Stay safe around your home

There's no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces. It's unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries on the path if you have cleared it carefully. Follow the snow code when clearing snow and ice safely.
The snow code - tips on clearing snow and ice from pavements or public spaces
Prevent slips - Pay extra attention to clear snow and ice from steps and steep pathways - you might need to use more salt on these areas.
If you clear snow and ice yourself, be careful - don’t make the pathways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. But don’t be put off clearing paths because you’re afraid someone will get injured.
Remember, people walking on snow and ice have responsibility to be careful themselves. Follow the advice below to make sure you clear the pathway safely and effectively.
Clear the snow or ice early in the day
It’s easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard snow that has packed together from people walking on it. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. If you remove the top layer of snow in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help melt any ice beneath. You can then cover the path with salt before nightfall to stop it refreezing overnight.
Use salt or sand - not water
If you use water to melt the snow, it may refreeze and turn to black ice. Black ice increases the risk of injuries as it is invisible and very slippery. You can prevent black ice by spreading some salt on the area you have cleared. You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt - a tablespoon for each square metre you clear should work. Don’t use the salt found in salting bins - this will be needed to keep the roads clear.
Be careful not to spread salt on plants or grass as it may cause them damage.
If you don’t have enough salt, you can also use sand or ash. These won’t stop the path icing over as well as salt, but will provide good grip under foot.
Take care where you move the snow
When you’re shoveling snow, take care where you put it so it doesn’t block people’s paths or drains. Make sure you make a path down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on. Then shovel the snow from the centre of the path to the sides.
Offer to clear your neighbours’ paths
If your neighbour will have difficulty getting in and out of their home, offer to clear snow and ice around their property as well. Check that any elderly or disabled neighbours are alright in the cold weather. If you’re worried about them, contact your local council.
Road gritting and snow clearance by your council
Your local council will add grit to roads and pavements in your area and clear snow in winter. For information about where and when your council is gritting local roads, check its website.

Police issue Ribble Valley crime alert for dark nights

POLICE in the Ribble Valley are urging people not to be left in the dark with their home security now the clocks have gone back.
Officers are reminding householders to check lighting and security and to brush up on those good security habits that may have been relaxed during the summer.
Neighbourhood Policing Insp. Debby Carter said: "Crime levels, including burglary figures, are currently at an all time low across Lancashire, but it is important that homeowners don't become complacent. "With the dark nights upon us, now is an ideal time to double check security and lighting and make sure that your home is adequately protected."
Insp. Carter urged homeowners to:
Consider fitting a burglar alarm system, which provides a visible deterrent to the front and back of your home as well as audible warning. Even a cheap DIY one is better than nothing at all.
Check your outside security lighting is working.
Check your tools, spades, ladders, etc that may be left out in your garden or yard are securely locked away.
Make sure doors and windows are locked and secure when you leave your home. Beware of any "bogus caller" at the door. Keep them out, and call the police. Leave a light on in a room and remember to draw the curtains when you go out at night. Or invest in a timer switch for lights. They are cheaply available from many main stores and supermarkets.
Mark your postcode and house number on expensive electrical equipment and property with a UV security pen, permanent marker or engraver.
Keep the garden tidy with shrubs and trees cut back so they can't provide a screen for thieves.
Put house and car keys away safely where they cannot be seen when they are not in use and well away from the doors they unlock.
Insp. Carter added: "Crime is extremely low and by working together we can keep it that way. If people follow these handy hints and tips they can reduce the risk of being targeted by thieves even further."

(Reproduced from Clitheroe Today, 23rd Nov 2010)

Gardien Tip: Sadly an increase in petty crime is predicted during the forthcoming period of austerity but the necessary products to help minimise your own risk of being a victim can be found at www.garden-security.co.uk

Buckinghamshire Crime Round-up

DOWNLEY: Offenders gained entry to a premise in Stephenson Close by forcing a rear ground floor window with a garden fork between 2.15pm and 6.30pm on Sunday.
A tidy search was made of the property and jewellery, cash and two Dell laptop computers were stolen, one silver and one yellow. A ladder which does not belong to the premises was found in the rear garden, and is believed to have been brought by the offender.
WEST WYCOMBE: Overnight between Friday and Saturday a number of garden sheds were entered in Chorley Road. Padlocks were cut and garden tools including strimmers, pressure washers and chainsaws were stolen.
If you have any information about these crimes contact Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

(Reproduced from Bucks Free Press, 3rd Nov 2010)

Gardien Tip: Don't make things easy by leaving garden tools easily accessible. And make sure that your shed is really secure - see our advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-security-print.htm