by telephone on the Save Energy Advice Line 0800 043 0151 who will be able to guide residents through their energy options.
Anyone concerned about nuisance calls can contact the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) which is responsible for the regulation of unsolicited live calls, recorded calls and texts and can take action against companies. The ICO helpline number is 0303 123 1113.
Residents who are receiving a high volume of unsolicited calls from telemarketing companies can also register for the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) by telephoning 0345 070 0707 or online at www.tpsonline.org.uk
Contacts
Local Police Neighbourhood Teams TELEPHONE 101
Margaret Jepson – Sefton Crime Alert Co-ordinator – TELEPHONE 0151 777 3419
Email – Margaret.Jepson@merseyside.pnn.police.uk
The threat to the UK remains unchanged at Severe.
Merseyside Police are reviewing Building Security / CCTV functionality , and would encourage all Partner agencies to do the same. It is particularly important that CCTV is in working order & fit for purpose.
There are no short-term significant forthcoming events in Sefton.
We would ask all Partners to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity, community tensions, or concerns around radicalisation. Intelligence can be provided on PAIR (if included in the scheme), or directly to your local Policing Team or anonymously to CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555111.
A message for the residents of Sefton from Merseyside Police and Home Watch.
People who think up new scams that can make our lives a misery are unfortunately part of everyday life in modern Britain. If we are aware or given examples, it hopefully helps us to know how to deal with them.
Inheritance from an estate
The letter supposedly from a Principal Asset Manager working for a named foreign bank and addressed to a named resident of Sefton, stated the recipient could be eligible to receive a large amount of money following the death of a client with a similar surname.
The resident was told to keep the contents of the letter a secret, and a telephone number was supplied for him to make contact with the manager to verify his interest in claiming the inheritance.
If the recipient had taken up the offer, the next step would have been to ask for his bank account details to enable the money to be transferred to his account.
DON'T be tempted to give your bank details to anyone you don't trust and never in the circumstances as stated above.
WARNING
Police forces have become aware of a fraud circulating targeting elderly and vulnerable members of the community.
Some older people have received telephone calls from a caller who purports to be from the GP surgery and is asking for an appointment to discuss the person’s mobility needs. During the appointment, the older person is persuaded to buy mobility aids which are either unnecessary or inappropriate and always expensive.
If you receive a call like this, please check with your GP surgery first before agreeing to a visit.
Contact numbers
Local Police Neighbourhood Teams TELEPHONE 101
Margaret Jepson – Sefton Crime Alert Co-ordinator TELEPHONE 0151 777 3419
Email – Margaret.Jepson@merseyside.pnn.police.uk
Keep your home healthy this winter: free advice pack launched
News from United Utilities
Tel: 0845 072 0822 Email: externalaffairs@uuplc.co.uk
Web: http://corporate.unitedutilities.com/news-media
North West water company United Utilities, has produced a free advice pack to help people keep their homes ‘healthy’ this winter.
‘Fight the freeze: a guide to winter warmth’ features advice on how to avoid frozen pipes, what to do if a pipe should burst, and a range of additional tips and hints to help homeowners keep the heat in, and cold out, as temperatures start to drop.
Dave Briers from United Utilities said: “There are many ways we can stay warm and well over winter such as eating right, wrapping up and knowing where to turn with any health niggles. But what many people often don’t realise is that taking a few simple steps to keep our homes freeze free can also make a big difference to our overall wellbeing.”
According to the guide, one of the simplest things people can do to protect their homes from the cold is to lag their pipes, especially those located in the garage or loft as these are most likely to freeze and burst during periods of colder weather.
As well as potentially leaving homeowners without water for hot baths and showers – a disaster during winter months - burst pipes can also be expensive to fix. In the North West the average cost for an emergency plumber is £120.
Homeowners are also encouraged to locate and label their stop tap - the tap which controls water supply to a house - so that in the event of a burst, water can turned off immediately to avoid water damage that may leave properties cold and damp.
In addition to home health tips, the new guide from United Utilities also includes broader advice to help with winter wellbeing, such as where to access financial support with heating bills, where to look for warming nutritious recipes, and who to turn to with concerns for loved ones or neighbours who might be vulnerable to colder conditions.
Dave Briers said: “Taking simple steps to prepare properties for cold snaps, and knowing where to look for advice on winter wellbeing, is really important. By producing this guide, we hope to help homeowners stay freeze free and avoid unnecessary heartache and hassle – particularly over the festive period.”
‘Fight the freeze: a guide to winter warmth’ is available to download for free from www.unitedutilities.com/winterwise.
Dog walkers and joggers urged to help track down leaks
United Utilities has put out a special plea to pedestrians in a bid to help tackle leaks.
The North West water company is encouraging dog walkers and joggers pounding the pavements with their pooches and playlists, to keep their eyes peeled for evidence of water leaks, and to report any suspicious puddles (but only non-canine related).
Leakage reports can be made by:
Calling free phone 0800 330033;
Using an online form at www.unitedutilities.com/report-a-leak
Tweeting the UU team @unitedutilities using hashtag #UULeakline
In an average week the water company fixes around 450 leaks which rises to around 750 during cold snaps.
While United Utilities finds around 60 per cent of leaks, with 26,000 miles of pipes in the region it is not always possible to know about each one. The public’s help is very important, and the water company says that dog walkers might be an ideal group to take the lead.
Dave Briers, water network delivery manager at United Utilities, said: “There are many different causes of leaks. For example it could be due to ground movement caused by heavy traffic or freezing conditions; tree roots can damage pipes over time and so can building work. They can occur anywhere at any time.
“Members of the public who walk specific routes regularly are ideally placed to spot a leak developing and, unlike motorists, are also likely to have their phones at the ready to tweet or message us so that we can get our team investigating. Reports like this are a massive help.”
But what happens once a leak has been reported? To help explain, United Utilities has also launched new resources to ‘de-mystify’ the process.
Dave added: “We know leaks are one of our customers’ biggest bugbears, but there is a huge amount of work going on to tackle them. Every time an incident is reported, it kick-starts a process that ensures we deal with incidents as efficiently as possible.
“Because so much of this process happens ‘behind the scenes’ we’ve also launched a new infographic and video which provide a step-by-step guide to help our customers know exactly what happens when they report a leak to us.”
To view the infographic and Leakline video, visit www.unitedutilities.com/customer-cafe.
Alzheimer’s Society Information
As part of our ongoing support for this year’s Chair’s Charity ‘The Alzheimer’s Society’ we will be posting information that we hope will be of use to anyone in the community who suffers from dementia, cares for someone with the condition or is worried about memory loss.
A Sefton Crime Alert message for the residents of East Sefton from Merseyside Police and Home Watch.
Bogus Workmen
Three males called at an address in Green Lane Maghull and charged the 82 year old resident for work.
On one occasion they had been on the roof and charged him £2000. Last week they returned and asked for money to stop them taking his chimney down. He gave them £100 and they stated they would return the following day for a further £400.
The only description given was of the vehicle, a white van.
If any neighbours or friends can give any further information to the Police about this incident please contact them on TELEPHONE 101.
Crime Prevention Tips
Before letting anyone in your property please check for an ID, look for any logo on clothing or an appropriate van.
However do be aware that an ID can soon be produced on a computer.
If you live on your own and you feel concerned, ask the person to wait outside, close the door, and phone a friend , relative or neighbour to be with you when the caller enters your property.
Sometimes the caller seems to be on his/her own, but when entering a property, appears to close the door. The person may release the catch to allow an accomplice to enter while the resident is distracted. Check all external doors are locked.
Always accompany uninvited callers if they ask to visit other rooms in your house .
If in doubt keep them out.
Please be aware of vulnerable or elderly neighbours who may be victims of bogus workmen and if you become suspicious call the Police.
If registration numbers of any vehicle or a description of the callers at the address are available, this information could be useful.
Contacts
Neighbourhood Police Teams TELEPHONE 101
Margaret Jepson- Sefton Crime Alert Co-ordinator TELEPHONE 0151 777 3419
Email margaret.jepson@merseyside.pnn.police.uk.
CRIME FIGURES 9TH - 16TH AUGUST 2015
Burglaries:
Patterdale Crescent, Wheatfield View, Hollinhey Close, Hatton Hill Road, Olive Grove, Appleton Road and Trawden Way
In three of the above properties, entry had been gained through insecure doors or windows and in an attempted burglary a tool from the shed had been used to try and break into the house.
Residents are reminded to lock all external doors and windows and ensure that sheds and garages are locked.
Also that door and car keys are kept out of sight away from doors, windows and cat/dog flaps.
When Should I Contact the Police
An emergency is an incident which the Police need to respond to immediately. For example;
There is a risk that someone could be killed or seriously injured.
A crime is in progress or is about to happen.
An offender is still at the scene or has just left.
When violence is being used or threatened.
In an EMERGENCY always phone 999
When Should I Call 101
To report less urgent crime or disorder and for general police enquiries. For example :
If your car has been stolen.
If your property has been damaged.
When you suspect drug use or dealing.
To report a minor traffic collision.
To give the police information about crime in your area.
If you want to speak to your local police officer.
Contact numbers
Local Neighbourhood Teams, Tel: 101
Margaret Jepson – Sefton Crime Alert Co-ordinator
Tel: 0151 777 34190151 777 3419
Email Margaret.Jepson@merseyside.pnn.police.uk
These two numbers apply nationally not just in Merseyside.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING EVENTS
Health and Wellbeing events are taking place on the 1st Monday of the month from 10am at the Aintree Village Youth and Community Centre, Oriel Drive. This will be followed by a light lunch (dontations kindly requested). For further details contact:
Cllr. Marion Atkinson, 07547 045079.
WARD COUNCILLOR DROP IN SURGERIES
These surgeries run every Saturday from 10am - 11am at the Aintree Village Youth and Community Centre, Oriel Drive, Aintree.
They are open to anyone who would like to talk to a Ward Councillor on any issues, not necessarily just to do with Sefton Council, such as health services, Merseytravel, etc.
If you are not able to attend one of the surgeries but would like to talk to a ward councillor please contact them on the details below.
Cllr. Tony Carr, 07773 672406
Cllr. Paula Murphy, 07725 866036
Cllr. Marion Atkinson, 07547 045079
SPEED RESTRICTIONS AND ZEBRA CROSSINGS
We would kindly like to remind residents of the 20 & 30mph speed restrictions that are in place throughout the Village. Please be vigilant for the signs when driving throughout the village and adhere to the designated speed limit for that road.
We would also like to remind road users and pedestrians about the importance of using the zebra crossings located in the village correctly, so as to avoid any serious accidents or fatalities on our roads.
The following details have been taken from the GOV.UK website.
Zebra crossings - Pedestrians
Give traffic plenty of time to see you and to stop before you start to cross. Vehicles will need more time when the road is slippery. Wait until traffic has stopped from both directions or the road is clear before crossing. Remember that traffic does not have to stop until someone has moved onto the crossing. Keep looking both ways, and listening, in case a driver or rider has not seen you and attempts to overtake a vehicle that has stopped.
Zebra crossings – Road Users
As you approach a zebra crossing look out for pedestrians waiting to cross and be ready to slow down or stop to let them cross
you MUST give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a crossing
allow more time for stopping on wet or icy roads
do not wave or use your horn to invite pedestrians across; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching
be aware of pedestrians approaching from the side of the crossing.
With everyone's cooperation we can make Melling a safer place for both pedestrians and road users.
UNITED UTILITIES ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR AVOIDING WINTER WOES
Find out where your stop tap is, in case you have a burst pipe.
Use lagging to stop your pipes from freezing.
Keep your heating on low and time it to come on if you are going away
Following these simple tips may not just save unnecessary repair bills, but also the hassle that accompanies burst pipe incidents.
FIRE ANGEL SMOKE ALARMS
It is coming to light that some smoke alarms { FIRE ANGEL TYPE } that have been fitted by Merseyside Fire service are bleeping intermittently for no apparent reason. Merseyside fire service can now charge for the renewing and fitting of smoke alarms.
The procedure for renewing your faulty smoke alarm if it was fitted by the Fire Service and you do not wish to incur any costs is:-
Remove the main body of the smoke alarm from the ceiling fixing plate. The fixing plate can remain on the ceiling.
On the back of the alarm is a phone number for FIRE ANGEL give them a call on that number.
They will ask the batch number and serial number of your alarm; these are both found on the back of the alarm.
FIRE ANGEL should send you out a new alarm/s. We have been informed there is no charge made for this service.
You may have to send the faulty alarm/s back to them; they will send a self-addressed envelope for this purpose.
**It is imperative that if you have a smoke alarm it is in full working order and it is tested on a regular basis**
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO US BY A THIRD PARTY AND THE PARISH COUNCIL DOES NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTENT. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT A QUALIFIED ENGINEER FOR ASSISTANCE.
MELLING IN BLOOM IS AWARDED THE BRONZE AWARD
Congratulations to Melling in Bloom who have been awarded the North West In Bloom Bronze Award for their outstandng contriubtions in Melling. The award was given by Sefton Council.
JOIN THE ADVENTURE!
Fancy the chance to build on personal skills such as teamwork, confidence and leadership; gaining externally recognised skills; having a brilliant time all whilst making a difference to the lives of young people… then why not join the adventure and volunteer in Scouting!
Melling Scout Group is looking for volunteers to help out in a variety ways across all sections and you don’t have to be an adventurer like Bear Grylls to get involved. This could include becoming a leader; h...elping during sessions with games and activities for badges; demonstrating a skill you may have such as cooking, DIY, first aid, sign language etc.; talking about your profession or hobby or volunteering on trips.
Volunteering is easy, fun and flexible – how much time you give is completely up to you. Whether you help out once a fortnight, month or term or just at special events or camps, there is bound to be a role you can play, and no matter how you get involved, you will be properly trained and supported.
If you are interested in getting involved, even if you like the idea but are a little unsure if it’s for you, then call Steve Melling Group Scout leader on 07596274103 and arrange to pop along to a session and see what goes on.
For more information on what you can do for Scouting and what it can do for you visit: