With the rising in the cost of living, there has been recent attempts to steal domestic heating oil from tanks due to its increase in value. We are asking all homeowners to remain vigilant & offer the following crime prevention advice:

• Install an alarm on your heating tank to alert you of a dip in your oil levels – this can alert you from indoors or when you are out through your mobile. Make sure you display a sign above the tank to warn thieves that your tank is alarmed.
• Put gravel around your tank to make the area noisy so that it deters thieves & draws attention when any attempts are made.
• Try to hide the location of your tank through adding walls or putting plants around – all concealments must comply with OFTEC fire safety recommendations please see here: Oil Tank Installation – OFTEC Requirements – Direct Water Tanks
• Lock up your tank with a good quality all-weather padlock & give the code to your fuel supplier for delivery access
• Install CCTV to monitor your tank & show a visible deterrent for thieves  
• Install security lighting to brighten the area as many thieves strike in the darkness of night

If see you any suspicious activity or wish to report a theft call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

I am sorry this is a long email but a number of you have difficulty  in downloading attachments, so good bedtime reading!

As the nights are getting lighter and the weather is getting hotter I thought I would give you a few tips on how to stay safe  by protecting our property and ourselves especially as we are spending more times in our gardens/ spaces.

Preventing Burglary.

• Look at your house as a burglar would- if you were locked out how would you get back in? This will help you identify any weak spots where you will need to improve your home security.
• Keep external doors locked even when you are at home.
• If you open a window always close and lock when you go out or leave the room.
• Keep all keys out of sight and reach of letter boxes, cat flaps, and downstairs doors and windows. Never leave a key hidden outside!!
• Make your home look occupied once darkness falls by using a time switch that turns on a light, so it looks as though someone is in.
• If you have an alarm system use it.. 
• Mark your property so it could be identified There are various options :a UV permanent pen use you postcode ex HP17 5DL 5 or SmartWater which is a traceable liquid.Register your property for free at www.immobilise.com.

Preventing Vehicle Crime – Quick Tips.

• Before you get out of your vehicle check your door pockets that you have not left anything lying around,  the dash, the console and wipe away any round sticky marks on window as that may show you have a holder for mobiles or stat nav.
• Check you have closed windows and ,locked doors. If you car has automatic locking system still check that they are locked. Criminals nearby can use jamming devices to block the remote signal especially if you forget to lock your car.
• It is important when you are parking your car especially if you will be away for the day and not return until the evening. Make sure you park in a secure parking area  where there are lights and possibly use of cameras or a security firm in attendance.

Preventing Personal Robbery.

• Plan ahead before you go out. Know exactly where you are going. and how you will get there and back. Inform family or a friend. to say where you are going with approximate time of return.Be prepared for a change of plan.
• Keep your purse and wallet close and secure. Only take out essential items you need.
• When you are out always keep to well lit streets and never take shortcuts. 
• Be aware of your surroundings and do not use your mobile phone to text or listen to music. as this will distract you and advertises to the criminals that you have a mobile phone.
• If you do not feel safe then change your route. 
• If going out with friends try to stay together on route home. Try avoid walking home alone at night..

Having said all that enjoy the sunshine and the holidays whether you are going abroad or staying home.

Stay Safe This Summer

With Summer holidays just around the corner & warmer weather settling in, the South & Vale is full of rivers, streams & canals that may look inviting to many but could prove dangerous to even the strongest of swimmers. Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service warns of the dangers of open water & promote the following safety advice: 

•Avoid walking on routes near water if you have been drinking alcohol
•Lakes, reservoirs, rivers often hide hidden dangers below the surface that could make people ill, cause injury or kill. This could be anything from a strong current that appears calm, large rocks to machinery; from shopping trolleys to branches, and even fish hooks or broken fishing line
•Never swim, even where allowed, after drinking alcohol
•Don’t dive or jump straight into open water – this can cause potentially fatal cold water shock even on the warmest day with temperatures remaining cold in the water- even numbing limbs & claiming lives 

If you fall in: 
•    Don’t panic – lean back in the water, extend your arms and legs out and float on your back avoiding water entering your airway until the effects of cold water shock pass
•    Try & relax until initial panic & gasping subsides 

If someone else falls in: 
•    Never enter the water to try to rescue someone – call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service if inland and the coastguard if you are on the coast.
•    Know your location to help emergency services find you-consider using location apps
•    Throw a life ring or throw a line to them if one is near

Anyone witnessing someone in trouble in the water should call 999 or 112 and shout for help.