News

Hello Neighbours,

Welcome to the November edition of Our News. It's a packed edition, with lots of great news and offers. But, first of all, we need to apologise for sending it out late this month. We’re so sorry for the delay. According to VISAV, the company that manage the Alert system we use to send the newsletter, the problem was related to an anomaly with the database. They've been working to prevent it happening again. Thank you so much for your patience and support while it was being fixed!

Knife crime stats update

The new figures show a 10% reduction in offences under this government across the seven police forces most impacted by knife crime, with areas like West Midlands seeing a 30% drop, following targeted policing efforts.

Interventions include the use of hotspot policing, acting on better intelligence on offenders, increased patrols using knife arches, drones and plain clothes officers. Read the full story online.

Expert advice to help you protect your home this winter

With Black Friday on the horizon, and the most prepared amongst us already ticking items off the Christmas present shopping list, Sumier Foster-Shah from ERA - one of the UK’s leading home security providers - shares his top tips for making sure your home is properly protected over the coming months. Read his easily applicable advice here. – AD

Congratulations to Lynn Farrar!

Lynn is Board Member at Derbyshire Neighbourhood Watch, and she has recently recognised as Trustee of the Year. She was given the prestigious award by The Chesterfield and NE Derbyshire Volunteer Centre. Lynn has led her local Neighbourhood Watch through legal and strategic change. She expanded it from a traditional crime-prevention group to a community focused network. It is absolutely wonderful to see her efforts rewarded.

Mobile phone survey insights

31,000 people filled in our mobile phone theft survey, and we’ve shared the key findings on our website. We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and views with us. We'll be using this information to improve our mobile phone resources. Want advice on what you can do to protect your data and phone, or what to do in the event that your phone is stolen? Check out our mobile phone theft pages.

Protect your wallet and your water!

Rogue plumbers can cause expensive damage, leaks and even contamination.

This simple guide shows you how to hire a qualified, WaterSafe-approved professional. Demand ID, get a written quote, and never be pressured. Find your certified expert at watersafe.org.uk. - AD

Cyberhood Watch

Craig Pay, one of our Cyberhood Watch Ambassadors, recently spoke at The Cybercrime and Fraud Conference hosted by Lancashire Police and Lancashire Partnership Against Crime. He gave a talk about Cyberhood Watch alongside other speakers, notably Georgina Harrison MBE (Love Island sextortion victim) and Kirsty Guest (romance fraud victim).

Strengthening village safety in Cornwall

A Neighbourhood Watch Scheme has been launched in St Erth, a village in Cornwall with the goal of preventing crime and easing fears about it in the village. The scheme was created following the annual parish meeting earlier this year, where villagers raised concerns about rising anti-social behaviour and the need to better integrate newcomers into the community. Find out more.

Protecting your family through estate planning
Take control now - planning ahead with a Will and LPA ensures your loved ones are protected and never powerless. A crisis can hit unexpectedly, and without these plans, crucial decisions may be taken out of your control. Click here to discover how estate planning secures your future. - AD

Opinion: Faith communities are key to crime reduction

Faith communities are often the backbone of our neighbourhoods. We have been building our homes around centres of worship for millennia. Our Trustee, Kardaya Rooprai, attended the National Faith Conference, and he believes faith communities are also key to reducing hate, division and crime. Read his blog.

Have you heard about the switch to digital landlines?
Landlines are changing, and the UK’s telephone network is going digital by January 2027. If you have loved ones with additional needs such as elderly relatives or someone who uses a telecare device or pendant alarm, BT’s Connected Together initiative encourages you to take a few simple steps to support them through the switch. BT’s Connected Together website is where customers, can access all the guidance and support they need. Start the conversation today. - AD

Headingley Ash Road NW welcome new (and old!) residents to the area.

How wonderful to see the 8th annual welcome event for new residents in Ash Road. The street party was held by the Headingley Ash Road NW group in Leeds. Offering free food and a tombola as well as special offers, it’s a fabulous way to bring neighbours and new arrivals together. What a warm welcome to the neighbourhood!

Why not join the Neighbourhood Watch lottery community!

Playing a charity lottery is a fun, low-cost way to support a good cause while also having the chance to win up to £25,000 a week. The lottery generates a steady source of income that supports our core work and volunteer network across England and Wales. These funds enable us to do more as a charity - support our volunteers better, build stronger projects, and make more of an impact on crime prevention and community wellbeing. Support Neighbourhood Watch Network when you play One Lottery - One Lottery

Thanks so much for reading, have a very safe and happy November everyone!

Attachments

November 2025 newsletter.pdf

When and Where?

Will you attend?

Your local Beat Officers PC Ben Cox, PC Neil Denney and PCSO Tania Gill-Jones will be holding a Drop In Engagement Surgery at Bredhurst Village Hall on Saturday 1st November 2025 between 09:00 hours and 10:00 hours for residents of Bredhurst and the surrounding area.

This is your opportunity to raise any concerns you may have and to find out what we are doing to tackle the issues that matter to you.

Everyone is welcome so please share this message on to anyone that you would feel would benefit from attendance by using the share button below.

Welcome to the October edition of Our News. As you can see, we've changed the format slightly. Don't worry, I've included the PDF version as an attachment so you can still read it. I'd love to know what you think, please do share your feedback so we can improve.

Neighbourhood Watch annual conference

This year our annual conference was hosted online. Featuring sessions on neighbourhood policing and crime prevention. We shared the charity's new strategy, and celebrated the volunteer recognition awards.

Thanks to everyone who joined, our speakers and our sponsors ERA and SimpliSafe who made the event possible. Find event slides and videos on our website.

Patlock is the original, patented security solution for secure French doors, patio doors and conservatories, creating the ultimate visual deterrent against intruders. Purchase Patlock at the Neighbourhood Watch discounted price of £42.50. -AD

Mobile phone theft

Statistics show that phone thefts have been increasing, particularly in urban areas. According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, an estimated 78,000 people had phones or bags snatched from them on the street last year. That is a 153% increase on the number of incidents.

We’ve pulled together information on how to protect your data and what to do if you have had your phone stolen. We are running a mobile phone theft survey to find out what your experiences and concerns are.

Please click here to complete the survey

Are you worried that someone might be stalking you?

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has an online ‘Am I being stalked?’ tool which can help you understand your rights and take the next steps towards safety.

Find out more on the website and reach out to the National Stalking Helpline for more guidance, support and personal safety advice on 0808 802 0300.

Future proof your estate

A crisis rarely comes with warning. Without the right plans in place, decisions about your home, care and family could be taken out of your hands. Wills and LPAs give you control and ensure your loved ones aren’t left powerless.

Click here to see how planning ahead ensures protection is in place. -AD

Doorbell Detectives need you!
BBC One’s hit TV show is back, putting the spotlight on Britain’s Doorbell Detectives capturing neighbourhood crime – and they need you!

Has your smart doorbell helped solve a crime on your street? Have you caught footage of doorstep scammers or parcel thieves, or been alerted to criminals outside your home? If so, get in touch and share your clips and stories to doorbelldetectives@purpleproductions.co.uk or text/WhatsApp: 07386 695 758

As the days get darker, stay one step ahead with AlarmID

Busy commutes. Crowded cafes. A meet-up with friends after work. As autumn sets in, it’s easier than ever to lose sight of your bag - and that’s exactly when thieves strike. AlarmID is a security tamper alarm that protects your handbag, laptop, or backpack from opportunistic theft. If someone tries to take your things — a loud siren instantly sounds alerting you (and everyone nearby). Get yours today with the NW exclusive discount. -AD

Victims of crime have received record compensation from criminal funds

New figures released show that almost £50 million taken from criminals was returned to victims, a 165% increase on the previous year and the highest amount in over half a decade.

This comes as law enforcement recovered almost £300 million in criminal assets. Asset recovery gives law enforcement the tools to track down, and take back, assets gained through criminal activity. Which means that offenders cannot benefit from the proceeds of their crimes. Find the full story on our website.

Hate Crime Awareness Week

National Hate Crime Awareness Week runs from 11 to 18 October 2025.The objective of National Hate Crime Awareness Week is to encourage the authorities and communities affected by hate crime to work together to tackle local hate crime issues.

Hate crime is crime targeted towards people because of their disability, faith or beliefs, race, sexual orientation or gender identity, it is vital we work together to eliminate it from our communities Find out more.

Thanks so much for reading, don't forget you can give feedback on the newsletter, I would love to know what you think.

Hope you have have a very happy and safe October.

Attachments

Our News October 2025.pdf

Good morning Michael,

There has been a recent spike in vehicle related offences in the Boxley Downs ward; in particular Theft From Motor Vehicle offences. This means items being stolen from within, or having been removed from, a vehicle, such as personal belongings inside vehicles or parts such as number plates and light clusters.

Having your car broken into and losing your things to thieves can be very distressing. Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep your vehicle, and what’s in it, safe:

1. Always lock it

Fuelling up or popping back into your house to get something are perfect examples of how easy it is to turn your back for a moment and forget your vehicle is unsecured. So get into the habit of locking your vehicle even if you’re only going to be away from it for a moment.

If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked.

2. Close windows and the sun roof to prevent ‘fishing’

Leaving windows and the sunroof open invites fishing for items through the gap by hand or with, say, a bent coat hanger, which could also be used to unlock a door for them to get in. Thieves can be ingenious. Don’t give them the opportunity.

3. Secure your number plates with tamper-resistant screws

The easiest way to change the identity of a stolen vehicle or avoid speeding tickets and parking tickets is to fit stolen number plates. Using security screws to attach your vehicle’s number plates makes it harder for thieves to get your number.

4. Fit locking, anti-tamper wheel nuts to secure alloy wheels

Stolen wheels are valuable, either as parts or for their scrap value. Using locking wheel nuts reduces the risk of your vehicle’s wheels being stolen.

5. Secure anything that’s on the outside of your vehicle

Anything left on roof-racks, tailgate racks, holiday top boxes or in tool chests are easily stolen when the vehicle is parked. The use of cable locks, padlocks and self-locking tools chests, which are secured to the vehicle, makes them more secure, but still, don’t leave things in them if you can avoid it.

For further information and advice, visit Sold Secure.

6. Take it with you or hide it

Your mobile phone, coins for the car park, sunglasses, packs of medication or other items that can earn quick cash are irresistible to the opportunist thief. Remember, the cost of replacing a window is often much more than that of what’s stolen. And it should go without saying that wallets, handbags, purses and credit cards should never be left in an unattended vehicle.

7. Hide electrical items and leave no clues

Leaving sat nav mounts, suction cup marks on windows or cables on view gives it away that you have left a Sat Nav, smartphone or other device in your car. Even if they can’t see the Sat Nav or iPad they might still break in to see if it’s stored in the car, out of sight.

8. Tool theft from vans

Vans are often targeted by thieves for the tools stored inside. If you have to leave tools in a van overnight, it's a good idea to mark them clearly with your name / company name and address using paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray. Alternatively, you can use a variety of other property marking systems. Items that are clearly marked are less desirable and more difficult to sell on.

Consider using a lockable cabinet within your van to store tools – a number of security rated products are available. Small cameras are also designed to record inside vehicles. Visit Secured by Design for more details.

You can also take photographs of items of value, make a note of the serial numbers and consider registering them online at a property register site.

9. Park in well-lit and busier areas

It can take less than 30 seconds to break into a vehicle. Parking in well-lit areas and busy streets increases the chances of a thief being seen, so they’ll probably steer clear.

10. Take your documents with you

Having a vehicle’s registration and insurance documents could let a thief pretend to be the owner. Which means they could sell it on quite easily. So, never leave any documents in the vehicle.

11. Choose your car park wisely

If possible, always try to park in well-lit and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award. To find one, simply check out Park Mark.

Catalytic converter theft

The precious metal in catalytic converters has led to an increase in their theft. Find out what catalytic converter theft is and what you can do about it.