It has never been easier to make a difference since the advent of social media. The keyboard has become mightier than the sword and is proving to be an effective defense throughout the world against crime.
I am pleased to announce that the next stage of the S.M.A.C. project is complete. The leaflets are ready and now if you want to you can print them off and distribute them to people on your street. The main stumbling block with a new Facebook group is you can only add your Facebook friends or invite people if you know their email. The leaflets make it easier to build your own group numbers by informing nearby residents, so they can then request to join. Alternatively, if you want to see if there is already a group for your area there is a new Notes section on the main Facebook page where groups are listed. Please let us know if you have a group, page or Twitter account that you want to add to the list.
I would like to thank Neighbourhood Watch for giving us their full support and the use of their logo on the leaflet. They hope to provide and distribute leaflets in larger quantities, that will help to extend the project across the whole of Derbyshire and beyond. Why not go over and see them on Facebook and Twitter and say hello. They even have a YouTube account to subscribe too.
We have also been recommended by Amber Valley Info and thebestof Alfreton who have both kindly offered to list details of SMAC on their websites for free. Thank you also to everyone who has already joined the Ripley group and liked our Facebook page. Hopefully you will never use this service, but it is great to know that their is already an ever growing network of support if it is required.
There is a full colour double-sided leaflet and we will be adding a black and white concise alternative. This is for those who wish to conserve printer ink or do not have access to a printer and just want to print a few copies at the local library. The link to the PDF. of the leaflet is currently available here until we are in a position to fund a unique web server address. It doesn't really matter which method you choose as it's the end result that counts, which is simply to find a way to open communications and raise awareness of your group to people in the local vicinity. I hope these leaflets help you to do this. The full colour leaflet includes security tips and useful contact numbers to keep at hand. It is a Z fold design and the last page can be used as a deterrent to place in a window if you so wish.
Printing leaflets from a home printer makes affordability feasible but there are a few practical issues to consider in comparison to using a professional printer, which can be an expensive option for an individual or for small print runs. The main difference is the method of printing and the type of paper used. Many home printers use dye-based inks which are not water resistant. The colours look great but with the slightest exposure to water the ink can run off the page. This is something to be aware of if you are delivering leaflets in typical British weather. Obviously ordinary paper isn't waterproof either, but it can dry out within reason. If the ink is of sufficient concern to you the problem can be solved by using a coated paper especially made for leaflets and brochures. Inevitably though, this paper would be more expensive. If your home printer uses pigment inks they are water resistant so there is no need to worry as they will not run off the page even on ordinary paper. Most printers can take a weight of paper or card up to 150gsm without any problem which is ideal for leaflets. Depending on how the paper loads and the settings of the printer head there are home printers that can take card up to 300gsm.
Social Media Against Crime is all about making things happen quickly, easily and if at all possible freely! The aim is always to bypass complications and dispel restrictions. If you have any problems or feedback please contact us so that we can continue to improve. SMAC does not belong to an individual or organisation it is an idea that is free to give to others and to grow and develop. You don't need to wait for authorisation, attend meetings or be on a committee. There is no red tape, financial influence or political pressure required.
I do hope you take the idea on board and share it to help extend the network. You don't have to move to a better area you can make the street where you live the best place to be. As an armchair activist all it takes is one small click of a mouse to make a big difference.
