Tag: personal safety

Posted on

Update for Silver Surfers

Silver Surfers Update

Unusually two news updates have come through quite close together, both targeting our older generation(s), one from our regular correspondent at the Methodist Church and another from Colchester Borough Council.

Silver Sunday TeaSilver Sunday – 1st March

There has been considerable publicity about the fact that the proportion of our population that are elderly is increasing.  Also that there is a significant proportion of elderly people who live alone and can be lonely and become isolated.  A charitable trust has set up “Silver Sunday” in an attempt to raise this issue and try to take steps to address it (www.silversunday.org.uk).  We became aware of this and felt we as a Church would like to respond. The designated Silver Sunday is in October but we were not in a position to arrange something at that time.

As a first step we are holding a simple afternoon tea on Sunday March 1 at 3.00 and are inviting folk to attend.  If you are elderly, living alone and not fortunate enough to have family and/or friends living nearby this could be for you.  You are warmly invited to an Afternoon Tea with folk in a similar situation to yourself.  We will provide transport to pick you up from your home, bring you to the tea and return you to your home when the tea has finished.

If you, a neighbour or someone else you know, would like to come to the tea please contact Judith Fletcher (01206 241969) or Andrew Wilks (01206 242511). If you can let us know you are coming it will help with our arrangements.

Crucial Crew – 27th March

The FREE Crucial Crew event is taking place on Friday 27th March between 10am – 2pm at St Botolphs Church, St Botolpsh St.  and is targeting those over 55s who are members of established clubs or groups.

Several local organisations have joined together to organise, Older Persons Crucial Crew.  This event will bring together 130 ambassadors from clubs and groups serving older persons in the Colchester Area and involves 16 tables in an informal setting.

There will be a total of 16 speakers from 8 different organisations;

  • The Police Home and personal security,
  • The Fire service Home fire safety advice,
  • Trading Standards, Rogue traders and consumer advice,
  • Environmental Health for residents,
  • Colchester street wardens, street safety,
  • Gas safe,
  • Young people from Stanway School computer mobile phone advice, and
  • Red Cross.

Each speaker will sit at your table for 15 minutes giving advice and information in an informal setting, almost like a safety speed dating!!

A free buffet Lunch prepared, provided by Colchester Institute catering course students, will be served at your table by Students from Stanway School. After lunch the speaker’s organization plus several other service and help organisations will provide tables where you can go and talk in more detail on issues raised during the morning’s event.

This event is for the over 55s  and it is the aim that the members attending will take back the information gained, the contacts made to their respective clubs, ensuring that the information is cascaded through the whole area.

There will be limited free transport available on the day, but to save costs if you are able you can use your own or Public transport leaving this for the people who need it we would be very grateful.

As I am sure you will understand that with just 130 places available for the whole of Colchester we have to offer up to 5 places to each Organisation on a first come first served basis so if you are interested please return the linked ticket request to:

Les Nicoll
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
Fire station,Fronks Road,
Dovercourt, CO12 4JE

Or by e-mail to [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

Alternatively call 07779 129888

 

Posted on

June Crime Report

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

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

Theft from a vehicle on the A12

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

Information Releases

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

A Bit of Summer Crime Prevention Advice

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

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

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

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

Check the simple things:-

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

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

Stephen Armson-Smith

garden 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. For more information about plants which can help protect your property go to (link to page on our internet site).
  • Gravel on paths and driveways can act as an alert to someone coming towards your property.
  • Install dusk to dawn security lighting. The low energy lamp stays on in the dark and switches off when it starts to get light.
  • Secure garden furniture and wheelie bins so they cannot be used to climb on and gain access to upstairs windows.
  • Do not leave ladders lying around – they could be used by thieves to climb into an upstairs window. Keep them locked in a garage/shed.
  • Do not leave tools, gardening equipment or debris lying around in the garden as they could be used to smash windows.
  • Keep your garden neat and tidy so it looks cared for.
  • While working in your garden, make sure doors and windows are locked to stop unwanted visitors.
  • Do not use barbed wire, razor wire or broken glass on walls or fences to protect your property – you could be held legally responsible for any injuries caused.

Article courtesy of Northumbria Police

Personal Safety

Live Life Safe - Suzy Lamplugh TrustEssex is a safe county and the chances of you, a friend or a member of your family becoming a victim of violent crime are low.

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

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

Plan ahead

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

Stay alert

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

Walking alone

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

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

Posted on

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:

 

Skip to content