Genealogy Chat

Just thought I'd let you all know that this e-mail was discussed yesterday on BBC Radio Northampton, after someone phoned in to find out if this information was correct. They interviewed a Police spokesman on air who said that the e-mail originated in the USA; that 112 is the INTERNATIONAL emergency number, and should NOT be used in this country. If it IS used, it may eventually put you through to the 999 Emergency Service. In Northamptonshire, there are only 2 unmarked Police Cars with authority to stop a vehicle. Basically, he said that although this is a 'hoax' e-mail, the advice given is very good. If you are asked to stop by what appears to be an unmarked Police Car, and you feel uneasy about it, you can carry on driving until you are in a safe public place. You should also dial 999 and check that it really is a Police Car - they will know immediately if there is one in the area, and will be able to reassure you - or otherwise! So ....... there you go! Janet East Northamptonshire

my thanks to those of you with information and kept this message visible i would have missed i otherwise hevi

112 is a FREE service

Your totally right Bob that happen to my friends boyfriend 2 days before xmas last year, he thought to him self I'll only be a couple of minutes, he got to the door of the service station and that was it they got in the car and were away! He'd not even managed to pay for the petrol! they did get the car back about 3 weeks later but it was a bit of a state, the insurance company wouldn't pay out because the car had been unlocked and it ended up costing my friend £1600 to get the car back on the road, not a nice bill just after xmas I can tell ya! so beware! Alaina

John made the point about locking his car when he goes to pay for petrol.....Remember that your insurance will NOT pay up if your car is stolen and wasn't locked. Thieves wait around busy petrol pumps for the fool who leaves the keys in the ignition and, of course, they get a full tank as a bonus.

Just another word of warning. My cousin was driving in a rather rough area when a youth threw a brick at her car. She stopped and another youth approached the car appearing to show concern. However he opened her passenger door and snatched her handbag which contained house keys, credit cards, cash, cheque book etc. She was advised by the police to get the house locks changed as soon as possible because her address was also in her handbag. They told her that in these incidents it's common for the credit cards and house keys to be 'sold' on and used in further crimes. Needless to say she no longer drives with her handbag visible and unsecure. I must admit that prior to this happening I was in the habit of putting my bag on the passenger seat, but not any more. My advice would be to think very carefully before stopping in similar circumstances. I have also gotten into the habit of locking my car doors when driving in built-up areas at night.

I have to say I am extremely lucky that I drive a Renault Scenic. All the doors lock, but on the outside only, after you have driven a few feet, but they will automatically unlock once one of the doors has been open from the inside only. Brilliant idea and it's a pity that not all manufactureres have followed suite! Kim

Is 112 a free number like 999, and does it work even if you've no credit in your mobile?

I lock my car door as soon as I get in and lock it when I go to pay for petrol!

Just a comment about one of the many differences between the States and England......we always lock our car doors, even when driving kids to school, going on errands, etc. On the other hand, as recently as a couple of years ago, my brother, who lives 3 hours away from us, never even locked the doors to their house at night!

Thanks Bob,,, I didnt understand what 112 was actually for. You've made it a lot clearer and I am going to pass on the info to my daughters who's mobile phones are like an iron lung to them,,!!!

Slightly related, the other week I stopped to answer my mobile phone. Sudenly the passenger door flew open and a bloke tried to get in. It was a total misunderstanding as he thought I was the taxi he had just ordered! Scared the life out of both of us! Does make you think though.

Rosemary Lock your doors...The emergency services would take 2 secs to break a window if they had to

Rosemary My other half always says that you shouldn't lock your doors incase you crash as the emergency services won't be able to get you out as quickly as they may need to. Do you think he's trying to tell me something about my driving?! Jeanette:-o

Christine Thanks for the information - I didn't know that. Can I offer another piece of advice to you lone lady drivers out there. A friend of mine was once driving home from work one night. She stopped at a red light to let someone cross on the crossing but instead he tried to get in the car with her. Fortunately she was on the ball and drove off before he got in. Apparently its common for them to do it to nick your hand bag off the passenger seat also. If I have to stop at traffic lights at night I always lock my doors now. Anyway, to coin a phrase -'Don't have nightmares, do sleep tight'! Jeanette

Thanks for the tip Christine. I will certainly pass this info on. Kathy

It's not only you ladies that are concerned...I am an LGV driver and hijackers use this ploy to stop trucks. The difference between 112 and 999 is summed up as follows: "Emergency Calls To make an emergency call, dial 112. This sets up a priority call to the emergency operator, cutting through any network congestion. 999 will also work in the UK, but may not get priority treatment from the mobile network. I understand that either number will get you through to the same operator but 112 MAY be a lot quicker. You should note that you will NOT be connected to a local operator and the person who answers is highly unlikely to have any local knowledge (this also applies to land lines). Some phone manuals or displays suggest that you can make an emergency call through another network if your network has no coverage, or with no sim card in the handset. Although the GSM specification requires this facility in the hardware, none of the UK networks will accept such calls. No sim, or no service from your network, and you can't make that emergency call!

Thanks Christine, I've sent it on to my friends as well. Including the one who is married to a police officer. Kay

very scary your instinct is to pull over isn't it? i will tell female friends

Thanks Christine, I will copy and paste and send to my female friends. Penny