Last Updated 03/06/01

Incidents of crime in the area for the past month have been as follows: 1 burglary of a dwelling, 6 burglaries from sheds, garages etc., 1 theft of a motor vehicle, 2 damage to motor vehicles. There has been a spate of cars being broken into in the local sports grounds, with eight incidents taking place recently. Posters are to be put up locally to warn of the dangers of leaving "inviting" items on display.

The Police Area Assembly Team for the Brinsworth district is currently a team of five officers. PC Trish Sykes, PC Gary Cammock, PC John Saffery, PC Bill Oxley and PC Liz McGinley. The team has quite a large area to cover, which includes Aston, Aughton, Swallownest, Ulley, Brinsworth, Treeton, Catcliffe and Orgreave.

The hope is that the team will be able to attend Parish Council meetings, other resident meetings and whenever possible liaise with schools, youth clubs etc.

If anyone wants to contact the team with a problem, with information of just for a friendly chat they can do so by either calling in at the office or ringing Rotherham 832280. If you require police assistance then the number to call is 0114 2202020 or if the call is of an urgent nature then the number is 999.

On checking the statistics for Burglary Dwellings and Bogus Official crimes in the year2000 where the OVER 60's in OAP centres/complexes etc, have been targeted we appear to have done better than many other areas. However, one elderly victim is one too many.

In Brinsworth we have had: - 2 Bogus Officials, 1 Bogus Police Officer, 1 Sneak-in Theft, 7 Burglary swelling (4 via windows, 3 via doors).

In Catcliffe: - 1 Burglary swelling (via door).

In Treeton: - 2 Burglary swelling (via door, 1 insecure window)

We cannot stress enough the importance of being aware of home security and bogus officials, and ask the elderly to take steps to ensure that they do not become a victim.

If there is SOMEONE AT YOUR DOOR before you open it: THINK!!!

Put on door chain

Can you see them? Do you have a window where you can look outside, or a door viewer to see who is at the door?

Do you know them?

Why are they calling?

Are they in uniform?

Can you see their vehicle?

Do not take off the chain umntil you have seen their identification. Take your time and check that the photo matches the person

If you are not sure contact the company which they are claiming to represent

REMEMBER, IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, DON'T LET THEM IN!!!

In the next few weeks, Special Constables and Police Cadets will be delivering a booklet to the elderly in sheltered accommodation/centres etc called "CALLERS AT THE DOOR" This booklet contains advice and contact numbers for your local Police and major companies. Yorkshire Water, British gas, Transco etc

Please keep the booklet to hand and take care

PC Liz McGinley
PC John Safery
PC Bill Oxley

Friendly Insurance

Age Concern's Rotherham's friendly insurance office is open Monday to Friday 9.30am-4.00pm and there is always someone on hand to help with insurance queries.

As most of our policies are done on computer, cover can generally be done with immediate effect and there is no need for any lengthy form filling as we take care of it for you.

Age Concern Insurance Services (ACIS) have been providing general insurance to over 55's for more than 15 years and has grown into one of the countries largest providers of general insurance to this age group. Products currently available include: Home and Contents, Travel, Motor, Motor Breakdown Cover, Caravan, Life, Pre-Paid Funeral plans, Aid Call - Telephone Lifeline System, Energy Services, Gas and Electricity Payment Scheme and Central Heating Cover.

No appointment is necessary and there will be someone on hand to help you with any insurance queries you may have.

Age Concern Rotherham offices can be found at: Age Concern Rotherham Head Office: 49/53, St Ann's Road, Rotherham, telephone 01709 829621; Age Concern Rotherham Insurance, Imperial Buildings, Corporation Street, Rotherham Telephone/Fax 10709 835195; Insurance Satellite Office: Greasbrough Library, Coach Road, Greasbrough, Rotherham. Open every Tuesday 9.15-12 noon; Charity Shop, High Street, Rotherham. Telephone 10709 829621 (ask for shop); Advice and Information Drop-In Desk: R.A.I.N. Building, above the outside market, Rotherham, open Monday to Friday 10.00am to 1.00pm.

For any information on any of our products please call into our office on Corporation Street, Rotherham or telephone 01709 835195.

Out of the Blue

With reference to Pc Bill Oxley's comments in the July/August regarding the rising crime in Brinsworth.

I would like to suggest that in Howard Street in Rotherham Town Centre there is a shop called "Out of the Blue" which is an Advice Centre which gives Advice and helpful suggestions on all aspects of Home Security.

The shop is run by volunteers and is a none profit making venture originally started by South Yorkshire Police, we have Personal Attack Alarms, Shed Alarms, Coded Car Packs, Vehicle Watch, also various alarm companies that we can give information on plus Victim Support - Neighbourhood Watch - CCTV etc.

Why not call in and have a chat I'm sure we will be able to help. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 3.30pm and Saturday 9am to 12 noon.

Ron Varley
Volunteer Shop Manager & Brinsworth Resident