Community, Parish Council & Village
Starting with Holiday Fraud, this news roundup also addresses:
Day 2 of LockdownSo Day 2 of the COVID-19 lockdown and hopefully everybody is getting into the swing of things. It helps that the skies are blue especially if you are able to get outside for your daily exercise. Odd not to see vapour trails in the sky but that is probably good for the environment. So, on to news updates:
Essex Police are warning residents not to leave their home in the dark. With the nights drawing in, the tell-tale signs of empty houses become more apparent. This is a bonus for burglars who prefer to target empty homes unseen and avoid confrontation.
As the days get shorter if you work away from home, or even pop out to get the children from school, by the time you return home it may already be dark. A house in darkness says no one is in especially if your neighbour’s houses either side have lights on and show other signs of being occupied. If you back onto open farmland or have parking areas or footpaths to side or rear this may be even more apparent.
Create the “Illusion of Occupancy”, when its dark make your home look like you are in. Leave lights on or put them on timers or daylight sensors to come when it gets dark. Remember though no one lives in the hall or on the landing so if you leave these lights on supplement these with lights on in rooms that you would normally occupy at that time of day i.e. lounge and kitchen.
A carefully placed imitation TV or “Fake TV” can further add to that illusion of occupancy by making it look like the television is on. Some burglars may also listen at windows or letterboxes for signs of activity, so consider leaving a radio on within your home.
Don’t forget the outside of your property too, if burglars see that it is lit they are less likely to approach for fear of being seen.
Leave lights on, with energy efficient bulbs it costs very little nowadays and yet may save you lots!
Every summer security is a number one risk as homes are left unoccupied for holidays. In conjunction with Essex Police, Colchester Neighbourhood Watch has offered the following advice:
Reports of burglaries are high this month and the Police urge Continue reading “Summer Security”
The past two months have seen a veritable Crime Wave in the Village with no less than 11 13 properties being entered illegally resulting in burglaries and thefts. Some of these have also resulted in 3 vehicles being removed. Vehicles themselves are also susceptible with four eight having been entered illegally and contents stolen. [Updated 15/11/17].
There are three things that spring to mind: Continue reading “Village Crime Wave – What Can You Do?”
Crime Reports & Advice – January 2017Suspect(s) unknown have gained entry to the victims rear garden via a low level fence located at the bottom of the victims garden. Suspect has then Continue reading “Crime Reports & Advice – January 2017”
Crime Reports & Advice – April 2016Suspect unknown have removed items from secure vehicle by means unknown causing Continue reading “Crime Reports & Advice – April 2016”
Most of January & February was crime free, with just one minor crime, theft, reported occurring on 1st February. There have been two information releases, however, one referring to the risks of car key burglary and the other inviting the public to participate in a consultation exercise being undertaken by Essex County Fire & Rescue Service into the three options they are considering for the future shape & role of the service.
Overnight on 1st February, unknown suspects removed a rear registration plate from the victim’s vehicle without causing collateral damage.
In some cases burglars are breaking into houses while you sleep with the intention of finding your car keys and stealing your car and any other small items they find on the way, what can I do?
For further crime prevention advice contact your local Crime Prevention Officer using the police non emergency number 101.
Essex County Fire & Rescue Service ConsultationThe second stage of the consultation exercise on the future shape and role of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) has begun. Three options for change have been formulated and ECFRS are now seeking your views on these.
Over the last decade, the Service has seen the number of incidents it attends reduce by around half. At the same time, the Service has increased its work on preventing fires and emergencies from happening in the first place. This consultation concludes on the 25th of April. As part of this Public Consultation Exercise there will be a series of events held at libraries across the County, including Southend and Thurrock, where people will be able to talk to Service managers about changes and options proposed in their local area, as well as fill out the survey.
A full list of dates, times and venues for these events is below:
ECFRS would like to invite you to participate in their consultation and would also be grateful if you could help them to encourage participation in the consultation through sharing/publicising the online questionnaire available via their website www.essex-fire.gov.uk and the library events.
Once again, despite receiving some 40 pages of crime summaries during December, none affected West Bergholt, early January, though has seen one incident. It is worth mentioning another local incident that may give cause for concern – a house was burgled not that far away on 18th January, access was gained by smashing a window, posted below is some advice on making your home less attractive to burglars.
At 19:30 on 4th January, unknown suspects removed tools to the value of approximately £1,500 from the victim’s vehicle.
If you have been offered cheap tools, think twice – they might be stolen!
Just one has been issued recently, coupled with the advice mentioned above, on making your home appear less attractive to burglars.
Staying warm in winterKeeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health problems like pneumonia. Find out some simple things you can do to keep warm, stay healthy and make the best use of your heating at home.
If you are over 60, disabled or on a low income, you may be able to get financial help to heat your home. Contact Colchester council for advice.
If you’re receiving certain benefits during very cold weather, you may qualify for a Cold Weather Payment
There are some simple tips to stay warm and safe in your home during the winter.
To keep warm at home during the day try to:
In very cold weather, set the heating to come on earlier, rather than turn the thermostat up. This means you won’t be cold while you wait for your home to heat up.
To keep safe and warm at home during the night you should:
To be put in touch with an Age UK group near you, call Age UK’s freephone advice line on 0800 169 6565.
Insulation makes your home warm and healthy and will also help to keep your heating costs down. You may also be able to get financial help to insulate your home.
It’s a good idea to:
You can help keep warm by:
There are things you can do that will reduce the risk of illness and protect you against the cold.
You can get a free jab if you:
Talk to your GP or pharmacist if you think you might qualify for a free flu jab.
Eating regular meals will help keep your energy levels up during winter. Try to:
Exercise is good for your overall health and it can keep you warm in winter. Even a small amount of exercise can bring health benefits. If possible, try to move around at least once an hour.
Hypothermia is caused by getting too cold. Older people, babies and people with certain health conditions are among those more at risk.
Shivering can be used as a guide to how severe hypothermia is. If a person can stop shivering on their own, the hypothermia is mild. If they can’t stop shivering, it’s moderate to severe. Severe hypothermia needs urgent medical treatment in hospital.
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 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.
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
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.
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: –
The above information is a basic summary of intruder alarm systems.
Following an unusually quiet few months, November 2015 saw the return of incidents to report on, although just the two.
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.
At 16:30 on 7th November unknown suspects removed plastic rhino buckets from a horse’s field.
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.
The advice below is often common sense, but you might overlook it in your haste to get everything ready.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Make sure you have anti-virus software installed on your computer and be careful what you download or install on your computer.