Counter Terrorism Policing and Community Vigilance Action Counter Terrorism Webinar

Counter Terrorism Policing and Community Vigilance Action Counter Terrorism Webinar

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Hi Jan
We are delighted to invite you to attend a webinar this Thursday 9th December, 5-6pm on Counter-Terrorism Policing and Community Vigilance: Action Counters Terrorism.
The webinar will be held on Microsoft Teams with expert presenters from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office and Counter-Terrorism Policing Communications.
Counter-Terrorism Policing is a collaboration of UK police forces working with the UK intelligence community to help protect the public and our national security by preventing, deterring and investigating terrorist activity.
The webinar will outline our Counter Terrorism Policing efforts from a national and local perspective and the current terrorist threat.
In addition to explaining how their staff and officers keep you safe, they will address how you can protect yourself and others by utilising their free resources and remaining vigilant. There will an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session.
Visit ourwatch.org.uk/webinars to book your place now!
Kind regards
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team
Follow us.. ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn
Neighbourhood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349

Message Sent By
Central Support Team (NWN, Neighbourhood Watch Network, England and Wales)

Cheshire Residents Warned To Be Vigilant Following Reports of Courier Fraud Scams Across The County

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Detectives are warning the public after a spate of courier fraud scams have left Cheshire victims without thousands of pounds.
Since November there have been four incidents, one in Wilmslow, one in Crewe, one in Handforth and another in Warrington, reported to Cheshire Constabulary.
Courier frauds are mainly committed by organised crime groups (OCGs) and a member of the OCG, known as the ‘victim communicator’, makes a phone call to vulnerable potential victims, persuading them that they are a police officer or work at a bank.
They then manage to get the victim to cooperate with an ‘operation’ designed to gather evidence or identify offenders responsible for a fictional offence.
The victims are asked to withdraw money from their bank, purchase an expensive item and/or provide their bank details or card to assist with the operation.
Money, items or documents are then handed over to the ‘courier’, who attends the victim’s address or meets them nearby, on the promise that the money or item will be returned or compensation will be provided.
Sadly, no compensation is provided and the money will not be returned. Leaving victims, in some cases, out of pocket of thousands of pounds.
Detective Sergeant Chris Jacques from Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit said: “In the last couple of months we have had reports of people being a victim of this type of crime.
“We therefore want to warn others to prevent them from also becoming a victim and to also encourage people to tell elderly relatives and neighbours about it so they are aware of the signs.
“These scammers will stop at nothing to make a criminal gain and can be extremely convincing and very persistent.
“By using these methods they can often blindside their victims into believing them, before taking hard-earned money.
“It is important for the public to remember that police officers, banks and other services will never ask you to withdraw money or provide card details over the phone.
“Telephone numbers can be easily spoofed and you should never trust a number displayed on your telephone.
“Another concerning trend is that scammers have been asking victims to call back on 999, 101 or 162 to verify that they are genuine.
“This is part of the scam and they keep the line open so that the victim continues speak with the scammers believing that they are genuine officials.
“Anyone who is receiving calls asking for money to be withdrawn and handed over to a courier should call 101 or report it to Action Fraud.”
Anyone who believes they have been contacted fraudulently or have been a victim of fraud should call either Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or contact Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting their website: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

Message Sent By
Daniel Millington (Cheshire Police / Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Media Officer, Corporate Communications)

Council asks parents attending school Christmas events to be covid safe

With positive covid cases very high in Cheshire East, the council is asking parents and carers to maintain covid safe behaviours when attending Christmas events at nurseries, schools, or colleges. 

While some settings have taken the difficult decision to cancel their Christmas performances based on their risk assessment, others across the borough are continuing with their planned nativity plays, concerts and festive themed pantomimes.

Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “Positive covid cases have been the highest in the 0-19 age group for quite some time now.

“I don’t wish to dampen the spirits of children, young people and our schools who will have spent a great deal of time planning and looking forward to their first Christmas performances since the pandemic began.

“But I want everyone to be covid safe with rising cases in Cheshire East and the potential risks of the Omicron variant. That means taking a lateral flow test before leaving home, sanitising hands on arrival and departure, and for all adults to wear a face covering during performances.

“If you do feel unwell before you plan to leave or display any Covid-19 symptoms, to stay at home and arrange to get a PCR test.

“Our schools will all have undertaken a risk assessment before deciding to proceed with their performances and will have the necessary Covid-19 safety measures in place.  

“Small steps really can make a huge difference and it’s in our hands to look after each other by staying safe at any festive event attended.”

For more local information, advice, and support, visit the council’s Covid-19 webpages at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covid19

SANDBACH RUGBY CLUB RELATIONSHIP REACHES TRY STATUS

 

Family owned business continues to invest in grass-roots rugby.

29 November 2021

Crewe based Jaguar dealership, Swansway Jaguar Crewe and sister dealership Crewe Audi build on their longstanding commitments to invest in the area where they do business, with their fifth consecutive year of sponsoring local Midland Premier League team, Sandbach RUFC.

The Jaguar centre on Crewe Green Roundabout have renewed their 1^st XV team main shirt sponsorship at the club, after a successful four year relationship which began back in 2017.

Crewe Audi, which is located at Gateway in Crewe, in close proximity to family-owned Swansway Group Head Office, have also renewed their main shirt sponsorship packages for the 2^nd XV and 3^rd XV Sandbach teams. And both dealerships now have agreements in place to continue to support Sandbach with its local grass-roots rugby ambitions, for the 2021/22 and 22/23 seasons.

Matt Hill, Head of Business at Swansway Jaguar Crewe, commented,

“It’s a great pleasure to be able to once again show our support for Sandbach RUFC, and for us to help them build on all the great work they do to encourage and inspire participation in sport in the local area.

“Sandbach has such a rich history in the local community, and has teams for all ages and all abilities – men, women, boys and girls are all welcomed. As a family-owned business, that’s something we really believe in.”

Director of Rugby, Andrew Bird commented

"To have Swansway Jaguar supporting our club really contributes to our clubs aims of providing the most professional experience for all players regardless of experience or team they play for. We value every player as Swansway value every customer and we are delighted to have their continued, generous support. We very much look forward to welcoming new members, supporters or rugby fans to Bradwall Road in coming weeks. Please check out our social media pages for a comprehensive up-to-date diary of events on and off the pitch.”

Crewe Brass at Christmas

Crewe Brass have a busy December ahead with several performances planned in Crewe, Shavington and Audlem.

They will perform Christmas classics including Merry Christmas Everyone, Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree, Troika, O Holy Night, Sleigh Ride, and A Christmas Festival Overture.

Christmas performances will take place on:

-Saturday 11th December (10am-3pm) - Christmas carols at ASDA, Crewe.

-Thursday 16th December (7:30-10pm, eyes down 8pm) - 'Christmas Bingo' at Shavington Social Club. Their performance will take place at 9pm. Proceeds will go to the Band (registered charity no 1125938).

-Sunday 19th December (10am-3pm) - Christmas carols at ASDA, Crewe.

-Wednesday 22nd December (from 7:30pm) - 'Christmas around the tree' in Audlem around the large Christmas tree on the village square.

Crewe Brass is a third section competing brass band in the North West area and are well known throughout South Cheshire and beyond. They have a history going back forty years. They were formed when the North Midland Co-operative Society sponsored one of the best youth bands in the country - South Cheshire Young Brass - and included players from the United Co-op Youth Band.

A representative from Crewe Brass said: “The past two years has really hit Crewe Brass hard; we love nothing more than performing for the people of Crewe & Nantwich, under normal circumstances we would have a Christmas Concert in St Mary’s Church (Nantwich) and one in our new home, the Exhibition Hall at Crewe Heritage Centre, but the unfortunate circumstances of the past 12 months has left us unable to perform in these venues. However, the band is undeterred, and will perform carols outside ASDA once again as we have every year since 1992. We hope that we can bring some festive cheer to shoppers during the Holiday Season.

“We are also holding our Christmas Bingo organised by the band’s “Mum” Joan Wearne in her home village, Shavington, on Thursday 16th December, it’s FREE too!! Just come along, bring your dibbers and your dabbers and its eyes down at 8.00pm with a 40-minute concert by the band at half time before another round of bingo. There are prizes galore and it’s always a brilliant night so come and support us.

“The final festive gathering is the fabulous “Carols around the Tree” in Audlem on Wednesday 22nd December where it’s always a seasonal night of Carols & Christmas Songs from 7.30pm onwards.

“Crewe Brass, your local band, Crewe’s “Town” Band, need your support and help, and every penny we raise will help the band to grow and develop in the coming months.”

To keep up to date on where the band are playing and all the latest news, visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/crewebrass or website http://www.crewebrass.com/ , or email: crewebrass@yahoo.co.uk

Full statement from Cheshire and Merseyside’s Directors of Public Health:

We want to start by saying that we are extremely thankful to everyone across Cheshire and Merseyside for their efforts so far. We are now 20 months into this pandemic and every day we are blown away by the resilience, kindness, and commitment we see from our local communities.

With each hour, we are learning more about the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 that has been described as a Variant of Concern (VOC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Early indications suggest that it is highly transmissible, and we may see an increase in cases, as well as an increase in hospitalisations. However, we must wait until we learn more over the coming weeks before we can be sure of the impact this will have. There is no evidence yet that it causes more serious disease.

We can absolutely understand that, especially in the run up to the festive season, this is incredibly unwelcome and frustrating news. We can understand those who want to see fewer restrictions and reminders of this pandemic, not more, and as Directors of Public Health, we are desperate to see a return to normal. However, it is our duty to respond to situations as they arise and provide you with the advice that will help keep you, your community, and your loved ones safe, as well as protect our local NHS.

There are many reasons to remain positive and hopeful; as time as gone on, we know more and more about this virus and have had time to prepare for situations like this, we also have the hugely successful COVID-19 vaccination programme, without which we would most likely be looking at much stronger restrictions and perhaps even a lockdown.

To avoid a situation where our infection rate gets out of control, causes harm to those who are vulnerable and overwhelms our local hospitals, your actions and behaviours will be vital. We must work together and continue to do what we’ve already been doing for quite a while.

We are reminding those living and working in Cheshire and Merseyside to:

• Join the 46 million people in the UK who are fully vaccinated – if you haven’t had the time, you now need to make time. It’s been shown to be both safe and effective and it is the best way to keep yourself from getting seriously ill
• Get a booster shot if you are over 18 and it’s been three months since your second jab – the effectiveness of any vaccine slightly drops over time, so it’s very important to get a ‘top-up’ to ensure you are as safe as possible
• Continue to wear face coverings – from Tuesday 30^th November, it is a legal requirement to wear face coverings in shops and on public transport, but please consider wearing one in other crowded spaces with lots of people. A global study found that wearing face coverings was linked to a drop 53% drop in cases, so we know they work.
• Continue to practice good hand hygiene, in particular hand washing

• Make an effort to ventilate spaces – ensuring a constant flow of fresh air can make a big difference, you can open windows, doors and vents. We know it’s cold outside, but even opening for 10 minutes to let some fresh air can really help.

• Keep getting tested:
  • If you develop COVID-19 symptoms (new continuous cough, high temperature, loss or change in taste or smell), self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test. You should self-isolate at home while you get a PCR test and wait for the results. You must self-isolate if you test positive. You must self-isolate from the day your symptoms started and the next 10 full days, or from the day your test was taken if you do not have symptoms and the next 10 full days. This is the law, regardless of whether you have been vaccinated.
  • Take tests if you do not have symptoms to help manage your risk. Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms. This means they could be spreading the virus without knowing it. Testing regularly increases the chances of detecting COVID-19 when you are infectious but are not displaying symptoms, helping to make sure you do not spread COVID-19 by staying at home and self-isolating immediately. Rapid lateral flow testing continues to be available free of charge. You can get tests from pharmacies or online.

• Self-isolate if you are told to do so by NHS Test and Trace or local authority public health teams and minimise your contact with others if you know you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive. If you are self-isolating, there is support available to you during this period from national and local government.
• Get tested before meeting up with others and don’t go if your test is positive

We are also urging businesses and workplaces in Cheshire and Merseyside to support your workforce resilience by supporting staff to have regular testing and give time to allow them to take up their vaccination offer.

Thank you for your continued support and helping us keep local communities safe. Your efforts are recognised, and we are confident that together, we will see each other through what unfortunately is shaping up to be a difficult winter. 

Stay safe,

Dr Matt Tyrer

Director of Public Health for Cheshire East

Ian Ashworth

Director of Public Health Cheshire West and Chester

Dr Ifeoma Onyia

Director of Public Health for Halton

Dr Sarah McNulty

Director of Public Health for Knowsley

Professor Matt Ashton

Director of Public Health for Liverpool

Margaret Jones

Director of Public Health for Sefton

Ruth Du Plessis

Director of Public Health for St Helens

Thara Raj

Director of Public Health for Warrington

Julie Webster

Director of Public Health for Wirral

More information/notes to editors:

Cheshire and Merseyside’s Directors of Public Health work together as the Champs Public Health Collaborative. To learn more about the Collaborative, please visit www.champspublichealth.com.

Anyone who gets a positive result from a rapid test can book a PCR test by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.

Directors are also keen to stress how important it is for anyone with the Coronavirus symptoms of a new persistent cough, a high temperature or a loss of sense of taste or smell, to self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.

Latest data, looking good for covid

Council leaders urge residents to ‘do the right thing’ with new Covid threat

Cheshire East Council leaders are asking residents to do the right thing and keep Covid safe with the threat of the new Omicron variant of concern.

Mask wearing in all shops and supermarkets is a requirement from 4.00am today (Tuesday 30 November) and these restrictions will initially remain in place for three weeks.

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council said: “We have a duty to keep our residents safe, to prevent transmission and work with health partners to save lives.

“Although only a small number of positive cases of Omicron have so far been reported, we are taking the threat of this new variant very seriously.

“With Christmas little more than three weeks away, I am asking all of our residents to do the right thing and to please follow the latest Covid safety guidance.

“Please remember the basics of ‘Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air’ – wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, wear a face covering in crowded indoor spaces and maintain social distancing. The spread of coughs, colds, flu, Covid-19 and winter vomiting are all restricted by these simple measures.

“Wearing a mask in supermarkets and on public transport is now compulsory and a legal requirement. Wearing a face covering in high risk crowded or indoor places, is not a big sacrifice to make and if we all follow the guidance, we will break the train of transmission and slow the spread of this new variant.”

Deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, Councillor Craig Browne, said: “What we are seeing and hearing about this new variant is extremely worrying.

“I would like to thank our residents who have been doing a great job in getting out to their local high streets and supporting our local economy, especially in the run-up to the all-important festive trading period.

“It’s in our hands to look after each other by continuing to stay safe and that means wearing a face covering every time you enter a shop or travel on a bus or train.” 

Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “Getting vaccinated is the very best thing any of us can do to protect ourselves against Covid-19 and to boost our own natural defences against this new variant.

“Early indications suggest this variant may be more transmissible than the Delta variant and if for whatever reason you have not had your first, second or booster jab yet, then please get yourself booked in without delay.

“It’s also critical that anyone with Covid-19 symptoms, however slight, self-isolates and gets a PCR test immediately.”

Other measures being brought in include:

• In England, pupils in Year 7 and above are being "strongly advised" to wear face coverings in communal areas. The guidance also applies to staff and visitors at all schools and childcare settings
• All contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be required to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of a person's vaccination status and will be contacted by NHS Test & Trace
• From 4.00am on Tuesday, anyone entering the UK will require a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival and will need to self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
• Booster jabs will be offered to everyone aged 18 and above and the gap between second doses and the booster is reducing from six to three months
• People with immunocompromised conditions will be offered a fourth jab
• Children aged 12 to 15 will be invited to get a second dose.

To book a confirmatory PCR test visit: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test and select 'My local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms' or call 119.

All residents in the borough are still being asked to take no-symptoms Covid-19 tests, called Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) regularly and twice a week if possible.

For full information on where to get tested or pick up home testing kits visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covid-testing

Cheshire East Council has a range of materials for businesses including a free Covid-19 toolkit along with a ‘Wear your mask’ poster retailers can print off and use at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_information/coronavirus/covid-19-business-toolkit.aspx

November 2021 Enewsletter - Firelink

November 2021 Enewsletter - Firelink

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Welcome to the November edition of the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service e-Newsletter.

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APPLY NOW! Wholetime firefighter recruitment

Changing lives...saving lives, every day is different for a firefighter
If you’re passionate about changing lives in your community, and want to contribute to saving lives by reducing the risk of incidents, then being a firefighter is the role for you.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service does not just fight fires and rescue people.  In fact, only around five per cent of a firefighter’s time is spent attending incidents.  They are actively involved in their communities, carrying out prevention work to reduce the chance of fires happening in the first place, delivering road safety campaigns to reduce the number of road traffic collisions and working closely with young people through programmes such as The Prince’s Trust Team, Fire Cadets and Respect courses.
Our wholetime firefighter recruitment registration window is open until 12 midday Wednesday 8 December 2021.
Apply now! Wholetime firefighter recruitment

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2022/2023 Draft Annual Action Plan Consultation

Cheshire Fire Authority has launched a consultation on its draft annual action plan for 2022-2023.
The Plan was developed to review progress against its key objectives that are set out in the Authority’s 2020-2024 Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) and to outline any emerging risks and new proposals to address these risks.
Read the draft annual action plan and have your say

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Lucky escape from house fire in Chester

A Chester woman has spoken out about her lucky escape from a house fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical device, to help warn others.
The mum wants her story to help people understand the dangers of using electrical extension leads but also to highlight the importance of having smoke alarms fitted correctly.
Read more - Lucky escape from house fire in Chester

Message Sent By
Ashley Lawton (Cheshire Police / Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Administrator, Corporate

Omicron good news

Omicron objectivity

Queens Park November 2021

Miracle in Japan

Tatton Park is ready for One Snowy Night

Tatton Park teams are busy setting up their festive Garden event, One Snowy Night, to make sure it’s a magical experience for visitors when it opens this Saturday 27^th November.

One Snowy Night: a Christmas Garden Tale

Tatton Park’s winter gardens host a magical event for families and friends which starts on Saturday. But before visitors start arriving, Tatton Park staff are working hard to make sure the Gardens bring Nick Butterworth’s ‘One Snowy Night’ story, and much-loved Percy the Park Keeper character, to life this Christmas.

Turning Tatton Park Gardens into Percy’s Christmas home

Preparation of the trail started in earnest last week with the delivery of three Christmas trees. Iconic illustrations from the story are being put in place to decorate the garden route for families to follow fun activities along the way. Fairy lights are being added to the Orchard area and Tower Garden, the iconic African hut is being transformed into Percy’s festive hut for Christmas, a Wish Tree is going up in Charlotte’s Gazebo and the fire pit at Percy’s Potting shed is being stocked ready for children to warm up by the fire and toast marshmallows. The gardeners are also preparing spring bulbs so that children can help with planting while they’re here. Vicky Rowbotham, one of the Tatton Park Managers involved in the Christmas Garden event, says

“Bringing One Snowy Night to life in Tatton’s magical winter Garden is a real team effort and brilliant fun. The installation comes after weeks in the planning and working with different teams at Tatton and our talented suppliers. In the days leading up to the event, it’s ‘all hands on deck’ and a real test of everyone’s imagination, creativity, and stamina! Especially when it comes to the best places for photo opportunities with Percy cut-outs, which we think people will love. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to enjoy the festivities with Percy and friends!”

To book tickets in advance of your visit, go to www.tattonpark.org.uk/christmas

Northern Chamber Orchestra Concerts on 10^th December

The Northern Chamber Orchestra is performing a traditional festive concert in the Tenants’ Hall at Tatton Park. Due to popular demand, they’ve added a matinee concert this year at 3.30pm as well as the 7pm performance. Expect performances by the Northern Chamber Orchestra, festive songs sung by the Choir of St Nicholas Catholic High School, Northwich, and much-loved carols for all to sing. The concert tickets include a glass of winter punch and a concert of classical masterpieces, carols and songs.

Christmas Carols in the Stableyard on 19^th December

Why not come along to Tatton Park’s Christmas Carols in the Stableyard on Sunday 19^th December at 3pm? You’re invited to belt out some of your all-time-favourite carols with friends and family, accompanied by the King Edward Musical Society Band and Choir.

Pop into the Stableyard shops for last minute gifts and bespoke Christmas hampers, warm up with takeaway food and drink from the Stables Restaurant or book Festive Afternoon Tea in the Gardener’s Cottage.

For more details of Christmas events at Tatton Park and to book tickets, visit www.tattonpark.org.uk/christmas

About Tatton Park

Tatton Park is managed and financed by Cheshire East Council on behalf of the National Trust. This impressive heritage visitor attraction receives in the region of 800,000 visitors every year, all of whom come to enjoy its picturesque Parkland, 18^th century Mansion, medieval Old Hall, award-winning Gardens and rare breed Farm. For further information, images or interviews:

carole.hyde@cheshireeast.gov.uk, 07912 294445

caroline.jackson@cheshireeast.gov.uk, 07879 014648

The Best Way To Keep Hackers Out of Your Online Accounts

The Best Way To Keep Hackers Out of Your Online Accounts

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Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is the single most important thing you can do to improve the security of your online accounts.
What is 2FA?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a way of strengthening the login security of your online accounts. It's similar to how an ATM works. You need both your debit card (first factor) and your PIN (second factor) to get access your account and withdraw cash. The main objective is better security. If your card is stolen, they still need your PIN. If your PIN is stolen, they still need your card.
Enabling 2FA will help to stop hackers from getting into your accounts, even if they have your password.
How do I enable 2FA on my accounts?
Here are links you can use to enable 2FA on some of the most popular online services and apps:

• Gmail
• Yahoo
• Outlook
• AOL
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online, visit the Cyber Aware website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware
Thanks for reading! If you found this information useful, please help us spread the word by forwarding this email to your friends.

Op Shield Going County Wide

Op Shield Going County Wide

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As part of our ongoing work to deter people from committing crime in Cheshire, we are investing in forensic property marking to identify those responsible for theft. The work we are doing in this area of prevention is branded Operation Shield.
What is Operation Shield?
Operation Shield is Cheshire Constabulary’s unique DNA marking system that protects homes and businesses by reducing burglary opportunities, deterring offenders, and identifying and recovering stolen property.
Whilst Operation Shield is already present in parts of Cheshire, Neighbourhood Policing Teams are visiting households and business premises throughout the county to introduce the forensic property marking. They will be offering free SelectaDNA kits which are made by the UK company Selectamark Security Systems plc.
What is SelectaDNA?
It is a cutting-edge way of protecting your property from theft. Each bottle within the kit contains thousands of tiny microdots, each with a unique DNA code, which, when applied, will identify it as being registered to you.
SelectaDNA is unique, in the same way as human DNA, but is manufactured artificially. There are billions of different combinations so no two bottles are the same.
The solution is hypoallergenic and harmless to animals; when dried it is almost invisible so it is difficult for offenders to see. It will not damage the property in any way and remains traceable for years after application, even when exposed to the elements.
Why use SelectaDNA?
Over 90% of UK police forces now use SelectaDNA in crime prevention schemes. It is a proven deterrent against theft and burglary because criminals fear the power of DNA technology. By discreetly marking your items with the solution, registering your kit on the secure database and displaying warning stickers on your property, you will make your home a less desirable target for thieves.   
The DNA coding in the liquid is registered solely to your address and added to the SelectaDNA Secure Asset Register, meaning that any stolen items can be traced back to you. No data is held by Cheshire Police.
Many insurance companies actively recommend forensic property marking to their policy holders.
Taking action against theft
Officers in Cheshire are equipped with UV torches that can identify the forensic property marking on stolen items and offenders. This instantly links criminals to crime scenes and increases the chance of convicting thieves.
All people suspected of planning or committing crime in Cheshire are scanned by officers to check for traces of the DNA.
All property recovered by Cheshire Police is scanned. If any evidence of the liquid is detected, the information is uploaded to the database of registered addresses and items can then be traced back to the owner.
With our deployment of Operation Shield, we are sending a clear message that anyone considering committing a theft or burglary in Cheshire will run the very serious risk of facing criminal conviction.
Special offer
As well as the free kits that officers will be distributing, Cheshire residents can purchase additional kits, using a unique code, for £27 inc. VAT and postage (RRP £59.50). Go to https://www.selectadna.co.uk/nhw and enter the unique code: NHWSHIELD   

Council launches ‘Wish for you the world’ fostering recruitment campaign

Cheshire East Council has launched a heart-warming winter campaign to help recruit much needed foster carers.

With more than 520 children and young people in the care of the local authority, the council is reaching out to residents asking if they will consider becoming Cheshire East Council foster carers.

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, lead member for children and families, said: “Children and young people spend time with foster families for different reasons, and many children who need fostering have sadly been through some very traumatic experiences.

“We want the very best for all of our cared for children and young people. Along with our one hundred and twenty fantastic foster carer households who give them so much support, we really do wish for them the world. 

“If you have the time, patience and understanding to safely care for a child or young person and can work alongside other people in the child’s life, then please do take the next step and find out more. Our fostering service are waiting to hear from you and will happily answer any questions you might have.”

Permission to use ‘I Wish for You the World’ music track for the fostering video campaign was kindly given by singer-songwriter and musician Alistair Griffin and publisher Sentric Music. His songs have been used to montage some great British sporting events including Wimbledon, the Olympics, FA Cup, and the British Open golf.

To view the short fostering film, go to the council’s YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/QLPypaa8p-4

Cheshire East Council welcomes enquiries and applications from people from all walks of life irrespective of marital status, sexuality, religion, ethnic background, whether you have your own children or not, or if you own or rent your home as long as you have a stable tenancy.

For more information about becoming a foster carer in Cheshire East, visit the website at www.togetherforfostering.com or telephone 0300 123 3223.