Neighbourhood Watch & Policing Information

Neighbourhood Watch - Join the Neighbourhood watch by following this link - Start a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and become a Coordinator | Neighbourhood Watch Network (ourwatch.org.uk)

Not sure what Antisocial Behaviour is?

Click here for a handy guide from the Neighbourhood Watch which explains all.

Click here for the ASB Diary.

Email concerns or completed diaries you can email the ASB Team at:

asbreporting@bolton.gov.uk

Criminals will look for houses that:

• Seem unoccupied

• Have little or no apparent security.

• Have doors or window left open, or

• Enable them to remain unseen when burgling.

A home’s overall impression will influence whether a burglar targets it. As a general rule, if it looks as if someone is inside, the burglar will go away. A home in a dilapidated state will seem easier to break into, so a simple deterrent might be tidying up a garden or repainting doors and window frames. One crime often produces the opportunity to commit another. For example, a burglar may return after a break-in because they know when the owners are likely to be out. They can also expect the property to be full of new replacement items.

Before upgrading your home security, think about what part of your home seems most vulnerable, how often you are at home and when it is empty.

Quick Guide to reporting crime

Police emergency Only call 999 if:

• A crime is happening now (or just happened)

• You have immediate concerns for someone’s safety

• You see a traffic collision involving injury or danger to other road users.

• You see something suspicious that needs immediate attention

Not an emergency Call 101 to report: 

• Crimes that are not in progress

• Suspicious people or vehicles

• Non urgent information

• Criminal damage / theft / theft from a vehicle (this can also be reported on-line at https://www.gmp.police.uk

Livechat is an alternative to 101 and is available via the GMP website

For general information and advice go to https://www.gmp.police.uk

Use Crimestoppers if you don’t want to talk to the police. You can report any crime or suspicion without giving your name: 0800 555 111 This is not an emergency service – for a crime in progress - call 999 

Fraud, Scams & Cyber crime 

• If you are a victim of fraud involving credit/debit cards, cheques or on line banking – immediately notify your bank.

• If you have lost money to a fraud or cyber-crime Go to www.actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040 and get a crime number.

• Report attempted fraud or cyber-crime giving phone numbers and other details to ActionFraud

• Help disrupt fraudsters by reporting scam e-mails to Action Fraud.

• Doorstep crime/cold callers - get advice from Trading Standards Quick Response Team (Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm) 01962 833666. For all other hours contact 101 (or 999 if you feel threatened). 

 Report online

Criminal damage / theft / theft from a vehicle : You can report these crimes online at https://www.gmp.police.uk (See website for full list of crimes that can be reported online)

Fraud, attempted fraud and scam e-mails : You can report online at www.actionfraud.police.uk 

Any crime or suspicion about a crime you can report in confidence to www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give information-online

Most burglaries are carried out by a criminals who might use the darker evenings to check which homes are empty, have valuables on display or searching for any security lapses.

By taking some simple steps you can reduce this potential opportunity from happening to you:

• Keep windows and doors locked and secure at all times, whether you are in or out of your home.

• Keep valuables out of sight and out of reach of cap flaps, letterboxes, downstairs doors and windows.

• Leave your car keys in a secure place and not on a key hook.

• Make sure your vehicle is locked and if possible parked in a well lit place.

• Use outdoor security lighting.

• Make your home look occupied when you are out – draw your curtains, leave a lamp on or leave a radio playing.

• If it will be dark before you get home, set your lights on timers.

• Consider fitting a burglar alarm - make sure it is installed properly by a reputable firm and is working. Also remember to set it before you leave home.

• A thorny hedge along the boundary of your property may put thieves off, as may a gravel path, as it’s noisy to walk on.

• Keep gates, garages, sheds or outbuildings secure and ensure no tools are left outside.

• Make sure your house is visible from the street - keep shrubbery and hedges at the front of the house pruned to below one metre to remove any cover for a burglar to work unseen and give your neighbours every chance to spot something suspicious.

• Be careful when opening the door to unexpected visitors - prior to opening the door use a peep hole, window or a Ring doorbell to see who is visiting and use a chain on the door. Never let anyone in your house unless it is someone you know and trust – if unsure check their identification details by phoning the genuine telephone number from a company website or search engine, do not use a telephone number on a given ID card. Do not be tempted to deal with businesses who call at your door..

• Never leave a spare key outside of your house – burglars know the usual hiding spots.