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VILLAGE NEWS
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH (NHW)
Local Crime.
Items were stolen from the doorstep of a house in
Manor Gardens on 28
th
January.
A burglary was reported in the Greenway area on 1
st
February - no details are available at the time of writ-
ing.
Seasonal Crime trends.
As this is being written, it is bitterly cold and snow is
lying on the ground which helps to keep crime at a
low ebb. However, Spring will (hopefully) soon be with
us and the thoughts of thieves will turn to those sea-
sonal items which can be readily sold at car boot sales
and in pubs.
The valuable equipment usually stored in garden
sheds is a top priority for them.
Ideally, put an identifying mark on it; avoid storing
power tools, fishing tackle and golf clubs in sheds and
secure door hasps and hinges with screws which can-
not be removed.
Attractive garden ornaments can be wired through the
base to a concrete slab or buried stake.
Even attractive shrubs and hanging baskets are not
safe although the latter can usually be chained to a
wall.
Outdoor pursuits again become popular and bicycles,
scooters and sports equipment are often left outside
for the passing thief.
Eventually, the warmer weather tempts us to leave
doors and windows open and insecure. It is surprising
how, every summer, we receive reports of houses be-
ing entered by thieves whilst the owners are in the rear
garden.
Action Fraud.
Action Fraud is the national reporting centre for fraud
and internet crime. A useful brief recently circulated by
it has highlighted the wide range of every day activities
which can attract criminal fraud, particularly on-line.
These include, for example:
- sales of vehicles, theatre tickets, investments and
loans
- calls claiming that your computer is faulty with offers
to send cleaning programmes which then infect your
computer..
- interference with sales or purchases on eBay or Am-
azon.
A large amount of information including news of the
latest scams can be found on its website:
www.actionfraud.police,uk
This is also the site to con-
tact if you suspect you have been the victim of fraudu-
lent activity.
Contact details.
Report an incident or suspicious behaviour to the new
single non-emergency number 101.
Call 999 if a
crime is in progress or threatened.
Your village NW Coordinators are:
Clive Williams 811828
Richard West 811467
LAWN CARE IN MARCH
Mowing
Mow at least once a week now; make sure mower
has been serviced and blade replaced or sharp-
ened.
Moss
Moss poses a real threat to lawns this year, and
may be affecting your lawn. ProLawnCare can spray
their special Moss Control Treatment. Moss dies in
front of your eyes, and it is best to do it now before
the Spring starts, otherwise it will crowd out the
grass and lead to a thin and sparse lawn.
Fertiliser—Organic
This is the time to feed the lawn after most nutrients
will have been washed through during the wet win-
ter months. The fertiliser we use is organic based,
so we are feeding the soil to give you the best lawn
possible.
Weed Control
Once the weeds and grass are actively growing a
selective herbicide to kill broad leaved weeds such
as dandelions, daisies and clover within the grass
can be applied.
Patio/Drive Weed Treatment
We can spray our industrial strength weed killer
which will kill weeds and keep them weed free for
several months.
Actions Required in March
Apply Moss Control Treatment
Mow lawn at least once a week
Apply organic spring fertiliser to produce vi-
brant green lawn
Spray weeds in lawn with selective herbicide
Spray patio and drive with our long lasting
treatment before the weeds get hold
Happy 16
th
Anniversary Reader Offer
“Book up for a Weed Control Treatment and we’ll
apply the Spring Fertiliser FREE OF CHARGE.”
(existing Customers will receive a “free seaweed
application” with the weed treatment)
This year we are running a “Prize Lawn Competi-
tion” for all lawns in Buckden. If you would like to
be considered please call
01480 812393
, or e-mail
deborah@prolawncare.co.uk
Judging will take place initially in April and the best
lawns will go on a short list to be judged by an In-
dependent Adjudicator in May
First Prize: One Year’s Free Lawn Care,
Second Prize: 1 x Free Soil Analysis
(P:K:Mg and soil pH levels tested for)
Third Prize: One Free Lawn Treatment