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Neighbourhood Watch

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH in BJ

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Burton Joyce Community Neighbourhood Watch 

                                                                       

(The eyes, ears and conscience of our Village")

e: mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  (via the internet OR your mobile phone) 

Contact the Police -If someone's life is in danger or a crime is in progress dial 999 - Otherwise, dial  0300 300 99 99

If you have information about a crime in Nottinghamshire and you want to report it anonymously, call Crimestoppers on This information 0800 555111

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Make a note in your diary

"TRADITIONAL NOTTINGHAM LACE FAYRE" - Saturday November 20th 10am<1.0pm at the Carnarvon Rooms

(OUR FIRST FUNDRAISING EVENT - Sale of "ALL THINGS LACE" plus coffee, tea and chat! ) 

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August 2010 -  BJ Crime Incidents

Approximate timeIncident Notes
(If you have any information about these incidents or others like it, please let us know
 
BURGLARY OTHER - SHED ETC
04/08/2010 20:00:00UNKNOWN PERSON FORCED PADLOCK AND HASP ON WOODEN DOOR OF STABLES TO GAIN ACCESS. ONCE INSIDE STOLE ITEMS. 
 
BURGLARY DWELLING
06/08/2010 00:01:00House has been broken into entry gained via patio door. 
 
THEFT OR UNAUTHORISED TAKING OF VEHICLE
22/08/2010 23:30:00UNKNOWN PERSON ATTEMPTED TO STEAL MOTORBIKE FROM GARDEN OF HOUSE 
 
BURGLARY OTHER - SHED ETC
25/08/2010 22:00:00UNKNOWN SUSPECT FORCED ENTRY TO SHED IN INSECURE BACK GARDEN. ONCE INSIDE THEY TOOK 2 MOUNTAIN BIKES

23/07/10

SCAMS

If truth be told, it would be possible to devote an entire book on this subject. The increase in our day to day reliance on computers and technology have opened up a brand new window of opportunity for scammers to try to get us to part with our money in return for nothing but an empty promise, if we even get offered that!
Computers are not the sole culprits however. There's a scam out there waiting for everyone and it's important you don't let down your guard. If you do, then you, too can become a victim.
Scammers are not concerned with who they try to con out of cash and elderly people are not immune to this. In fact, some scammers see older people as easier targets so it's important to be vigilant.
Scams have gone on for as long as time itself. We've all heard of the rogue cowboy tradesmen who offer to fix your roof for £300 then, once it's complete (or they say it's complete), they come asking for £600. It's a lot easier these days to ensure that the tradesmen we get in to carry out work on our homes are reputable as the majority of good ones are regulated so you can always check for a reputable tradesman before you agree to work being carried out on your property. Likewise, with door to door salesmen, most of us know not to let them into our homes or let them pressurise us into signing up for something we don't fully understand the implications of. And, if in doubt, a door can always be closed so, if in doubt, shut 'em out!
However, today, scammers are using ever more devious ways in which to con you out of your hard earned cash.
Well Known Scams
Lottery scams, premium rate phone scams, pyramid selling, miracle health cures, work from home scams, foreign money offers scams, bogus holiday clubs, investment scams, phishing in which a bogus e-mail tries to get you to give details of your bank account by purporting to be an e-mail from your bank - Note: No bank would ever ask you for your security details in an e-mail.
In terms of listing scams, we could go on and on. The crucial point here though is not to try and list every scam known to man. Even if we did that, you can bet your life there'd be another hundred to add tomorrow, the key is to recognise a scam from the outset so that you can take action to avoid becoming a victim.
How to Recognise a Scam
Let's take a look at how scammers make their approach. That way, you're most of the way to recognising a potential scam before it can even take place.
Scammers will often try to succeed by:
  • Catching you unawares, e.g. contacting you without you asking them to, by phone, e-mail, post or sometimes in person
  • Sounding pleasant and plausible and wanting to sound as though they could be your friend
  • Having highly professional posters, letters and leaflets
  • Being very persuasive and persistent
  • Trying to rush you into making a decision
  • Asking you to send money before you've received anything from them first
Scammers are masters at creating the professional 'pitch'. They'll often offer you something for nothing (or so it seems) such as:
  • You've won a major prize in a lottery or draw, even if you haven't entered one
  • An exclusive entry to a scheme that's 'guaranteed' to make you money
  • A way to earn easy money by you agreeing to help them get untold 'millions' out of their country
  • The chance to join an investment scheme that will make you vast amounts of cash
Then, there's the sting.
Hopefully, we've flagged up enough warning bells for you to be able to spot a scammer straight away but if you haven't got it yet, the next stage will be the 'sting'.
What They'll Ask For
  • Send money up front (they may end up couching this in all kinds of fancy terminologies, such as saying it's simply an administration fee or tax, but however it's dressed up, the aim is to get you to give up some of your money (and remember, you've not received anything yet, except hollow promises which will inevitably turn out to be false)
  • Give them your bank, credit card or other personal details - NEVER fall for this one
  • Ring an expensive premium rate phone number (this could cost you a fortune)
  • Buy something first in order to collect your prize (there'll be no prize or, at best, it'll be worthless)
We all like to believe that all people are, in essence, good, honest and truthful but sadly, this is not the case. Even though these people may appear, on the face of it, to be ever so polite, courteous and friendly beware…..as they'll lie to you, give you very good answers to any of your objections, only give you a PO box number as their address, ask you to give them money straight away or ask you not to tell anyone about the 'deal'.
If they try to do any of these things, it's highly likely to be a scam.
By following all the advice outlined above and keeping an eye out for all the tricks and ruses, it will help you in avoiding all manner of scams. And, if you're in doubt, or you feel you may have already been the victim of a scam, you should contact the Office of Fair Trading and your local police 
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22/07/10 

 August

  • 7th Beat Surgery
    Co-op, Main Street, Burton Joyce, 10:00am - 11:00am
    A member of the Neighbourhood Policing Team will be present at the above location for you to discuss any local issues and problems that are causing you concern. Come along and have your say on how you want your Neighbourhood Policing Team to deal with them. We will also be able to update you on things that we have been doing in the area and provide advice, if required, on a number of subjects. If you are unable to attend this location and have any concerns please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

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20/07/10 

Yet another Scam highlighted by out NHW colleagues in Radcliffe on -Trent  

****PUT THE PHONE DOWN

The scam always starts in the same way. The phone rings at someones home and the caller - usually with an Indian accent, askes for the householder quoting name and address befor saying I am calling from Microsoft  ..  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Dire forcasts are made if a computer problem is not solved ..  ..

PUT THE PHONE DOWN   ..  PLEASE !

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Copy Information via our NHW collegues in Radcliffe-on-Trent  

Subject: RE: Door knockers selling goods: Neighbourhood Watch Group
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:08:36 +0100
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Hello David,
 
Good piece of work. Persons who sell goods door to door FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY require a Pedlars Certificate. These are only issued by the police and bear a photograph of the holder. They are expensive to buy and they are not sold to persons who have criminal convictions. Traders should be able to produce them to customer's as proof of identity.
 
To trade without one is an offence.
 
I have found that asking for the sight of one and mentioning trading without one is an offence is the best way to get rid of these pests.
 
The police need to know if such persons are in your area for as you rightly say it is often cover for more serious criminal activity.
 
Regards,
Peter.

-----Original Message-----
From: David Griffin [mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ]
Sent: 13 July 2010 10:28
To: Griffin Karen E
Subject: FW: Door knockers selling goods: Neighbourhood Watch Group
Importance: High

Please report this type of incident to the police 03003009999 ie. non-emergency number, if it is a criminal offence taking place then ring 999
 
            Stay vigilant - be safe - lets keep our community safer
 
                       All the best  Dave Griffin. Tel. No. 01159123605/07789763412
 
> Date: Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:38:37 +0000
> From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
> To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
> Subject: Door knockers selling goods: Neighbourhood Watch Group
>
> A message from Brian Foster to all members of Neighbourhood Watch Group on Upper Saxondale Community Website!
>
> Last night three men from the Clifton estate were on the estate at about 8.30pm selling dusters door to door. They came in a purple car (unfortunately i couldn't get anything other than it was a R reg)
> They were quite obviously looking out for open windows and empty houses at that time of night. The Clifton area is renowned for burglars using the guise of door to door salespeople to get into houses in this fashion. Please be wary of buying anything at your door and ensure your back doors are locked. If you see the car again please let me have the number and i will circulate it to the local police.

This information would NOT have been available without our relationship with Radcliffe-on-Trent NHW scheme

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17th July 2010

Do NHW schemes work ? - OF COURSE THEY DO  -  Why would anyone ask such a silly question?

A popular initiative

Neighbourhood Watch has become the largest voluntary community safety organisation across the UK.
It has an estimated 10 million members.
The 2008 British Crime Survey across England and Wales showed that in that year:

• Neighbourhood Watch covered approximately 3.8 million households;

• an estimated 16 per cent of households were members of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and;

• 75 per cent of households who were not members said they would join a scheme if there was one in the local area.

For more information, see the Home Office Research Development Statistics website at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/bcs1.html

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12th July 2010

TIPS ON SECURITY LIGHTING SAVE £’s

With energy prices high, some tips to save pounds - improve the environment and not compromise your security　

Do you have one of these types of lights?　

Does it have this type/wattage of Bulb? 　

Here are some tips for best usage of halogen floodlights, and remember - go for the lowest wattage that is practical for your needs. 100 -150w will be plenty for most, 300w is rarely needed, and a 500w floodlight is simply far too powerful for normal homes or small offices. If you already have a 500w or 300w light, replace its bulb with one of lower power. Over lighting doesn't necessarily improve safety or visibility - it simply creates more glare and wastes even more money. The simple step of replacing your bulb(s) at around £2.40 each can save you up to £66 per light per year, without any major reduction in the security benefits.

You may wish to consider very low wattage systems (9w) that are either on dusk till dawn or PIR sensor activated. These will cost in the area of £80 each but have the benefit of very low running costs.　

Your floodlight can enhance your sense of security and the convenience of your property if used sensibly. However, a badly aimed floodlight can upset your neighbours through glare, light pollution and light trespass, and can also disturb nighttime wildlife. The three steps below can help you get the best from your floodlight, ensuring that it provides safe and beneficial lighting, and can also help reduce running costs too.

Keep it down:
Minimise blinding glare and avoid wasted light shining into the sky or neighbouring property by tilting the floodlight down as far as possible. Only the area to be lit should be covered by the beam. Site the floodlight as high as is practical, as this enables less tilt and provides safer, more even lighting that cannot be tampered with by intruders. This can save money too by letting you use a lower wattage bulb - 100w instead of 300w or 500w.

When fitting external lights fit iaw with instructions normally to 13 amp rcd fused spur. We would strongly recommend you have this type of light professionally fitted. For further information please contact your police crime reduction manager: 0300 300 99 99 

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10th July 2010

According to the British Crime Survey every 29 seconds a house is burgled. A good quality burglar alarm (also known as an intruder alarm) is the single best measure to reduce the risk of being burgled. The Home Office recently interviewed imprisoned burglars and 84% of them said that they would not willingly enter a building where a working alarm was fitted. Homes with poor security are 10 times more likely to be burgled than those with good, visible security including the bell box of an alarm system. If there are five similar houses in a row and four of them have bell boxes on the outside then the most likely one to be burgled will be the one without.


We would always recommend that your alarm is professionally fitted and regularly maintained. Not only does this give you safeguards against breakdown but a well maintained system is less likely to give false alarms. A professionally fitted system will only sound an alarm for a maximum of 20 minutes to reduce possible noise nuisance. Suitable companies will be registered either with the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) (sometimes referred to as NACOSS Gold) or the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB). The advantages of using such companies include:-

·          guaranteed standards of workmanship

·          guaranteed quality of components

·          good standards of after-sales service and maintenance
·          criminal records bureau (CRB) checks of ALL staff working for the company.

Links to these bodies are:-   http://www.nsi.org.uk/  http://www.ssaib.co.uk/

NEVER be bullied or conned into buying an alarm from someone who has telephoned you or turned up uninvited on your doorstep. Nottinghamshire Police often hears of cases where people have purchased alarms in this way from sales people who set out to raise fear of crime and even say that the Police will not respond to a report of a burglary unless it has come through a monitoring station. In June 2010 a local person agreed to a contract to have an alarm fitted for £199 provided he also had five years of monitoring at a total cost of £3,600 – half of which had to be paid up front. Other companies blatantly overcharge – “the normal cost of installation would be £5,000 but, seeing as you’re a pensioner, we’ll make it £3,000”. As well as the exorbitant cost, residents should beware of unknown persons seeking to gain entry to their homes to carry out so-called "inspections".

If you are in any doubt please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for free and impartial advice.

As a guide to price a hard wired system for a typical three bedroom semi-detached house would probably cost between £400 and £600 to install with probably between £40 and £80 a year maintenance costs. Compare this with the average cost (at 2003/04 prices) of a domestic burglary calculated by the Home Office: £3,268.

Installations can be hard wired (the components are connected together using cables which carry power to the outlying parts from the central control panel - these will normally be hidden away from view during the installation) or wireless (no connecting cables and each component will have its own battery power supply self-contained). Wireless components are usually more expensive than hard wired and you need to check regularly that the batteries are still charged.

A typical system would comprise:-

·          a panel which will either have a keypad to enter a PIN code to set, part set or unset the alarm or may have something like a car's central locking remote control or a device to hold to the panel to do the same functions – this would normally be conveniently near the main door to the home and coming in through this door will allow a delay before the alarm is set off to allow the householder to unset the alarm on return home. Using the panel it is usually possible to “zone” the home so that, for example, upstairs the alarm can be off while downstairs it is on at night
·          a control box which monitors all the other components, receives and interprets signals from them and decides if an alarm is needed – this is normally put somewhere out of sight
·          several sensors of different types - doors and windows can be fitted with magnetic sensors which detect the opening of the door or window; the space within a room or corridor can be protected with passive infrared (PIR) or microwave sensors which detect movement within the space - if you have pets then special pet sensors can be fitted which will ignore the smaller body size of a cat or most dogs but will give an alarm if a human moves in the space. Vibration sensors and glass-break detectors are also possible components
·          a warning device - usually a bell or siren fitted in a box on the outside of the building. This “bell box” is often fitted with strobe lights. Its purpose is to warn occupants and neighbours that someone has broken in, to disturb the intruder and to show which home has been broken into. It is also possible to add an autodialler which could ring you or a trusted friend or family member on a landline or mobile phone or even have remote monitoring by an alarm receiving centre which would contact the local police in case of a confirmed alarm - this last version is the most expensive and we would normally only recommend it in a domestic setting if there were particular reasons (e.g. an expensive piece of fine art)
·          other more optional components might include a wireless link to an outbuilding such as a shed or garage, a link to fire or smoke alarms or a panic alarm which can set off the alarm in case of need.

There are many companies who can provide this facility and we would recommend that you get at least three competitive quotes before going ahead 

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We invariably post ALERTS in the dedicated NHW section however as this one is particularly important to the good ame of the NHW we are posting a duplicate copy here also

New Neighbourhood Alert Alert 7  04/07/2010 19:51:40

Information sent on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police (General)

Message sent by
Robert Vaughan-Newton (Police, NW Administrator South Notts)
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
I have been asked by the Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network to let you know about the following:-

A resident in South London has reported a possible scam taking place in his locality.

A man claiming to represent ‘Neighbourhood Watch Support’ telephoned to say that a Neighbourhood Watch brochure was going out to all the local residents. The caller was encouraging local businesses to advertise in this brochure.

The resident agreed to place an advertisement and later received a further phone call from a company calling itself ‘Business Community Support Multimedia’. The caller took some details over the phone.

At a later date the resident received a letter with a ‘proof’ for the advertisement. Apart from the name of the business and the contact phone number, every detail was incorrect. The accompanying letter said that unless any amendments were received within five days (by phone, email or fax) they would assume that the details were correct and place the advert.

The resident tried several times to contact the company by email and phone but to no avail, finding his emails unanswered and his phone calls cut off. Luckily he had not yet paid any money for the advertisement.

We would like to make it clear that there is no such organisation as ‘Neighbourhood Watch Support’ and the Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network does not produce any such local brochures nor contract Business Community Support Multimedia to do so.

If you have any concerns, questions or issues you would like to raise relating to this, please contact us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0116 229 3118 and do not agree to anything over the telephone or on your doorstep.

 02/07/2010 -Going away or on holiday?

 Here are a few crime prevention tips that can help holidaymakers reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary while they enjoy a well-earned break.

Good advice includes:
Ask a family member to check there is no post on view to passers-by, and that your letterbox is emptied regularly, or cancel your post
· Ask a neighbour to close your curtains at night and open them again in the morning – or invest in an automatic curtain-pulling device
· Cancel your milk and your newspapers
· Don’t flag up your holiday to strangers who may be in the newsagents when you cancel your papers
· Don’t talk about your forthcoming holiday whilst in public places
· Don’t leave suitcases in the drive as you pack your car
· Don’t put your home address on your luggage label on your outbound journey
· Invest in security light timers – they can be programmed to make it look like someone is home in the evenings - put a radio tuned to a speech channel such as BBC Radio 4 or Radio 5 Live on one
· Keep a car parked on your drive or outside your house
· Cut the lawn just before you go away, so that the garden doesn’t look unkempt, offering tell-tale signs of your absence.
· Removing high value equipment such as televisions and laptops from view
· Locking doors and windows and setting a burglar alarm

Newsletter No.1 - 01/07/2010

Firstly, thank you all individually for your community spirit in volunteering to act as Co-ordinators within our re-established NHW initiative

Secondly we apologise for the slight delay in getting back to you after our OPEN DAY

Thirdly we have now completed our circuit of personally thanking the businesses who supported us with pre-event publicity

We have now established a dedicated Bank account for the BJCNHW initiative and are currently seeking “Green Shoots” funding to help in the financing of our development - room hire, administration, printing, newsletters etc. (To date we have financed this ourselves with the assistance of local sponsors Mercury “Fire/Security” and Roger Smith “Insurance“)

BJ Library has kindly allowed us to establish a Monday morning “POP-IN” for “face-to-face” communication with our many Co-ordinators and village residents .

We intend arranging our first formal “quarterly” meeting for Co-ordinators in September (after the summer holiday period) enabling us all to re-establish “faces with names” and create together a plan for our future growth

However we do suggest that all our Co-ordinators register for the new “Police Alert” system at www.gedlingcommunity.co.uk ( via the Internet - we can assist those who need help with this or do not have internet access at home). Both Sandra and I have, for the last 6 months, successfully instructed many “Over 50’s” in the basic use and understanding of emails and the internet“ in BJ Library . In most instances this tuition needs only two 1hour sessions (these can be at the Monday morning “POP-IN” at the BJ library - so you don’t need to own a computer). These new Police Alerts will also be available, as hard copies, at the “Monday morning POP-IN”

Finally we hope we will see you all over the coming few week at one of our “POP-INs” this will enable us to discuss our progress to-date and provide you with literature etc and progress to date, alternatively you can telephone us on 84 77 656 

24/06/2010

You may be able to help CRIMESTOPPERS by clicking on this link  http://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/caught_on_camera/ 

 

OPEN DAY - 19th June 2010

We thank you for the support you gave our re-establishment of the village Neighbourhood Watch initiative. The day was an undoubted success with an excellent number of residents attending, 14 volunteering to join us in the role of area Co-ordinators. to supplement the pre-event number of 25

We were particularly pleased with the endorsement and presence of South Nottinghamshire Police representation and the Crime Stoppers together with the local businesses who also took part. - Mercury (Fire and Security), Roger Smith (Insurance), Brambles, Burton Joyce Library, Methodist Church Hall, Tealights, Delights /Deli & family, B J Fish and Chip Shop, Burrows & Close Chemists, B J Post Office, B J Hospice Shop, Apple Tree Medical Centre, Carnarvon Rooms, B J Co-op , Dennis Hair Salon, Honey Pot Nursery , Pear Tree Dentist and Nottingham Road Paper Shop PLUS all the many volunteers who gave their time quite freely and willingly

During the event more than 50% of our visitors completed a simple Yes/No questionairre - you may be interested in the result .

1) The majority of residents DID FEEL SAFE in their home during DAYLIGHT and AFTER DARK

2) A significant percentage of residents DID FEEL UNSAFE in the village AFTER DARK

3)The majority of residents HAD EXPERIENCED Anti Social or Criminal acts

4)The majority of residents DID REPORT the event to the Police

5)The Police DID FOLLOW UP with a Progress report in the majority of cases reported

6)100% of residents were IN FAVOUR and SUPPORTED the re-establishment of the Burton Joyce “Community” Neighbourhood Watch initiative

7)Many residents appeared SATISFIED with the Police presence in the village

8) A staggering 20% of those who completed the questionairre VOLUNTERED to act as Coordinators to supplement those who volunteered pre-event

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21/06/2010

“Burton Joyce "Community" Neighbourhood Watch” is registered and listed within the “Gedling Community Online Alert Initiative“ at www.gedlingcommunity.co.uk

This latest community initiative provides each and everyone within the Burton Joyce community (with telephone and/or online access) with the opportunity to receive direct from the Police their automatic notification of all the “Alerts” considered to be of significant importance to you personally.

Individual registering for this facility is quite simple, however if any B J resident does not have internet access or is apprehensive in the slightest, then one of our own “Watch” members will be pleased to help with this during any Monday morning Neighbourhood Watch “Pop-In“ at the BJ Library ( hard copies of each Alert will be are also kept for access at any time at the “Pop-Ins”)

Also built into the  "Gedling Community Website" is a facility for the direct reporting of any suspicious or concerning incident - again for those within our community who do not have internet access, we can and will assist with this reporting at any “Pop-In” .

This latest initiative is a huge step forward in the rapid and efficient means of keeping everyone aware of, and on guard against criminal acts . We strongly recommend that everyone seriously considers using this latest FREELY available information for fighting crime and the criminals   

20/06/2010 

    Burton Joyce Community Neighbourhood Watch  "OPEN DAY" ( increased our volunteer Street Co-ordinators to 39)

Here is a posting in the Forum by one of our readers  

As many of the readers will know, I started this particular thread many months ago and have been an avid advocate of a community watch. Well when I heard of there was a possibility of a re-established Neighbourhood Watch system, I sat up and took notice.

I know that as early as Nov 2008 a BJPC minuted meeting stated the PC were going to call a meeting for the re-establishment of the village Neighbourhood Watch. I also see from several of the later meeting s ( also minuted) , that meetings were NOT arranged . However, eventually in April of 2010 the BJPC did arrange a meeting -

Unfortunately only 4 members of the of the community attended ( I so bitterly annoyed and disappointed with the turnout).“No problem !" said the Chairman during the meeting ( or should I have stated - the Chairwoman) “we will quickly arrange another meeting - this time we will advertise the new meeting much more significantly – these arrangement details can and will be publicised within the forthcoming Wind Turbine circular which will be delivered to every home in the village”

Great! Yet, unfortunately the revised notification, was again relatively insignificant – result only 11 of the community eventually attended this revised meeting and 9 of those 11 who attended were canvassed directly by the BJO and attended as a block.

I was determined to help with any new meeting of the latest the initiative organised and run by the village group interested in creating a new “Burton Joyce Community Neighbourhood Watch” - on Saturday June the 19th, - WHAT A GREAT SUCCESS - the attendance was terrific and I was there all day helping out.. .. and guess what.. ..

NOT ONE OF OUR PARISH COUNCILLORS ACTUALLY ATTENDED this significant community event

Ah well! .. .. what more is there to say

Kathleen

We at Burton Joyce “Community” Neighbourhood Watch thank all those who supported  the  OPEN DAY

South Notts Police, incl Gedling Crime Reduction Manager,  Crime Stoppers,  Mercury (Fire and Security),  Roger Smith (Insurance),  Brambles,  B J Library, Methodist Church Hall,  Tealights,  Delights /Deli & family,  B J Fish and Chip Shop, Burrows & Close Chemists,  B J Post Office,  B J Hospice Shop,  Apple Tree Medical Centre,  Carnarvon Rooms,  B  J  Co-op ,  Dennis Hair Salon,  Honey Pot Nursery , Pear Tree Dentists and  Nottingham Road Paper Shop   

 07/06/2010

CUMBRIAN SHOOTINGS !!! -

Were you aware that the authorities in Cumbria utilised the network of local NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH schemes to assist in rapidly getting their message out to the public "to clear the streets and stay in doors whilst the "seek and search" operation for the gunman was in operation ?  Yet another aspect of the importance and significance of us  participating in a community Neighbourhood Watch  

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06/06/2010

Neighbourhood Watch is re-established

Everyone is invited to our “OPEN DAY” on

Saturday 19th June in the Carnarvon Rooms - 10 am < 4 pm

 

***All within our village are invited and welcome - residents, businesses and volunteers***

Our aim is to establish an open, transparent, all-inclusive, all participating community. A community which is safe, secure for all, yet mindful of the circumstances and needs of ALL ages - we are seeking your opinions and suggestions

 

***Please Note !  Burton Joyce Community  Neighbourhood Watch initiative IS actively supported by our Police  

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29/05/2010 

Would you like to join the Burton Joyce Communty Neighbourhood Watch ?

Neighbourhood Watch is a community initiative, which is supported by the Police but is NOT run by them. The more areas covered by a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme the more eyes and ears are available to help gain information to combat crime and make communities a safer to live.

What is Neighbourhood Watch?

NHW scheme are the result of local residents who have banded together to help protect themselves  and their properties  from crime and reduce the fear of crime and improve their local environment. NHW encourages greater vigilance , it fosters community spirit and aims to improve the environment by preventing crime and assisting the Police detect crime

The way it works

Schemes vary in size, some have just a few homes and others have hundreds. The scheme has a leader called a “Co-ordinator” who is a volunteer, and forms links between “Street/Group Co-ordinator “members of the watch and the Police and other agencies. The members are encouraged to identify any weaknesses in their home security and make improvements and security mark their own  property . Members pass information to the police of any suspicious or criminal incidents they may witness. Some schemes have an active social life which reflects the Neighbourhood Watch’s desire to create a community where people truly care about each other.

REMEMBER AT ALL TIMES - CRIME CANNOT FLOURISH IN A COMMUNITY THAT CARES 

Burton Joyce Community Neighbourhood Watch 

 e mail : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or 84 77 656 (Yes! It is a BJ Number )

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23/05/2010 -  This particular Friday at approx 5.00pm my wife and I were together with a friend who stopped to chat in front of the Old School building on Main street ,when suddenly the scene on the pavement in front of the Post office and Chemist was interupted by a gang of teenage youths on BMX bikes showing off their skills .

So what you may say , particularly if you are a teenager. Well my response is when 14 youthd and BMX bikes, yes fourteen in number take over a piece of our village pavement,  and begin performing high  pirouettes  and leaps on their machines sonly ome 3 feet away from the doors of the two shops ,then accidents to others are inevitiable as a result of youths and buddies try to outshine each other- this was too much for me to tolerate . Irresponsibly I walked across the road and planted myself in the middle of the pavement  where the aerial ballet was in progress - "You are stupid I told myself". Very quickly the leader of the pack came up to me ( well up to my shoulders)  and asked "What is up with you?".

Well to cut a long story short another 3 adults quickly joined me which adjusted the odds slightly - however after a few discussions and negotiations we all shook hands and the heat was out of the situation ( you might say that I was lucky and should not have tempted confrontation for I could have had a knife put in me as easily as saying "How do you do" and I will probably agree with you )

I am telling this story because I did agree to give the youths some publicity relative to their complaint that they did not have anywhere to practice their skills and hobby -if they dispersed

Tso here goes  - Our village has a huge playingfield - the "Poplars" , now I realise it will have restrictions relative to its use , but surely the BJPC can bend or negotiate changes to provide a small area which can be made available for teenagers such as these to practice their skills and particular recreation choice

"Where does this come into Neighbourhood Watch" I can hear some of you saying. Well the neighbourhood Watch is the largest Charity in the UK ( 7.9 Million members). Yes the Neighbourhood Watch is interested in preventing and reducing crime - yet it is also about bringing people closer together in local life. A stronger spirit growsa s people get to know each other and look out for and consider the interest of one another 

16/05/2010

Burton Joyce Neighbourhood Watch - the history

"A John Harris went to the BJPC Amenities Committee in November 2008, it was agreed that the BJPC encourage the re-setting up of NHW and Cllr Pat Blandamer offered to Chair a meeting to begin this process in January -2009.(See Council Minuters Dec 2008.) .It was made very clear to Cllr Blandamer by John Harris and a BJPCouncillor present at that meeting, that the NHW was an independent organisation and could not be taken over by the BJPC.
 
Note the date at which this request from John Harris was made and action agreed - and yet nothing then happened.
 
We understand that Neighbourhood Watch was very well run by John Harris for many years, before Bob Martin (then Vice Chair of BJPC) took it over when the whole thing appears to have fell apart"

In our opinion "The BJ Neighbourhood Watch" should always remain a "community initiative" completely independent of any role by the  Parish Council 

A further meeting is now planned for 6:45 pm on Tuesday the 1st June in the Carnarvon Rooms
 

25/04/2010

"This is an issue for every household in our community”

 

An official Neighbourhood Watch scheme is returning to Burton Joyce village

However the success of any Neighbourhood Watch Scheme relies completely upon community volunteers and their neighbourly spirit.

1) In essence a Neighbourhood Watch scheme utilises a number of volunteers to act as the liaison person (co-ordinator) for a group of neighbours and households

2)These (co-ordinators) simply act as liaison persons within an overall scheme .

3)The liaison persons (co-ordinators) watches out for irregularities within or outside their “patch” (with the assistance and cooperation of the residents) and simply passes any relevant information onwards and upwards, or to the local central source.

 4)The role of a liaison (co-ordinator ) is none confrontational , it is primarily preventative and informative. - in Burton Joyce the Police target to arrive on site within 20 minutes of a reported incident.

5) It should be clearly understood the B J Neighbourhood Watch initiative is primary the on the ground “eyes and ears” for our local beat PC. - The scheme is proven to assist both in reducing and preventing crime - including anti-social incidents.

Our aspiration in BJ is to provide a total oversight throughout our village producing a safer environment to live in and give greater peace of mind to all, especially our elderly, infirmed and the vulnerable. So please consider our serious request for your participation as a volunteer liaison person (co-ordinator), for we all can, and will benefit greatly by your involvement in re-establishing this genuine community initiative.

We encourage each and everyone interested in creating a safer environment for yourselves and your immediate neighbours to “step up” and volunteer to act as a liaison person (co-ordinator). In the first instance simply e mail contact details via the internet or your mobile phone.

We are here to help everyone      e; mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   tel 0115 84 77 656

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17/04/2010 

At last and once again the Neighbourhood Watch scheme appears to be coming back to Burton Joyce this time with a revamped name and image

For some 9 months now we at BJO have been advocating the reintroduction of the Neighbourhood Scheme all too often it fell on death ears which lead to one of our readers introducing a “thread on our Online interactive Forum beta” -  Village /Community Watch.  Over the period some 800 plus visitors have visited and read the topic, confirming that there is some interest within the community in the subject.

At last the “powers that be” have accepted that there is indeed some advantage and benefit to the community in a local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and were attempting the resurrect the system in the village with the inaugural meeting arranged for

Saturday 17th April , 10;30 at St Helens Church Hall. - Regretfully this event could not possibly have been publicised effectively for

it was almost was a “non happening” for despite the fact there was 3 BJP Councillors in attendance, 2 Local Beat Police Officers , A Crime Reduction Manager,  there was only 2 individuals and married  couple representing the community.

.However the meeting went ahead under the Chairmanship of the Amenties and General Purposes Committee Chair of the BJPC with explanations by the Crime Reduction Manager as to undisputed proven benefit of the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and the structure necessary to produce success .

It should be understood that the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is a community voluneer issue - in no way is it an arm of the BJPC - In this instance the BJPC has provided the initial catalyst to get stimulate the re development the scheme under the new format  

In essence what the scheme requires now is a number of volunteers to act as “Coordinators”. A cordinators usually liasons for the scheme on behalf of a small number of household ( 1 “Coordinator” to a maximum of 20 households usually ), who then watches out for irregularities in people/stranger’s behaviour within or outside their “patch” with the cooperation of the residents within the patch and passes any relevant information upwards, or to a central source for the matter to be quickly investigated.

The role of a Coordinator is not confrontational , it is primarily preventative and informative. If the matter is adjudged to be concerning or serious, then it is the responsibility and duty of the local Police to investigate   

The inaugural meeting of the BJ Neighbourhood Watch was not a complete failure as two of the community did volunteer to become coordinators for “Willow Close” and “Hillcrest Gardens” areas respectively, so the ball is now well and truly rolling.

 The  BJPC has kindly offered to circulate every household in the village advising as to where and when the next "B J Neighbourhood Watch" meeting will be. All of us already associated with the new scheme, hope you - like us,  consider the involvement so beneficial to all ( none more so than our seniors, elderly and infirmed) will "take-out" a little of your time and attend 

We at BJO made a permanent offer (which has been accepted by the Crime Reduction Manager and acknowledged by the BJPC) that a dedicated category within www.burtonjoyceonline.co.uk for the BJ Neighbourhood Watch -  which is why this particular category has now been created and developed for constantly updating the local community as to the happenings and observations of all BJ residents.

This category is now here permanently within the “Hot Gossip” section, together with a rapid direct link transfer for BJO website Home page.

In addition everyone in the community should be reminded and aware of that our interactive “Forum beta” is also available 24/7 for comment and instant transfer of information  - with similar words to those of the late President Kennedy . "Think it is not what the Burton Joyce community can do for you - it is what you can do for Burton Joyce community ! ;-)

The following is another interesting development

Junior Neighbourhood Watch

Junior Neighbourhood Watch (or Kids Against Crime) is a relatively new idea that is finding popularity in many areas in the UK. The scheme aims to engage with young people and encourage them to take an interest in what is happening in their neighbourhoods and to generate an interest and awareness in their personal safety, their community and crime and disorder issues. It has been said that "crime can not thrive in a community that cares"; the scheme is to inspire young people to care.

Working with local schools, the scheme is aimed at young people aged 7 and older (although some areas have children as young as 4 to take part). Police officers, along with partner agencies, deliver sessions during school time or as after school activities (such as Rainbow, Brownie and Beaver groups as well as youth clubs).

Some areas have implemented a 12-module training project, covering topics such as the role of the police, personal safety, crime prevention, anti-social behaviour, bullying, vandalism, drugs awareness, fire safety, road safety, racism, Neighbourhood Watch and use of 999 emergency number.

One of the skills that young people learn is how to carry out a crime prevention home security survey. This enables them to point out to their parents and grandparents the weaknesses in their home security. The scheme also makes young people aware of their personal safety by acquiring practical skills and knowledge to avoid placing themselves in dangerous situations. In addition, they gain an understanding of the work of the police and Neighbourhood Watch, and become more aware of their own communities and what they can do to improve them. Upon completion of the training, each participating young person is given a certificate.

Examples of JNHW:

      See also: School Watch http://www.chilloutzone.org.uk/ 

       National NHW website www.mynhw.co.uk

 

 

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B J Diary

BJ Village Diary  

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B J Online is none partisan/political.  The aim of this project is to attempt to improve what we have and chronicle the village ongoing social history for future generations    You can  express your opinion with a personal vote within one of our poll subjects simply "CLICK"  Polls  

 Sunday 14/03/2010

Did you see this week’s edition of BBC TV’s East Midlands” Politics Show”?

It featured  the personal appearance of  Burton Joyce’s admired and respected ex –Parish Councillor  - Julie O’Neill 

Below is a cross section of some of the narration which accompanied the show

    Julie O'Neill Ex-Parish Councillor

Parish councils 'not up to job'

The government would like to push more responsibilities and services down to  the parish or community level.

This may sound like a great idea, but as an ex Parish Councillor myself, it's one that leaves me with major concerns. I knew nothing about our parish council in Burton Joyce until 2002. In that year it failed to bring to the attention of residents a proposal for an enormous site for sand and gravel extraction in our area. As a member of the Residents' Association, I thought that maybe I could get the Parish Council to take such issues more seriously.

So, reluctantly, I stood for election in 2007 and was elected -I served for two years.

Responsibilities

Some Parish Councils are continually failing in their responsibilities to residents. And community action groups are taking on work that they are neglecting. Many people in parished areas do not realise that they are paying for a parish council, or even that they have one. A parish council can demand any amount it likes and parishioners are obliged to pay up. There are no caps by government or local authorities at all. Furthermore, there are practically no controls over Parish Councils.

  Local Ombudsman

Whereas you can take complaints about the County or District Councils to the Local Government Ombudsman, there is no outside body to which you can take a complaint about a Parish Council. It all leaves potential for considerable abuse. Complaints are legion about the way parish councillors promote their own causes and interests and ignore others.
And why should those who live in parished areas pay twice? A Borough or District Council provides and pays for recreation grounds, community facilities, allotments, parks, and cemeteries, and the cost is spread amongst all council tax payers. But if you live in a parished area which provides such facilities itself, then the residents of that parish have to pay for their own facilities as well as contributing towards the general borough facilities for others.
 So what is the point of parish councils? If they did not exist, the borough or district would provide the facilities.

 "People who join parish councils may be well-meaning, but it would be a mistake for the government to put more responsibilities and services in the hands of bumbling amateurs who are not subject to adequate external controls or caps on what they can charge residents."

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 " The “Politics Show” invited Burton Joyce Parish Council to respond but they declined.

You may ask why however we cannot possibly comment !!

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Here are more images of the show

 

At Keyworth-------------on location ----------------At Gunthorpe

 

On location in Burton Joyce with "burtonjoyceonline community website"

BBC's John Hess and his cameraman Mark Turnbill

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February 27th 2010

 We realise this is a little ahead of ourselves but everyone in BJ should mark this date in their diary for the Burton Joyce Preservation Society has organised their second  " Celebration of Village Life" exhibition in the Village Hall - their first was several years ago - Who knows this may now become a more frequent event

We have been advised by the organisers that there will be 28 exhibitors at the event and it is anticipated that the event will have TV and radio coverage.  

We at BJO and every one concerned and in the village community should welcome and congratulate this particular initiative and the organisation , to unselfishly promote and illustrate the many positive aspects of our village and community 

We say WELL DONE !! To the Burton Joyce Preservation Society

 

January 17th 2010

Over our first 12 months on line we have constantly been at odds with the activities of the PARISH COUNCIL. How many of you are aware of who your councillors are, their individual background, their current activities etc? In fact how many within our community are aware of what our PARISH COUNCIL is involved with and how our taxes are spent onour behalf ( Our Parish Council has an annual budget around £115.000) ? Our Council is supposed to exercise a OPEN and TRANSPARENT policy with respect to informing the community.  However our experience over the last 12 months has not seen this happen, in fact on the contrary, information which should be available to the public is all too frequently obsured with lack of detail and substance and more disturbingly can be hid behind the use of their  HABITUAL & VEXACIOUS COMPLAINTS POLICY against residents who question their attitudes/motives/decisions. Parish Council Committee Agendas and Minutes should be displayed on notice boards and ONLINE routinely and be an accurate representation of the facts. At present the the Council's own Website is so out of date no one can follow the activities of their governance. As a direct result of this continual and ongoing failing ,we are immediately creating our own "COUNCIL WATCH" which will constantly MONITOR/REPORT/UPDATE everyone here within burtonjoyceonline, stating our understanding of what is actually happinging in the name of the Parish Council and the possible affect on the community   

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JANUARY 2010 - Have you thought about beginning a new interest in the NEW YEAR ? Why not!
   £30m to help 1m take part in Digital Britain - Yesterday's Smarter Government report announced new support for digital inclusion-to the tune of £30 million for UKOnline centres - Yes! there is also a UKOnline centre right here in Burton Joyce

FREE (DAYTIME) "COMPUTER AND INTERNET INSTRUCTION" FOR THE OVER 50's - COMING TO THE VILLAGE EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR -  Click this Link    

Have you thought about beginning a new interest in the NEW YEAR ? Why not!

   £30m to help 1m take part in Digital Britain - Yesterday's Smarter Government report announced new support for digital inclusion-to the tune of £30 million for UKOnline centres - Yes! there is also a UKOnline centre right here in Burton Joyce

FREE (DAYTIME) "COMPUTER AND INTERNET INSTRUCTION" FOR THE OVER 50's - COMING TO THE VILLAGE EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR -  Click this Link    

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DECEMBER 2009- An aspiration for BJ Parish Council

Rural Community Action ( Nottinghamshire) news

Misterton Parish Council ( North Notts) has again be judged the top Parish Council in England. The Council earned third place  in the NALC/Aon Council of the Year awards - but the first and second places were claimed by town councils

Whilst a local council must be able to demonstrate continuing high standards of governance as a basic requirement, each year’s placing in the competition depends on that year’s discrete performance- so a high level of achievement must be demonstrated for the year in question.

Misterton is the top parish council two years running out of 8500 possible entrants. It shows that the Parish Council has made a real effort to consult with resident, to keep them informed and to be responsible stewards of parish resources

To see at first hand just how good this quality Nottinghamshire Parish Council is,  you really must visit their website -

In fact everyone of our own Parish Councillors could learn many lessons  in “open and transparent”  governance, website design, content and presentation

http://www.misterton-notts-pc.gov.uk/

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We believe that Burton Joyce  is a special village with a silent caring community spirit which possibly will benefit with a coming together of the various organisation and groups and the creation of an everyday Village Focal (One Stop) Point .

***The majority of our community is over 40 years old - A GOOD PERCENTAGE  ( 30% PLUS ) over 60 years old . The age of many of our residents is very probably likely to extend into the 80's and 90's over the next decade. They willl  we are sure appreciate a welcoming and ongoing part within our community - they do deserve all our greater consideration.

 Let us create an ongoing legacy

 Our village environment has seen considerable growth in the population together with its style of mobility in the last few years, but little or no investment in the infrastructure. This has led to traffic congestion without any control over car parking and movement. More and more cars are parked on pavements in all areas including residential and  pavements creating difficulties for the young and elderly always with increased possiblity of accidents and injury 

 

"Burt-n-Joyce"

  We would like to know the community's views -  get in touch Pleeeaaacccee

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