Police warn public – “don’t let thieves steal your Christmas”

Cumbria Police launch their annual campaign today to help people keep their property safe and reduce burglary and theft in the lead up to Christmas.

The “Don’t Let Thieves Steal Your Christmas” campaign urges people to be vigilant against burglary as the nights grow darker and expensive gifts are being bought for Christmas.

The warning comes as the national Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) launch their ‘In Focus – Burglary and Handling Stolen Goods Week’. This week focuses on action against burglary and stolen goods as, historically, November is a peak month for burglaries.

In the last three years there has been an increase in the number of burglaries in Cumbria during the months November and December (5^th November – 31^st December):

Year	Number of burglaries
2010	310
2011	331
2012	385

Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson explains:

“Although Cumbria has a very low crime rate compared to other areas of the country, we do still experience burglaries – particularly around this time of year.

“We hope that this campaign will encourage people to take easy steps to ensure they have a wonderful festive time, that isn’t ruined by thieves.

“As well as warning people against burglary we are also keen that people report any suspicious products being sold that may have been stolen. Cut-price goods can be tempting but if that item is stolen it is a criminal offence to buy it.

“We want to lower the numbers of burglaries in November and December, but we need everyone’s help to do this. By following some simple crime prevention advice people can significantly reduce the risk of burglary.

“If anyone has any concerns around burglary, or has any suspicions around stolen property, I would encourage them to call Cumbria Police on 101.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said:

“It is pleasing that thankfully burglary is low in Cumbria but that is not a reason to be complacent.  The Constabulary have some key safety messages for us all to follow.”

There are precautions that you can take to ensure that your Christmas isn’t blighted by criminals:

·         Never leave your new presents in sight of a doorway or window - this is an open advertisement to potential burglars

·         Lock your doors and windows of your home and vehicles

·         Don’t put empty boxes or packaging outside your home to advertise what new gadgets or gifts you’ve received

·         Use timer switches for lights and radios when you leave your home to celebrate over Christmas and New Year

·         Contact police to help security mark all your new electrical and valuable gifts

·         Take advantage of the free bike marking events to prevent thieves taking your bicycles

·         If you have a house alarm, ensure it works and use it

·         Secure outhouses and sheds

·         If you are going away over Christmas or New Year, ask someone you trust to keep an eye on your home

·         Look after your neighbours and report ANY suspicious activity, people or vehicles to police immediately on 101.

For more information about protecting your property and belongings, visit http://www.cumbria.police.uk/news/campaigns/dont-let-thieves-steal-your-christmas

International Children's Festival - Sat 23rd November

Roller Derby - Birthday Bash!

Barrow Council Xmas Opening Hours

Barrow Market gets £250,000 refurbishment

BARROW INDOOR MARKET TO GET £1/4 MILLION REFURBISHMENT

Barrow Borough Council, the owners of the Indoor Market has embarked upon a major refurbishment scheme of the building.  The works will include a new ceiling, re-decoration, refurbishment of the floor, re-wiring and new lighting, new toilets for market traders and fire and security measures.  There is currently a waiting list and considerable interest in renting space in the Market, so 12 new stalls will also be constructed as part of the scheme to support entrepreneurship and small business ventures.  The Market will remain open during these refurbishment works so that the businesses can continue to trade. 

Councillor Dave Pidduck, Leader of Barrow Borough Council commented

"We are delighted to be able to announce these improvements to our Market.  This clearly shows our commitment in these extremely difficult times for Councils to supporting small businesses and at the same time encouraging new entrepreneurs.  It is fantastic news."

Joe Harrison, Chief Executive of the National Market Traders Federation commented  “It is extremely encouraging to learn of the support both on a political and financial front that Barrow council have committed to their market. This is obviously a positive action that recognises the importance of the market not only as an alternative retail concept but also as a community hub within the town centre.
The National Market Traders Federation would like to thank Barrow Council for their support to their market and we hope that it also encourages other authorities to do likewise.”

Cumbria Fire Service information about smoke alarms

Message from Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service and Cumbria Trading Standards
 

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CF&RS) have been providing homeowners with free smoke alarms as part of their prevention work for over a decade. The alarms provided have about a 10 year battery life. Once the battery that is within the alarm has come to the end of its working duration the alarm will beep intermittently to alert you to change the battery.
CF&RS have been issuing ‘Fire Angel’ smoke alarms since 2007. These Fire Angel alarms have a battery encased within the alarm that cannot be accessed or changed by the homeowner. Once this type of alarm starts to beep the whole alarm will need to be replaced.

A small percentage of these alarms may show signs that the battery life has come to an end and the alarm starts to beep before the 10 year battery life has ended. If this fault occurs please contact the manufacturer directly on 0800 141 2561 to receive a replacement alarm free of charge within 48 hours. If you experience any problems in gaining a new alarm please contact CF&RS on our Freephone number 0800 358 4777.
For advice and information on our new Home Safety Visit Assessments please visit www.cumbriafire.gov.uk and follow the link at Home Safety Visit Assessment
For advice on product safety please contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk

Police bid to raise awareness of the dangers that motorists face on the county's roads

Cumbria Police Officers will be out in force this week talking to people about the dangers we all face on the roads, lending their support to Road Safety Week which starts today (Monday, 18 Nov).

Promoted by road safety charity Brake, Road Safety Week is about what we can all do to become more aware and help put a stop to the fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads.

Inspector Chris O’Hare, South Cumbria Roads Policing Unit said:

"Road safety is everyone's concern and each one of us can do something to save lives on roads and prevent further tragedies. This year we are focussing on relaying the message that as dark nights have drawn in, there is less visibility and we want motorists to react accordingly in a bid to prevent road traffic collisions.

“Motorists need to reduce speed when visibility becomes an issue as they may see cyclists and pedestrians later than when conditions are clearer and this seriously impacts the reaction time a motorist has to stop safely. 

“One issue we would like to highlight is that new cars use daylight running lights, so when visibility decreases they automatically activate. However, what motorists must be aware of is that the lights only project out of the front of the vehicle and not to the rear. Once visibility is low please turn on lights so you, as a driver, can see the road clearly and other motorists can also see your vehicle.”

Cumbria’s Road Policing Unit officers will be carrying out a range of activities across the county, throughout the week, to create awareness amongst all road users. This will include work with car drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Police activity will focus on creating awareness, prevention and keeping people safe but enforcement will be carried out where necessary.

As well as the Road Policing Unit, Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Partner Agencies will be assisting with the force’s efforts during the week.

In North Cumbria, Police will be supporting Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service who are conducting Road Awareness Training in Brampton, Carlisle and Longtown throughout the week. The training is given to Year 11 students, who will soon be of the age where they can learn to drive. This will raise awareness of the dangers on the roads and what the effects of road traffic collisions and of the consequences to themselves and to others if they cause or are involved in a collision.

Throughout the week the North Cumbria Roads Policing Unit will be focussing on the importance of cyclists wearing the correct protective headwear and also discussing a wide variety of road safety issues that they come across with members of the public.

In South Cumbria, Officers from the Roads Policing Unit will be supporting Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service with Road Awareness Training in Kendal as well as facilitating Multi-Agency events at Furness College and Ulverston Victoria High School.

At Furness College, Police and Partner Agencies with the help of students will, produce a Mock Crash event on Wednesday 20^th November 2013. The event will show students what procedures Officers go through at the scene of a road collision.

Police and partner agencies such as Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and Young Cumbria will be talking to students at Ulverston Victoria High School over a period of two weeks about their own experiences and perspectives following a serious road traffic collision.

Inspector Chris O’Hare, who will be speaking to students at the event, said: “Road safety is everyone's concern and each one of us can do something to save lives on roads and prevent further tragedies. If we can make an impact on the students who will go on to become future motorists, then all of this activity will be more than worth it.”

As well as these two events, safety advice will be issued to cyclists surrounding protective equipment and cycling in decreased visibility and Operation Spectrum, which focuses on anti-social and illegal parking in school drop off and collection points, will continue.

Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said: “This issue of road safety is raised often when I meet with members of the public. I welcome the proactive approach from the police as part of the National Road Safety Week.  It is important that we all use our roads responsibly with the required care and attention especially as we now have winter weather conditions.”

NEW Home Fire Safety online self-assessment

A new online self-assessment has been launched enabling residents in Cumbria to gauge their risk of falling victim to fire in the home.
Cumbria County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) has created a new web-based home fire safety tool asking a range of questions aimed at identifying the individual’s level and type of risk.
The assessment, which takes around five minutes to complete, is then used by CFRS to determine whether a personal home safety visit is required or if relevant precautions are already being taken which can be supplemented by advice available on-line.
Questions include whether there are any smokers in the house, if electrical items are safe, if a chip pan is in use and if anybody with a disability or over the age of 65 resides in the house – all issues that can help determine fire risk in the home.
Up until the launch of this online assessment anybody requesting a home fire safety visit from CFRS was visited, regardless of their risk or individual circumstances.
By targeting resources at fire prevention activity CFRS has enabled a major reduction in the number of fire incidents across Cumbria in the past six years and this new online tool is part of the ongoing drive in putting prevention before cure when it comes to dealing with fires.
Reductions in government funding mean Cumbria County Council has to find savings of £80million over the next three years.
By better targeting home safety visits at those that will benefit most and providing online advice to others, CFRS will be delivering a more focussed, and relevant service to the people of Cumbria while making better use of resources by maximising the benefit of home safety visits to the most vulnerable in our communities.
Cumbria’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer Adrian Buckle said: "Our community safety initiatives and messages have had a tremendous impact on reducing the number of fires in Cumbria – we’ve seen a 34 per cent reduction in incidents over the past six years – and this online assessment is an important new development in our ongoing fire prevention journey.
Councillor Barry Doughty, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "The assessment is quick and easy to fill in and will help people to become aware of fire risks in the home, go about reducing that risk and have an idea of what to do if a fire does break out."
Importantly the assessment can also be carried out over the phone for those without internet access. The free phone number is 0800 358 4777.
The home safety assessment can be found at the following link: https://secure3.cumbria.gov.uk/surveys/cumbria/firehomesafetyv5.htm
or visit www.cumbriafire.gov.uk
To have a say on the Fire Service budget proposals, and others within the council’s public consultation, visit www.cumbria.gov.uk/ourfuture or pick up a copy of the consultation document available in local libraries and other public buildings.

Barrow gets in festive mood - would you like to join in?

Barrow gets in the Festive Mood would you like to join in?

Do you have a School Choir, Drama Group, Band or Church Choir? Would you like to entertain shoppers on the streets of Barrow or in Barrow Market this Christmas?

Every year Barrow Indoor Market plays host to many local schools and choirs in the run up to Christmas. If you would like to entertain in the market, be it only for half and hour or so please contact Mrs. Ann Taylforth, Town Centre and Festivals Manager on 01229 876389 or e mail ataylforth@barrowbc.gov.uk

to book your slot. Carol singers are allowed a bucket collection during performances. The Indoor Market will be open every weekday from 2^nd December and Sundays 15^th and 22^nd December.

Alternatively you may wish to perform on Dalton Road or Portland Walk. If you wish to perform on the street, please contact Mrs Ann Taylforth, Town Centre and Festivals Manager on 01229 876389 or e mail ataylforth@barrowbc.gov.uk to book your slot.

Mrs Ann Taylforth, Town Centre and Festivals Manager commented, “Last year we had a lovely programme of entertainment in the run up to Christmas and we are always really grateful that local schools, the Theatre Groups and Barrow Churches usually come and entertain shoppers.  If anyone wants to help and entertain in the Christmas period we will be very grateful.”

Buying a used car? Check it, don't regret it!

Winter driving- is your vehicle up to it?

Cumbria Police are asking everyone to consider checking their vehicles roadworthiness as the weather changes and it gets darker earlier.

In the last few weeks officers from the Roads Policing Unit had to stop people who were driving in twilight and poor visibility. The motorists only had their Daylight Running lights on and not their side or full beam headlights. This meant that they were able to be seen from the front but had no lights illuminated at the back of the car, therefore  making the vehicle difficult to see.

This creates a danger to other motorists in that when approaching a vehicle in poor visibility or twilight they are unable to see the un-illuminated car.  Each year as the clocks change the number of collisions rises in the evening and twilight and this has been shown to be one of the highest risk times to drive.

Police are advising motorists to ensure that they have the correct lights illuminated for the driving conditions.

Sergeant Graeme Hodgson said: “It is essential that people drive correctly and to the road conditions. Have consideration for other motorists by making sure your car is visible to all drivers by correctly using the headlights. If visibility is poor then please use your lights to ensure that you can be seen on the road.

“When driving at night make sure that you do not dazzle other motorists with full beam headlights. Make sure that you switch your lights down in plenty of time. Dazzling other drivers is dangerous and they can quickly lose orientation.”

Cumbria Police are also advising people to check their car to ensure that it is roadworthy. Carrying out a few simple checks or investing in a visit to the local garage could prevent a serious incident occurring.

Sergeant Hodgson continued: “We are still advising motorists to check their tyres. This is even more essential as the weather turns colder. Having the correct tyres and the right pressure will help with grip on icy and cold roads.  Winter tyres consisting of a compound of rubber that stays flexible at lower temperatures are widely available now and approach the comfort and noise levels of normal tyres.  Many garages will swap summer and winter tyres at little cost.  Whilst it means investing in two sets of tyres, the benefits are enormous in a rural County like Cumbria.  It’s not just a case of being able to climb hills, it’s the difference they make to stopping distances and going round corners that really makes them worthwhile.

“Carrying out maintenance checks, such as oil, windscreen wash levels and checking your tyres will help you be safer on the road and could prevent a serious collision from happening.  Most screen additives recommend a higher concentration for the winter, this is essential if the screen wash is not just to freeze onto the window or freeze in the pipes when used.  If you are uncertain about doing this yourself, then an investment in a trip to your local garage could potentially save your life.”

For more information about vehicle safety http://www.cumbria.police.uk/advice-and-information/road-and-vehicle-safety/road-safety