Residents encouraged to check their neighbours during the cold spell 

Barnet Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults has called on residents to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours and relatives during the current cold snap.

Councillor Sachin Rajput said: “With the cold weather set to continue over the weekend and into next week I hope everyone will consider taking the time to call on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
“It could just be a quick visit to check they are stocked up on the essentials, that they are keeping warm and safe indoors and perhaps offering to clear their path of any snow or ice.
“The council is keeping in touch with the residents who we have regular contact with and our service providers will also be checking that the residents they are in contact with are okay.”
Barnet council at:http://www.barnet.gov.uk/news/article/219/residents_encouraged_to_check_on_neighbours_during_the_cold_spell

How Well Do You Know the Neighbours?
Your best chance of catching a burglar is to befriend the people next door, says a new report.
article (evening standard)http://evening-standard.vlex.co.uk/vid/well-know-neighbours-talking-point-61881916
Talk to your neighbours at www.neighbourblog.com

The Big London Energy Switch

The Big London Energy Switch is a scheme which is bringing together Londoners who want to lower their gas and electricity bills.

Energy bills are likely to continue to rise significantly over the coming years, putting many more thousands of people across London into fuel poverty.

There are already more than an estimated 325,000 households living in fuel poverty in the participating boroughs.
Londoners  would benefit most from switching to a lower energy tariff, by collectively negotiating on their behalf a better deal from the gas and electricity companies.

Brent residents have until 31 March 2013 to register.

After this date, a 'reverse-auction' will be held with energy suppliers, who can bid to provide energy to households that have signed up.

There is no obligation to sign up to a new provider.
The more people who join the better. Similar schemes have achieved savings of up to £200 a year on energy bills per household.

Brent council at http://www.brent.gov.uk/council-news/february-2013/want-to-save-money-on-your-gas-and-electricity-bills/

Battle of the Boroughs 2013 - The runs will kick off at 9.30am and will take you around Greenwich Park : http://www.thefixevents.com/content/battle-of-the-boroughs-2013/

How to be a Good Neighbour
http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Neighbour
See more issues and topics in your community area.

Residents encouraged to check on neighbours during the cold spell
Barnet Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults has called on residents to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours and relatives during the current cold snap.

See more: http://www.barnet.gov.uk/news/article/219/residents_encouraged_to_check_on_neighbours_during_the_cold_spell

Be aware! Warn your neighbours, friends and family

A particular type of fraud targeting elderly people is on the increase across London. Our aim is to raise awareness and provide some key crime prevention messages to the elderly and their circle of support - friends, family, neighbours etc.

By raising awareness we will decrease the likelihood of people falling victim.The average age of the victim is 70 years old. The average loss is £4,000.

The Method
1) The method varies but essentially involves a victim being telephoned (cold -called) by a suspect who alleges to be someone of authority (eg, from the police, bank, Serious Fraud Office). The suspect tells the victim there is a problem with their bank account (like it has been compromised) and that their bank card must be collected.

2) If the victim is unconvinced that the call is genuine they are instructed to hang up and call a genuine number – such as 999 or the telephone number on the rear of their bank card. However, the suspect keeps the telephone line open and so the call goes straight back to the fraudster who then deals with any subsequent call, convincing the victim of their authenticity.

3) The victim is then content to reveal their bank details, namely the PIN.

4) An often unwitting courier or taxi driver is sent to collect the victim’s card. The card is delivered to a second suspect, who then passes it on to the fraudster. The fraudster then empties the bank account.

Key Messages
Primary: (To potential victims, family, friends) Never give anyone your PIN or bank card – the police and banks will never ask for them.

Secondary/supporting message(s): (To cabbies/couriers) Beware of collecting and delivering packages from elderly people as you may be assisting in a criminal offence.

Reporting offences: If you have been a victim call the police on 101 or in an emergency by dialling 999. (Generally victims are elderly/vulnerable and therefore it is NOT appropriate to report this matter to Action Fraud).

A courier fraud awareness day is being held on Wednesday 20th March.

If you are part of a neighbourhood watch group please consider meeting on 20th March (or any time that week) in order to focus on this issue and give out the above messages.

warning from Metropolitan Police ttp://www.met.police.uk/cgi-bin/htsearch?words=courier+fraud+awareness+day&config=metpolice&restrict&Search+this+site.x=7&Search+this+site.y=4

 Talk more about this at neighbourblog.com