Following an unusually quiet few months, November 2015 saw the return of incidents to report on, although just the two.
Criminal Damage to a Vehicle – Pirie Road
At 21:30 on 6th November, unknown suspects caused damage to a vehicle by causing 2 slashes in the soft top roof by means unknown and both nearside wheel nuts had also been loosened.
Theft – Armoury Road
At 16:30 on 7th November unknown suspects removed plastic rhino buckets from a horse’s field.
Information Releases
Quite a few this month so a handy link list to find what might interest you:
With the Christmas holiday season almost upon us, now is a good time to remind ourselves to take steps to make sure our Christmas isn’t spoiled by criminals.
It creates opportunities for criminals. The hustle and bustle of town centres as we rush around, the value of the goods we buy as presents and store in our homes until the big day. We might also be more trusting and generous at Christmas when requests for charity are made, giving the unscrupulous a chance to collect for their own causes.
So what can we do?
The advice below is often common sense, but you might overlook it in your haste to get everything ready.
Out Shopping
When the shops are crowded, the pickpocket has more chance to steal from you. If you can’t arrange to shop during less busy times, make sure you stay alert and be extra careful with your wallet or purse. When carrying many bags, you will be too busy trying to hold on to these to be aware of anyone stealing from you. You could try to make smaller shopping trips rather than do it all at once and carry too much. Have your purse/wallet close to your body and don’t carry too much cash. The same applies to travelling on crowded buses or trains. If you travel by car, make sure you park in a well- lit area, lock all doors and windows and do not leave presents in view. Try not to return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping trip as thieves may well watch car parks for just such a chance. Arrange to collect heavy items from stores when you have finished all of your shopping. Always keep your chequebook and cheque card separately and never keep a note of your pin number with any of your credit or debit cards.
If you need to use an ATM (cash machine), try to use one which is either inside a bank or store, or one that is in a well-lit area, away from nooks and crannies. Be aware of who and what is close by, if the ATM looks as though it has been tampered with, do not use it (and report it to the Bank or store a.s.a.p.). Never use an ATM if someone is using a mobile phone behind you, or close by. (They could be tapping your pin number into their phone memory). It is often a safer option to use a supermarket, shop or store that offers cash-back.
At Home
Having bought all those wonderful presents, don’t make it easy for someone to steal from your home. Keep them out of sight until last thing on Christmas Eve and if you ‘hide’ or store larger items such as bicycles in the shed or outbuildings, make sure they are very secure. Now is a good time to check that you know what you have both normally (TV, Video etc) and with the extra presents you have bought. You may well find you need to check your insurance to make sure you are covered for the value of goods in your home. Take the frame numbers of new cycles and the serial numbers of new electrical equipment for future reference. Remember, empty boxes left outside advertise that you have new goods inside – dispose of packaging carefully.
If you go out for the evening – make it look like someone is at home by turning on lamps or house lights and, the radio. Don’t leave curtains open so people can see your decorations, potential thieves can also see in. Be extra careful about locking doors and windows. As a fire precaution, don’t leave ‘Christmas lights’ on in the house whilst you are out.
If you go away for the holiday period – use an automatic timer for lights and ask a trusted neighbour to watch your home. Don’t forget to cancel newspapers and milk if you have them delivered and either redirect your mail through the Post Office or have your neighbour take mail into the house – unopened Christmas cards and mail, are a sure sign that a house is empty.
Strangers at the door – genuine delivery personnel, usually have uniforms and liveried vehicles and should not need to come into your home. Charity collectors will have identification and will not be offended if you ask to see it. If you are not sure but want to make a donation, ask whether these can be made in other ways, perhaps through a bank.
Out on the town
With office parties and general Christmas celebrations, pubs, restaurants and other venues are often crowded.
Don’t leave bags over the back of your chair and keep wallets and purses close to your body to make it more difficult for the pickpocket.
Busy places make it easier for the sneak thief, so be alert at all times.
Make prior arrangements as to how you will get home, perhaps nominating a ‘Designated Driver.’
Avoid any potential disturbances on the street. Stay with friends if you can.
Avoid the temptation to take a minicab on the street even if you are having difficulty getting a cab – it is illegal for minicabs to take passengers who have not pre-booked.
Make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you will be back. Don’t drink too much – you could become a target for thieves.
Fire Kills
Never place candles near your Christmas tree or materials that can catch light easily.
Check your Christmas tree lights carry the British Safety Standard sign.
Test the batteries in your smoke alarm every week. Never remove them.
Make sure cigarettes are put out properly.
Make sure your family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency.
Most fires start in the kitchen. Avoid leaving a cooker unattended.
Never overload electrical sockets. Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed.
Keep candles, lighters and matches out of children’s reach. Never leave burning candles unattended.
Decorations can burn easily – so don’t attach them to lights or heaters.
Store fireworks safely: Never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.
Take care around open fireplaces as clothes may catch fire.
Take time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas as they are at greater risk from fire.
We all do it, walk away from the car and with our back turned to the car press the button on the key to lock it, never thinking that it may not lock. Yet a simple thing like looking at the car as you press that button to get the confirmation of it locking with lights flashing, or just pulling the handle to check it is locked can prevent a lot of thefts of or from motor vehicles. Why does it not always lock, it could be fault, battery running low, user error or some individual with device to block your signal nearby. In any case Lock it, Check it and we can prevent some crimes.
If you have cars of different values, where possible park the higher value car in your garage. When parking a car on your driveway ensure it is well lit and park the lower value car in front of the higher value car, as the thieves are more likely to target high value cars and will be deterred if they can’t easily drive such a car away from the scene. Locked gates and collapsible posts on the driveway will also deter the thief. With high value cars consider the fitting of a tracking system.
As cars become more and more advanced and rely more and more on computers to manage their systems our thieves become more technical too. To cater for both the technical and less technical thief use the locking system on your vehicle and look to the good old fashioned “Krook Lock”, steering wheel, or pedal lock to supplement it, it has a great visual deterrent.
Lastly before you turn in for the night check that all doors, ground floor windows and easily accessible windows are closed and locked. PVCu doors – don’t forget that the door is not fully locked until you have lifted the inside handle and turned the key. If you have an intruder alarm and can do so activate the downstairs zone. To stop the burglar getting to the vulnerable windows and doors to the rear ensure that side gates are closed and locked.
Please also ensure that you put your car keys somewhere safe and out of sight, when you return home. Put your car keys in a drawer (preferably one that is noisy to open) or some other secure place, but don’t take them up to the bedroom with you.
There is an increase in items being stolen from cars in car parks at this time of year whilst drivers are distracted loading purchases into their vehicles.
When you have finished your shopping please:
If you are on your own or need to leave your vehicle, perhaps to return a trolley, lock your car and try to keep it in sight.
Do not leave handbags, laptops or mobile phones on the seat at any time even when loading your boot or just returning your trolley. Keep your car door locked when travelling slowly through car parks, in traffic queues or at traffic lights.
Keep high value items covered or in your boot out of sight. Boxes of cigarettes are particularly desirable due to their high value and ease of resale.
Remove all high value items from your vehicle immediately when you get to your destination.
Please always be aware of who is around you and keep safe.
Whenever you’re about to post something online, pause and just imagine someone in authority, someone you respect, reading that post or looking at that photo. If that feels uncomfortable, don’t do it.
Got a nickname?
Think about using a nickname instead of your real name if you’re signing up to a microblogging site like Twitter.
Consider setting up a separate, personal email account to use with social media sites, rather than using your work, or even your main personal email. Remember, only connect to people you know.
Check your settings
Use the privacy and security settings on social media sites so that only friends and family can see your pages.
Then speak to friends and family and encourage them to tighten their privacy settings too as they could affect you.
Even if your account is locked as private, personal information you have shared with others could still be accessed through their pages.
Mother’s maiden name
Don’t use your mother’s real maiden name as a password or as a bank security answer. It doesn’t really matter whether you use the real one so make up a name that only you know. Just make sure you remember it.
Guard personal information
Don’t post any personal information – your address, email address or mobile number – publicly online. Just one piece of personal information could be used by a complete stranger to find out even more. If you want to include your birthday in your profile it’s safer not to actually display it publicly – providing your full date of birth makes you more vulnerable to identity fraud.
Photos and videos
Be careful about which photos and videos you share on social media sites – avoid photos of your home, work, school or places you’re associated with. Remember, once you’ve put a picture of yourself online, other people may be able to see it and download it – it may not just be yours anymore.
Check what’s needed
Don’t give out information online simply because it’s asked for – think whether whoever is asking for it, really needs it. When you’re filling in forms online, for example to register with a website or sign up for a newsletter, always provide the minimum information possible.
Direct message if you can
It’s almost always possible to send a direct message or private message on social media platforms. If you’re having a personal chat, this is the best option to go for – unless you don’t mind sharing your conversation with millions of other users. Alternatively, send an email from a private account.
Delete old accounts
If you’ve stopped using a social media site or forum, then close your account down. There’s no point in leaving personal information out there unnecessarily.
Get anti-virus software
Make sure you have anti-virus software installed on your computer and be careful what you download or install on your computer.
Ensure that any online retailer unfamiliar to you is reputable by researching them. Establish a physical address and telephone contact details. Remember that the best way to find a reputable retailer is via recommendation from a trusted source.
Remember that paying by credit card offers greater protection than with other methods in terms of fraud, guarantees and non-delivery.
Double check all details of your purchase before confirming payment.
Do not reply to unsolicited emails from companies you don’t recognise.
Before entering payment card details on a website, ensure that the link is secure, in three ways:
There should be a padlock symbol in the browser window frame, which appears when you attempt to log in or register. Be sure that the padlock is not on the page itself … this will probably indicate a fraudulent site.
The web address should begin with ‘https://’. The ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’.
If using the latest version of your browser, the address bar or the name of the site owner will turn green.
Some websites will redirect you to a third-party payment service (such as WorldPay). Ensure that these sites are secure before you make your payment.
Do not pay for goods when using an unsecured Wi-Fi connection.
Safeguard and remember the password you have chosen for the extra verification services used on some websites, such as Verified by Visa.
When making a payment to an individual, never transfer the money directly into their bank account but use a secure payment site such as PayPal, where money is transferred between two electronic accounts.
Check sellers’ privacy policy and returns policy.
Always log out of sites into which you have logged in or registered details. Simply closing your browser is not enough to ensure privacy.
Keep receipts.
Check credit card and bank statements carefully after shopping to ensure that the correct amount has been debited and also that no fraud has taken place as a result of the transaction.
Ensure you have effective and updated antivirus/antispyware software and firewall running before you go online.
Where possible, check that the price listed by the retailer on your browser is the same as that quoted on other people’s browsers, to ensure you are not being monitored and overcharged.
The Risks
Fraud resulting from making payments over unsecured web pages.
Fraud resulting from making payments using an unsecured Wi-Fi connection.
Bogus online stores/shops – fake websites and email offers for goods and services that do not exist.
Buying fake goods intentionally or unintentionally – finding they are of inferior quality and also possibly funding more serious crimes in the process.
Losing your money when you make direct bank payments, only to find that the goods are inferior, or do not exist at all.
Receiving goods or services which do not match the advertiser’s description.
Being offered tailored prices based on information gathered by the retailer about your online shopping habits and websites visited.
August saw just one crime in West Bergholt although crime trends elsewhere in the borough also saw a number of information documents issued. For a complete crime picture, please visit http://www.police.uk/ however, please be aware this information is always three months behind.
Other Criminal Damage to a Vehicle – Chapel Road
At 14:00 on 20th August an unidentified person threw eggs at the victims vehicle causing substantial effort to remove the eggs.
Information Releases
Focussing on recent crime trends Essex Police have issued some advice on avoiding opportunist crime including securing property and intruder alarms and specific advice in respect of bicycles.
The Initial Attraction – Opportunist Crime
Without that initial attraction most crimes could be avoided, statistics show that most crimes are opportunist crimes, yes they may go out intending to commit crime but the victim is not yet chosen. So if there is no attraction then you may not become a victim.
What is the attraction?
The shed or garage with minimal security and tools visible through the window.
A lone person down a dark street talking loudly on an illuminated new I- Phone.
The house in darkness with the side gate flapping open welcoming.
That accessible open window or door.
The purse sitting in the open handbag on top of the shopping trolley.
Group sitting chatting at a bar table with a mobile phone just sitting there on the table.
The bag on the back seat of an unattended car, even though the bag may only contain your sports clothes the thief does not know this until he/she has smashed the window and stolen it.
The tradesman’s sign written van parked on the dark drive by the gate with accessible doors and unprotected pipe tube on the roof.
The partygoer that’s had too much to drink and is unaware of his/her surroundings.
Shiny new ride on lawn mower sitting on the grass in full view of the road with no postcode/security markings visible.
The above is just short list I am sure you can think of more. What can you do? STOP, think like a thief, spot the attraction and where possible remove it.
For further crime reduction advice contact your local Crime Prevention Officer using the police non emergency telephone number 101.
How to avoid becoming a victim of burglary.
Thankfully burglary is rare but unfortunately it does happen. As discussed above, most burglaries happen on the spur of the moment, the criminal sees an open window or open door or the house looks unoccupied. It is relatively easy to avoid becoming a victim if you follow some simple rules.
Tips to avoid becoming a victim
When you go out, always close and lock the external doors and windows, even if you are going out for a short time.
If you are installing new doors and windows, get ones that are certified to British Standard BS7950 (windows) or PAS23-1 (doors).
Window locks, especially on older windows will help stop people getting in. Burglars don’t like to draw attention to themselves so will not want to make a noise by smashing a window.
If you have deadlocks, use them. They make it harder for the thief to get out again but don’t leave the key near the door or in an obvious place.
Don’t leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed and put car and garage keys out of sight in the house.
Intruder Alarm Advice
If you are considering an intruder alarm system it is advisable to seek advice from installers who are members of a professional body, such as: –
Please note that Essex Police do not recommend any particular product or supplier.
SSAIB The Smoke Houses, Cliffords Fort, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE30 1JE Telephone: 0191 296 3242 – ssaib.co.uk
British Security Industry Association(BSIA), Kirkham House, John Comyn Drive, Worcester, WR3 7NS – Telephone 0845 389 3889 – bsia.co.uk
For other security products that have ‘Police Preferred Specification’ status visit Secured by Design – securedbydesign.com
Systems should be fitted to British/European Standards – www.bsi-global.com
Always get at least 3 different approved installers to give you quotes before you decide.
Systems can be monitored at special centres (Alarm Reporting Centres), for a fee. Reputable installers will give you more information on this, including an alternative option to link the alarm to alert mobile telephone numbers selected by you.
Essex Police respond to monitored alarm systems in accordance with guidelines issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) – www.acpo.police.uk Phone 020 7084 8950. Generally, Non- monitored alarm systems are not responded to unless the person reporting the activation says that an intruder has actually been seen to enter or be on the premises.
The speed of police response cannot be guaranteed. It will depend upon the number, location and availability of police units when the call is received and a police assessment of the threat level.
DIY outlets often sell intruder alarm systems. However, bear in mind that these are normally non-monitored systems. False activations can annoy neighbours and result in action by the Environment department at your local council. If you have one of these systems you need a trusted friend, neighbour, or family member who lives close by and can deal with activations in your absence.
Some systems can be linked to your telephone and programmed to alert specific personal telephone numbers (normally up to 6) if activation occurs. Your telephone provider may make an extra rental charge for this facility. You will probably still need a trusted local person to respond in your absence.
Some mail order type companies market a whole range of alarms. You can see examples of these on web sites such as: –
Generally speaking, any intruder alarm is probably better than none. However, your choice should always be based on the following considerations: –
Is it appropriate?
Is it realistic?
Is it cost effective?
What am I trying to protect?
The above information is a basic summary of intruder alarm systems.
Bicycle Crime Prevention Advice
When buying a bike, budget for security. You will need one or more locks and somewhere secure at home to keep your bike.
Make sure you don’t buy a stolen bike. By buying a stolen bike you are helping to support the illegal trade in bikes – the next stolen bike to be bought could be yours!
By avoiding doing so you help make it less likely your bike will be stolen in the future.
If you buy a bike from a legitimate seller, it is likely to be more reliable and you’ll probably be covered if anything does go wrong with it.
Do what you can to check it is from a legitimate outlet and that they are sure it is not stolen. If it seems suspiciously cheap, ask yourself why. You may be able to check the ownership of a bike you intend to purchase by searching a property register such as Immobilise, or asking for proof of purchase or ownership.
Take out adequate insurance, either by extending your home contents insurance or through a separate policy. Cycling organisations and bike shops may offer specialist cover. Do this at the time of purchasing the bike otherwise you may not get around to it.
Record and register your bike. Take a clear colour photograph of your bike and make a written record of its description, including any unique features, so that you can report it accurately ifitis stolen; this will help prove it is yours ifitis recovered by the police.
Register your bicycle model, make and frame number with a third party. (The frame number is often underneath the bottom bracket where the pedals attach, or on the frame under the seat.) Again this will help anyone who subsequently finds (or even buys) it to check whether it is stolen – and return it to you. Some registration schemes allow you to register individual bike parts that have serial numbers. Contact your local police station for further advice.
If you add an additional security mark or tag to your bike, this will again make it easier to identify as yours. Sometimes your local police will provide this service for free. The mark may be obvious, which should help deter thieves; or hidden, such as ultraviolet; or there may be a combination of both. Clearly visible marks should be securely applied. A hidden mark or electronic tag is less likely to be identified and removed by thieves.
Basic security
It may seem as though there are lots of things to think about when locking your bike, but once you get into the habit you will be able to lock your bike within seconds and it will be well worth the trouble.
At home
More than half of all bicycle thefts take place from an owner’s property. So as well as taking care of your bike when you are out and about, you should think about how safe it is at home.
Some things you can do are:
Keep your bike in a secure shed or garage and get into the habit of keeping the door locked. If you keep your bike in a shed, make sure you get a robust lock for the door.
Secure it to an immovable object, or consider installing a floor or wall-mounted anchor lock for extra security.
If you are going to keep your bike in a communal area, is there anything you can lock it to?
Keep it out of public view.
For additional protection, keep your bike locked wherever you leave it at home.
Out and about
Avoid leaving your bike in dimly lit or isolated places. Leave your bike where a potential thief can be easily seen.
Always lock your bicycle, even if you are just leaving it for a couple of minutes. Think about using two different types of lock – see advice on ‘Locks’ below.
Security
Lock your bike to an immovable object – where possible use a proper bike rack, ground anchor or street furniture that offers multiple locking points and will stop your bike falling and causing an obstruction. Bikes locked to lampposts, railings or anything else not designed for this purpose are more vulnerable to theft, so only use these if you really have to. Remember that thieves can remove drainpipes and lift bikes off signposts. If provision is inadequate, bring this to the attention of the relevant local authority or property owner.
Lock both wheels and the frame of your bike to the bike stand or other immovable object.
Secure removable parts. Lock both wheels and the frame together. Take with you smaller components and accessoriesthatcan be removed without tools (for example, lights, pumps, computers, panniers and quick-release saddles).
Fit secure skewers to wheels, headsets and seat posts.
Ask a bike shop for specialist advice.
Make the bike and lock hard to manoeuvre when parked.
Keep the gap between bike and lock small – the smaller the gap, the harder it is to insert levers or other tools.
Keep the lock or chain away from the ground; never leave them lying on the pavement – a lock can be sledge-hammered.
Locks can also be picked, so face the lock to the ground (but not resting on it) so it can’t easily be turned upwards for picking easily when it’s resting on the ground.
Locks
Invest in good quality locks. Hardened steel D-shaped locks and sturdy chain locks are recommended. Be prepared to spend 10% of the value of your bike on locks.
It is always best to use two locks. Go for two different types of lock, for example a strong D lock and a sturdy chain lock. This means that a thief will need different tools to break each lock, making theft less likely.
There are many different products on the market and price is not necessarily a reliable indicator of quality and resistance to attack by thieves.
Also important is how long the product resisted attack.
There is a grading system used by Sold Secure to assess locks, based on how long they withstand attack. The Gold Standard locks resist longest; Silver and Bronze resist proportionately less well. They may be lighter and cheaper than Gold Standard locks, and still offer a good level of protection. Consider your likely risk and invest accordingly. Bronze standard is recommended as the minimum standard.
Communication is essential if we are to tackle bike crime effectively.
Inform the police if you have your bike stolen; you can report the theft by phone or in person at your local police station. Ask for a crime reference number. This will help you trace the progress of your case and may be needed for your insurance claim.
Find out about/take part in local cycling initiatives, to raise awareness of cycle security.
Contact your local crime prevention officer, local authority, employer or the land owner about the installation of cycle parking where secure anchorages are insufficient or non-existent.
Don’t create a market in which thieves can operate. If no one bought stolen bikes there would be no reason to steal them.
IF YOU THINK YOU ARE BEING OFFERED A STOLEN BIKE RING CRIMESTOPPERS ON 0800 555 111.
Keep Informed
Keep informed about crime and policing issues which affect you by signing up to Essex Community Messaging – www.essex.police.uk/ecm.
There has been a gap in receipt of the reports from Essex Police which has recently resumed so this July 2015 report is the first in a while; hopefully, this will continue to be a regular update.
The past 5 weeks or so have seen 3 lots of criminal damage, 1 theft and 1 burglary. Police have also issued advice on a number of seasonal crime issues such as bike theft, open windows inviting burglars, scams and car key burglary. For a complete crime picture, please visit http://www.police.uk/ however, please be aware this information is always three months behind.
Criminal Damage – Hall Road
At 20:00 on 27th June, unknown suspects entered the victims land and caused damage to the victims Larsen Trap by cutting through welded mesh trap and releasing a tame bird.
Criminal Damage – Chapel Road
At 22:00 on 7th July, unknown suspects caused damage to a vehicle by placing a screw in the rear passenger window, a note was then left by the car which said ‘hi your back tyre looks flat’ and then a smiley face.
Theft – Pirie Road
At some time on 10th July, unknown suspects removed a Karcher window cleaner from the victims driveway.
Criminal Damage – Chapel Lane
At around 16:00 on 15th July, an unidentified suspect made a hole in the victims wooden fence panel by unknown means.
Burglary – Newbridge Hill
At around 20:00 on 14th July, an unknown suspect gained entry to a secure shed in the rear garden by removing the front door by unscrewing the door from the hinges. The victim cannot see anything missing.
Information Releases
There were quite a few issued in July 2015 so a linking list might help you find what you are interested in:
Most burglars will look for what they regard as the easy touch. So, they will seek out a property which appears to have little or no security, or which may even have an open window or door making it physically insecure. Burglars will also look for properties which are not visible to onlookers, reducing their chance of being caught in the act.
To assess the security of your home or business premises imagine you are the burglar, and consider the questions that a typical burglar will ask themselves:
How am I going to get in?
Are there any valuable items visible through windows or doors?
Does the house next door look more of a difficult job to break into?
If the answers to any of these questions are ‘yes’, the chances are that the burglar will also notice that, and the small possibility of your becoming a victim of burglary will have just increased.
Here are a few helping hints:-
Lighting, if overlooked or there is a chance of being seen, burglars will prefer to go elsewhere so get some decent lighting on your house. Dusk till dawn on the front, not only can you see who is at your door but also when you come home you have a welcoming light. At the rear fit motions activated light but ensure you set and site it so animals and plants don’t keep turning it on as that only creates more alarm.
Is there clear unobstructed access to the rear? Burglars will prefer to gain access out of sight at the rear. Where possible fence and gate access to rear (and lock that gate), top this with some trellis or spiky toppings (NB: the spiky topping requires a warning notice). How about some defensive planting, what’s this you ask……something like Berberus, Pyracantha or Hawthorn around perimeter fencing or anything else you wish to protect i.e. domestic fuel tank (some garden centres sell more established plants).
Windows:- ensure that they have at least two locking points, if not fit visible window locks (most modern UPVC windows although having one handle this in fact engages a multi locking system).
Doors: – In addition to the Rim Lock, (Yale type lock) fit and use a five lever mortice lock. Most UPVC doors as with windows use a multi locking system, make sure you know how to use it. When inside pulling the handle up will engage all the locks but will only lock the centre lock. To lock them all in place you must use the key (if in doubt try it before the burglar does, and then he only needs a small screwdriver for force that centre lock on its own). Fire Safety you must have the key readily available in case of fire, but not in view of any windows or letterbox.
French doors: – Most modern doors have multi locking systems that lock top, bottom and at the centre, on older doors in addition to the centre lock if each door does not have locks to the top and bottom fit additional ones. Keys: – keep them out of sight of the door, but ensure everyone one in the house can find the key to get out in case of fire.
Bins:- Secure bins and other objects away from buildings and walls so that they cannot be used as a climbing aid.
Illusion: – Make the house appear occupied, if going away get a neighbour to open and close curtains, and put rubbish out for you. Ask a neighbour to park one of their cars on your driveway, it does them a favour too. Table lamps inside on a timer or “dusk till dawn”, a radio on a talking programme, it all helps. Don’t let post and newspapers build up at the front door
Property marking: – If your property is marked with your post code/house number is reduces the value to a thief, visible marking is best then the thief knows it’s marked too. If your kit comes with a sticker for the window display it, that way even before the thief comes in he know your property will be harder to sell on. With jewellery and small items photograph them, and record the details, if the item has a serial number make a note of it.
The shed or out building: – Put a decent lock on it and keep it locked. DIY stores/Argos sell shed alarms at reasonable prices as an added deterrent and where possible securely fit a large metal ring into the floor or wall and lock and chain large items to it and with smaller items keep them in a secure box. A lot of the above re lighting and property marking also apply to the outbuilding too.
All this said, the chances of you being a victim of crime is remote and even more so with a little thought.
Another point – if you see something suspicious please report it, it may save you from being the next victim. Call 999 if it is happening at that time or if after the event, 101 or you can ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Make your property ‘Too Hot To Handle’
As part of their heritage campaign, Essex Police launched the “Object ID” card. The card is intended to be included in your photographs of art, antiques, family heirlooms, medals, memorabilia and jewellery to give scale and correct colour rendition. The card also contains a guide to what details need to recorded in relation to your property.
When such property is recorded there is a greater chance of recovery of the property and a greater chance of a successful prosecution of the thief and/or handler.
The cards are available from Age UK Essex, The Royal British Legion shop in Colchester, Community Agents Essex and from the Front Office at Colchester Police Station.
The following email was received in the past few days reporting a scam attempt:
One of the NhW members has been in contact with me after he received a phone call from someone claiming to be the Crime Reduction Officer for Essex Police. The NhW member, as he knows me and so knew this information to be false, interrupted the caller asking why he specifically had been called.The caller told him Essex Police Crime reduction were calling people in the CO6 postcode and tried to start the hard sell; again the NhW member interrupted him by asking what his name was?, where was he based? and that he personally knew the Colchester’s Crime Reduction Officer. At this the caller realised his lies had been exposed and hung up.
If you receive a phone call or someone comes to your house that you don’t know, don’t be concerned about challenging the person and tell them you are not interested.
Remember :
If you receive a call, never give information to people you don’t know or be tempted by their “fabulous offers”, just hang up. If you do need some work to be done, ask family/friends for recommended companies and try to get three quotes.
If you don’t know who it is knocking on your front door, don’t open it but try to look and see who is there through the nearest window. Speak through the door – you haven’t invited this person to call and have no interest in what they are selling or saying so don’t worry about being rude and leave the door shut. They will be able to hear you through the door when you say you’re not interested.
Scams Awareness
July was ‘Scams Awareness’ month, joint campaign between the Citizens Advice Bureau and Trading Standards and Essex Police welcomed the opportunity to support them. This release we addresses ‘online scams‘. For more essential information visit Trading Standards and Citizens Advice Bureau websites.
Online shopping and auction scams – internet shoppers get lured into buying phantom cars, mobile phones, pets or anything else you can buy online. Scammers use a range of tricks including bogus websites, spoofed payment services and ‘second chance offers’ tempting losing bidders with bogus opportunities. Online property market places are also infiltrated by scammers harvesting legitimate property details and posing as landlords.
Dating scams – using online dating websites, scammers groom victims into long-distance relationships using emails, instant messaging, texting and phone calls. Once they are confident of the victim’s trust, scammers will tell them about a problem they are experiencing and ask for financial help.
Software scams – fraudsters often use the names of well-known companies to commit their crime as it gives a mask of legitimacy to their cruel schemes. Methods include asking for credit card details to ‘validate’ copies of operating systems, stealing personal information, and installing malware before charging to remove it.
Top tips for avoiding scams
If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
It you haven’t bought a ticket – you can’t win it.
You shouldn’t have to pay anything to get a prize.
Never send money to someone you have never met.
Your bank will never phone you to ask for your PIN or your online banking password.
Your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons.
Genuine computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your
Don’t suffer in silence – speak out about scams.
If you’ve lost money because of a scam report it to Action Fraud, the national fraud reporting centre. You can report the scam through their website or by phone. You can also forward scam emails to them.
In some cases burglars are breaking into houses while you sleep with the intention of stealing your car keys and any other small items they find.
Before you turn in for the night check that all doors, ground floor windows and easily accessible upstairs windows are closed and locked, remembering to remove the key from the window handle and to store it nearby.
PVCu doors are not fully locked until you have lifted the inside handle and turned the key. Don’t leave the key in the lock once you have secured the door, remove it and store it nearby, out of sight.
If you have an intruder alarm and can do so, activate the downstairs zone.
Ensure that side gates are closed and locked.
Put your car keys somewhere out of sight when you return home, but don’t take them up to the bedroom with you.
If you have cars of different values, park the higher value car in your garage, or park the lower value car in front of the higher value car.
Consider fitting a tracking system to high value cars.
Burglars are mostly opportunistic so by following the above advice, you greatly reduce your chances of becoming a burglary victim because you are making your home too difficult for the thief to get in.
For further crime prevention advice contact your local Crime Prevention Officer using the police non-emergency number 101.
Reporting Incidents to the Police
What is considered an Incident?
An activity out of the ordinary for your area/road or should not be occurring within your neighbourhood. Knowing your neighbours and their routines will make it easier to recognise and report incidents
How to report an incident:
Activities or events that are not life threatening emergencies should be reported by dialling the police non-emergency number: 101
All calls are graded by control room staff. Activities or events that are life-threatening emergencies or happening in front of you at that moment, should be reported by dialling: 999
If you wish to pass on any messages to your local police team or you would like some crime prevention advice you can do that by phoning 101 and asking that someone from your local team contact you. The caller will take your contact details and send an email to your local police team. Or visit www.essex.police.uk put your postcode in ‘My neighbourhood’ and you will get all the names and contact details of the officers from your specific area.
Useful information to the police when reporting a suspicious person:
Hair – colour
Eyes – colour and/or wearing glasses
Hat – what kind if wearing one
Clothing – brief description and colour
Jewellery – anything distinctive (eg nose stud)
Any distinctive scarring
Race
Approximate age
Approximate weight
Approximate height
Male or Female
Useful information when reporting a suspicious vehicle:
Registration number – if not putting yourself at risk to obtain it
Colour and make of vehicle (eg Ford, Vauxhall)
Model (eg Fiesta, Astra)
Body Style (2-door, 4-door, van, estate etc)
Condition (old, new, any obvious damage)
Other features (stickers, bodykits etc)
5 Tips to Keep your Bicycle Safe and Secure
In the UK, a bicycle is stolen on average every minute; with less than 5% of those returned as they’re difficult for the Police to identify the owner. Current research suggests that cyclists are more likely to have their bicycles stolen than motorcyclists their motorcycle or car owners their cars these days! Bicycle theft has doubled in the UK since the mid 1990s, probably due to the increasing popularity of expensive models and innovative ways of selling stolen goods online.
Take action against these unscrupulous thieves and protect your belongings, including your bicycle!
REDUCE THE CHANCES OF YOUR BICYCLE BEING STOLEN, INCREASE THE CHANCES OF IT BEING RECOVERED.
Where to park?
Always lock your bicycle wherever you leave it – it only takes seconds to steal an unsecured bike. Make sure it’s locked in a well-lit public area with lots of people passing. Stations and public buildings often have designated areas with bicycle racks – Be sure to plan ahead and check out amenities in the places you need to leave your bicycle – remember to read signs in the area you intend to park being sure not to park illegally.
Using a bicycle lock
Only use a good quality D-lock. A poor quality lock at the lower end of the market can be easily sawn through or bolt cropped in seconds. It certainly pays to invest in the best quality lock you can afford (At least £30 -£40). Always lock your bicycle to something immovable, an object a bicycle cannot be lifted over and cannot be broke, cut or removed i.e. chain link fencing, grilles, gates or trees – check the object is fastened to the ground. For maximum protection use two locks of different types (a D-lock and robust chain and padlock is ideal) Use each lock to catch the wheels, frame and stand – Fill up as much of the space within the D-lock as possible with the bicycle.
At Home
As many as half of all bicycles are stolen from the owner’s home – Always lock your bike at home even when it is in your garage, flat or halls of residence. Please be vigilant when returning from a ride!! Consider investing in a ground anchor and attach it securely to a wall or concrete floor. Make sure you keep your bicycle out of view of prying eyes as this alone will provide an irresistible incentive to break in to your property.
Bicycle Insurance
If you own a decent bicycle then it is probably a good idea to insure it. There are several ways you can do this; Insure your bicycle on your home contents insurance – don’t forget to cover it for thefts away from home. More expensive bicycles may require specific insurance cover against theft and accidental damage.
Registration & Police Identification
Before registering your bicycle on Immobilise take a photograph and along with this record the frame number and any key details such as make and model. Mark your frame with your postcode in two separate locations if possible, one of which should be hidden. Collectively this information stored on your Immobilise account will be crucial in recovering your bicycle should it be lost or stolen. It is important to consider that the frame or other identifiable codes could be removed by a thief and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Taggingof your bicycle is highly recommended (See diagram left) as its virtually impossible to remove from the bicycle’s frame!
Burglary Hotspots
Operation INSIGHT is Essex Police’s response to burglaries and is based on the theory of “predictive policing” which, as the name suggests, is about using a particular form of crime pattern analysis indicating where crimes are most likely to happen.
Academic research indicates that criminals are habitual in behaviour and go back to the locations where they have had previous success, this supports the theory of Repeat and Near Repeat Offending (i.e.; you are more likely to become a victim if you live near a victim).
Predictive Policing uses crime pattern analysis to indicate where offences are most likely to occur next.
Given the ability to ‘predict crimes’ logic dictates we should concentrate our policing efforts in these areas which are mapped as circular zones around victim’s addresses. These zones are shared with key partners such as Community Safety Accredited organisations.
Resources are directed to conduct intensive patrols within these zones, supported by the process known as “cocooning”.
Cocooning; Following a burglary, we will visit near neighbours, the number of dwellings to be visited will be site specific, but would normally include 10 houses either side, 10 in front and 5 behind (see map below).
Attending officers will conduct an initial assessment of security and vulnerability which may inform referrals to other scheme such as crime prevention officers or local handy man schemes. These households will receive bespoke crime prevention advice and reassurance.
The success of Operation Insight is continually assessed and currently indicates a 9% decrease in offences year on year.
Keep Informed
Keep informed about crime and policing issues which affect you by signing up to Essex Community Messaging – www.essex.police.uk/ecm.
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.