What is Neighbourhood Watch?

Neighbourhood Watch (in some areas known as Home Watch), is one of the biggest and most successful crime prevention schemes ever. It is based on simple ideas and values that are shared by many people around the country:

'Getting together with your neighbours to reduce local crime and disorder in the bid to make your neighbourhood a safe and better place to live, work and play'.

Neighbourhood Watch is not just about reducing crime – it is about building community spirit and good relations. It brings local people closer together with common goals; to tackle crime and disorder and to keep an eye on each other's property.

There are also other benefits of joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. For example, you can learn more about crime prevention and home security which will help keep your home and belongings safe. You might also get a discount on your home insurance.

The aims of Neighbourhood Watch schemes are:

  • To reduce the opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour to occur in your neighbourhood by deterring would-be burglars and vandals.

  • To build a community spirit so that all residents can contribute towards the protection of their property through co-operation and communication.

Members of Watch schemes are not vigilantes. Patrolling the streets is a job for the police; they will act upon the information supplied by residents. Watch schemes are not police-run groups. However, in order to be effective in tackling crime, Watch schemes have to work in partnership with the police (and other agencies).

By letting the police know of anything suspicious that you see or hear, you are helping to reduce the opportunities for crime to occur. The more difficult it can be made for the criminal, the more likely it is that crime can be reduced.

Don't just think about it.. get involved today.  Contact Maidstone and District Neighbourhood Wach Association on 08448920119

If you would like to be put in contact with your local co-ordinator please contact the parish office.

 

NHW NEWS

   

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

from

Trading Standards

DOORSTEP SELLING

At some time during the year each of us receives a ‘knock at the door’ only to open it to find someone selling goods or services. Follow this advice on the do’s and don’ts of buying from your doorstep.

WHAT TO DO:-

  • Check any credentials of the caller. Always ask for identification and NEVER let anyone into your home if you are uncertain about them.
  • Ask yourself if you really want the item/goods? Think whether or not it is something you would have gone out to purchase had the person not knocked at the door.
  • Can you afford it? - often by shopping around you can find the same or similar items cheaper elsewhere. 
  •  Make sure you get the name, address and telephone/contact number of the person you are dealing with - you may need to get hold of them again at a later date. 
  • Get everything in writing from the company, including any promises or guarantees they make either about their service or the product they are selling. 
  • Read all the documentation carefully. If you are at all in any doubt, ask to have the paperwork looked over by a friend, colleague or someone at the Citizens Advice Bureaux or Trading Standards. Reputable companies will not mind, nor pressure you in to signing. 
  • If the company state they belong to a trade association, ring them to double check that they do and ask what this can give you by way of support in a dispute. 
  • Remember if the call was unsolicited (i.e. you did not request the trader to call) and the value of the goods you are buying is over £35, you will have a seven-day cancellation period in which you can change your mind. This means any money or goods you have given (say in part exchange) must be refunded, but likewise any goods you have received from the company should be returned.

WHAT NOT TO DO:-

  • Never let anyone into your home that you have doubts about -remember it is YOUR home and you shouldn’t feel pressured or bullied.
  • Don’t part with any money unless you know what you’re getting in return.
  • Never sign a blank form - for any reason - it may cost you a fortune in the long run.
  • Don’t be fooled by offers of free prizes, holidays or the like, it is rare you will get something for nothing there is usually a hidden cost involved!

 OTHER USEFUL TIPS:-

There are many useful tips that you can remember when buying goods of any kind, not just from the door:-
If you use a credit card, and the value of the contract price is over £100, then the credit card company become equally liable for any breach of contract or misrepresentation. This is useful should the goods or services turn out to be faulty and you can make no contact with the trader. 

If you have parted with money as means of a deposit and received items from the trader in return, you will have a ‘lien’ over those goods if you change your mind within the time limits. (This means a right to hold on to them until you get your money back, although you have a responsibility to look after them.)

The trader (if the visit is unsolicited) should give you written notice of your rights to cancel, if not the contract may be unenforceable.

If you enter into a consumer credit agreement (signed in your own home), you will have 5 days after receipt of the second copy to cancel the agreement. This will also cancel any linked transaction i.e. if the credit agreement was for replacement windows, it will also cancel that contract.

What if the doorstep seller implies that the goods (e.g. dusters, ironing board covers and the like) have been produced by blind or disabled people in an attempt to prick your conscience? The Law Trading Representations (Disabled Persons) Act 1958 as amended by the Trading Representations (Disabled Persons) Amendment Act 1972 makes this a criminal offence.

The ‘teams’ who do this type of trickery often target areas and can earn as much as £3,000 per trip. Although the matter should be reported to your local trading standards department, there will be little they can do if they have no details of the people concerned.

Remember, even with the most reputable trader you may have problems, but the above will help eliminate some of the difficulties in dealing with them.

Finally, all goods that you purchase from a trader must be of satisfactory quality, fit for the purpose and as described. If they are not, you may be entitled to your money back. Likewise, a service should be carried out with reasonable care and skill, for a reasonable price (if not agreed in advance) and within a reasonable time.

 Trading Standards Website: www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/kent  

For further consumer advice please call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06

USING A TRADESPERSON OR HAVING RUBBISH REMOVED? 
As a householder, make sure that trades people taking away your rubbish follow the waste rules. 
The law now states that if you have any of your rubbish removed and it ends up being flytipped, you could be held responsible and fined. When dealing with waste removal services or trade people like plumbers, builders or gardeners, always ask them for a valid waste carriers licence. If you want to dispose of the rubbish yourself take it to your local household waste recycling centre.

 
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF 
1. Ask the waste removal service / tradesperson for their waste carrier licence number. 
2. Check their waste carrier licence number or their company name by visiting: 
* the Clean Kent website http://www.cleankent.com/ and following the link to the Environment Agency or call: 
* The Environment Agency on 0870 850 6506 or visit: 
* http://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/ for details of businesses vetted and approved by Trading Standards 
3. Please keep a note of all the information that you receive from the contractor and a receipt for any work done. If they are not registered don't use them. Inform Clean Kent of the trader immediately by calling 0845 345 0210. 

Do remember if you see someone flytipping call Clean Kent on 0845 345 0210. All calls are confidential.