Police warning about cold callers offering burglar alarms in Brighton

Police warning about cold callers offering burglar alarms in Brighton

30 January 2014

Police and Trading Standards in Brighton and Hove are warning residents about cold callers offering cheap burglar alarms.

During January police have received reports from concerned local residents about phone cold callers offering alarm or security services. The callers offer the free installation of an alarm box, often claiming that the resident has been selected at random for a free box normally costing thousands of pounds.

Sergeant Chris Lane said; "They sometimes claim some kind of affiliation to the police and that they are working with police as a result of issues with police response times. The 'sales staff' callers are generally quite pushy and will state that they have a member of staff in the area who will attend shortly and fit the box. Once the 'free' box is fitted, residents may then find themselves paying high monthly rates for remote monitoring of the equipment.

"These callers have no affiliation to the police and our advice is to refuse the services of any cold callers via the telephone or in person.

"We have received no reports of anyone actually paying any money yet, but any such approaches should be reported to Sussex Police via 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.ukor Trading Standards."

 

Best Regards   John   John Wright MBE Chair. Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation. Mobile:   07917385213 Business:01444 247368 Email:enquiries@sussexnwfed.org.uk Web:  www.sussexnwfed.org.uk

Burglary at a property in Manor Fields, Horsham.

Serial 1520 of 30/01/14 relates to a burglary at a property in Manor Fields, Horsham.

 

Sometime between 0810 hours and 2145 hours on Thursday 30^th January, a property in Manor Fields, Horsham has been broken into.

 

It would appear that the offender/s were able to gain entry by forcing the front door as there were small marks found on the door and the door frame.

 

A safe containing a passport, a gold watch and bank statements was stolen.

 

Police are appealing for anyone with information to call 101 quoting 1520 of 30/01/14.

 

EMMA WALSH

PCSO Public Engagement Officer
 

Neighbourhood Policing Team, Horsham Police Station

Tel: 101 Ext. 530214 Mobile: 07717700807 Twitter: @Horsham_police

Burglary at a property in Beech Road, Horsham.

Serial 1414 of 29/01/2014 relates to a burglary at a property in Beech Road, Horsham.

 

Sometime between 1000 hours and 2145 hours on Wednesday 29^th January, a property in Beech Road, Horsham has been broken into.

 

It is not known exactly how the offender/s were able to gain entry, however the lock in the front door appeared to be stiff, so it is possible entry was through the front door.

 

A significant amount of high value jewellery was stolen, as well as £1800 cash and an I-Pad.

 

Police are appealing for anyone with information to call 101 quoting 1414 of 29/01/14.

 

EMMA WALSH

PCSO Public Engagement Officer
 

Neighbourhood Policing Team, Horsham Police Station

Tel: 101 Ext. 530214 Mobile: 07717700807 Twitter: @Horsham_police

Burglary Hawkesbourne Road

Serial 0818 of 26/01/2014 relates to a burglary at a property in Hawkesbourne Road, Horsham.

 

Sometime between Friday 24^th January and 1440 hours on Sunday 26^th January a property in Hawkesbourne Road, has been broken into.

 

It would appear the offender/s were able to gain access through a conservatory window and then exiting through the door.

 

Several jewellery items were stolen.

 

Police are appealing for any witnesses to call 101 quoting 0818 of 26/01/2014.

 

EMMA WALSH

Neighbourhood Policing Team, Horsham Police Station

Tel: 101 Ext. 530214 Mobile: 07717700807 Twitter: @Horsham_police
PCSO Public Engagement Officer

Break ins to sheds and other outbuildings

Please be aware that overnight we have received a large amount of reports regarding breaks to sheds and other outbuildings across the Horsham District.

 

Allotments:

 

Get to know your neighbours on the allotment. If they know you, they are more likely to be suspicious if someone else is on your plot.

Do not leave expensive tools or equipment on the site unattended.

 

Garages/Sheds and other outbuildings:

 

Ensure the outside buildings are in good condition.

Consider fitting concealed hinges to prevent criminals from undoing screws or bolts.

Check that fittings are bolted through the door and reinforced at the back with a steel plate or washer.

Fit good quality locks to all the doors.

It is important to use locks at all times, even if you are at home. Always keep keys safe and out of sight.

 

Property:

 

Secure all items which could be easily removed - they could be used to break into your house.

Security mark or paint any property.

Take photos of any valuable garden ornaments. If they are stolen, Police can circulate the photographs to help with identification.

Ensure bicycles are security marked.

 

EMMA WALSH
PCSO Public Engagement Officer
Neighbourhood Policing Team, Horsham Police Station
Tel: 101 Ext. 530214 Mobile: 07717700807 Twitter: @Horsham_police

Theft of number plates

We have recently received reports about theft of number plates across Horsham District and would encourage anyone who has had their stolen to report it on 101. The offences have mainly occurred in Southwater and Braodbridge Heath/Warnham.

To stop your number plate from being stolen, you could try the following:

• Fit theft-proof screws or special number plates to your vehicle.
• ‘Clutch head’ screws are specially-designed to be virtually impossible to remove once they’ve been fitted. They are very cheap to buy and easy to fit.
• You can buy special number plates which are specifically designed to break apart if they are forcibly removed from your vehicle.

 

Remember to report any suspicious behaviour on 101 or if you see a crime taking place, 999. 

EMMA WALSH

PCSO Public Engagement Officer

Bogus Calling

Serial 0778 of 08/01/13 relates to a report of a possible bogus caller in the Forest Road area of Horsham.

 

On Wednesday 8^th January a report was received from a resident in Forest Road, Horsham that someone had knocked on their door stating that the drains were blocked and they could repair them for £3000.

 

When they were told the price was too high, the occupant was then contacted by a withheld number stating that the price could be lowered to £1500.

 

Please bare these type of callers in mind especially after the bad weather we have we experienced lately.

It may well be that this was a legitimate caller/business; however it is always worth examining and checking their identification.

 

Remember to never let someone in your house unless they are someone you know and trust and don’t immediately agree to any offer involving a significant amount of money, time or commitment.

 

EMMA WALSH

PCSO Public Engagement Officer
 

Neighbourhood Policing Team, Horsham Police Station
Tel: 101 Ext. 530214 Mobile: 07717700807 Twitter: @Horsham_police

Burglary

Serial 0351 of 03/01/14 relates to a burglary at a property in Gillet Court, Horsham.

 

Sometime between 1215 hours and 1630 hours on Thursday 2^nd January 2014 a property in Gillet Court, Horsham has been broken into.

 

It would appear the offender/s were able to gain access by a patio door at the front of the house.

 

£40 cash was stolen and an eternity ring with blue sapphires worth £120 was also stolen.

 

Police are appealing for anyone with information to call 101 quoting 0351 of 03/01/14.

 

EMMA WALSH

PCSO Public Engagement Officer
 

Neighbourhood Policing Team, Horsham Police Station

Tel: 101 Ext. 530214 Mobile: 07717700807 Twitter: @Horsham_police