TOP TEN TIPS FROM THE SNT
Burglary is a serious issue and is the top priority for policing in the London Borough of Hillingdon. You can help the police to keep your home and property secure by following Ickenham Safer Neighbourhood Team’s top ten tips:
 1. Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of your house name.
2. Register items with a serial number at: www.immobilise.com
3. Do not leave your car keys or ID documents near a door, letterbox or window.
4. Always check who’s at the door and don’t open it if you feel anxious. And use the chain – that’s what it’s for.
5. Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes.
6. Keep your valuables out of sight.
7. Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home.
8. Fit a mortice lock to your front door and other external doors. Consider installing a burglar alarm.
9. Always keep sheds and outbuildings locked.
10. Cancel milk or other deliveries if you will be away for days or weeks at a time.
The Ickenham Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is a dedicated group of police officers and community support officers familiar with the local area and its policing needs. You can contact them with any worries or concerns on policing issues around the ward – anti-social behaviour, rogue traders, speeding or security advice for example. You are also encouraged to let them know about anything you think is ‘not quite right’ – anything out of the ordinary in your road / area. Why not come along and meet the Team at a Street Briefing, just outside their Safer Neighbourhood Base beside West Ruislip Station, on Monday 6th February, between 9am and 11am? You can also contact them anytime on 020 8721 2543 (leave a voicemail if all are out on patrol) or by email at Ickenham.snt@met.police.uk.
But remember, of course, if you believe a crime is in progress, or anyone is in any danger – it’s the old faithful 999 number that you should use. There is also the newer non-emergency contact number – 101 – for reporting crimes after the event, or for more general police issues too.
A NEW VERGER
 The congregation of St Giles’ is delighted to welcome Jenny Askey as its new Verger. Jenny replaces John Ralph who has assiduously conducted the task for many years, and has agreed to continue in the role of Deputy Verger. Jenny said, “I was surprised and flattered to be invited by Adrian to become Verger and, as it seemed to fit in with my other duties, I was pleased to accept”.
Jenny’s association with St Giles’ is both long standing and impressive. Her mum Pauline brought her along to the church’s nursery when she was aged just 3½. And despite not being the minimum age of 4 years, she was allowed to stay because she was so well-behaved! Her attendance (and good behaviour!) continued through her time at Sunday-school, in Pathfinders, and over the years she has filled many important positions within the church: she has been a Server, church youth member, Sidesman, PCC Member, and Deanery Synod Representative. Nowadays, she is a choir member, and she also assists with the Chalice at Communion Services – a responsibility which calls for the Bishop’s authorisation.
Until recently in her day job, Jenny was one of Hillingdon Borough’s Deputy Registrars for Births, Deaths and Marriages. In fact she still holds the position of Marriage Representative. As Verger of St Giles’ Jenny will now prepare for and attend around forty weddings and funerals a year, as well as making preparations for other important events, such as the annual Service of Remembrance.
Her responsibilities include the preparation of Communion vessels, wafers, wine and candles, as well as the more down to earth tasks of looking after the boiler and the security lights! There is also the need to ensure the correct colour ‘falls’ (the altar coverings) are put out and looked after, and there are many other tasks besides. One thing’s for certain – the role of Verger, with Jenny and John available, couldn’t be in safer hands!
AFN
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