February Crime Incidents
February started off with yet another vehicle crime and, crime-wise, finished there . . .
Theft from a vehicle in Chapel Lane
Taking place in daylight hours on 8th February suspects unknown have removed the victims front index plate from his vehicle by ripping it off.
Information Releases
Heating Oil Theft
Although we are, hopefully, coming to the end of the cold season (or maybe it is still to come?) Essex Police have offered the following advice for those who store heating fuel on their premises:
In the more isolated parts of the countryside it is primarily domestic properties that have been targeted by the heating oil thieves but we have also seen such thefts at farms and other businesses. There are a number of security devices available that will protect your fuel supplies – details of which can be found via your fuel supplier or local plumber’s merchant.
One such system is “GPRS Fuel-Oil Alarm” from www.compoundsecurity.co.uk which has “Secured by Design” accreditation; this detects a dramatic drop in fuel and calls you on the telephone. There are also other systems that will add on to an existing intruder alarm system, whilst others protect the filler cap and there are of course the conventional locks.
Another consideration would be defensive planting around the tank, concealing it and restricting access to it by gates or fencing, and, where possible, locating the tank under lighting in view of lived in rooms within the house.
For larger quantities of fuel http://dieseldye.com/ supply a dye that will uniquely mark the fuel should it be later recovered. Use of the dye, combined with signs making it clear that the fuel has been marked, can act as a strong deterrent to thieves.
If you would like any advice regarding security please do not hesitate to contact your local Crime Reduction Advisor by using the 101 non-emergency telephone number. Naturally we also ask locals to report any unusual activity seen around fuel tanks to police in an emergency on 999 or after the event on 101 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Stephen Armson-Smith
Crime Reduction Advisor for the Colchester District