March 2021 - Firelink Enewsletter

March 2021 - Firelink Enewsletter

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

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Cheshire Fire launches sprinkler campaign

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is launching a year-long campaign on 1 April to raise awareness of the benefits of fitting sprinkler systems in business premises.
Led by the Business Safety team, the initiative will not only highlight the benefits sprinkler systems bring to a business, but also encourage decision makers to consider fitting sprinkler systems in all new builds, as well as the retrospective fitting of the devices in older premises.
Find out - Cheshire Fire launches sprinkler campaign

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Smoke alarms save lives

Smoke alarms can be the difference between life and death.
Research suggests that you are at least four times more likely to die in a house fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm.
That’s why we're urging residents to purchase alarms for their homes.
Find out more - Smoke alarms save lives

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Be Water Aware

During the current spell of warm weather, please don't be tempted to cool off in rivers, canals, ponds, quarries or lakes. Cooling off in open water can have deadly consequences. Every year firefighters are called to incidents where people get into difficulty when cooling off in open water.
Read more - Be Water Aware

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Stay up to date

To get up to date information from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service please follow @CheshireFire on Twitter, @CheshireFRS on Facebook or visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk

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

Cheshire East Council pilots the country’s first dual use Covid-19 testing site

Cheshire East Council is trialling a dual use Covid-19 testing site – the first of its kind in the country.

From Tuesday 6 April, the existing walk-through local testing site in Crewe will become dual use, allowing residents to use a pre-booked service for both asymptomatic and symptomatic testing at different times during the day.  

The site will be open from 8am–1pm for asymptomatic, lateral flow testing. This is a test for residents who have no symptoms of Covid-19.

Lateral flow tests (LFT) are rapid tests that are done on site and allow results to be received within the hour.

From 2–8pm the Crewe site will undertake symptomatic tests –these are tests for residents who have symptoms of Covid-19 – commonly referred to as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests.

PCR tests are sent to local laboratories and results are received by the resident within a few days. People taking these tests must self-isolate until they receive their results.  

The site is located on Chester Street car park and is the second largest testing facility to open in the North West, second to testing facilities in Manchester. There are 19 testing pods available and the site has the capacity to carry out 500 tests a day. The trial of the dual use site will run for two weeks from 6–19 April.

Testing sessions for LFT and PCR tests are split during the day therefore there is no risk of asymptomatic and symptomatic residents mixing. The site is fully cleaned and disinfected in-between the morning and afternoon sessions and overnight.

Open from 8am until 8pm, the site offers improved access for the whole community, especially those who do not have access to a car.

Appointments for both asymptomatic and symptomatic tests must be booked in advance.  Asymptomatic, lateral flow tests are booked via https://cheshireeast.zipporah.co.uk/LFT.Bookings

Symptomatic, PCR tests are booked via the national booking facility https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. No walk-up appointments will be available. Users will be asked to self-swab when attending.

Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health for Cheshire East Council, said: “It’s an honour that our testing site in Crewe has been chosen to pilot this trial, the first of its kind in the country. The results of the trial will help to shape future testing facilities for local councils.

“We have worked closely with the national testing team to secure the best provision for Cheshire East and through dedicated and innovative working, we have been given the responsibility of trying a new, flexible approach to testing, one that will be of great benefit to local residents. 

“Staff are on hand throughout the appointment to give clear advice and guidance on what to do and where to go, in an efficient and relaxed environment.”

Residents are able to book a test at the Crewe testing site via the national Covid-19 online booking facility from Tuesday 6 April at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

The UGLY truth about the Covid-19 lockdowns - Nick Hudson, co-founder of...

Keeping Safe Online

Keeping Safe Online

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THE 5cs GUIDE TO ONLINE SAFETY
Internet crime can take many forms and there are lots of ways that people can be targeted online, why not try our 5c Guide to staying safe online.
CREATE ….. A strong password
• Choose, use and protect your password carefully
• Pick three random words to use for a password
• Replace some of the letters with numbers and symbols for example, Thr33R@ndomW0rds
• Do not use the same password for everything
• Keep your passwords secret, do not share them with anyone else
COVER ….. Protect your device
• Make sure you regularly update your anti-virus/malware software
• Ensure that your regularly check and download the latest operating software, browser and app updates
• Save important documents and photos on to an external hard drive or use a secure online document storage
CONFIDENTIALITY ….. should always be maintained by –
• Not sharing personal information or passwords on social networking site, emails or in person
• Knowing who you are talking to
• Checking your privacy settings regularly as websites and apps frequently change their own settings
CLICKING ….. Links sent via email or text are a common way to get malicious software on your device and for hackers to steal your identity and money
• Think before you click
• Make sure the source is genuine – many emails look like the real thing, but are not
• Only open attachments that have been sent from someone you trust
CONNECTION ….. Always use a secure connection
• Never do transactions over a public Wi-Fi
• Check for the padlock and the ‘S’ in https in web addresses – this means that the data between the website and you device is encrypted
• Always check the website you are connecting to is genuine
If you think you have been a victim of a fraud or cyber crime then you can report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk. You can also speak to an advisor on 0300 123 2040.
The Action Fraud website will list the different types of fraud and give some top tips that will help protect you from fraud.
For additional online safety advice visit Get Safe Online at: getsafeonline.org

Message Sent By
Andrea Smith (Police, Community Support Officer, Crewe LPU)

Neighbourhood Watch Tackle Car Crime With New Campaign

Neighbourhood Watch Tackle Car Crime With New Campaign

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PROTECT YOUR CAR CAMPAIGN
Due to Covid-19 and repeated lockdowns, people haven’t been using their cars as much as they used to. However, car crime remains a pressing problem in the UK – alarmingly, one car is stolen every ten minutes(1). The latest figures from the Police National Computer (3) indicate car crime decreased during Covid-19 restrictions but with the expectation of social restrictions soon easing we could see a surge in car crime. Neighbourhood Watch are launching a new campaign on the 31st March to encourage everyone to keep their car’s safety top of mind.
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network, says “Most car crimes happen because cars are left unlocked.  There is a misconception that some cars are auto-locking and lock themselves if left unattended after a period of time. This isn’t always correct.  Another misconception is that your car is too old and no one will bother stealing it.  This is also incorrect – both new and old cars are at risk. Having a car stolen or broken into is more than simply a hassle, it can impact on people’s livelihoods.  The good news is that there are simple steps everyone can take to help reduce the risk to their car. With only a 46% recovery rate (3) we’re reminding everyone to leave your car locked, lit and empty.”
The thumb-stopping social campaign launching on the 31st March will provide car users with three quick steps to increase protection of their vehicle and direct them to our website www.ourwatch.org.uk to find out more. The key messages of the campaign are:

• Leave your car locked
  A simple mistake that can prove calamitous: 44% of cars are broken into via an unlocked door. (2)
• Leave your car well-lit
  80% of car crime occurs during the evening or at night.(2) Parking near street lamps or in a busy area can deter thieves.
• Leave your car empty (or with no items on show)
  Owners often forget that personal belongings within the car are at as much risk of being stolen as the car itself.  

Hayward-Cripps continues “Car thieves are opportunists. Leaving items on a car seat or forgetting to lock your car can act as an invitation for crime. We want to instil the habit of double-checking where and how you’ve parked with our three simple steps: leave it locked, lit and empty. As a local charity with a trusted voice in the community, we’re asking everyone to proactively support their neighbours and friends by sharing our three steps with three others. By spreading the word, we’re confident we can crack down on car crime which can be deeply distressing and debilitating for its victims.”
The campaign launches on all Neighbourhood Watch Network's social channels on Wednesday 31st March.  Please look out for our launch email and follow us on our social channels (Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn) to help spread the message within your communities.
For more information please contact our Senior Communications and Digital Manager Deborah Waller on Deborah.waller@ourwatch.org.uk
Data sourced from:

1. ITV, 2020
2. ONS data
3. OPAL and Police National Computer

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK (The national umbrella charity for watches across England and Wales)
Follow us.. ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn
Neighbourhoood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349

Message Sent By
Deborah Waller (NWN, Senior Digital and Communications Manager, England and Wales)

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School Visits from Haslington Police - March 2021 - Haslington and The Rural Villages In Crewe East

School Visits from Haslington Police - March 2021 - Haslington and The Rural Villages In Crewe East

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Good afternoon,
Today we did our final school visits for the month of March 2021 and these were at Haslington Primary School.
Myself the local officer for Haslington and the Rural Villages in Crewe East and PC Bloom have visited all three schools (Weston Village Primary School, The Dingle Primary School and Haslington Primary School) to teach the children about the following topics:-
Bullying, Home Safety and Stranger Danger.
We have spoken to 13 classes over the schools in total this month about these topics and in the coming months will be attending to offer more sessions on different safety subjects.
Thank you for your time.
Kind regards,
PCSO Lizzie Jolley 22582

Parking Compliants

Parking Compliants

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Recently we have been receiving more complaints about parking across the Crewe West ward. Now that schools have returned to normal, we are seeing an increase in complaints around school run times.
Whilst it is understood, that there is limited opportunities for off road parking in some areas and some streets are narrow so there are difficulties in parking on the road, if complaints are received then there is no other option than to assess the situation and act accordingly.
When we come across a vehicle parked within 10 metres of a junction or obstructing a pavement or driveway, we will do the following:
In the first instance we will try to locate the owner of the vehicle and offer words of advice, if we are unable to locate the owner we will then issue an advisory notice; this ticket is simply to provide a warning to the recipient.
If the same vehicle is seen again we will be issuing a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).
If we come across a vehicle that is causing an obstruction or parked in a dangerous position, it could be removed. Before this occurs, everything will be done in order to make the owner aware so that they have an opportunity to move the vehicle however, in the event that no owner is found the vehicle could be seized.
Please be thoughtful about where you park and always park legally and safely.

Message Sent By
Andrea Smith (Police, Community Support Officer, Crewe LPU)

Queens Park Crewe March 2021

Celebrate the seasons with Percy The Park Keeper

Tatton Park is embracing our blossoming love of all things outdoors and inviting families to celebrate this year’s spring, summer, autumn and winter with Percy the Park Keeper. Join Percy and his animal friends throughout the year as seasonal adventures take them from the Gardens, to the Farm, the Parkland and then back into the Gardens again for Christmas.

Four seasons of outdoor fun, starting in the Gardens on 2^nd April

Tatton Park is hosting a programme of Percy the Park Keeper events, to encourage youngsters’ love of the great outdoors to continue beyond lockdown. So many of us have discovered the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time amongst nature over the last 12 months, including children.

“this special place is good for the soul”

"Tatton Park is a wonderful home from home for Percy the Park Keeper and his animal friends” says Nick Butterworth, author and illustrator of this wonderful series of books. “Sometimes we don’t know what we’ve been missing until we discover it again. To breathe the fresh air and sample the natural delights of this special place is good for the soul. And with Percy there, there’ll be lots of family fun to be had too."

Percy needs your help this Easter!

The adventures start with a trail in the Gardens, inspired by Nick Butterworth’s cherished children’s book ‘The Secret Path’. It’s a delightful family activity which starts on 2^nd April in time for Easter and continues until 13th June.

Can you help Percy with his garden jobs and then follow the secret paths to track down his animal friends? As a special Easter bonus, children can pick up a chocolate treat and meet Percy during the bank holiday weekend, Friday 2^nd to Monday 5^th April. A costumed character will be in Percy’s Potting Shed, having a well-earned rest and ready to meet his garden helpers at the end of the trail. The activity is aimed at young children, but nature lovers of any age will enjoy exploring the 50-acre Garden as it comes back to life this spring. Tickets can now be booked online at www.tattonpark.org.uk

Gardens will open to the public again on 29^th March

Tatton Park’s Gardens have been closed since 6^th January in line with government guidelines, but thanks to the easing of restrictions, the gates will re-open to visitors from 29^th March. Social distancing and limited capacity rules are still in place, but tickets can once again be booked online at www.tattonpark.org.uk

Carole Hyde, Business Development Manager at Tatton Park, says:

“Our 1,000-acre Parkland has been a natural refuge for local people during this winter’s lockdown, but we’re delighted to be re-opening the Gardens at the end of March. The timing is perfect as signs of spring are emerging by the day, and we’re sure people will enjoy the hope and joy these bring, this year more than ever.”

Digital Parenting and Guardianship - Are You An Over-Sharent?

Digital Parenting and Guardianship - Are You An Over-Sharent?

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Good afternoon,
This message is those with children in the family or of close friends. Are you an 'Oversharent'?
A Sharent is someone who uses social media to share news or images of their children.
Did you know that the average child has around 1,500 photos posted online by their fifth birthday!
But how often do we ask our child if they are okay for us to share their photo online, and do we have the correct privacy settings on our social media pages before doing this?
We would you like you to think about the following things before you post another photo to your social media account:-
-Who are you sharing your family pictures with? (Check your privacy settings on ap's such as Facebook and Instagram. You can change your settings to 'only you', 'friends' or 'friends of friends' or 'everyone'.
-Have you checked your location settings on your phone before posting the picture? (Many phones automatically suggest your location when posting a photo, if it's safe to do so, you could check in to that location after you've left, but we recommend not tagging your home address, as this may leave you vulnerable online. We also recommend that when you're out for the day, you post pictures when you're home as otherwise, they will know that your house is vacant.)
-Do you share photos of your child to gain followers on social media? (From a Survey in 2017, it said that 13% of parents or caregivers do this.)
If you have done any of the above, you may be over-sharing online. This is your choice, but we wanted to explain how this can be done in a safer manner.
In this age of digital parenting and guardianship, it's important to always be looking for ways to make our and our children's online visits safer.
Thank you for your time.
Kind regards,
PCSO Lizzie Jolley 22582

Worried About Getting Hacked?

Worried About Getting Hacked?

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Dear Subscriber,
Over 15,000 hacked email and social media accounts reported in one year.
If a hacker got into your email or social media account, what would they find? Health and banking information? Names and contact details for your friends and family? Private photos and messages? For most people, it’s at least one of those.
Your email and social media accounts contain a wealth of personal information about you, which makes them a lucrative target for cyber criminals. Between February 2020 and February 2021, Action Fraud received 15,214 reports about email and social media account hacking. The majority of reports (88%) were made by individuals, with 12% of reports being made by businesses. Analysis of the crime reports revealed that Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat were the most affected social media accounts, with phishing messages being the most common tactic used by cyber criminals to lure unsuspecting victims.
The motivation behind the hacks are varied and can range from financial gain, to revenge or personal amusement. Some victims are extorted for money, whilst others have their accounts used to send malicious links to their contacts. One victim who had multiple email and social media accounts hacked paid over £2,000 to regain access to them. Another victim reported that her hacked Facebook account was used to trick her friends into sending money into a PayPal account they thought belonged to her.
Secure your email and social media accounts in just a few minutes. Here's what you need to do:
1: Use a strong and separate password for your email, as well as other important accounts, such as  your banking or social media accounts.
2: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). It will help to stop hackers from getting into your online accounts, even if they have your password.
3: If you can't access your account, search the company's online support or help pages. You'll find information about how to recover your account.
For detailed instructions on how to reset your password or enable 2FA on your accounts, visit: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/secureyouraccounts

Destruction of Crewe Part 8

Police Cadets

Police Cadets

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Do you know anyone who may be interested in taking part in this year’s Police Cadet Programme?
The programme is for anyone aged 15 – 17 years and is a resident of Cheshire.
This year the programme is running online from May – November and we have groups throughout Cheshire (although all places are full for Chester already).
Anyone interested in applying needs to complete an online application no later than Sunday 14/3.
Full details are on our website and there is a link to an online application below:
https://www.cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/careers/careers/police-support-volunteers/volunteer-police-cadets2/

Message Sent By
Andrea Smith (Police, Community Support Officer, Crewe LPU)

Census 2021 Scam Alert

Census 2021 Scam Alert

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Census Day is Coming !
Households across the UK are currently receiving letters which include a unique 16 diget code to access the census online.
Criminals may try to use this as an opportunity to send phishing emails or texts.
Watch out for scams related to Census 2021
You will only be contacted about the census via letter - never email, text or phone.
When filling out the census you will be asked for personal details such as your date of birth, your occupation and where you live. You will never be asked to provide your national insurance number or financial details.
Many Thanks
Pcso Penny Probin - Crewe Central Police

Message Sent By
Penny Probin (Police, Community Support Officer, Crewe LPU)

School Parking

School Parking

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Dear Resident
As schools return to full capacity please can we remind everyone involved in the school drop offs and pick ups to adhere to parking restrictions to help keep children safe.
Many Thanks
PCSO Victoria Moulton

Message Sent By
Victoria Moulton (Cheshire Police, PCSO, Crewe North)

Hungerford Road - Vehicle Crime 12-03-21

Hungerford Road - Vehicle Crime 12-03-21

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Good afternoon,
I hope you are well and staying as safe as possible in the current climate.
Yesterday we received reports of vehicle break-ins in the area of Hungerford Road Crewe. We are also aware of social media posts reporting similar.
Although nothing has been confirmed as stolen on this occasion, this is a timely reminder to ensure vehicles are locked and secure.
To keep residents updated - The male in the circulating social media images has been identified and located by officers yesterday.
Kind Regards
Tim Davey 22591

Message Sent By
Tim Davey (Cheshire Police, Crewe LPU, Crewe East PCSO)

Anti-Social Behaviour Haslington Gutterscroft Park

Anti-Social Behaviour Haslington Gutterscroft Park

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Good afternoon,
Local officers for Haslington and the Rural Villages in Crewe East, myself PCSO Lizzie Jolley and PC Ben Bloom are issuing anti-social behaviour reports to local people in regards to recent calls to anti-social behaviour in Haslington, Gutterscroft Park. We have had multiple calls about young people hitting equipment with large sticks, potentially damaging the equipment and gathering in groups which is not in accordance to COVID-19 guidance.
Guardians have and will be contacted in regards to the incident and letters will be sent out and recorded of what has happened. We believe in educating but also taking positive action to ensure that fewer incidents happen in our community to make our community feel safe.
Thank you for your time.
Kind regards,
PCSO Lizzie Jolley 22582
Haslington Police
(If you do not live in the local area, we apologise if you have received this message, we send our messages by local postcode radius, we will however be more than happy to help if you need any assistance.)

Message Sent By
Lizzie Jolley (Police, PCSO, Crewe PCSO Haslington & Rural Villages in Cheshire East)