Streetwise Magazine, Milnrow & Newhey, March 2014 | Page 41

SPRINGHILL HOSPICE Calendar Competition 2015 With “only” 11 months of 2014 remaining it’s time to plan the 2015 Hospice Calendar. Over the years the calendar has become a Hospice tradition – with each month displaying photographs illustrating the seasons of the year in all our townships. The photos are chosen by means of a competition - open to all age groups – which is run throughout March. You can enter as many photographs as you want THIS IS ADVANCE NOTICE FOR YOU TO GET OUT YOUR CAMERA & START CLICKING OR GO THROUGH YOUR SNAPS & PICK OUT THE BEST Entry forms will be available at the end of February from the Hospice, and our shops. You can also obtain application forms by email. Simply request an application form quoting “2015 Hospice Calendar Competition” from this email address – [email protected] The closing date for entries is 31st March 2014 so like Springy get out there, start clicking, and send us your best shots. POLICE NOTICE DEAR RESIDENTS, Over recent months there has been an increase in incidents of Burglary where sheds are being targeted by thieves. This alarming statistic is likely to continue as seasonal trends predict an increase around this time of year. Whilst every effort is being made by Rochdale Police to combat this type of offence, including high profile police patrols and covert operations targeting burglary hotspots and prolific offenders, we would appeal to the public to assist in the fight against burglars by making sure that their property is secure at all times. With this in mind I have set out some helpful tips to ensure that your sheds or outbuildings are secured. How secure is your shed? Thefts from sheds, garages and outhouses are on the increase. The following crime prevention advice is offered in an attempt to prevent you becoming the next victim, • Always lock your shed doors and windows. It's not always enough to rely on a basic lock to secure your shed. Invest in a good quality padlock and, Instead of screwing the hasp and staple to the wood, why not bolt them through it to make It more difficult for thieves? • Thieves often use bolt-cutters to cut through padlocks so It is wise to invest in a strong 'closed shackle padlock. • Don't forget to keep your shed keys in a secure place inside the house. Don't hide the keys In the garden - thieves know where to look. • If you store your bicycle In the shed, secure it using your bike lock and an eye-bolt fastened to the wall. Is your bicycle registered? if not„ why not? • Likewise with your lawnmower. is it secured? Buy a strong chain and padlock to secure it to the wall. • Do you always lock your garden tools away in the shed after using them? If you leave tools hanging around a -thief will use them to break into your property or that of your neighbour. • Most people store power tools and other valuable items in their sheds. If possible store such items indoors. • Security mark your valuable items with your postcode arid let thieves know that your property is postcoded by displaying a sticker. Postcoded property is less attractive to thieves. • Do you keep a record of serial numbers of valuable items? The police have more chance of recovering your property if It is identifiable. • If you must keep valuables in the shed, store them out of sight if possible. If thieves can see what's Inside they can see what's worth stealing. Fishing tackle is often stored in sheds. If possible keep it in a secure cupboard or cabinet and make sure you postcode all Items. • Can you see your shed from your house? If your shed Is obstructed from view a thief has a better chance of breaking in unobserved. • Is the fencing around your garden in a good state of repair? If access to your garden and the rear of your house Is easy, your property is more vulnerable. • Most people store paraffin, paint, wood and paper In their shed. Sheds make an easy target for arsonist. • Do you live in a Home watch area? Why not set up a Home Watch scheme in your area? • If you see anything suspicious do you report it to the police? That stranger could be a thief. Have you taken all necessary steps to protect your property? By farrowing the above advice you can greatly reduce the chance of your garage, stied or outhouse being entered and your property stolen. Rochdale Police are committed to protecting residents from becoming victims of burglary and we would urge people to help in that aim. For more information or advice please contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team. Please mention Streetwise when responding to advertisments 41