Tenants’ Meeting Thursday 12th February 2009
Category: TA Meetings
Tenants' Meeting Somerton House
The next meeting of Somerton House Tenants’ Association will be on Thursday 12th February 2009 at 7.30pm in the Tenants’ Room.
PC Michael O’Grady from the King Cross Neighbourhood Team, and PC Steve Hardy from the crime prevention unit will be there to give advice on personal and home safety and security, along with Councillor Jonathan Simpson, who will available to give advice on Council issues.
Agenda for meeting will be posted on the Notice Board shortly before the meeting.
February 21st, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Advise from; PC Michael O’Grady, Kings Cross SNT and PC Steve Hardy, Crime Prevention Unit.
PC Michael (Mick) O’Grady from the King Cross Neighbourhood Team gave residents an overview of the area the SNT cover and the types of community policing his job involves. King’s Cross Ward is a unique area of the country, with different challenges to most other wards, and the Police are grateful for the support of the community.
PC Mick told us that the Safer Neighbourhoods Team is happy to be contacted on any issue, the team have a mobile phone, which can be contacted by dialling 020 8721 2694. The mobile phone is unavailable for a short period, so in the immediate future we can contact them on 020 7421 1061.
In an emergency, or if you see a crime in progress, you should always call 999.
PC Steve gave an overview of his wider patch, and gave a very good run down of the current techniques criminals may use, as well as crime prevention advice.For many years the Police have urged people to register their mobile ‘phones with immobilise.com – this service now covers any item with a serial number from mobiles to computers, televisions, hi-fis, walkmans and bicycles – the list is not exhaustive.
All tenants are urged to register their electronic and other devices with the service – so that if they are stolen they can be returned to their rightful owner.
Cashpoint scams are very common during busy periods, PC Steve gave a demonstration of cashpoint fraud devices.
The best way to avoid being caught out by this scam is by getting cashback in a supermarket.
PC Steve advised that one way to spot a cashpoint which has a suspicious device attached is by pushing gently on the area where you put your card in. If it moves, even slightly, walk away and do not use the machine. Contact the bank directly, or call 999.
Do not interfere with the device itself, or the cashpoint – the thieves will be nearby and watching the machine. This would put you in a lot of danger, as the thieves are more interested in the stolen data stored on the device, than your safety.
On home safety – Camden Council, and utility companies, operate a password scheme – next time you’re speaking to an official body you can set one up, so you know who is at the door before you buzz them in.
Cllr Jonathan Simpson also pointed out that all tenants are free to contact the Police on any issue they wish, as is their right and If anyone felt uneasy at contacting the Police on an issue, Cllr Simpson would be happy to be contacted to act as a go-between.
Simon Lamrock
Chair SHTA