Please can you look out for all your elderly and vulnerable neighbours at the moment as we are experiencing a rise in artifice burglaries.  The callers are Male or Female, they will say there is a water leak and they are from the Council or the Water board, they are undercover Police Officers or even will pretend they are delivering flowers.  The callers could pretend they are from any of the major utility suppliers but you don't have to let them in, make sure you put the chain on, take the persons details, close the door and make a call to the company or to the Police if you believe the call to be suspicious.  The Council will always send you a letter first to inform you of a visit, if the caller is genuine they will not mind you checking their details.  With all the major utilities you can set up a password system so the technician has to say your chosen password through the door before you let them in which will prove you are letting in a genuine caller. 

You  may have experienced calls at the door asking for money with a whole sob story attached.  I'm afraid drug addicts will beg on doorsteps with the ruse they need money for electricity etc - please do not give money, Please do contact us with times and descriptions or report the incident via the numbers given.  Recently there has been a boy going door to door collecting for a bogus boxing club.  I know it is very sad when you feel you cannot trust even children nowadays but I am concerned that you do not become a victim of anything so it is 'better to be safe than sorry'.  Refer such young people to the Police and if genuine we will support and fund most diversions on the Borough.

Anything suspicious do not hesitate to call us on 020 8721 2679, Non Emergency 0300 123 1212 or in an Emergency call 999.  You can also call Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506 if you have been cold called to check if the company is genuine.

If you know your neighbours over the age of 60 or other vulnerable neighbours could do with either spy hole, chain or bolts fitted please give me their details and I will refer them to The Safehouse Project which is a free service from the Community Safety Unit in the Council.

---

Wildlife Crime

Wildlife crime is committed against legislation which protects wildlife. Offences include destruction of birds nests, disturbance to badgers, fox poisoning, destruction of protected habitats, taking birds or eggs from the wild, cruelty to wild mammals, the illegal trade in endangered species, and many more. Wildlife crime where possible should be referred to the Wildlife Crime Officer. The Wildlife Crime Officer for Enfield is DC Nicky ROBINSON.Phone (020) 8345 3390.