01/09 Cannabis farm found in Blyth

Cannabis farm found in Blyth
Variety of growing equipment seized
25/08/2006 - Northumberland

Police in Blyth have seized a cannabis farm with a street value of up to £100,000.

As part of an ongoing campaign to target drug suppliers in Blyth, officers executed a search warrant at a house in Maddison Street. Inside they found a cannabis farm over three rooms, containing 250 plants, ranging from seedlings to fully mature plants.

Officers also found a variety of lighting and growing equipment and the mains electricity had been diverted to cultivate the plants.

Enquiries are ongoing to trace the occupant of the house.

Blyth Inspector Dave Jewell said: " We have disrupted a substantial and professional operation to grow cannabis on a large scale. It should send out a clear message to those who deal in drugs that we know who you are and we will target you."

01/09 Thieves warned over sat-nav thefts

Reminder to motorists
30/08/2006 - Newcastle

Thieves are being warned that stealing satellite navigation systems can be a pointless crime which will only lead them in the direction of the courts.


The warning comes as Northumbria Police reminds motorists in Newcastle to take steps to prevent the theft of in-car satellite navigation and safety camera detection devices.


The reminder forms part of Northumbria Police's Chief Constable Mike Craik's pledge of total policing to tackle crime and disorder at all levels, which is supported by Northumbria Police Authority.


Although theft of cars is at its lowest since 1991 across the force, in Newcastle Area Command there has been an increase in thefts from parked cars, particularly navigation and safety camera detection equipment. Since the beginning of the year there has been over 200 crimes involving sat-nav systems in Newcastle.


Newcastle Superintendent Graham Davis, said: " Thieves don't realise that many of these systems can be made inoperable once they are stolen, so taking them is pointless.


" Combating vehicle crime is currently one of our main priorities and we are pro-actively targeting those responsible for both stealing and buying these devices as well as paying extra attentions to hot-spot areas.


" People don't need reminding of the financial and emotional distress being a victim of crime can cause and having your vehicle broken into and property stolen is no exception. However, motorists can play a large part in keeping their vehicles safe."


Simple but effective security advice includes:

- If the satellite navigation system fits onto your vehicle dashboard, take it with you when you leave your vehicle. This includes the cradle or holder.

- Ensure no power leads are left visible.

- Thieves know that owners will often hide them in glove boxes or under seats so try not to store them there.

- Lock all doors and close windows when leaving the car, even for a short time.

- Keep a record of the serial and model number and ensure the equipment is registered with the manufacturer and if it is stolen inform them. This should make it difficult for unauthorised internet downloads and updates for the equipment and provides a traceable source for police to investigate. Also consider getting the device security marked (contact your local Crime Prevention Officer for more information).

- When away from home try and look for a parking space in a well lit, busy place. At home, park in a garage if you have one and still remove the equipment.

- Report any suspicious activity to the police.


Supt Davis added: " We want to reassure people we are patroling areas known to be targeted by thieves and have ongoing operations aimed at criminals who commit this type of offence.


" We also continue to liaise with manufacturers of this type of equipment so that officers are fully trained in identifying recovered systems and systems we believe are stolen."


If you are considering purchasing a second hand sat-nav or safety camera detection system take sensible precautions:


- Ensure the seller is genuine and traceable and that the equipment has the packaging, including the serial number, on the item or the seller has an original purchase receipt.

- If you don't know the seller ask to see some form of identification, insist on paying by cheque or money transfer at a bank. This way the seller should be traceable.

- Don't lose your consumer rights for the sake of getting a bargain. If you buy a stolen system and the original buyer has registered the equipment with the manufacturer you are buying a worthless item which will be very quickly out of date and cannot be updated. Contact the manufacturer quoting the serial number to ensure the item is not stolen.

- If you are offered or know someone that is selling this type of equipment and you think it may be stolen contact your nearest police station or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 - you can do this anonymously.


Tyneside, Wearside and Northumberland are amongst the safest places in the country to live. Crime fell by 7% last year and has dropped 37% since the early 90s.

20/05 ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR ADDITIONAL HELP AND SERVICES?

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR ADDITIONAL HELP AND SERVICES?

The Consumer Council for Water Northumbria is making water customers
across the region aware of services and additional help provided by their
water company. The local water watchdog is advising customers to find
out what help is available to them regarding schemes, payment methods
and special services.

Some water customers can receive financial help under Government
regulations in the form of the Vulnerable Groups Scheme. All appointed water
companies operating wholly or mainly in England offer this scheme to
those who are eligible.

This scheme assists metered customers receiving certain benefits who
either have a large family (three or more children under the age of 19
who are in full-time education and living in the property) or a medical
condition which results in them using more water. For an application
form and further information about this scheme contact your water
company.

Andrea Cook, Chairman of Consumer Council for Water Northumbria, said:
"Many customers do not know how much help is available to them. For
example, those in receipt of benefits should consider arranging for the
Department for Work and Pensions to pay their water bills direct from
their benefits for them. This will help those people who find it
difficult to budget and who would welcome the assurance of knowing that
regular payments will be made."

Water companies also offer help and advice to their customers about
debt. If you have recently received a 'reminder' from your water company
and you know that you will have difficulty paying your bill contact the
company immediately to discuss the possible options of spreading the
cost to avoid debt mounting up.

Hartlepool Water and Northumbrian Water offer customers the opportunity
to make payments in smaller more frequent amounts at convenient local
outlets. To arrange payments through this method contact your local
water company for more details.

For customers who have difficulty reading their water bill Hartlepool
and Northumbrian Water will arrange for them to be printed in large
print, Braille, or on audiocassette. To register or find out more
information on any of these services contact the water company.

Local media enquiries contact: Barbara Leech, CCWater Northumbria
Regional Manager, on 01325 464222.