SUPER SAVERS
Make you and your family the best bargains this Christmas

Trying to save a few quid on your gift shopping? Then as well as your wallet, why not put the safety of you and your family at the top of your list?

Now that the shopping season is here again this list of safety tips could be as important as your gift list. Check this list twice before you head for the stores this year!

*	Be alert and aware. Be attentive to your surroundings at all times.
*	Do not carry more cash or valuables than is necessary. Be discreet so that you do not attract attention.
*	Take extra precautions with your wallet or handbag. Carry your handbag with the opening flap next to your body and with the strap hung over your shoulder.
*	Allow for darkness. It gets dark early this time of year, so be sure to factor this into shopping plans.
*	Instruct children on shopping safety. Know where your children are at all times. Before going shopping, decide where to meet if you and your children should get separated.
*	Always lock your car doors and remember where you park.
*	Be sure to put valuables out of sight (i.e. packages, mobile phones, CDs, sat navs etc.). Place them in the boot or take them with you.
*	Never hide spare keys in or on your car. These hiding places are easily discovered. If you need spare keys, keep them with you.
*	Be alert to suspicious persons or circumstances. Avoid parking where you see someone sitting in their vehicle for no apparent reason.
*	Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a situation, report it to security immediately.
*	When walking in any car park, grocery store, airport, shopping centre, etc., walk confidently with your head up, make eye contact, and have your keys ready.
*	Drive defensively and courteously.
*	Report all suspicious activity.

And, finally... don't forget to bag a bargain

Here's your chance to shape the future of Neighbourhood and Home Watch - practically on your doorstep.

Chair Marion Lewis has announced the dates of the 5 regional Neighbourhood & Home Watch Conferences scheduled for January and February 2010 as promised at July's  NHWN Consultation Event.

The conferences, open to all, will engage grassroots members in learning and consultation and  highlight to a wider audience the potential role of the Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network  movement - including the draft business plan 2010-2015, the findings of the action learning being undertaken by ERS and case study participants, as well as the development of the website and brand by the Design Council.

The dates and grouped regions are:

30th January  - Wales & West Midlands - 150 places

6th February  -  North East, North West & Yorks & Humber - 200 places

13th February - South East & London - 150 places

20th February - East Midland & east of England  - 150 places

27th February - South West  - 100 places

Said Marion: "Further information will be sent to you from Conference Solutions who
will handle all aspects of the conference arrangements on our behalf.  They will also be able to answer any questions you may have.

"I am confident  that you will ensure that your grassroots members are notified of these forthcoming events and I look forward to meeting  you  and your members all personally as I will be attending each event.  May I take this opportunity to thank each of you for your work and support for the Watch movement and wish you all a very safe, secure and happy Christmas on behalf of the Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network committee.

EUROPEAN UNION chiefs have warned  shoppers to be on the lookout for dodgy Christmas lights.

A survey in mainland Europe found nearly 30 per cent of Christmas lights tested were unsafe.

EU Safety Commissioner, Meglena Kuneva, urged families to:

• Buy Christmas lights from reputable dealers.
• Never leave Christmas lights on when you are out of the house or at night.
• Return lights to the retailer if there is any suspicion on an electrical or mechanical problem.

The Government is to launch a major New Year campaign aimed at bringing an end to violence against women and girls. And young people are to be the target.

As well as measures to further protect victims and tackle perpetrators, the Together We Can End Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy (new window)  website signals a new focus on preventing violence from happening.

From 2011, preventing violence in relationships will be included in personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education, so attitudes which condone and perpetuate violence against women are addressed before they become entrenched.

An awareness-raising marketing campaign to change behaviour will start in January with a high profile drive to tackle violence in teenagers' relationships.

The strategy sets out a range of actions for the police, local authorities, the NHS and government departments across three key areas - Protection, Provision and Prevention.
To read more about this new strategy click here

A CUTTING EDGE campaign to educate young people convicted of knife possession about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife has been rolled out.

Home Office Minister David Hanson announced that, following a pilot scheme, the knife crime prevention programme (KCPP) is now being run by nearly 100 youth offending teams in areas covered by TKAP - the Tackling Knives and Serious Youth Violence Action Programme.

The programme is targeted solely at young people (aged 10 — 17) convicted of any offence involving a knife and does not replace the tough sentences imposed on adults or repeat offenders.

Run by the Home Office and Youth Justice Board, the programme consists of eight modules including:  attitudes towards carrying a knife, the legal implications of buying knives, impact of knife wounds including images, and talks from victims or their family. Alongside these tough messages, the young people are provided with support such as help leaving gangs, advice for managing anger or self referral pathways for those who feel threatened.

To find out more - click here

CHILDREN as young as five are to be taught about domestic violence and safe relationships.

 The lessons will become part of the statutory personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education curriculum in the hope that by teaching children from a young age about personal safety, the number of domestic violence perpetrators will fall.

According to the British Crime Survey, approximately one million women are victims of domestic violence each year in the UK.

However, not everybody agrees with the rationale behind the move.

Margaret Morrissey, of the Parents Outloud campaign group, criticised the change in curriculum, which will take place in 2011. She said: "This political correctness is turning our children into confused mini-adults."

However, Schools minister Vernon Coaker defended the scheme, saying: "The appropriateness of what you do with someone who is five-years-old is totally different in terms of content and how you will be taught to someone who is 15 or 16."

Read more on the BBC News website.
Learn what Crimestoppers is doing about domestic violence.
How does Crimestoppers work with young people?

If you wish to pass on information about crime anonymously, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or fill out our anonymous online Giving Information Form

Every year at this time, when there is a hard frost on the ground and on the windscreen, thieves get up early. They spend their mornings driving around villages and housing estates looking for the tell tale puff of an exhaust pipe.

When they find a car that has been left unattended with its engine running to defrost, they simply jump in and drive it away. Often the victim is able to watch as the thief drives away in their car.

Attached to this message you will find a poster designed to remind people about this kind of crime. If you are in a position to print and display this poster in your local notice board, shop window or your place of work - it would be a great help as you will probably be helping us to reduce the number of victims that we will have to deal with later in the season.

Your assistance is truly appreciated - download your poster here

HOME Secretary Alan Johnson welcomed new measures to protect the public, increase police accountability and tackle crime and disorder after the Policing and Crime Bill received Royal Assent.

The new Act gives a clear voice to local people in the policing of their areas and also brings in new powers to ensure the police and local communities have the powers they need to deal with issues that matter to the public such as gang-related violence, prostitution and alcohol-related disorder.

New measures include the introduction of a mandatory code of practice for alcohol retailers, the creation of a new offence of paying for sex with a prostitute who has been coerced or deceived and the power for police and local authorities to apply for injunctions against people involved in gang-related violence.

Read more here