Father Christmas might not be the only guest to surprise you
Christmas Crime
Not everybody makes the same preparations at Christmas, some are planning to take advantage of the season with some Christmas Crime. Essex Police have previously offered the following advice:
With the Christmas holiday season almost upon us, now is a good time to remind ourselves to take steps to make sure our Christmas isn’t spoiled by criminals.
It creates opportunities for criminals. The hustle and bustle of town centres as we rush around, the value of the goods we buy as presents and store in our homes until the big day. We might also be more trusting and generous at Christmas when requests for charity are made, giving the unscrupulous a chance to collect for their own causes.
So what can we do?
The advice below is often common sense, but you might overlook it in your haste to get everything ready.
Essex Police are warning residents not to leave their home in the dark. With the nights drawing in, the tell-tale signs of empty houses become more apparent. This is a bonus for burglars who prefer to target empty homes unseen and avoid confrontation.
As the days get shorter if you work away from home, or even pop out to get the children from school, by the time you return home it may already be dark. A house in darkness says no one is in especially if your neighbour’s houses either side have lights on and show other signs of being occupied. If you back onto open farmland or have parking areas or footpaths to side or rear this may be even more apparent.
Illusion of Occupancy
Create the “Illusion of Occupancy”, when its dark make your home look like you are in. Leave lights on or put them on timers or daylight sensors to come when it gets dark. Remember though no one lives in the hall or on the landing so if you leave these lights on supplement these with lights on in rooms that you would normally occupy at that time of day i.e. lounge and kitchen.
A carefully placed imitation TV or “Fake TV” can further add to that illusion of occupancy by making it look like the television is on. Some burglars may also listen at windows or letterboxes for signs of activity, so consider leaving a radio on within your home.
Don’t forget the outside of your property too, if burglars see that it is lit they are less likely to approach for fear of being seen.
Leave lights on, with energy efficient bulbs it costs very little nowadays and yet may save you lots!
Every summer security is a number one risk as homes are left unoccupied for holidays. In conjunction with Essex Police, Colchester Neighbourhood Watch has offered the following advice:
The past two months have seen a veritable Crime Wave in the Village with no less than 11 13 properties being entered illegally resulting in burglaries and thefts. Some of these have also resulted in 3 vehicles being removed. Vehicles themselves are also susceptible with four eight having been entered illegally and contents stolen. [Updated 15/11/17].
August saw just one crime in West Bergholt although crime trends elsewhere in the borough also saw a number of information documents issued. For a complete crime picture, please visit http://www.police.uk/ however, please be aware this information is always three months behind.
Other Criminal Damage to a Vehicle – Chapel Road
At 14:00 on 20th August an unidentified person threw eggs at the victims vehicle causing substantial effort to remove the eggs.
Information Releases
Focussing on recent crime trends Essex Police have issued some advice on avoiding opportunist crime including securing property and intruder alarms and specific advice in respect of bicycles.
The Initial Attraction – Opportunist Crime
Without that initial attraction most crimes could be avoided, statistics show that most crimes are opportunist crimes, yes they may go out intending to commit crime but the victim is not yet chosen. So if there is no attraction then you may not become a victim.
What is the attraction?
The shed or garage with minimal security and tools visible through the window.
A lone person down a dark street talking loudly on an illuminated new I- Phone.
The house in darkness with the side gate flapping open welcoming.
That accessible open window or door.
The purse sitting in the open handbag on top of the shopping trolley.
Group sitting chatting at a bar table with a mobile phone just sitting there on the table.
The bag on the back seat of an unattended car, even though the bag may only contain your sports clothes the thief does not know this until he/she has smashed the window and stolen it.
The tradesman’s sign written van parked on the dark drive by the gate with accessible doors and unprotected pipe tube on the roof.
The partygoer that’s had too much to drink and is unaware of his/her surroundings.
Shiny new ride on lawn mower sitting on the grass in full view of the road with no postcode/security markings visible.
The above is just short list I am sure you can think of more. What can you do? STOP, think like a thief, spot the attraction and where possible remove it.
For further crime reduction advice contact your local Crime Prevention Officer using the police non emergency telephone number 101.
How to avoid becoming a victim of burglary.
Thankfully burglary is rare but unfortunately it does happen. As discussed above, most burglaries happen on the spur of the moment, the criminal sees an open window or open door or the house looks unoccupied. It is relatively easy to avoid becoming a victim if you follow some simple rules.
Tips to avoid becoming a victim
When you go out, always close and lock the external doors and windows, even if you are going out for a short time.
If you are installing new doors and windows, get ones that are certified to British Standard BS7950 (windows) or PAS23-1 (doors).
Window locks, especially on older windows will help stop people getting in. Burglars don’t like to draw attention to themselves so will not want to make a noise by smashing a window.
If you have deadlocks, use them. They make it harder for the thief to get out again but don’t leave the key near the door or in an obvious place.
Don’t leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed and put car and garage keys out of sight in the house.
Intruder Alarm Advice
If you are considering an intruder alarm system it is advisable to seek advice from installers who are members of a professional body, such as: –
Please note that Essex Police do not recommend any particular product or supplier.
SSAIB The Smoke Houses, Cliffords Fort, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE30 1JE Telephone: 0191 296 3242 – ssaib.co.uk
British Security Industry Association(BSIA), Kirkham House, John Comyn Drive, Worcester, WR3 7NS – Telephone 0845 389 3889 – bsia.co.uk
For other security products that have ‘Police Preferred Specification’ status visit Secured by Design – securedbydesign.com
Systems should be fitted to British/European Standards – www.bsi-global.com
Always get at least 3 different approved installers to give you quotes before you decide.
Systems can be monitored at special centres (Alarm Reporting Centres), for a fee. Reputable installers will give you more information on this, including an alternative option to link the alarm to alert mobile telephone numbers selected by you.
Essex Police respond to monitored alarm systems in accordance with guidelines issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) – www.acpo.police.uk Phone 020 7084 8950. Generally, Non- monitored alarm systems are not responded to unless the person reporting the activation says that an intruder has actually been seen to enter or be on the premises.
The speed of police response cannot be guaranteed. It will depend upon the number, location and availability of police units when the call is received and a police assessment of the threat level.
DIY outlets often sell intruder alarm systems. However, bear in mind that these are normally non-monitored systems. False activations can annoy neighbours and result in action by the Environment department at your local council. If you have one of these systems you need a trusted friend, neighbour, or family member who lives close by and can deal with activations in your absence.
Some systems can be linked to your telephone and programmed to alert specific personal telephone numbers (normally up to 6) if activation occurs. Your telephone provider may make an extra rental charge for this facility. You will probably still need a trusted local person to respond in your absence.
Some mail order type companies market a whole range of alarms. You can see examples of these on web sites such as: –
Generally speaking, any intruder alarm is probably better than none. However, your choice should always be based on the following considerations: –
Is it appropriate?
Is it realistic?
Is it cost effective?
What am I trying to protect?
The above information is a basic summary of intruder alarm systems.
Bicycle Crime Prevention Advice
When buying a bike, budget for security. You will need one or more locks and somewhere secure at home to keep your bike.
Make sure you don’t buy a stolen bike. By buying a stolen bike you are helping to support the illegal trade in bikes – the next stolen bike to be bought could be yours!
By avoiding doing so you help make it less likely your bike will be stolen in the future.
If you buy a bike from a legitimate seller, it is likely to be more reliable and you’ll probably be covered if anything does go wrong with it.
Do what you can to check it is from a legitimate outlet and that they are sure it is not stolen. If it seems suspiciously cheap, ask yourself why. You may be able to check the ownership of a bike you intend to purchase by searching a property register such as Immobilise, or asking for proof of purchase or ownership.
Take out adequate insurance, either by extending your home contents insurance or through a separate policy. Cycling organisations and bike shops may offer specialist cover. Do this at the time of purchasing the bike otherwise you may not get around to it.
Record and register your bike. Take a clear colour photograph of your bike and make a written record of its description, including any unique features, so that you can report it accurately ifitis stolen; this will help prove it is yours ifitis recovered by the police.
Register your bicycle model, make and frame number with a third party. (The frame number is often underneath the bottom bracket where the pedals attach, or on the frame under the seat.) Again this will help anyone who subsequently finds (or even buys) it to check whether it is stolen – and return it to you. Some registration schemes allow you to register individual bike parts that have serial numbers. Contact your local police station for further advice.
If you add an additional security mark or tag to your bike, this will again make it easier to identify as yours. Sometimes your local police will provide this service for free. The mark may be obvious, which should help deter thieves; or hidden, such as ultraviolet; or there may be a combination of both. Clearly visible marks should be securely applied. A hidden mark or electronic tag is less likely to be identified and removed by thieves.
Basic security
It may seem as though there are lots of things to think about when locking your bike, but once you get into the habit you will be able to lock your bike within seconds and it will be well worth the trouble.
At home
More than half of all bicycle thefts take place from an owner’s property. So as well as taking care of your bike when you are out and about, you should think about how safe it is at home.
Some things you can do are:
Keep your bike in a secure shed or garage and get into the habit of keeping the door locked. If you keep your bike in a shed, make sure you get a robust lock for the door.
Secure it to an immovable object, or consider installing a floor or wall-mounted anchor lock for extra security.
If you are going to keep your bike in a communal area, is there anything you can lock it to?
Keep it out of public view.
For additional protection, keep your bike locked wherever you leave it at home.
Out and about
Avoid leaving your bike in dimly lit or isolated places. Leave your bike where a potential thief can be easily seen.
Always lock your bicycle, even if you are just leaving it for a couple of minutes. Think about using two different types of lock – see advice on ‘Locks’ below.
Security
Lock your bike to an immovable object – where possible use a proper bike rack, ground anchor or street furniture that offers multiple locking points and will stop your bike falling and causing an obstruction. Bikes locked to lampposts, railings or anything else not designed for this purpose are more vulnerable to theft, so only use these if you really have to. Remember that thieves can remove drainpipes and lift bikes off signposts. If provision is inadequate, bring this to the attention of the relevant local authority or property owner.
Lock both wheels and the frame of your bike to the bike stand or other immovable object.
Secure removable parts. Lock both wheels and the frame together. Take with you smaller components and accessoriesthatcan be removed without tools (for example, lights, pumps, computers, panniers and quick-release saddles).
Fit secure skewers to wheels, headsets and seat posts.
Ask a bike shop for specialist advice.
Make the bike and lock hard to manoeuvre when parked.
Keep the gap between bike and lock small – the smaller the gap, the harder it is to insert levers or other tools.
Keep the lock or chain away from the ground; never leave them lying on the pavement – a lock can be sledge-hammered.
Locks can also be picked, so face the lock to the ground (but not resting on it) so it can’t easily be turned upwards for picking easily when it’s resting on the ground.
Locks
Invest in good quality locks. Hardened steel D-shaped locks and sturdy chain locks are recommended. Be prepared to spend 10% of the value of your bike on locks.
It is always best to use two locks. Go for two different types of lock, for example a strong D lock and a sturdy chain lock. This means that a thief will need different tools to break each lock, making theft less likely.
There are many different products on the market and price is not necessarily a reliable indicator of quality and resistance to attack by thieves.
Also important is how long the product resisted attack.
There is a grading system used by Sold Secure to assess locks, based on how long they withstand attack. The Gold Standard locks resist longest; Silver and Bronze resist proportionately less well. They may be lighter and cheaper than Gold Standard locks, and still offer a good level of protection. Consider your likely risk and invest accordingly. Bronze standard is recommended as the minimum standard.
Communication is essential if we are to tackle bike crime effectively.
Inform the police if you have your bike stolen; you can report the theft by phone or in person at your local police station. Ask for a crime reference number. This will help you trace the progress of your case and may be needed for your insurance claim.
Find out about/take part in local cycling initiatives, to raise awareness of cycle security.
Contact your local crime prevention officer, local authority, employer or the land owner about the installation of cycle parking where secure anchorages are insufficient or non-existent.
Don’t create a market in which thieves can operate. If no one bought stolen bikes there would be no reason to steal them.
IF YOU THINK YOU ARE BEING OFFERED A STOLEN BIKE RING CRIMESTOPPERS ON 0800 555 111.
Keep Informed
Keep informed about crime and policing issues which affect you by signing up to Essex Community Messaging – www.essex.police.uk/ecm.
There has been a gap in receipt of the reports from Essex Police which has recently resumed so this July 2015 report is the first in a while; hopefully, this will continue to be a regular update.
The past 5 weeks or so have seen 3 lots of criminal damage, 1 theft and 1 burglary. Police have also issued advice on a number of seasonal crime issues such as bike theft, open windows inviting burglars, scams and car key burglary. For a complete crime picture, please visit http://www.police.uk/ however, please be aware this information is always three months behind.
Criminal Damage – Hall Road
At 20:00 on 27th June, unknown suspects entered the victims land and caused damage to the victims Larsen Trap by cutting through welded mesh trap and releasing a tame bird.
Criminal Damage – Chapel Road
At 22:00 on 7th July, unknown suspects caused damage to a vehicle by placing a screw in the rear passenger window, a note was then left by the car which said ‘hi your back tyre looks flat’ and then a smiley face.
Theft – Pirie Road
At some time on 10th July, unknown suspects removed a Karcher window cleaner from the victims driveway.
Criminal Damage – Chapel Lane
At around 16:00 on 15th July, an unidentified suspect made a hole in the victims wooden fence panel by unknown means.
Burglary – Newbridge Hill
At around 20:00 on 14th July, an unknown suspect gained entry to a secure shed in the rear garden by removing the front door by unscrewing the door from the hinges. The victim cannot see anything missing.
Information Releases
There were quite a few issued in July 2015 so a linking list might help you find what you are interested in:
Most burglars will look for what they regard as the easy touch. So, they will seek out a property which appears to have little or no security, or which may even have an open window or door making it physically insecure. Burglars will also look for properties which are not visible to onlookers, reducing their chance of being caught in the act.
To assess the security of your home or business premises imagine you are the burglar, and consider the questions that a typical burglar will ask themselves:
How am I going to get in?
Are there any valuable items visible through windows or doors?
Does the house next door look more of a difficult job to break into?
If the answers to any of these questions are ‘yes’, the chances are that the burglar will also notice that, and the small possibility of your becoming a victim of burglary will have just increased.
Here are a few helping hints:-
Lighting, if overlooked or there is a chance of being seen, burglars will prefer to go elsewhere so get some decent lighting on your house. Dusk till dawn on the front, not only can you see who is at your door but also when you come home you have a welcoming light. At the rear fit motions activated light but ensure you set and site it so animals and plants don’t keep turning it on as that only creates more alarm.
Is there clear unobstructed access to the rear? Burglars will prefer to gain access out of sight at the rear. Where possible fence and gate access to rear (and lock that gate), top this with some trellis or spiky toppings (NB: the spiky topping requires a warning notice). How about some defensive planting, what’s this you ask……something like Berberus, Pyracantha or Hawthorn around perimeter fencing or anything else you wish to protect i.e. domestic fuel tank (some garden centres sell more established plants).
Windows:- ensure that they have at least two locking points, if not fit visible window locks (most modern UPVC windows although having one handle this in fact engages a multi locking system).
Doors: – In addition to the Rim Lock, (Yale type lock) fit and use a five lever mortice lock. Most UPVC doors as with windows use a multi locking system, make sure you know how to use it. When inside pulling the handle up will engage all the locks but will only lock the centre lock. To lock them all in place you must use the key (if in doubt try it before the burglar does, and then he only needs a small screwdriver for force that centre lock on its own). Fire Safety you must have the key readily available in case of fire, but not in view of any windows or letterbox.
French doors: – Most modern doors have multi locking systems that lock top, bottom and at the centre, on older doors in addition to the centre lock if each door does not have locks to the top and bottom fit additional ones. Keys: – keep them out of sight of the door, but ensure everyone one in the house can find the key to get out in case of fire.
Bins:- Secure bins and other objects away from buildings and walls so that they cannot be used as a climbing aid.
Illusion: – Make the house appear occupied, if going away get a neighbour to open and close curtains, and put rubbish out for you. Ask a neighbour to park one of their cars on your driveway, it does them a favour too. Table lamps inside on a timer or “dusk till dawn”, a radio on a talking programme, it all helps. Don’t let post and newspapers build up at the front door
Property marking: – If your property is marked with your post code/house number is reduces the value to a thief, visible marking is best then the thief knows it’s marked too. If your kit comes with a sticker for the window display it, that way even before the thief comes in he know your property will be harder to sell on. With jewellery and small items photograph them, and record the details, if the item has a serial number make a note of it.
The shed or out building: – Put a decent lock on it and keep it locked. DIY stores/Argos sell shed alarms at reasonable prices as an added deterrent and where possible securely fit a large metal ring into the floor or wall and lock and chain large items to it and with smaller items keep them in a secure box. A lot of the above re lighting and property marking also apply to the outbuilding too.
All this said, the chances of you being a victim of crime is remote and even more so with a little thought.
Another point – if you see something suspicious please report it, it may save you from being the next victim. Call 999 if it is happening at that time or if after the event, 101 or you can ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Use of the Object ID Card with a set of medals
Make your property ‘Too Hot To Handle’
As part of their heritage campaign, Essex Police launched the “Object ID” card. The card is intended to be included in your photographs of art, antiques, family heirlooms, medals, memorabilia and jewellery to give scale and correct colour rendition. The card also contains a guide to what details need to recorded in relation to your property.
When such property is recorded there is a greater chance of recovery of the property and a greater chance of a successful prosecution of the thief and/or handler.
The cards are available from Age UK Essex, The Royal British Legion shop in Colchester, Community Agents Essex and from the Front Office at Colchester Police Station.
The following email was received in the past few days reporting a scam attempt:
One of the NhW members has been in contact with me after he received a phone call from someone claiming to be the Crime Reduction Officer for Essex Police. The NhW member, as he knows me and so knew this information to be false, interrupted the caller asking why he specifically had been called.The caller told him Essex Police Crime reduction were calling people in the CO6 postcode and tried to start the hard sell; again the NhW member interrupted him by asking what his name was?, where was he based? and that he personally knew the Colchester’s Crime Reduction Officer. At this the caller realised his lies had been exposed and hung up.
If you receive a phone call or someone comes to your house that you don’t know, don’t be concerned about challenging the person and tell them you are not interested.
Remember :
If you receive a call, never give information to people you don’t know or be tempted by their “fabulous offers”, just hang up. If you do need some work to be done, ask family/friends for recommended companies and try to get three quotes.
If you don’t know who it is knocking on your front door, don’t open it but try to look and see who is there through the nearest window. Speak through the door – you haven’t invited this person to call and have no interest in what they are selling or saying so don’t worry about being rude and leave the door shut. They will be able to hear you through the door when you say you’re not interested.
Scams Awareness
July was ‘Scams Awareness’ month, joint campaign between the Citizens Advice Bureau and Trading Standards and Essex Police welcomed the opportunity to support them. This release we addresses ‘online scams‘. For more essential information visit Trading Standards and Citizens Advice Bureau websites.
Online shopping and auction scams – internet shoppers get lured into buying phantom cars, mobile phones, pets or anything else you can buy online. Scammers use a range of tricks including bogus websites, spoofed payment services and ‘second chance offers’ tempting losing bidders with bogus opportunities. Online property market places are also infiltrated by scammers harvesting legitimate property details and posing as landlords.
Dating scams – using online dating websites, scammers groom victims into long-distance relationships using emails, instant messaging, texting and phone calls. Once they are confident of the victim’s trust, scammers will tell them about a problem they are experiencing and ask for financial help.
Software scams – fraudsters often use the names of well-known companies to commit their crime as it gives a mask of legitimacy to their cruel schemes. Methods include asking for credit card details to ‘validate’ copies of operating systems, stealing personal information, and installing malware before charging to remove it.
Top tips for avoiding scams
If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
It you haven’t bought a ticket – you can’t win it.
You shouldn’t have to pay anything to get a prize.
Never send money to someone you have never met.
Your bank will never phone you to ask for your PIN or your online banking password.
Your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons.
Genuine computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your
Don’t suffer in silence – speak out about scams.
If you’ve lost money because of a scam report it to Action Fraud, the national fraud reporting centre. You can report the scam through their website or by phone. You can also forward scam emails to them.
In some cases burglars are breaking into houses while you sleep with the intention of stealing your car keys and any other small items they find.
Before you turn in for the night check that all doors, ground floor windows and easily accessible upstairs windows are closed and locked, remembering to remove the key from the window handle and to store it nearby.
PVCu doors are not fully locked until you have lifted the inside handle and turned the key. Don’t leave the key in the lock once you have secured the door, remove it and store it nearby, out of sight.
If you have an intruder alarm and can do so, activate the downstairs zone.
Ensure that side gates are closed and locked.
Put your car keys somewhere out of sight when you return home, but don’t take them up to the bedroom with you.
If you have cars of different values, park the higher value car in your garage, or park the lower value car in front of the higher value car.
Consider fitting a tracking system to high value cars.
Burglars are mostly opportunistic so by following the above advice, you greatly reduce your chances of becoming a burglary victim because you are making your home too difficult for the thief to get in.
For further crime prevention advice contact your local Crime Prevention Officer using the police non-emergency number 101.
Reporting Incidents to the Police
What is considered an Incident?
An activity out of the ordinary for your area/road or should not be occurring within your neighbourhood. Knowing your neighbours and their routines will make it easier to recognise and report incidents
How to report an incident:
Activities or events that are not life threatening emergencies should be reported by dialling the police non-emergency number: 101
All calls are graded by control room staff. Activities or events that are life-threatening emergencies or happening in front of you at that moment, should be reported by dialling: 999
If you wish to pass on any messages to your local police team or you would like some crime prevention advice you can do that by phoning 101 and asking that someone from your local team contact you. The caller will take your contact details and send an email to your local police team. Or visit www.essex.police.uk put your postcode in ‘My neighbourhood’ and you will get all the names and contact details of the officers from your specific area.
Useful information to the police when reporting a suspicious person:
Hair – colour
Eyes – colour and/or wearing glasses
Hat – what kind if wearing one
Clothing – brief description and colour
Jewellery – anything distinctive (eg nose stud)
Any distinctive scarring
Race
Approximate age
Approximate weight
Approximate height
Male or Female
Useful information when reporting a suspicious vehicle:
Registration number – if not putting yourself at risk to obtain it
Colour and make of vehicle (eg Ford, Vauxhall)
Model (eg Fiesta, Astra)
Body Style (2-door, 4-door, van, estate etc)
Condition (old, new, any obvious damage)
Other features (stickers, bodykits etc)
5 Tips to Keep your Bicycle Safe and Secure
In the UK, a bicycle is stolen on average every minute; with less than 5% of those returned as they’re difficult for the Police to identify the owner. Current research suggests that cyclists are more likely to have their bicycles stolen than motorcyclists their motorcycle or car owners their cars these days! Bicycle theft has doubled in the UK since the mid 1990s, probably due to the increasing popularity of expensive models and innovative ways of selling stolen goods online.
Take action against these unscrupulous thieves and protect your belongings, including your bicycle!
REDUCE THE CHANCES OF YOUR BICYCLE BEING STOLEN, INCREASE THE CHANCES OF IT BEING RECOVERED.
Where to park?
Always lock your bicycle wherever you leave it – it only takes seconds to steal an unsecured bike. Make sure it’s locked in a well-lit public area with lots of people passing. Stations and public buildings often have designated areas with bicycle racks – Be sure to plan ahead and check out amenities in the places you need to leave your bicycle – remember to read signs in the area you intend to park being sure not to park illegally.
Using a bicycle lock
Only use a good quality D-lock. A poor quality lock at the lower end of the market can be easily sawn through or bolt cropped in seconds. It certainly pays to invest in the best quality lock you can afford (At least £30 -£40). Always lock your bicycle to something immovable, an object a bicycle cannot be lifted over and cannot be broke, cut or removed i.e. chain link fencing, grilles, gates or trees – check the object is fastened to the ground. For maximum protection use two locks of different types (a D-lock and robust chain and padlock is ideal) Use each lock to catch the wheels, frame and stand – Fill up as much of the space within the D-lock as possible with the bicycle.
At Home
As many as half of all bicycles are stolen from the owner’s home – Always lock your bike at home even when it is in your garage, flat or halls of residence. Please be vigilant when returning from a ride!! Consider investing in a ground anchor and attach it securely to a wall or concrete floor. Make sure you keep your bicycle out of view of prying eyes as this alone will provide an irresistible incentive to break in to your property.
Bicycle Insurance
If you own a decent bicycle then it is probably a good idea to insure it. There are several ways you can do this; Insure your bicycle on your home contents insurance – don’t forget to cover it for thefts away from home. More expensive bicycles may require specific insurance cover against theft and accidental damage.
Registration & Police Identification
Before registering your bicycle on Immobilise take a photograph and along with this record the frame number and any key details such as make and model. Mark your frame with your postcode in two separate locations if possible, one of which should be hidden. Collectively this information stored on your Immobilise account will be crucial in recovering your bicycle should it be lost or stolen. It is important to consider that the frame or other identifiable codes could be removed by a thief and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Taggingof your bicycle is highly recommended (See diagram left) as its virtually impossible to remove from the bicycle’s frame!
Burglary Hotspots
Operation INSIGHT is Essex Police’s response to burglaries and is based on the theory of “predictive policing” which, as the name suggests, is about using a particular form of crime pattern analysis indicating where crimes are most likely to happen.
Academic research indicates that criminals are habitual in behaviour and go back to the locations where they have had previous success, this supports the theory of Repeat and Near Repeat Offending (i.e.; you are more likely to become a victim if you live near a victim).
Predictive Policing uses crime pattern analysis to indicate where offences are most likely to occur next.
Given the ability to ‘predict crimes’ logic dictates we should concentrate our policing efforts in these areas which are mapped as circular zones around victim’s addresses. These zones are shared with key partners such as Community Safety Accredited organisations.
Resources are directed to conduct intensive patrols within these zones, supported by the process known as “cocooning”.
Cocooning; Following a burglary, we will visit near neighbours, the number of dwellings to be visited will be site specific, but would normally include 10 houses either side, 10 in front and 5 behind (see map below).
Attending officers will conduct an initial assessment of security and vulnerability which may inform referrals to other scheme such as crime prevention officers or local handy man schemes. These households will receive bespoke crime prevention advice and reassurance.
The success of Operation Insight is continually assessed and currently indicates a 9% decrease in offences year on year.
Keep Informed
Keep informed about crime and policing issues which affect you by signing up to Essex Community Messaging – www.essex.police.uk/ecm.
After a busy December with 4 crimes, January saw none at all until the last week when there were two cases of theft, one of diesel and another from a property. For a complete crime picture, please visit http://www.police.uk/ however, please be aware this information is always three months behind.
Theft of Diesel Oil – Manor Road
At some time between 18:00 on 23rd and 10:30 on 24th January, unknown suspects gained access to the farm by lifting a chained gate beside the road off its hinges and the tracks of their vehicle can be seen crossing the field to the farm shed and the adjacent fuel tank where the suspects unscrewed the lid of the tank and are believed to have syphoned out an unknown quantity of diesel used by the farm tractors, the syphon pipe was abandoned nearby.
At some time between 21:00 on 27th and 10:30 on 28th January, unknown suspects gained access to a garage by unscrewing the hinges from the door, and removed a number of items.
[Note – this months first two information releases are particularly relevant to this type of crime].
Information Releases
A few interesting articles this month, a reminder that Garage & Shed security is important (tools can be used to break in to your house!), another burglary-oriented article written by ex-professional burglar Michael Fraser and an announcement of a new website to support victims of crime be they anti-social behaviour or much more serious.
Could that spade be used to break into your house?
Garage & Shed Security
Whilst most houses have adequate security what is often neglected is the shed or garage, “nothing much in there” I hear you say, “Just a garden spade and fork”, but these are perfect tools for burglar to use to get in your house. Adds insult to injury when the tool used to break into your house is your own, so give it some attention.
Garages and sheds by the nature of their construction and position especially when away from the house are always going to vulnerable. Quite often the supplied locks provide just the barest minimum security and are easily overcome so always consider supplementing the existing locks with further locking systems both for the doors and items within.
On garage doors this could be by adding locking bolts to both sides of the “up and over door” or a garage door defender in the ground in front of the door, if you have side door don’t forget this too. With sheds coach-bolt and plate the padlock hasp sections to the frame and door, use a good quality “Close Shackle” padlock; don’t forget the hinges ensure they cannot be unscrewed.
Consider using “Ground Anchors” or “Shed Shackles” to chain larger items to (again good quality padlock and chain); keep chains tight so that it is not in contact with a surface it can be struck against. Protect windows with a wire mesh and fit a curtain or white wash the windows to prevent prying eyes.
Visibly security mark your property with your post code and house number this reduces the value to the thief; you can even register serial numbers free of charge at www.immobilise.com . There are also a number of commercially available security marking systems available that are suitable for a wide range of products and others for specific products.
It is also worth fitting a shed alarm to the shed or garage, and adding security lighting these are relatively inexpensive and available from most DIY/hardware stores.
If siting a new shed where possible position it within sight of rooms in the house routinely occupied.
Author note: Michael Fraser is an ex-burglar, who starred in BBC’s ‘To catch a Thief’ and ‘Beat the Burglar’ as well as Channel 4’s ‘One last job’. He is also a trustee of the Apex Trust, which helps young people with criminal records gain employment.
When you’re thinking about how to make your home burglar-proof, you have to think like an opportunist thief, because a burglar will look for the tell-tale signs of weaknesses in your home.
Start with the front of your house.
If your gate is open or broken, an opportunist will see it as a weakness. It’s an invitation. Always close your gate. If it’s broken – fix it. And if you don’t have one, get one.
It’s the first psychological barrier to keeping a burglar away.
If you have just one cylinder lock on your door, a burglar knows he can get in to your home no matter what. If you have two locks on your door and your neighbour and your neighbour only has one, the burglar will very likely go next door. He’s not going to make more work for himself.
Avoid ‘Beware of the dog’ signs. They are a sure indicator that you don’t have an alarm in your property. A thief will also think that you probably leave your back door open to let the dog into the garden. The same goes for an ‘I love cats’ sign or something similar. Pet owners often don’t have an alarm.
If the front of your house looks weak to an opportunist burglar, he can guarantee that the back of your house will be even weaker. As soon as a thief can get around the back of your home, he knows he’s probably safe.
As soon as a burglar is in your house, whether he got in from the front or back, he’ll go to the front door with either a glass bottle or a broom. The thief will balance the bottle on the door handle. If the owner comes home, the bottle will fall off the handle and smash before they get inside. This gives the thief a warning sign and time to escape. Or he’ll jam the door shut with a broom. Again, this will give the intruder a sign and time to escape if the owner fails to get into their house easily.
Humans are creatures of habit, they inevitably keep their house and car keys near the front door or in their handbag; a handbag will nearly always be left in the kitchen. Once a burglar is in your house, he’ll look for keys first. Then he’ll be looking to find out what your habits are. Your calendar will be very useful. Again, we humans are predictable and almost always have a calendar hanging in the kitchen. The thief will look for key dates – when you will be on holiday, when you have a dentist appointment – any clues about when you’re scheduled to be out of the house.
The next thing on a burglar’s list is to look for small items – non bulky valuables that can be taken straight away. This might include jewellery, credit cards, bank statements and spare keys. The thief will make a note of all bulkier valuable items in your house – he’ll be planning to come back again to get these when he knows you’ll be out.
Now the burglar knows you. He knows what kind of person you are from the items in your house and he has your bank details to clone later. If the burglar has taken a spare set of keys to get into your house, he’ll normally trash it before leaving. When a homeowner returns to a messy house, they have to go through everything to see what’s missing. They’ll normally be concerned about expensive jewellery, antiques and items of sentimental value. Keys are one of the last things people think of and so often don’t realise they’re missing. So when a burglar returns to finish the job, it’ll normally be within 7 to 10 days of the first burglary and the locks have not been changed.
How can you prevent yourself from being the victim of a burglary?
Michael’s top tips:
A key tactic in burglary prevention is avoidance and not just alarming your property. For example, chain up your wheelie bin to a fence away from you house. A burglar will stand on a wheelie bin to get into the first floor of your house. Furthermore, a wheelie bin is like a filing cabinet, so shred all your documents before you throw them away.
Having two locks on your front door is really important and make sure your windows have window locks that are visible from the outside looking in. This will make your home seem like too much hard work to a burglar.
Fix broken gates
Put a wire basket on the inside of your letter box. There’s still space for letters to come through the door but it prevents burglars from fishing for keys through the letterbox – thieves know that keys are often left on a table next to the front door.
Keep windows and doors shut and locked, even when you are at home. A thief will burgle your property even when someone is inside; for example, when they see a bathroom light go on.
Use an alarm is you have one.
Join your local Neighbourhood Watch and display the sticker saying you do. This demonstrates to the thief that you are aware of the risk of being a victim of burglary and he’ll most probably decide to move on.
Don’t make it obvious if you are a pet-owner. ‘Beware of the dog’ often means “I don’t have a house alarm” or “my back door is open” in burglar language!
When parking your car, turn the wheel towards the curb rather than keeping the wheels parallel. It sounds so simple but this makes your car alien to the opportunist thief because everyone parks their cars with wheels straight. Those turned wheels means it will take the thief a few more seconds to steal your car. Every second counts and they don’t want to take that extra risk of getting caught.
Keep suitcases and bags in the loft or with their handles tied together. Otherwise a thief will use those very bags to transport items out of your home.
Don’t keep a calendar in your home. It tells a thief everything about you. Put a blind in the kitchen and in other rooms so that people can’t see in. a thief can learn a lot about you just by looking in through your windows.
One of the best things you can do is to film every room in your house in detail with a video camera or take lots of photos. Not only does this help you remember where everything was before the burglary but it helps you to prove to your insurance company that certain items were in your house.
Essex Victims Gateway
Nick Alston, the Police & Crime Commissioner for Essex recently launched a new website, the Essex Victims Gateway.
The website offers access to the many local support groups for people who have been subjected to crimes ranging from rape to anti-social behaviour. Victims can simply type their postcode into the site’s search facility to find out more about the support available locally to them.
Alternatively people can click on a specific crime type – such as hate crime or anti-social behaviour – which will take them to a page featuring case studies, frequently asked questions as well as live links and contact details for support groups.
The Essex Victims Gateway helps victims find support tailored to their needs, including specialist services for the most serious crimes such as rape and sexual violence.
Crucially, the website offers help to all victims, including those who have not reported a crime to police or where offences have happened in the past. And the site also offers a “leave this site” tab, which runs through every page and, with the touch of a button, redirects users to Google in case they need to leave the page quickly.
Mr Alston said:
The Essex Victims Gateway provides a postcode based service enabling victims to contact support and advice available in their area. It’s been designed to enable people to rapidly find the information and expertise they need.
There is also a ‘Leave this site’ icon which is essential because there are circumstances where a person accessing the site may want to leave it quickly.
I hope that victims find this website useful but I also really hope they find the confidence to report crimes to police quickly.
Jan Dalrymple, Chief Executive of the Essex-based domestic abuse charity Safer Places, said:
I’m delighted the website has been pitched at victims whether or not they want to report a potential crime to the police.
Many victims do not want to report a crime and do not know where to turn, and the Essex Victims Gateway gives access for those hidden victims to receive support from specialist agencies.
For example, a person whose partner is showing early signs of dementia and is becoming violent, may not want to go straight to the police. Rather they want to have a confidential conversation about the options and support available to them.
Sometimes, we – the specialist agencies – may support victims to go to the police and report a crime, but sometimes we can support them without needing to involve the criminal justice system.
Victims frequently say to Safer Places and I’m sure other organisations: ‘We didn’t know where to go for help!’ I’m confident that the Essex Victims Gateway will help address those needs.
Work to develop the website and its content, in consultation with victims and their representatives, will be ongoing.
The government has decided that all victims’ commissioning funding should be controlled by PCCs from April 2015: a big and radical step. In preparing for this responsibility, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has produced a comprehensive analysis of the needs of victims and the services available to them at the moment across Essex. That analysis has supported the development of the Victims Gateway and can be read on the PCC here:
After a prolonged period in which there has been no crime to report, although lots of advice, December brought a distinct lack of Christmas spirit to some residents with 4 crimes reported in the month!
Criminal Damage to a vehicle – New Church Road
An unknown suspect has, by unknown means, damaged the victim’s vehicle causing a dent and a scratch to the offside rear wheel arch of the vehicle.
Burglary in a dwelling – Donard Drive
At some time between 10:55 and 14:30 on 19th December, suspects unknown smashed a window in the rear door to gain entry. Once inside they conducted a messy search throughout the house and exited by the same means having removed various items.
Burglary in a dwelling – Pirie Road
At some time between 23:00 on 19th and 09:30 on 20th December, suspects unknown entered secure premises via the front door and removed keys to a vehicle and exited by the same route. No damage was caused but the vehicle was removed from outside the property.
Criminal Damage to a vehicle – Mumford Close
At 21:45 on 25th December, an unknown suspect caused damage to the front offside window of the victims vehicle by smashing it with a punch.
October (up to 26th) saw just one crime report for West Bergholt after what was also a quiet September.
Theft from a vehicle – Whitehouse Lane
At some time between 18:00 on 21st October & 12:00 on 22nd, an unknown suspect gained entry to the victims secured vehicle by unknown means, made a tidy searched and removed property, no damage was caused.
Information Releases
Slightly more of these this month with some advice and support on the subject of Halloween, advice on securing heating oil and also tips on beating burglars.
Halloween – for fun only
Halloween should be a fun event not an excuse for anti-social behaviour – that’s the message from Essex Police in the run up to the spooky festival. Officers want everyone to enjoy October 31st and Bonfire Night but are urging people not to let the fun get out of hand.
Halloween can be an unsettling time for many people, especially elderly people and those who live alone so Essex Police will be taking a firm approach to those who cause problems for others. In the run up to Halloween police officers and PCSOs will be working with shopkeepers to encourage them not to sell eggs and flour to young people and visiting schools to talk to students about the impact behaviour they may perceive as fun can have on their communities.
Officers are also asking parents to make sure their children do not go trick or treating alone and to remind them only to knock on doors of people they know.
Jasmine Frost, Youth Inspector, said:
The message that I want to give young people is please don’t throw eggs and flour at people or houses. At the very least this kind of behaviour is anti-social. At worst it could reach the threshold of a criminal offence and lead to your arrest. If you decide to go trick or treating please take care and think carefully about which doors you knock on, particularly if you know there are elderly people living in the area. The most important message is that we want all children and young people to enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night by keeping themselves safe and making sure they do not cause any problems in their communities.
Posters
Young people are encouraged to visit the 2Smart website to find out how to keep safe while trick or treating and download advice posters. Adults who would rather not be bothered by trick of treaters can download from the Essex Police webpage a ‘no trick or treaters’ poster. There is also a poster for shop keepers who would like to let customers know they will be restricting the sale of eggs and flour.
Finally Essex Police is reminding residents to call 101 should they feel concerned throughout the evening. While we ask residents to be tolerant of young people enjoying Halloween, they do not have to accept bad behaviour.
Stop Heating Oil Theft
As it comes to the time when you are thinking about topping up your heating oil tank for winter, with the value of fuel it is worth considering its security. 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 and Tank Commander – www.commandersecurities.co.uk which have “Secured by Design” accreditation; these detect a dramatic drop in fuel and call 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.
Focus on Burglary
Traditionally burglaries increase at this time of year so we are asking people not to give thieves a chance. Sometimes, you can beat the burglars by taking just a few simple steps:-
Make your home safe and secure by fitting 5 lever mortice locks on external doors and for all other doors and windows fit secure locks.
It is most important to take extra care when locking up particularly with regard to UPVC doors. Lift the handle and lock the door with the key.
When you leave your property remove keys from locks and place them out of sight.
With the nights drawing in, make your property look occupied at all times by using automatic light timer and you might want to consider installing external lighting, especially now that street lights are going to be turned off by councils in some areas.
Nowadays burglars break into properties to steal car keys so avoid leaving car keys near a door or window and lock your car in a garage or behind a locked gate if possible.
Remember, burglars have no boundaries, and could be operating in your area at any time. Stay vigilant, stay secure and stay safe!
REMEMBER: You can attempt to beat the burglars by taking just a few simple steps. We do have plenty of crime prevention advice on our website at www.essex.police.uk or by contacting your local Crime Prevention Officer Stephen Armson-Smith, tel: 101 ext: 430126.
POLICE EMERGENCY NO: (Life or Property threatened or crime in progress etc).Don’t delay – dial: 999
The Illusion of occupancy
As the nights draw in earlier don’t forget to use table lamps on timers, and there is a product called “Fake TV” that produces lighting that resembles a television being switched on within a room. You can also record serial numbers of products using a useful free web service free of charge at www.immobilise.com. Consider installing external “Dusk till dawn” lighting and remember to secure those gates closed and lock up correctly.
If you 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 to police in an emergency on 999 or after the event on 101 or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
