APRIL 2002
Now that April is here, most people's gardens will need
attention as will all the lawn mowers, strimmers and other garden
equipment.
Every year the Police Service has to dispose of hundreds of
recovered items because we don't know where they were stolen from and
who to return them to. I strongly recommend that everyone should
make a note of all attractive and valuable items and keep the list
safe in case of a theft taking place. It could make the difference between losing a stolen item for good or getting it returned.
RECENT CRIME.
Over recent weeks there has been an increase in thefts from
garden sheds. Unfortunately, there is a "ready market" for stolen
(i.e. CHEAP) lawnmowers, strimmers, chain saws, bicycles etc.
Pay particular attention to the security of your garages, garden
sheds etc. I advised on practical shed security points last month, this month I'm looking at:
GENERAL HOUSE SECURITY.
- Always fully lock your house and set any alarms even if you're
just popping out for a few minutes. MANY BURGLARIES ARE RANDOM.
- Ensure that all downstairs windows have locks fitted to them
and that the keys are easily accessible in case of fire or
other emergency.
- Make sure that patio doors are fitted with locks and security
bolts, top and bottom, or diogonally. This helps to prevent the
doors being lifted out of their frames.
- Don't leave your house keys anywhere - that dustbin, flower pot, etc. is the first place a thief will look.
- If you can afford it, fit a burglar alarm and have it maintained
annually.
- Join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or consider starting one in
your area. Contact P.C.Turner on 01291-430999 for further
advice and details.
- When you go out at night leave a light switched on. You can buy
mechanical light fitting adaptors that will do this for you.
- Have a chain fitted to your front door and ALWAYS check the
identity of strangers before letting them into your house. If
in doubt ring the police immediately - if the caller is genuine
he or she won't mind.
CONTINUING THE ARTICLES ON DRUGS...
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
Drugs affect everyone differently. The effects can depend on
the amount taken, the user's mood and their surroundings.
Sometimes
people suffer a bad reaction. It's important to know what to do if
you find your child is ill after taking a drug.
Amphetamines (speed), cannabis, ecstasy, LSD and magic mushrooms
can sometimes make the user feel tense and panicky. If this happens:
- Calm them and be reassuring. Try not to panic. Speak in a
normal voice and, if you feel scared or worried, try not to
let them see it.
- Explain that the feelings will pass.
- Encourage them to settle in a quiet, dimly lit room.
- If they start breathing very quickly, calm them down and
tell them to take long, slow breaths.
Heroin, tranquillisers and misuse of gases, glues and aerosols
can make the user feel very drowsy. If this happens:
- Calm them and be reassuring, speak in a low, quiet voice
and try not to panic.
- Don't frighten or startle them or let them exert themselves.
- NEVER give coffee to rouse them.
- If symptoms persist, place them in the recovery position.
- Don't hesitate to call an ambulance if they don't start to
become more alert.
Unconsciousness can also happen if someone uses heroin or
tranquillisers, misuses gases, glues and aerosols, suffers a bad
reaction to ecstasy or, if an ecstasy user, dances energetically
without taking regular breaks or drinking enough fluids. An
overdose of most drugs will also cause unconsciousness. If this
happens:
- Dial 999 straight away and ask for an ambulance. Never
feel too ashamed to involve the emergency services.
- Place them in the recovery position so they won't choke
if they vomit.
- Check breathing. Be prepared to do mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation.
- Keep them warm but not too hot. However, if someone has
taken ecstasy and you think they may have overheated, make
sure they have plenty of cool, fresh air and remove any
excess clothing such as a hat, gloves etc.
- Stay with them at all times. If you need to leave to call
an ambulance, go straight back.
- If you know what drug has been taken, tell the ambulance
crew. If you find drugs but you're not sure what they are,
give them to the ambulance crew.
If your child is heavily under the influence of alcohol, don't
leave them to sleep it off alone because there is a risk of choking
if they vomit. Keep an eye on them - make sure they sleep on their
side and check that they keep breathing. An unconscious child should
be gently moved into the recovery position so their tongue cannot
fall back and prevent breathing.
CYCLE POST CODING
The new labels for post coding pedal cycles have now arrived.
The system consists of a serialised, virtually indestructible label
that is marked with your post code and then stuck on to your bike.
The bike is also marked with a security ultra violet pen. Your label
serial number and home address is then kept on a computer database
so that if your bike is stolen and then found it can quickly be
returned to you.
The marking of the bike is free but an adult must sign the form
that has the owner's address on it to enable the record to be kept
on a computer.
I will be in Caerwent on the following dates and times to mark
up anyone's cycle if they would like it done:
- COMMUNITY CENTRE, TUESDAY 30th APRIL, 2002, between 1800 and
1900 hours.
- CAERWENT VILLAGE HALL, SUNDAY 5th MAY, 2002, between 1000 and 1200 hours.
SO BRING YOUR BIKES ALONG AND GET THEM SECURITY MARKED.
Finally, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Easter.
Until next month.
Ashley Turner.
PC 737, Community Police Constable
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