Caerwent Community Neighbourhood Watch

POLICE NOTES

NOVEMBER 2002 Christmas is rapidly approaching and the shops are already selling Christmas goods. At this time of year there is usually an increase of credit card fraud and thefts from cars, handbags etc. I'm therefore giving some advice that may avoid readers becoming a victim of theft while shopping etc. HANDBAGS_AND PURSES Always fasten, using the clasp or zip, your handbag and carry it on you. Don't put it down on the floor or leave it unattended on your shopping trolley. Never leave your banking PIN numbers inside purses, wallets etc. Never leave cheque guarantee cards with your cheque book in any bags, cheque book holders etc. Keep all receipts for items purchased and file them with any instruction booklets in case they are needed for claims within the guarantee period. Completely destroy the receipts you don't have to keep, especially the ones that show your credit card details. VEHICLE SECURITY Don't leave spare keys to vehicles, houses, places of work etc. in yoar vehicle. Always set vehicle alarms when leaving the vehicle. Try to park the vehicle in busy areas where there are CCTV cameras and good street lights. Don't leave anything valuable in the vehicle. After shopping put all items in the boot out of sight and lock it. CREDIT CARD & BANK CARD PURCHASES If you hand over your card keep it in sight especially if purchasing items in a market. Cards can be copied by machines. Retain and then safely destroy any "manual card transaction' top sheets. Criminals can use these to give your details when purchasing goods over the phone OTHER POINTS If you feel vulnerable don't go shopping alone. IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF A PURSE THEFT OR LOSS IMMEDIATELY CANCEL ALL CREDIT CARDS AND BANK CARDS. ALWAYS REPORT THE THEFT/LOSS TO THE POLICE. Finally, I should stress that the chances of you becoming a victim of crime are low. THERE IS NOT A MUGGER ON EVERY STREET CORNER! However, prevention is better than cure and by taking a few sensible crime prevention measures you will reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime. GENERAL CRIME PATTERNS In the GaldLicot area the recent crime patterns have been: Theft of money from business premises Thefts from sheds and garages Burglary of business premises All of the above crimes are believed to be drug related. I welcome all constructive comments, critical or otherwise, about my articles. If there is any aspect of general criminal law tnat you would like to know about, let me know and I will write an article on it. A GENERAL REMINDER! If you see any suspicious activity - don't worry about 'disturbing the police'. Please just dial Caldicot Police Station on 01291-430999 or 999 straight away. Remember, your efforts can make a real difference. Until next month. Ashley Turner. PC 737, Community Police Constable PS:- I still have "BOGUS CALLER INITIATIVE" packs and some very good booklets on drugs and alcohol abuse. If anyone would like one contact me at the Police Station on 01291-430999.

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