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Latest News
Vehicle Crime Prevention
Posted: Tue, 14 Mar 2023 17:30 by Dick Stephen
Following reports of stolen BMW vehicles and a Mercedes GLC in South Northants this week we are sending the following vehicle crime prevention information .
Don't let thieves get an easy ride. Follow these simple rules to protect your vehicle from thieves.
1. Lock your vehicle
Locking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief. Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you haven't left any windows or the sunroof open. More »
It is actually illegal to leave your vehicle running unattended while you de-ice it or warm it up in cold weather. If someone takes it while it's left like this, your insurer won't pay out because you won't be covered.
If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked.
2. Keep the keys safe
Vehicles today are by and large more difficult to steal than ever, unless the thief can access your key or fob to clone them. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home, and away from your front door. It's not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick and hook through the letterbox.
Keyless entry
Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. If you have to push a button on your car key to open your car, you don't have keyless entry.
Keyless car theft or 'relay theft' is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.
Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it's inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.
How to protect your keyless entry car
When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.
Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag.
Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second hand car.
Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used.
3. Be aware of carjackers
The fact that you're in the car isn't always a deterrent to someone trying to steal it.
In traffic, drive with the doors locked and when queuing leave enough space in front of your vehicle to enable you to get out of a tight spot. If your vehicle is bumped from behind, wait to pull over – somewhere safe and preferably where there are people. After all, you don't know the person who has collided with you; they could well be hijackers. If you're at all suspicious, consider calling the police.
If someone threatens you, it's better to hand over the keys to the vehicle than become a victim of assault. Then call 999 as soon as possible, and ask for the police.
If your car is stolen, some modern vehicle alarm and tracker systems have the facility to isolate or shut down fuel systems, bringing the vehicle to a halt and leaving the thief high and dry.
4. Park responsibly
It's always advisable to avoid parking in dark and secluded areas. It's worth an extra five or ten-minute walk if it means your vehicle is left in a well-lit and busier street.
And if possible, always try to park in illuminated and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award. To find one, simply check out Park Mark.
5. Watch for illegal tow trucks
Thieves often attempt to lift vehicles from the street, literally. So, if you see a towaway crew acting suspiciously – especially if their vehicle isn't branded or if they're not in uniform – then please report it immediately.
As with every report of suspicious behaviour made in good faith, we'll never blame anyone for calling us if it proves unfounded.
Car parks with height-restricted entrances help prevent illegal tow trucks and removal vehicles. And fitting a Thatcham rated category 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors can help protect and trace your vehicle.
6. Fit good in-car security locks
Bear in mind that built-in steering locks aren't necessarily thief-proof. Many can be forced and broken. Fitting a Sold Secure steering wheel, gear lever or clutch pedal security device can give your vehicle added protection.
7. Double-check electronic locking
Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle. Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away.
If unsure, lock it manually, then scan the immediate area for anyone hanging around. If a potential thief who's watching feels they've been spotted, they'll probably move off.
8. Before owning, check for cloning
Changing the identity of a vehicle, known as vehicle cloning, can be as simple as adding stolen number plates. When buying a vehicle, always check the DVLA V5 document and make sure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the vehicle is the same as on the document.
Make sure you check more than one of the VINs as well as the engine numbers on the vehicle
Check a used vehicle you're buying.
9. Secure your port
Many modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can unlock and start your vehicle.
If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover. » Less
Closure of Wormleighton Road this weekend
Posted: Sat, 04 Mar 2023 13:11 by Dick Stephen
This could be off interest to those who go to Wormleighton and beyond.
Warwickshire County Council have Wormleighton Road closed for carriageway patching and associated works this weekend, 4-5 March 8am-4pm.
A screenshot from one.network is included below.
Subscriptions now open for West Northants garden waste service
Posted: Fri, 03 Mar 2023 10:47 by Dick Stephen
Residents across West Northamptonshire can now sign up for optional, chargeable garden waste collections from April 2023.
The annual subscription charge for the fortnightly service from April 2023 to the end of March 2024 is £55 per bin and can be made online at www.westnorthants.gov.uk/gardenwaste
Residents now have the option to sign up for an annual direct debit to save having to remember to renew every year. Residents who are unable to access the internet can subscribe to the service by phoning the council on 0300 126 7000. More »
Councillor Phil Larratt, WNC's Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste, said: "We are pleased to be able to offer residents this optional chargeable service. Many people value the garden waste service however there are others who don't need these collections. By ensuring that it is an optional service, only those who wish to receive the service have to pay for it, making it as fair for residents as possible.
"Residents can now sign up to receive the garden waste service via direct debit online on our website or over the phone, saving them time and without having to remember to renew each year."
Once households are signed up to the service, they will receive their new 2023/24 garden waste permit which they will be asked to stick on their garden waste bin. Any bins that have not subscribed will not be emptied after 4 April.
People who do not wish to sign up to the service have the option of composting their garden waste at home, either in a traditional compost heap or by purchasing a compost bin by visiting www.getcomposting.com and typing in their postcode to see offers available in their area.
People can also recycle garden waste for free at any of the Council's household waste recycling centres.
A comprehensive list of FAQs are also available on the Council's website at www.westnorthants.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-street-cleaning/garden-waste-collection-faqs
More information can be found at www.westnorthants.gov.uk/gardenwaste
Contact Information
West Northamptonshire Council Communications Team
communications@westnorthants.gov.uk
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