A great deal of emphasis must be placed on distraction burglaries, particularly where senior citizens are targeted. Very often people purport to be tradesmen, delivery or meter readers and (the latest, a health visitor) all trying to gain access to your property. It is therefore essential that they are challenged in some way to stop them getting further. This can only be achieved by education. Again 'IF IN DOUBT, CHECK CALLERS OUT'  Any genuine caller will accept innocent questioning.

It is also important to communicate what is and isn't proper identification. Anyone selling or buying door to door must in law have a Pedlar's Certificate. See March Out of Reach for what they should look like.

A small card with a photograph on is NOT a Pedlar's Certificate. Again, only the rogue will be unhelpful if challenged.

The latest trick is to knock on your door to tell you that you have a refund due on your gas, electric or water bill to the value of say £10.00. The caller then hands you a £50 note  ( forged) and asks for £40 change Neither, the Gas, Electric Water Authorities would ever refund a customer this way, so PLEASE BE WARY OF STRANGERS BEARING GIFTS!

In an attempt to address concerns felt by many of you at youth disorder and nuisance, the police has launched a new scheme called Operation Foster. This basically means writing a letter to the individual's parents/guardians advising  them of the behaviour that warranted their attention. Very often, of course no actual crime takes place and the police are unable to do anything about: under age drinking, noise etc. This scheme should at least provide us with a positive response to our complaints. Because, however, the police must actually speak to the youths it is important that these incidents are reported as they are happening.

Remember that holiday times are always a busy one, thieves do not respect holidays. Please do not leave valuables in cars, keep a car on your drive whilst away and remember that 'The Watch' is not just a word it's an action.

THE PRICE OF A SAFE COMMUNITY IS CONSTANT VIGILANCE