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Ravenshead Newsletter 03/2022 - 13

RAVENSHEAD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

This month I thought I would mention some surface (whether you are in or out).
basic crime prevention advice which can really Be careful with all keys - ensure you keep them in a safe place
make a difference. I fully endorse the principle out of sight. (Keep keys for exit doors handy in case of
that 'prevention is better than cure' (and I know I find it useful to emergency – but not on view). Never put a spare key in a

have my memory jogged from time to time!). convenient hiding place outside or in a garage or shed.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF BEING A Don't tag keys so they can be easily identified (or hang them on
VICTIM OF SOME CRIMES: labelled hooks) – if they get into the wrong hands, it makes life
DOORS AND WINDOWS - Don't leave exit/entry doors and easy for the criminal!
windows of your property insecure. Relay theft exploits a vulnerability in passive keyless entry
It is advisable to keep your doors locked even when you are in systems (those which allow drivers to open and start their cars
the property - to prevent anyone 'sneaking in' unbeknown (it does without removing the keyless fob from their pocket).
happen!). You should only have windows open in rooms that you Although the relay device signal can pass through doors, walls
are in and secure them before you go out or go to bed. and windows, it cannot penetrate metal, so storing your 'keys'
VEHICLES - Ensure you lock your vehicle. inside a metal container, a signal blocking wallet / Faraday
Lock your vehicle every time you leave it - including when it is on bag or even a microwave will safeguard your vehicle against
your driveway, when you are at a fuel station etc., even if you are such an attack.
only going to be away from it for a minute. Check that it is secure LIGHTS - When you go out at night leave lights on in your
(especially if using a remote device). Never leave your car keys in property.
your vehicle, not even for a second. Do not leave any valuables in A property in darkness tells a burglar that it is empty - which they
your vehicle – if it is unavoidable, lock them out of sight in the prefer. If you go out before it is dark use timers to switch on lamps

boot. Try not to leave anything on view – even an old coat could / lights. (Don't forget to set timers if you go away).
attract unwanted attention!
KEYS - Do not leave keys in an exit door or on a nearby

CRIMES* REPORTED 13.1.21 – 9.2.22 *Acquisitive Crime + Damage
(Excludes crimes of a domestic nature, neighbour / employment disputes, non-payment of goods,

e.g. shop thefts)
Date Time of Day Crime Location Comments
Morning - reported Criminal Chapel
16.1.22 Offender pulled windscreen wiper off a vehicle parked in a car park

at 1139 hrs Damage Lane
16 - Overnight Criminal Ricket Lane Offender(s) damaged fencing in a field, also cut the barbed wire on opposite side,

17.1.22 Damage leaving a large gap in the hedge
16 -
17.1.22 1800 - 0800 hrs Theft Ricket Lane Offender(s) stole a horse trailer from a field

Criminal A60, Road rage incident - victim overtook offenders vehicle, offender caught up with
27.1.22 2040 hrs Ravenshead victim's vehicle. Whilst vehicles were stationary, offender got out and kicked
Damage area victim's car, causing scuff marks on it

Theft from Church Offender smashed side window of vehicle parked on road and stole victim's
2.2.22 0700 - 0815 hrs Vehicle Drive handbag from within. Subsequently used a bank card, taken from the bag.

2 unknown males forced entry to a property, believed by prising open a rear door
Haddon
6.2.22 1618 hrs Burglary using a tool. Shortly after entering the property, the house alarm activated and
Road the 2 males were seen running away. Nothing stolen

KEEPING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS SECURE WAS THE CALLER AT MY DOOR REALLY FROM THE
(A message from the East Midlands Cyber Secure) POLICE?
Force Cyber Protect Units are seeing an increase in the number I was asked recently about how to check whether a person in
of reports of social media* account takeover (*such as Instagram 'ordinary' clothing, knocking at a door, and claiming to be a police
and Facebook). officer (or working for the Police) was genuine, and if such a
person is likely to call at properties in the village.
Suspects gain access to social media accounts, change the
password preventing the owner being able to access their own If there has been a crime such as a burglary, then it is quite likely
account and then sending them a demand for money in order to that members of the CID and Burglary Team (BT) will visit the
have their account returned to them. property concerned and several neighbouring properties. Quite
often uniformed officers will do the door-to-door enquiries, but not
Please ensure your social media password is strong (three always. CID / BT officers do not wear uniform and use unmarked
random words plus symbols / characters is recommended) vehicles. (In fact, members of the BT have been known to wear
and ensure you opt to enable 2 factor authentication (2FA) in jeans / t-shirt rather than the usual smart dress / suit worn by
the security settings to prevent others compromising your detectives!).
accounts.
Always ask for identification (ID) and check it – but don't rely on
With 2FA, as well as requiring a password to log in, you will need any card / badge produced as they can be faked. To verify that
a PIN / code sent to your phone. (It is strongly recommended the caller is a police employee / representative, ring 101 – the
that you use this security feature for all your critical accounts). control room staff will be able to check if they are genuine (and
That way, even if your password is compromised by a arrange for appropriate action to be taken if they aren't!)
cybercriminal, your account is still safe.
Please remain vigilant and report any
For more information, please see
suspicious person / vehicle to the Police on
https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/social-media- 101 as soon as possible. (A good
guides. description and a registration number of any
vehicle would be very helpful).
Sue Harris
For further advice please visit our website: www.ravensheadneighbourhoodwatch.co.uk
To contact RNW email us at rnwinfo@yahoo.co.uk or leave a message for us on 07583 296 466 (Note:
Please report all crimes and any suspicious activity to the Police on 101).