burglary Archives - Page 2 of 2

September 1, 2014

August Crime Report

August Crime Incidents

August saw just one incident after what at first appeared to be a quiet July, this monthly report includes the two incidents from the end of July, details of which arrived after the July update was published.

Burglary in a building other than a dwelling – Colchester Road

At some time between 09:00 on 11th July& 19:00 on 29th July, an unknown suspect gained entry to the victims insecure barn and removed a lawn mower.

Other Theft – Armoury Road

Between 19:30 on 28th and 07:15 on 29th July an unknown suspect has removed buckets which were left unattended and insecure on the field and two batteries which were inside energisers from the field at the location by unknown means.

Other Theft

Between 19:00 & 20:00 on 30th August unknown suspects drove off with the victims items in the boot of a car and made no attempt to return them despite numerous calls.
[Webmaster’s note – an unusual one this which I have discussed with the Liaison Officer who is as mystified. It is probable the victim and suspects were unknown to each other but the victim had their number, maybe they had met and some purchase transaction was taking place? If anybody knows more I’m sure we would all appreciate enlightenment. 🙂 ]

Information Releases

Apart from the ‘Smile Campaign‘ published separately, just two others have come through this month on the subject of pickpockets & securing sheds etc…

Pickpockets

Suffolk police is currently experiencing a rise in purse/mobile phone thefts and are running an initiative to encourage awareness of pick pockets and keeping your personal possessions safe. Be aware that this will displace the pick pockets and they may come our way so…….

Don’t be a victim of pickpockets

Keep purses secure and carry wallets in an inside pocket.
Zip up hand and shoulder bags.
Carry bags in front of you with flaps against your body.
Keep straps short and bags tucked under your arm.
Don’t display jewellery.
Don’t show your money — keep it safely in your pocket.

Sheds, Garages, Workshops, Lock-Ups and other Outbuildings

Particularly in light of the first two incidents above, Essex Police offer the following timely thoughts:

Ensure that all sheds, garages, workshops, lock-ups and other outbuildings, are in a good state of repair and that any damaged or rotten sections of their structure, which could make it easier for a thief to gain access, are repaired or replaced.

Use quality close shackle padlocks which cannot be easily levered or cut.
If you have a window in the premises, consider whether you actually need it and if not consider boarding it over securely. Otherwise, make the window opaque or cover windows to ensure the property inside is not on display.
Consider fitting key operated locks to any opening windows or screwing them shut.
Where the building is a wooden structure, consider lining the property with plywood sheeting to make it more difficult for a thief to get through without proper tools and lots of time.
Consider fitting an alarm, these are readily available from DIY stores or local locksmiths.
Chain any tools through their handles to large heavy items such as lawn mowers or cultivators. If you have neither of these fill a bucket with concrete and, using a masonry fixing, chain your tools to this.
Mark all valuables within your premises with your postcode and house number; record serial numbers of all equipment and keep the records safe.
Good security lighting, using existing lights, (consider installing a time switch or adding sensor lights).
Ensure that all sheds, garages, lock-ups or other relevant outbuildings, are securely locked and never left unlocked whilst unoccupied.

June 1, 2014June 1, 2014

May Crime Report

May Crime Incidents

May saw just one crime incident, with a burglary, after an also quiet April.

Burglary in Garthwood Close

At some time between 12:15 pm and 12:45 pm am on the 9th May unknown suspects forced a ground floor rear window open and proceeded to make a messy search of two bedrooms removing some jewellery.

Information Releases

Just two have come through this month, the first on how to become an illusionist to protect your home from burglary and the other on your rights with doorstep salesmen.

Be an illusionist

Most burglars are opportunists, they leave home with the intention of committing the crime but their target has yet to be identified. Take away that first attraction and you do not become that target.

First attraction: – open or insecure gates or ready access to the rear of the property, overgrown shrubs concealing the front door, insecure properties, lack of obvious security like good locks and an intruder alarm.

Become an illusionist, make your home appear occupied even when you are out, a burglar is more than likely to only see your home in one moment in time. Simple things like lights on timers and “Fake TV” for the evenings. During the day leave a radio on, boots outside the back door, vacuum cleaner out with the lead going out of sight, newspaper over the arm of the chair with a drink on the table, the list goes on. Don’t leave garden tools out in the garden though or you may find the burglar uses them, lock them securely away in a secure shed (use a shed alarm too).

Find out more on the Essex Police ‘Be Safe’ website pages.

A Quick Guide: your rights when buying on the doorstep or in the home

Doorstep selling is when a salesperson sells you goods or services in your home or on your doorstep. This Quick Guide explains people’s rights when they agree to spend more than £35 with a trader in their home or on their doorstep. These rights apply even if you invite someone into your home.

Sometimes salespeople apply pressure selling which is illegal.

Written cancellation notice

By law the trader must give you a written cancellation notice at the time you buy, telling you about your right to cancel (even if there is no written contract). If you don’t get a cancellation notice, there’s no binding contract between you and the trader and you don’t have to go through with the sale.

Seven day cooling off period

You usually have a cooling-off period of seven days to change your mind and cancel. The cooling-off period starts on the day you get the cancellation notice. If you cancel within the seven days you won’t owe anything and you should get back any money you have already paid (including a deposit).

Deciding to cancel

If you do decide to cancel the contract you must let the trader know in writing within seven days of receiving the cancellation notice. When cancelling, keep a copy of your letter or email as proof of cancellation. If you send your letter by post, get proof of postage as well. If you receive goods during the cooling-off period and you didn’t agree to this in writing, you don’t have to pay anything if you cancel. Keep the goods safe and ask the trader to collect them. The trader should not insist that you pay any money.

Starting work or delivering goods within the cooling-off period

If you are buying services or certain types of goods (e.g. customised goods) you can agree in writing for work to start or goods to be delivered during the cooling-off period. If you have agreed this in writing then you can still cancel within seven days, but you may have to pay the trader something (usually a reasonable amount).

For further information, visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0845 04 05 06

May 20, 2014May 20, 2014

Bogus callers working locally and Burglary Hotspot

Beware of bogus callers – Colchester woman conned

Be aware of bogus callers – they have tricked their way into a woman’s house in Colchester. Two men claiming to be from the council knocked on the door of a property in Rochdale Way, Greensted, at around 7pm on Saturday, May 17 asking to check the water pipes. A woman who lives in the property was alone and allowed them in. Whilst in the premises they went upstairs and stole some jewellery.

Descriptions:

The two men had Irish accents and were both described as white.

Man 1:

Aged around 30 to 40
Short greying hair under a blue baseball cap.
Unshaven greying beard.

Man 2:

Thin
In his 20s
Short dark hair

Anybody with any information about this incident or who may have seen anybody acting suspiciously in the area is asked to contact Colchester CID on Essex Police 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Follow Essex Police advice to stay safe:

Don’t be frightened to ask for identification and always check it carefully. If you’re not sure, ask them to come back another day.
Think about installing a door chain and use it. Keep the door on the chain until you’ve seen identification.
If you need your glasses to read the identification, close the door before going to find them. Don’t leave the door open and unattended.
Remember to lock the back door before opening the front.
Don’t be pressured into letting someone into your home if you have suspicions.
Don’t keep large amounts of cash in the house.
Don’t believe scare stories. Not all callers are genuine.

For more information on staying safe, go to the Essex Police Be Safe pages on www.essex.police.uk.

Burglary Hotspot

As a related topic, for the first time since we started receiving neighbourhood crime updates a part of West Bergholt has been identified as a ‘burglary hotspot’ – this is as part of an operation intended to reduce burglary by identifying and then concentrating on areas which, following incidents of crime, are currently considered ‘burglary hotspots,’ these areas will change in response to crime trends.

It is hoped that Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators and members, as well as other members of our local communities can assist the police by keeping vigilant, and through reporting any suspicious activity, which could relate to burglaries. To report non-emergency incidents, or to give non-emergency information, please telephone 101, and, as always, dial 999 in an emergency.

April 28, 2014May 8, 2015

April Crime report

April Crime Incidents

April started with a burglary after a late flurry of incidents in March and then saw two-vehicle-related crimes…

Burglary in Albany Road

At some time between 4:10 pm on the 4th and 9:30 am on the 5th April unknown suspects gained entry to the house through an insecure rear door. Once inside they made a tidy search and removed a number of items.

Theft from a Vehicle on A12

At some time between 9pm and 5am overnight on 8th/9th April unknown suspects siphoned a quantity of diesel from a lorry parked on the A12.

Criminal Damage to a vehicle in Chapel Road

At some time on 19th April an unknown suspect threw an egg at a vehicle which, being left on for a length of time before being noticed, caused damage to the paintwork.

Information Releases

Two have come through this month, one on how to deter criminals rather than attract them and another on garden security.

What attracts a criminal?

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 their 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 Crime Reduction Advice contact – Stephen Armson-Smith, Colchester District Crime Prevention Officer using the police non emergency telephone number 101 then extension 436126.

Garden Security – Hints & Tips

With the weather steadily improving and with the nights getting longer, it is even more important that your garden is secure from would-be criminals. Making your garden more secure could prevent an intruder from getting into your home, garage or shed.

Hints and tips for securing your garden:-

Installing strong fences or gates will act as a deterrent, preventing intruders getting into your garden.
Ideally any gates, fencing, walls and hedges at the front of your house should not be more than 1.2m (4ft) so the front of your property can be seen by passers-by.
A standard 1.8m (6ft) wall or fence at the back of your house is sufficient. Increase the height to 2m (6ft 6in) if there is public access on the other side – any higher than this will need planning permission.
Trellis fixed to the top of a fence is not only decorative but can provide extra protection as it is difficult to climb over, breaking easily and noisily.
If there is an access point to your garden at the side of your house a strong lockable gate will act as a deterrent.
Garden gates should be at least the same height and strength as your fencing with hinges securely attached to the gateposts.
Fit good quality locks to gates that cannot be reached from over the fence.
Remember to always lock your gates.
Planting prickly plants or a hedge, such as firethorn, climbing rose or hawthorn, around the perimeter of your garden can be a powerful deterrent.
Gravel on paths and driveways can act as an alert to someone coming towards your property.
Install dusk to dawn security lighting. The low energy lamp stays on in the dark and switches off when it starts to get light.
Secure garden furniture and wheelie bins so they cannot be used to climb on and gain access to upstairs windows.
Do not leave ladders lying around – they could be used by thieves to climb into an upstairs window. Keep them locked in a garage/shed or chained to a fixed object.
Do not leave tools, gardening equipment or debris lying around in the garden as they could be used to smash windows.
Keep your garden neat and tidy so it looks cared for.
While working in your garden, make sure doors and windows are locked to stop unwanted visitors.
Do not use barbed wire, razor wire or broken glass on walls or fences to protect your property – you could be held legally responsible for any injuries caused.

For further advice contact, please contact:-

Crime Prevention Tactical Advisor:- Stephen Armson-Smith on tel 101, extn 426127, or email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

January 17, 2014

Crime & burglary report

West Bergholt has managed to escape early January without mention in the Neighbourhood Crime Report issued by Essex Police. They do however caution the public to be vigilant and have offered the following advice:

Did you know?

35% of all burglaries are crimes of opportunity, where the burglar lets themselves in through unlocked doors or windows.
You are ten times more likely to be burgled if you don’t have basic security – even something as simple as putting strong locks on your doors and windows will keep your house much safer.
Burglary has fallen by nearly 60% since 1995, but criminals are opportunists who will take advantage of any chance to steal from you, so you should remain aware.
Burglars generally prefer empty properties, often looking for visual clues such as an empty drive and dark homes so any lights, televisions and radios left on are usually off-putting for burglars.
A common tactic employed by homeowners to make the house look occupied, leaving the curtains closed, actually encourages burglars who believe it indicates the occupants are on holiday. If the property is going to be vacant for an extended period, ask a trusted neighbour to open and close curtains, collect milk from the door step, turn lights on and off, and remove unopened post that is visible etc. so that the property continues to look occupied.
Burglars are attracted by the sight of valuables, including car keys. They spot these by simply looking through windows and doors. Householders need to be careful about the type of goods that are on display.
Generally, burglars like to access property from the rear as it offers a safe environment. Having adequate fences and locked gates can make this a less inviting opportunity.

If you make your property more secure, it’s a lot harder for criminals to break in and it’s easier for police to catch them. For more crime prevention advice, go to http://essex.police.uk/be_safe.aspx

November 6, 2013

Are you at risk from burglary?

West Bergholt residents suffered 3 burglaries or attempted burglaries last week and Essex Police are cranking up their efforts to cut the incidence rate. Their operation has identified a number of burglary hotspots in and around Colchester with parts of West Bergholt having been identified as a hot spot recently, in particular the hot areas in the West Bergholt and Eight Ash Green beat are:

Mumford Road,
Donard Drive,
Upton Close,
Lexden Road,
Chapel Road,
The Avenue,
Queen’s Road,
Spring Lane,
the Spinney,
The Retreat.

Members of our local communities can help the police by keeping vigilant, and through reporting any suspicious activity, which could relate to burglaries. To report non-emergency incidents, or to give non-emergency information, please telephone 101, and, as always, dial 999 in an emergency. It also pays, of course, to make sure that your property is locked, of the three recent incidents one was a result of forced entry, another no forced entry was necessary since a patio door was unlocked whilst the third was unsuccessful an attempt at forced entry left some damage but no entry was gained.

Information about suspicious persons, suspicious activity and related vehicles, will help Essex Police to keep crime Down!