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April Crime report

April Crime IncidentsEssex Police - Protecting & Serving Essex - February Crime report

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 securityGarden 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]”].

 

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March Crime Report

Essex Police - Protecting & Serving Essex - February Crime reportMarch Crime Incidents

March started quietly with the local Policing team only having one theft to deal with well away from the village at Fiddlers Folly but it wasn’t to last.

Theft of Pedal Cycle from Maltings Park Road

The cycle was left unattended on the victims driveway at 7:10pm on 15th March, and was missing when they returned to it 15 minutes later.  The information release below offers advice on this subject.

Criminal Damage on the B1508

At 2pm on 20th March the cables to the Public Telephone were cut by person or persons unknown.

Criminal Damage to a vehicle on Nayland Road

Between 5:30 & 8:00pm on 31st March an unknown suspect caused damage to the victims car by throwing, or using, an object to hit the top of the rear window thereby smashing the glass.

Theft of Keys in Spring Lane

Between 8:15 & 8:45pm on 31st March an unknown suspect removed the victim’s keys from an unattended handbag.

Information Releases

Somewhat fitness related this month with advice to protect bicycles, runners and walkers below .  Essex Police also issued a release on the Cancer Scam already reported on this site earlier in the month.

Bicycle Crime Prevention Advice

Now that spring is upon us it is more likely that you will want to get your cycle out, all the more reason t pay heed to the following 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 if it is stolen; this will help prove it is yours if it is 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 accessories that can 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. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT – www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Joggers can be subject to attackAvoid Running into Danger

One of the most common New Year resolutions is to get fit. So if you’re thinking about running around the streets or jogging through the local park in the mornings or after work, spare a thought for how you can do it safely. Unfortunately, whilst not common, attacks on lone joggers or walkers do happen so it’s advisable to take extra care. The best idea could be to join a running club or arrange to go running or jogging with friends. Not only will you feel safer but you can motivate each other as well. If you do go out alone, plan your route carefully. Whenever possible, stick to well-lit, open and well-populated areas where you can be clearly seen and where you can see anyone approaching. Try to avoid quiet areas and heavily wooded areas where a person could be concealed. When running along roads, it’s always a good idea to run in the direction facing oncoming traffic to avoid kerb crawlers. It’s also advisable to vary the route and timing of your run whenever possible. Stay alert to your surroundings because the sooner you become aware of potential danger, the easier it is to avoid it. This means using both your eyes and your ears. It can be tempting to wear earphones and listen to music when running/jogging but they can prevent you from hearing danger approaching, so it is advisable to avoid wearing them when out running alone. If possible carry a personal alarm with you in case of emergencies and consider carrying a mobile – but keep it concealed and only use it when you have to. It can be tempting to push yourself to your physical limit when out running but try to ensure that you always have enough energy in reserve to run away from danger. Finally, always listen to your instincts. If something looks or feels wrong, it probably is. Don’t wait for your fears to be confirmed; play safe and move away from the situation or person as quickly as possible and head towards other people. Remember, there really is safety in numbers. Article courtesy of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust

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February Crime Report

Essex Police - Protecting & Serving Essex - February Crime reportFebruary Crime Incidents

February started off with yet another vehicle crime  and, crime-wise, finished there . . .

Theft from a vehicle in Chapel Lane

Taking place in daylight hours on 8th February suspects unknown have removed the victims front index plate from his vehicle by ripping it off.

Information Releases

Heating Oil Theft

Although we are, hopefully, coming to the end of the cold season (or maybe it is still to come?) Essex Police have offered the following advice for those who store heating fuel on their premises:

In the more isolated parts of the countryside it is primarily domestic properties that have been targeted by the heating oil thieves but we have also seen such thefts at farms and other businesses.  There are a number of security devices available that will protect your fuel supplies – details of which can be found via your fuel supplier or local plumber’s merchant.

One such system is “GPRS Fuel-Oil Alarm” from www.compoundsecurity.co.uk which has “Secured by Design” accreditation; this detects a dramatic drop in fuel and calls you on the telephone.  There are also other systems that will add on to an existing intruder alarm system, whilst others protect the filler cap and there are of course the conventional locks.

Another consideration would be defensive planting around the tank, concealing it and restricting access to it by gates or fencing, and, where possible, locating the tank under lighting in view of lived in rooms within the house.

For larger quantities of fuel http://dieseldye.com/ supply a dye that will uniquely mark the fuel should it be later recovered.  Use of the dye, combined with signs making it clear that the fuel has been marked, can act as a strong deterrent to thieves.

If you would like any advice regarding security please do not hesitate to contact your local Crime Reduction Advisor by using the 101 non-emergency telephone number.  Naturally we also ask locals to report any unusual activity seen around fuel tanks to police in an emergency on 999 or after the event on 101 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Stephen Armson-Smith
Crime Reduction Advisor for the Colchester District

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January Crime Report

Essex Police - Protecting & Serving EssexJanuary Crime Incidents

With the first couple of weeks seeing no reported crime in and around West Bergholt, the latter part saw little more:

Theft from a vehicle on the A12

Taking place on 13th January this involved a parked, secured, lorry on the A12, outside West Bergholt, which had the side curtains slashed and items removed.  Probably of no more than passing interest to residents (sorry).

Criminal Damage to a Vehicle in Mumford Close

Overnight on 23rd January the rear nearside door of a car was dented by unknown person and object.

Criminal Damage to a Vehicle in Mumford Close

Overnight on 28th January an unknown person scratched the full length of both nearside and offside of a parked vehicle.

Theft from a Vehicle in Chapel Road

Overnight on 29th January an unknown person gained entry to an insecure vehicle and following a messy search removed items.

Information Releases

Essex Police often issue information & advice updates with their crime reports, the following few about Alarms, Burglary facts and Microsoft scams have recently been received.

cctv.h2Intruder Alarms and/or CCTV

Please note that Essex Police do not recommend any particular product or supplier.

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: –

  • National Security Inspectorate, Sentinel House, 5 Reform Road, Maidenhead SL6 8BY Telephone: (switchboard): 01628 637512 – www.nsi.org.uk
  • SSAIB The Smoke Houses, Cliffords Fort, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE30 1JE Telephone: 0191 296 3242 – www.ssaib.co.uk
  • British Security Industry Association (BSIA), Kirkham House, John Comyn Drive, Worcester, WR3 7NS – Telephone 0845 389 3889 – www.bsia.co.uk

For other security products that have ‘Police Preferred Specification’ status visit Secured by Design – www.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: –

(There are other providers).

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.

Burglar
Secure your home and remain vigilant

Burglary Facts – 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.

mslogoMicrosoft Cold Calling Scam

The Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer has been made aware that persons are cold calling by telephone offering computer repairs, stating your computer has a problem with Microsoft.  Advice has been sought from Microsoft and they have given the following advice.

Neither Microsoft nor our partners make unsolicited phone calls (also known as cold calls) to charge you for computer security or software fixes.

They have advised that further information regarding how to avoid Phone scams can be found on the below website:

If anyone has been caught out by these types of callers they can report it directly to www.actionfraud.police.uk or by telephone 0300 1232040

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Crime & burglary report

Essex Police - Protecting & Serving EssexWest 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

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December Speed & Crime Update

Community Speed WatchCommunity Speed Watch

With 56 Community Speed Watch groups in Essex undertaking 45 speed check sessions in December (3 of them in the West Bergholt/Eight Ash Green Area), Essex Police have reported statistics as follows:

  • 766 1st warning letters issued,
  • 57 2nd warning letters,
  • 5 incidents which will result in either a police visit or specific enforcement action.

Last Sunday a  regular police speed check was also carried out in the village and they stopped one driver for speeding (40ish) who was also twice over the legal drink drive limit.

Crime Update

Definitely a case of no news being good news.  The regular Crime Report issued by the Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer, covering ‘beats’ in and around Colchester over the Christmas/New Year period, ran to 41 pages  (roughly 250 incidents) covering events such as Assault, Criminal Damage, Burglary, Theft etc…  Fortunately not one took place in West Bergholt!

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Speed Watch & Crime updates, Xmas precautions

Essex PoliceSpeed Watch News

Throughout the Colchester area Community Speed Watch Checks resulted in:

  • 1,120 first warnings,
  • 70 second warnings, and
  • 10 requiring further action (officer visits and possible enforcement).

The West Bergholt Speed Watch team undertook the 10th highest number of speed checks out of the 60 teams and will have contributed much to those numbers.

Mick Green of Essex Police’s Casualty Reduction section, further reported to the Speed watch groups:

BRAKE week was a great success and I can’t thank you enough for all your effort during the week despite the rain! 53 groups were visited, if you were not one of them then I can only apologise I understand that demand was greater than the officers available, but on that note our new Community Engagement Sergeant Graham Freeman will be tasking his Community Officers with arranging more CSW visits in the new year.

The Casualty Reduction section are trialling a new speed detection laser that records the offence which is then processed in the back office the offender then receives the details in the post. This device is capable of detecting hundreds of offences per hour and is now being used to great effect.

December’s activity is largely around drink and drug driving offences as we move towards the Christmas period, if you know of a regular drink driver or pick up any information we would love to hear from you, information will of course be treated in the strictest confidence.

Adam Pipe the Casualty Reduction Section manager continues to forward information via Twitter if you want to receive these tweets then log on and connect with him.

Crime Update

The Essex Watch Liaison Officer has reported on crimes committed between 9th to 15th December including one local crime, and offers a range of ‘Festive Security Tips’.

New Church Road

This “Burglary in a building other than a dwelling” took place between late afternoon on 6th & early morning on 9th December.  Suspects unknown have gained entry to secure class room by forcing the door, no search made, property removed from within.

Christmas presents and treeFestive Security Tips

With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, you are probably in the process of buying presents and stocking up on supplies for the festive season. However, at this time of year rich pickings can be found.

We want you to be able to relax and enjoy the festive season, so here are some useful tips to ensure that you don’t become a victim to an opportunist thief.

  • Make sure gifts and valuables, wrapped and unwrapped, are out of view and not visible from any windows. This applies in the car as well as in the home.
  • Photograph valuable property and log any serial numbers. Don’t store the information on a laptop, as that might be stolen too – keep it on a memory stick in a safe place.
  • Don’t put gift packaging out for recycling or leave it sticking out of your bin – thieves will notice boxes for branded products like laptops, TVs or accessories that could indicate an expensive piece of kit somewhere in the house. The safest thing to do is to break down any cardboard boxes or fold them inside out so that you cannot see the branding. You can then store them out of sight inside your home until you can dispose of them at a local recycling site.
  • Mark any expensive gifts you receive for Christmas with a UV pen or property marking service. This will make it harder for burglars to sell the items and allow police to return them to you. Call your local policing team on 101 for advice about property marking products. You can register your property with www.immobilise.com which is endorsed by a number of police forces.
  • Lock all doors and windows, leave a light on and draw the curtains when you go out at night. Keep your doors and windows locked from the inside even when you are inside your home.
  • Visible burglar alarms, exterior security lighting, timer lighting switches and leaving the radio on help to deter thieves and give the impression that somebody is at home.
  • Bolt and padlock garden gates and make sure you don’t leave ladders out, or other things that burglars could easily use to climb on. Remember to lock your garden shed and store your tools inside; it stops burglars using your tools to break into your house. Consider fitting extra padlocks to gates, sheds and garages. Don’t keep presents in the garage or shed.

If you’re going away, we always recommend asking a trusted neighbour to pop in to your home every now and then to turn the lights on and off, draw the curtains, collect the mail and make the house look occupied. It goes without saying, make sure everything is properly locked up before you leave and the burglar alarm – if you have one – is set. We advise cancelling your newspapers, magazines and milk deliveries. We also recommend that you don’t advertise the fact you are away from your home on Social Networking sites – thieves use Social Media too!

You don’t have to be a member of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme to be a good neighbour, and even if you don’t have much contact with your neighbours, Christmas could be the perfect time to break the ice, have a friendly chat and get to know them a bit better.

Burglars wander around looking for chances. The best opportunity for the police to catch them in the act is for you to spot them before they break in. Wherever you live, remain vigilant and if you see anything suspicious, call 999 immediately. You can also call 101 to contact your police in a non-emergency situation.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has also produced a guide on how to keep safe during the Festive season, which can be viewed and downloaded here:

 

 

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Neighbourhood Crime Reports – 8th December

The latest Neighbourhood Crime Report issued by Essex Police identifies one crime in the West Bergholt & Eight Ash Green area over the past fortnight (and none in the prior fortnight).

4th December – Colchester Road

Burglary in a dwelling

Suspects unknown have gained entry to second floor flat by means unknown, tidy search made and items removed from within.

Tips for a Crime Free Christmas Shop

The tips for a crime free Christmas shop start before you leave your house, after all you don’t want come home to find the house broken into.
  1. Garden tools securely locked away in the shed – Burglars will be happy to use your tools to break into your house.
  2. Create the illusion your home is occupied – Radio and lights on a timer in rooms you would normally occupy, there is even a device called “Fake TV” that flashes a series of lights when it gets dark that looks like the TV is on.
  3. Lock up properly, not just your windows and doors in the house but also any gates and outbuildings.
  4. Choose a “Park Mark” car park where you can http://www.parkmark.co.uk/.   By choosing a Park Mark® Safer Parking facility you are visiting a car park that the Police have vetted  and has measures in place to create a safer environment for both you and your vehicle.
  5. Leave nothing in sight within your car, remove the “Sat Nav” cradle and clean the mark on the windscreen.
  6. When you lock your car with the remote, look for the light flash confirmation or better still try the door handle before leaving the car.
  7. Now you’re starting your shop, watch your purse, wallet, mobile phone and handbag especially in busy places; don’t leave them on display in bags or on counters while you pay and while you’re paying, ensure that no one is watching you entering your PIN when making purchases or withdrawing cash.
  8. Time to stop for lunch or a cuppa, don’t drop your guard. Mobile phone on the table, shopping by the chair, wallet or purse visible coat, jacket or handbag over the chair, a thief sees it, a thief will steal it.
  9. Need to offload some of those purchases in the car, look around are you being watched?  Back to (5 & 6) above again.
  10. Time go home, don’t fall for any distractions while you load the car, i.e. “you dropped some money” pointing to cash on the ground, holding a map “can you tell me the way to….”.   While you are engaged, the second person steals from your car on the other side.
You can get further crime prevention advice by contacting Stephen Armson-Smith the Colchester Crime Prevention Officer using the Police Non Emergency number of 101 and then extension 430386 or see http://www.essex.police.uk/home.aspx “Be Safe” tab or “My Neighbourhood” tab.

 

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Neighbourhood Crime & Personal Safety– 17th November

Advice on personal safety at ChristmasThe latest Neighbourhood Crime Report (17th November) shows only one reported crime for the Eight Ash Green and West Bergholt Area:

13th – 14th November – Fiddlers Folley

Criminal Damage to a vehicle.

Suspect unknown has caused damage to the victims vehicle by scratching all panels on the nearside of the vehicle.  Suspect has also caused 2 dents to panels on the nearside by unknown means.

Personal Safety at Christmas

The Essex Police Neighbourhood Watch coordinator for the area has also warned about the risk of crime in the 6 weeks leading up to Christmas and has recommended the attached document, published by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, as useful reading to ensure your personal safety:

 

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Neighbourhood Crime Reports – 10th November

Whilst the village no longer has an active Neighbourhood Watch Group the groups in the Borough as a whole remain active and the Essex Police Watch Liaison Officer produces periodic reports on crime in the area.   Despite no longer having an active Neighbourhood Watch in the village,  we still receive these crime reports and as we do so, we will update you on recent crimes committed within the area covered by our Neighbourhood Policing Team (i.e. Eight Ash Green & West Bergholt).  The latest reports to 10th November reported the following:

28th – 29th October – Nayland Road

Burglary in a building other than a dwelling.

Suspect unknown has gained entry into the bed and breakfast annex of the main building by means unknown and causing no visible damage, suspects have then used bodily force to break through the connecting door of the grade two listed premises causing damage to the door and surrounding wall,  selective search,  cash only removed.

30th – 31st October – Mumford Road

Attempted Burglary in a dwelling (Indictable).

Suspect unknown has attempted to gain access through the front door, no access gained and no property taken. Front door and frame damaged.

31st October 2013 – Donard Drive

Burglary in a dwelling.

Suspect unknown has entered via the rear patio door which was not locked so no forced entry. Suspect has then gone upstairs and removed items and money belonging to the victim from the master and spare bedroom before leaving the property.