Most people that call at your home will be genuine, but sometimes someone may turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into your home.  If someone calls on you:

• LOCK - Keep your front and back doors locked, even when you are home.
• STOP - Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone.  Check that you have locked the back door and taken the key out.  Look through a spy hold or window to see who it is.
• CHAIN - If you decide to open the door, put the chain or door bar on first, if you have one.  Keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep.
• CHECK - Even if they have a pre-arranged appointment, check their identity card carefully.  Close the door while you do this.  If you are still unsure, look up a phone number in the phone book and ring to verify their identity.  Do not use a phone number on the identity card as this may be fake.

Bogus callers may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council, police or utility companies.  They can also turn up as builders or gardeners and try to trick you into paying for unnecessary work.  You should never agree to having work done by someone who is just passing by.  If you think work needs to be done, get at least two quotes from other companies.  

If you think a bogus caller has called on you, report it to the police immediately.

Horsham District Council have a Handy Van scheme that can carry out small jobs for people over the age of 60, such as fixing a door chain or spy hole.  They can be contacted on 01403 22605.

The Warden's run a Nominated Neighbour Scheme that aims to combat Bogus Callers.  Please read about it here.

If you have any doubts, KEEP THEM OUT!

Basic Tips:

• When you go out, always lock the door and close the windows - even if you are just going out for a short time.
• Window locks, especially on older windows, will help stop people getting in (and remember, a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window).
• If you have deadlocks, use them.  They make it harder for a thief to get out again.  But don't leave the key near the door or in an obvious place.
• Don't leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed, and put car keys or garage keys out of sight in the house.
• Use timers for lights and radios if you need to be away from home overnight.  They will create the impression that someone is in.  Horsham District Council provides low cost home safety devices.
• Visible burglar alarms, good lighting and carefully directed security lighting can put burglars off.  Please make sure that lighting does not disturb neighbours.
• Fences at the back of the house may make this area more secure, but walls and solid fencing may let a thief break in without being seen.  Agood compromise is chain-link fencing, or trellises with prickly shrubs.
• Fitting a 'spy hole' allows you to see who is at the door.  Having a door chain means that you can open the door a little way to talk to them.

Make sure that any improvements you make don't stop you from getting out of your house as quickly as possible if there is a fire.

Drug use can devastate people's lives and has a damaging effect on communities. Drug and alcohol abuse can increase crime, poor health, unemployment, disrupt education, and have a disproportionate impact on the country's most deprived communities.

Wardens can help by:

• Engaging with young people on drug and alcohol issues

Wardens can provide simple information about drug and alcohol use and encourage those affected to seek help.

They can also help to keep young people off the streets at night by providing them with alternatives to drinking and taking drugs. They can do this by working in partnership with youth services to provide leisure opportunities such as football and dance groups.

• Reporting drug dealing, drug-related anti-social behaviour or illegal activity to the police

Wardens can act as the 'eyes and ears' of the street and work closely with the police to report drugs-related activity. They can identify areas that drug use might be taking place and they can act as a point of contact for members of the public.

• Deterring drug activity and under-age drinking by being visible in hot spots

Extra patrols in hot spots can help deter drug use and under-age drinking.  The Wardens work in partnership with the police to pass on any information they might have.

For more information about drug use contact 'Frank' on 0800 776600 or www.talktofrank.com.

Information courtesy of the Home Office Crime and Reduction website http://www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk