Don’t Panic – Homeguard is here

Operation Homeguard Initiative by the Community Safety Partnership

PC Michael Lee is attached to the Community Safety Partnership at Colchester and is keen to expand an already successful operation known as ‘Operation Homeguard‘ which has been active in and around Colchester since 2013, he writes as follows:

Operation Homeguard is a successful Essex Police project run in Colchester. The concept of the Operation sees members of the local community joining Police officers and staff in order to offer public reassurance in identified areas. Members of Operation Homeguard see themselves engaging with residents, informing them of crime issues in their area and giving crime prevention information. They are a high visibility deterrent.

The Operation gives volunteers the opportunity to work with Police and gain experience of working with the public. All members are issued with Police Volunteer Identification, Note Book and specially commissioned uniformed jackets. This is a non-confrontational role and Police are always on deployments.

To date, we have interacted with around 12,000 residents in Colchester, spread over 45 separate deployments since its implementation in April 2013.

Members of Operation Homeguard have used the experience they have gained to further their studies or go on to find full-time permanent employment.

We are always looking for professional and reliable people to join Operation Homeguard.

If you are interested or would like further information please contact PC 71833 Michael Lee or PCSO 73140 Hunter at [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”] for further information.

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.

August 21, 2014

Neighbourly Smiles

Neighbours are asked to smile as part of social experiment in UK communities

Jay Crawford - took part in the smile experiment — Jay Crawford, one of the residents of Lingard Road, Manchester, who took part in a social experiment designed to strengthen residents’ links with their neighbours.

The Essex Police Neighbourhood Watch Liaison regularly issues reports and advice which are reported once a month on this site in the monthly crime update – this item we have received seems too novel and interesting to leave to the month-end compilation – enjoy and,don’t forget, SMILE:-

Do you smile at the people next door, pat their cats and dogs, take out their bins or know their names? If so, you are very much in a minority, as British people have been revealed as a reserved lot who don’t know their neighbours.

According to new research, one in 10 UK residents can’t name a single one of their neighbours, while less than a fifth of people know the names of even their immediate neighbours. But they would like to: almost two-thirds (65%) of people say their neighbourhood would be a “stronger” and safer place if people were encouraged to get to know each other better.

In a survey and a follow-up social experiment carried out to mark the 50th anniversary of the Neighbourhood Watch network, people were questioned about their connection with their local community. Less than a quarter of those surveyed said they felt a sense of belonging, but there was a clear sense of craving for neighbourly contact.

Neighbourhood Watch carried out the study with price comparison website comparethemarket.com. Then, taking one ordinary street, a social anthropologist was drafted in to work with a selected number of residents to get them to let go of their British inhibitions and reach out to the people they lived alongside.

In the month-long experiment, the participants – who all lived on suburban Lingard Road in Manchester – were asked to keep a diary of how they got on. Five households had strict instructions to smile at people in the street and offer help where they could, and to try to strike up conversations. Although several reported “strange looks” and some initial reserve, by the end of the four weeks all the Lingard Road participants reported success.

I’ve really seen a difference. People I’ve never met before have been a bit more sociable and said hello on several occasions. The study has been useful and really proven that we are a nice little street with a small community,

… said Jay Crawford, who had lived in the area for 24 years without plucking up the courage to talk to anyone, but now is delighted to be running a bin rota with his new friendly neighbours.

Social anthropologist Kate Fox, director at the Social Issues Research Centre in Oxford, said the experiment tapped in to a very real desire to be part of a community.

“The activity confirms my own findings that the English or British reserve stereotype is misleading,”

she said.

We are not reserved in the sense of introverted or misanthropic or unsociable: we are social animals just like all other humans, and have the same need for a sense of community and belonging. We are just a bit more socially awkward than other nations – and have stricter unwritten rules about privacy, not talking to strangers, and that kind of thing.

So we need more props and facilitators – pubs, clubs, pets, sports, games, weather-talk, alcohol, internet – to break the ice and get us interacting with each other.

Fox believes only the smallest “nudge” is needed to get people building a better neighbourhood.

The experiment shows even very small gestures, saying hello, can have a significant positive effect on a neighbourhood.

August 15, 2014

Shame on who?

A Shameful Side To Our Village

Background to Tennis Courts

Six years ago The Parish Council assumed responsibility for the tennis court area of the Orpen Field. A key aim is to promote the use of this facility and to make it more readily available to village residents for tennis and other sports. To this end membership of the West Bergholt Sports Club has attracted about twenty families, and casual use can be booked at the Co-op at a fair price. The Council has not sought to make any profit from the facility but simply to set aside enough each year to maintain it in good condition and replace the surface when it becomes necessary.

Despite security access abused and damage caused

For security and safety reasons the management committee introduced a coded locking system on the main gate. This has generally worked well but sadly some individuals have abused it and gained entry, misusing the area, repeatedly damaging nets and equipment which have needed replacement at a cost of over £500. The attraction to young people for football was recognised and so a goal area was provided lower down the field and this was well used and appreciated.

A sad day – police involved

It is sad to report that despite efforts to maintain security, unauthorised entry has continued culminating in an act of vandalism on the lock which has completely ruined it and will cost over £200 to replace. To make matters worse a temporary padlock with a chain securing the gate was stolen on Saturday 9th August and was captured on CCTV. Those involved are in the process of being identified.

Polite request

In the meantime the court area remains open. A notice asks that no football is played and the nets are not interfered with. Also children under ten are not allowed on the courts unsupervised. Parents are asked to ensure that their children respect this. The management committee will meet shortly and make recommendations to the Council about the future of the facility.

Any information on the incidents described above or suggestions for future means of access and the booking of the courts will be welcomed by the Council.

August 5, 2014August 17, 2014

July Crime Report

July Crime Incidents

July saw just two incidents, both criminal damage to vehicles, after an also quiet June.

Criminal damage to a vehicle – Mumford Close

At some time between 01:00 & 08:00 on 15th July, unidentified suspects caused damage to a vehicle by climbing on top of the roof and bonnet leaving footprints and fingerprints causing the inside of the roof to be distorted.

Criminal damage to a vehicle – Erle Harvard Road

Between 18:00 on 18th and 10:30 on 19th July an unknown suspect caused damage to a vehicle by spraying the front and both sides of the cab with black paint.

Information Releases

Three have come through this month, one advising of a nearby outbreak of equine theft, a discussion about rag and bone men and news of the popular Meerkats partnering with Neighbourhood Watch.

Horse theft a growing concern nearby in Suffolk and a potential risk locally

Early in July, Suffolk Police have received reports of suspicious activity around rural establishments and fields in the IP10 and IP11 area. Discussions on internet forums and social media are speculating that horses are being targeted for theft.

Suffolk Police received reports of two white males in a white van with blue writing acting suspiciously at an equestrian establishment. The purpose of these males is not known. Overnight on 6th July it was reported that a pony had been moved from one area of a farm and had been secured in a nearby field.

Farm and horse owners should take this opportunity to review the security of their stable yards and paddocks. Anyone who observes suspicious activity around horses should note down as much detail as possible and report it to the police on 101. Time, date, vehicle registration details and descriptions of any persons involved are particularly helpful. Number plates of vehicles may be cloned, so a full description of the vehicle involved should be taken.

Suffolk Horse Watch gives the following advice to protect your horse:

Freeze marking is well known and proven as the most effective theft deterrent. The reason is because it is visible – it will deter thieves, but on the rare occasions when freeze marked horses go missing, it provides an excellent tracing facility, with no need for any expensive equipment to read the marks.
Change your routine regularly and visit your horse at irregular times.
Check perimeter fencing daily to ensure it has not been tampered with.
Gates are often the weakest points in the perimeter and, as such, need careful consideration (field gates themselves are valuable and often stolen). Metal gates tend to be more secure. Gateposts should be securely cemented into the ground. Gate hinges need to have the tops burred over or welded to prevent the gate being lifted off. The gate should be kept padlocked at all times. A good heavy-duty chain (motorcycle security chains can be useful) and the best quality close-shackled padlocks (to resist bolt croppers) that you can afford need to be used.
Ask residents of neighbouring properties to look out and report any vehicles / people loitering or taking undue interest in your paddock or yard.
DO NOT be tempted to lock your horse in a stable.
- If someone intends to steal your horse it makes it all that much easier, with the horse being in an enclosed area.
- It puts your horse at risk in the event of a medical or fire emergency.
Report to the police anything out of the ordinary.

Rag & Bone – convenient or suspicious?

You may all recall or heard stories of the Rag and Bone man who would travel around on a horse and cart collecting old clothing and animal bones. You would also hear him calling out as he made his way around. As the years have passed by changes have occurred with the collection of various items of house hold scrap. Often this would result with the Rag and Bone man paying a small amount of cash for items given to him which was well received by the families.

Times have changed since then with many people selling their own items at car boot sales or through internet auction sites, plus we are now all familiar with the modern van-driving dealers driving slowly around neighbourhoods, some of them ringing a bell as they go.

We know that the reputable collectors operate a valuable service for people to get rid of their items and get them recycled in the right way, but we have also received reports that other unlicensed collectors are scavenging metal items which people still want. There has been concern from members of the public that these persons are operating without the relevant certificates and in some cases there have been reports of them accessing people’s back gardens and sheds and taking property without the owners consent.

While being mindful that the collectors provide an often invaluable service Essex Police are asking residents to reports any thefts or those noted to be to acting suspiciously within the area.

What should you do?

Call Essex Police on 101 or 999 if a theft is occurring at the time.

What information do Essex Police need to know?

The location of where vehicle seen
The date and time seen
Description of vehicle – Index number, colour, make and model and direction of travel
Description of person(s).

Stronger Neighbourhoods – reduce your chances of being burgled

According to the Office for National Statistics, the most recent crime statistics have revealed that domestic burglary has halved over the last ten years and the likelihood of becoming a repeat victim of burglary has reduced by 60%.

Being part of the community and being neighbourly has proven to reduce the chance of being burgled, with stronger neighbourhoods helping to reduce crime overall. The Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network (NHWN) for England and Wales states that by simply looking out for neighbours, reporting anything suspicious and adopting a few simple changes, helps to reduce the chance of being burgled.However, the advice from NHWN is that is always more which can be done and without new members and more communities looking out for each other, crime could start to increase.

Jim Maddan, Chairman of the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network said:

Studies show that Neighbourhood and Home Watch schemes have a positive impact, typically reducing crime in neighbourhoods by around 16 – 26%, which is why its vital society works together to continue to bring crime rates down. As we celebrate 50 years of Neighbourhood Watch, we’ve made the bold decision to rejuvenate our brand, changing our iconic logo for a limited edition logo by enlisting the help of comparethemarket.com popular meerkats to widen our appeal and ultimately drive down crime by bringing communities together.

The Network has also been working with the Master Locksmith Association, Secured by Design and their Primary Security Sponsor Avocet Hardware, manufacture of the ABS high security door locks, in raising the awareness of the standards of locks and other security products.

Steffan George, Director of Business Development at the Master Locksmiths Association said:

Whilst reported crime may be falling this doesn’t mean that the emphasis on security should be lessened. Quite the opposite, the promotion of good standards for locks, such as SS312 Diamond to counter the issue of lock snapping, have played a vital part in helping combat crime, as well as the high standards of MLA licensed locksmiths who can specify, supply and fit the appropriate quality locks to keep your property secure.

For more information, please visit www.ourwatch.org.uk

July 16, 2014March 9, 2017

Get Sheducated

Is your garden and shed secure?

The garden and its perimeter

Your garden should be your first line of defence against burglars. If someone can get into your back garden easily without attracting attention, it gives him/her more time to steal from you.

Keep hedges and fences low at the front of the house so an intruder has nowhere to hide.
Gravel on paths and driveways will alert you to someone approaching.
Make sure your fences and gates are in good repair. Trellis fixed to the top of your garden fence and carefully-placed prickly plants will provide extra protection from intruders.
If there is a gate at the side of your house which leads to the back garden, it should be as close to the front of your house as possible.
Keep this gate securely locked. A simple bolt is not enough – use a good padlock.
Install security lighting. Low energy dusk to dawn lighting is environmentally friendly, cheap to run and better for home security than passive infra-red activated lighting.
Don’t make a burglar’s life easier by leaving tools around which can be used to force entry. Always lock them away securely after use and consider chaining them together with a padlock attached to a hasp and staple.
Likewise, don’t leave ladders lying around as these can be used by a burglar to reach other parts of your house. Ladders should be chained and padlocked to a strong post or wall.
Try to avoid leaving things like dustbins lying around they can also be used as a climbing aid.
Remote-movement detectors can protect costly garden furniture and valuable ornaments such as statues or stone planters. However, these are only suitable for heavy objects not affected by wind or casual vibration. Alternatively, you can anchor these items to the ground using ground anchors designed for this purpose – even valuable plants can be protected in this way.
Hanging baskets are also worth protecting. Bending the bracket and/or hook so the basket cannot be removed may be enough to deter thieves, although locking brackets are also available for this purpose.

Sheds, garages and outbuildings

Garden sheds are a popular target with burglars as valuable items are often stored in them. Power tools, lawnmowers, cycles, golf clubs, etc., are all attractive to
thieves and very expensive to replace.

Has your shed survived the winter without any damage? If not, don’t delay – fix it today!
Shed doors are notoriously easy to break into, so strengthen the door and frame if you can. Outside door hinges should be secured with coach bolts or
non-return screws. Use strong pad-bars and close shackle padlocks.
Up-and-over garage doors can be secured by putting padlocks through the inside runners or by fitting padlocks with a hasp and staple on either side of the
door. Five-lever mortise locks are the best thing to use on normal solid doors.
Are the windows secure? Does the glass need replacing? You could use perspex or polycarbonate sheet as a more secure alternative, as long as it is securely fixed. Use a window lock on any windows which can be opened, along with a strong grille or heavy wire mesh panel. Consider using net curtains so people can’t see inside.
Battery operated alarms may act as a deterrent. If you have a house alarm, you could have it upgraded to include your shed or garage. If the garage is an
integral part of your house, make sure the alarm conforms to BS 4737.

Your property

You also need to protect everything you keep in your shed and garage.

Does your insurance cover the shed and garage and all the equipment stored in them?
Is everything postcoded so you could identify it if it was stolen?
Items can be postcoded by a variety of methods (etching, branding, paint stencilling, etc.) Making them easy to identify will make it more difficult for a thief to dispose of them, so they are less likely to be stolen in the first place.
Keep a record of serial numbers.
Photograph valuable items and keep the photos somewhere safe.
Make everything secure inside the shed, so even if someone did break in they wouldn’t be able to walk away with all your valuable items.
Chain cycles, mowers, ladders and tools to a strong anchor point, such as metal rings fixed in concrete to the floor, and use a close shackle padlock.
Sheds are not really designed for safe storage, so it might be better to keep a strong lockable box or cage inside your shed. Better still, store valuable items in a more secure place.
Ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your shed as well as the house and do the same for them in return.
If your shed is screened from view, cut down some foliage so you’re not providing cover for a thief.
When you’ve made your garden, shed or outbuildings more secure, remember to lock things away every time. It only takes a minute to pick something up and walk off, so don’t be tempted to leave everything outside while you go inside for a cup of tea. And NEVER leave cycles unlocked.

Natural protection

One of the best ways to keep thieves out of your back garden is to use nature’s own defence mechanisms. A barrier of prickly hedge may be all the protection you
need around your property. Here are some suggestions for plants to use. You can also ask for advice at your local garden centre.

BARBERRY (Berberis)
BLACKTHORN (Prunus Spinosa)
BUCKTHORN (Rhamnus)
FIRETHORN (Pyracantha)
GORSE (Ulex Europaeus)
HAWTHORN (Crataegus Monogyna)
HEDGING ROSE (Rosa Rugosa)
HOLLY (Ilex)
MAHONIA JAPONICA
ORNAMENTAL BRAMBLES (Rubus)
QUINCE (Chaenomeles)
ROSES – eg climbing and rambling roses, plus Rosa Pteracantha
SEA BUCKTHORN (Hippaphae Rhamnoides)

Neighbourhood Watch

And finally . . . are you a member of Neighbourhood Watch? If not, would you like to join a scheme, or perhaps even start one yourself?

For further information and advice please contact the crime reduction officer or problem solving officer at your local police station on 01268 532212.

July 7, 2014July 21, 2014

June Crime Report

June Crime Incidents

June saw just one incident, with a theft from a vehicle, after an also quiet May.

Theft from a vehicle on the A12

At some time between 03:00 & 03:30 on 7th June, unidentified suspects ripped out the side curtain of a parked lorry and removed a number of lawnmowers whilst the driver was asleep. When confronted by the driver, both suspects made off in a white Transit van.

Information Releases

Three have come through this month, two with summer in mind, one on general crime prevention, one focussing on garden security, and another on personal safety.

A Bit of Summer Crime Prevention Advice

Hopefully the warm weather we have had already will not be the last and it will be a great summer. Please consider the points below so you don’t become a victim of crime.

If you have unoccupied rooms that are accessible to others from outside or off flat roofs make sure the windows are closed, if you need ventilation in these rooms at least lock the larger window and only have the small window open, even during the daytime. If you only have bigger windows consider a lockable window restrictor, or a small alarm sensor on the window to detect entry.

Leave a door or patio door open and in comes trouble, even during the day. If that door is accessible the sneak thief will pop in and anything lying around will be gone, you may have only popped down the end of the garden or having a quick shower upstairs, it only takes a second.

Before you turn in for the night do the “rounds” and check all is secure, some may think it is a bit over the top but you will feel more confident and less likely to become a victim.

Check the simple things:-

Parked cars – are the windows shut and doors locked (don’t assume that by pressing the button on the remote it is locked, try the handle too)? A lot of thefts are from insecure cars and vans.
Side gate shut and locked, sheds and garages secure?
Don’t leave unattended pedal cycles insecure and out the front.
Doors closed and locked? Don’t forget on that UPVC multi-locking door you may have lifted the handle but until you turn the key on the inside you have not locked all the locks in place.
Don’t forget to check that patio door, someone may have closed it but did they lock it?
Windows – lift the blinds or open the curtains and check they are closed, the sun may have been on the TV and it was hot, so they were drawn with the window open. Remember the advice above re open windows. Make sure in case of fire that keys to windows and doors are readily accessible to occupants but not in view of possible burglars.
If you have an intruder alarm activate the zone for the unoccupied area.
Car keys – don’t take them to bed with you, where possible leave them in noisy drawer/location.
If you do hear a suspicious noise in the house that you are not happy with dial 999, if you have an intruder remember your life is more important than your property, but do get a good description and if possible car index number.
Social Media – When using “Facebook” or other be wary of announcing to the world that you are away and your house is empty. Make sure your profile does not contain private information that would identify you or your address to a stranger.

Last bit of advice – Going on holiday? Stop the milk and newspaper deliveries and look after each other, get a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your property, ensure neighbours have contact numbers for a key holder and where possible let them park their car on your drive. Basically if you create the illusion that your house is occupied it is less likely to be broken into.

Stephen Armson-Smith

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. For more information about plants which can help protect your property go to (link to page on our internet site).
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.
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.

Article courtesy of Northumbria Police

Personal Safety

Essex is a safe county and the chances of you, a friend or a member of your family becoming a victim of violent crime are low.

However there are a number of steps you can take to keep yourself safe. Planning your journeys, staying alert and avoiding poorly lit alleyways and car parks are just a few.

Suzy Lamplugh Trust is a charity devoted to providing practical support and personal safety guidance. Visit the trust’s website for detailed advice and take a look at our tips below.

Plan ahead

Before you go out, think about how you are going to get home. Avoid travelling alone and set aside some money in advance. Can you travel home with a friend? What time does the last bus or train leave?
Think about what you need to take with you. If you must take valuables with you try not to keep them all in one place. Instead place valuables such as wallets in an inside pocket.
We all have the right to wear what we want but it’s worth remembering that you can help to reduce the risks by wearing clothes you can move in easily. Carry a personal safety alarm.

Stay alert

Be extra careful when using cashpoints. Make sure nobody is hovering nearby and don’t count your money in the street.
Keep your mind on your surroundings – if you’re chatting on your mobile phone or listening to your iPod you won’t hear trouble approaching.
Trust your instincts if you think you are being followed. As confidently as you can, cross the road, turning to see who is behind you and head for a busy area where you can tell people what’s happening. If necessary, call the police.

Walking alone

Avoid danger spots like quiet or badly lit alleyways, subways or isolated car parks.
Try to use well lit, busy streets and use the route you know best.
Whenever possible, walk facing oncoming traffic to avoid kerb crawlers.
If you are at all worried, try and stay near a group of people.
Avoid passing stationary cars with their engines running and people sitting in them.
Beware of someone who warns you of the danger of walking alone and then offers to accompany you. This is a ploy some attackers have been known to use.
Never accept a lift from a stranger or someone you don’t know very well even if you are wet, tired or running late.

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 21, 2014May 20, 2014

Boost for local policing

Announcement by Chief Constable boosts local policing

The following message about local policing has been received from Essex Police’s Chief Constable, Stephen Kavanagh:

Together with the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Officer team I have decided to align 500 more officers to local policing. I believe the public of Essex want policing delivered locally. For me, it is about locally based, locally accountable, locally led officers, police community support officers (PCSOs) and staff delivering across a range of response, investigation and engagement responsibilities.

The changes are due to come into effect on Monday, September 1, 2014.

As Chief Constable, I have to think carefully about how resources are balanced across the county. I also have to ensure that, operating within a reduced budget, we continue to deliver effective policing to all our communities.
An experienced team within the force has been carefully examining our demand. To give you a sense of the scale, so far six million lines of data, spanning four years, have been reviewed. This work is supported by feedback from communities across Essex, frontline and senior officers, comparisons with other forces and professional judgement on the best way forward.

The conclusion I have reached, with Chief Officers, is the need to adjust the current deployment of resources, reducing the number of officers in some specialist functions such as firearms, roads policing and public order and placing more in local policing.

Having discussed this with Nick Alston, the Police and Crime Commissioner, I now want to share my plans with you.
To invest 500 officers in local policing I will align about 400 centrally controlled response officers to the local policing teams and make carefully considered reductions to our firearms, roads policing and public order capabilities.

The force retains the right level of resourcing in these important specialist areas. I am committed to policing our road network and the essential task of working with partner agencies and drivers to improve safety. We also maintain the capability to rapidly respond to incidents involving firearms as well as continuing to meet our public order commitments both in Essex and across the region.

These changes support my commitment, shared with the PCC, to ensure Essex has a strong and effective local policing model. Essex Police will continue to have named officers as key points of contact for local communities. They will be supported by locally-based PCSOs, each with designated beats to patrol.
Local policing teams will continue to be led by a district commander. The new officers will provide a round the clock response to local crime and anti-social behaviour. Officers will be part of and accountable to local communities.

The district commanders will each have a local policing hub, led by an inspector, to co-ordinate the work of neighbourhood officers, PCSOs, the special constabulary and other local policing staff with community safety partners.

I recognise the value of effective local policing and community engagement and through the summer will be consulting with local communities. This will explore the right structure and frequency for local police, partner and community meetings as I want to ensure they are working as well as they can. It is clear that the existing structure works well in some areas, and less well in other parts of the county.

My plans make clear the commitment to keep local people informed and involved in a way that is sustainable for the future.

In support of the improvements to the local policing model I am delighted to announced that tomorrow, Tuesday, May 20, at 10am I will be launching a recruitment drive to bring new constables into this fantastic organisation. Welcoming new recruits is vital to a strong and vibrant force and continues to be affordable.

The force also continues to develop ambitious plans in other areas. These include:

Introducing dedicated domestic abuse teams in each of our local policing areas. This will ensure skilled officers are able to work closely with partner agencies to tackle the critically important issues surrounding domestic abuse in our county.

Transforming the way the public can access policing services recognising the importance of face to face contact as well as web-based, self-help services such as on-line crime reporting.

Making ever better use of technology, enabling officers to spend more time on visible patrol, or with the public, and less time at the station or dealing with administrative matters.

Investing in a policing estate fit for future decades.

I believe these changes are a positive move. They will help us continue to reduce crime, bring offenders to justice, improve public satisfaction and work as part of the communities we serve.

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.