Neighbourhood Watch

OUR AGM a couple of weeks ago was a most informative event, and I hope enjoyable.

Do you know what an ASBO is? Or what it is for? Anti-Social Behaviour Orders are just that. Behave! Like most parents, I imagine, I said, `Behave! 1 to my youngest one day. `But I am being have,' was the response. You have to laugh. Anti-Social Behaviour is no laughing matter.

Someone breaking into our homes in order to steal is not very sociable. It is sensible to make it less than a doddle for a thief to pursue his vocation. During the summer months, houses are sometimes unoccupied for weeks on end. But it's not difficult to make your house look occupied. By having lights come on at the times that you would normally have them on, and perhaps also the radio, they certainly give that impression. Timer switches cost around £10 for three.

Even when you are at home, there are opportunities for the passing thief. Front door unlocked or even left open? He (or she) can be in and out in a flash, and where's your wallet or handbag? It's a temptation to leave windows open in this mild weather; the guidance here is to do so only if someone is in the room at the time, and even then to lock the windows so that they only open a small amount. There are gadgets from most locksmiths for most security purposes.

For information on Neighbourhood Watch, call Dave on 01224 861176 or email at damac04@tiscali.co.uk