Published March 8th, 2008
Mark This!
It’s known that properties are sometimes code marked by gang members, often posing as salesmen or representatives, as a way of tipping off fellow criminals of times when a property is empty or where insufficient security may make them vulnerable. A break-in could subsequently occur. Following reports of a house apparently being marked in this way in Tixall Road, local residents may wish to be vigilant.
Councillor Jackie Hawthorn advises: “Have a look around doorways, exterior brickwork and porches for suspicious markings. These may take the form of an arrow, a circle, a wavy line or such like. Check the pavement outside your property too. It should be obvious if marks have been put there by the Council or utility firms. A wire brush should get rid of markings on brickwork or the pavement. Take particular care with your porches and windows. We want our houses to be inviting - but to the right sort of people!”
Published February 11th, 2008
Domestic violence - the way out
Hall Green Ward Councillor Jackie Hawthorn writes in our latest issue of Focus:
If you are the victim of domestic violence, the festive season may have been a time of fear and despair but it doesn’t have to be this way. Have you been made to feel that the violence is all your fault? After a beating do you get a promise that it will never happen again? Are you afraid to leave because of what might happen if you do? Have you a safe place to escape to? The facts are that violence is unjustifiable and it is NOT your fault. If you have been beaten once, the chances are that you will be beaten again and again. “At one time, the police would not get involved in what was classed as ‘a domestic’ but times have changed” says Cllr Jackie Hawthorn. “It’s now possible for abusers to be prosecuted in the Courts even when the victim is, as so often happens, too afraid to give evidence. You can make a new beginning. Ask yourself do you really still love this person? Would you be happier with them or without them?” Help and understanding is available. ‘Women with Essence’ have a drop-in meeting at St Michael’s Church, Redstone Farm Road on Tuesdays and Fridays 10am - 12 (phone 778-4958) or phone 07918714257 or 07918720968 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
Published December 9th, 2007
Coping with the Consequences of Crime
Following a reorganisation, Hall Green is now covered by South West Victim Support on their new phone number 0121-778-5864. Practical and emotional support is offered to victims of crime. The help might include follow up calls to the police, organising a support letter to a housing association, contacting a school about bullying or sending out a personal alarm.
Contact is initially by phone, although some calls may result in a home visit being arranged or an invitation to come in to the VS office for an appointment. Victim Support also help with criminal injury compensation. There are also support groups for women who have suffered violent crime. VS work in schools covers personal safety and bullying.
All this and much more. If you’ve been a victim of crime and would like some help in coping or need some further information, just give Jill Dourass at Victim Support a ring.
