Community, Parish Council & Village
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?”
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.
The West Bergholt Allotment Holders committee have recently announced Important Allotment Dates for 2015 which have now been published on their webpage and the village calendar. Other important news updates, with more details in the latest minutes published on the webpage, are as follows:
There are currently 2 vacancies on the committee, if any plotholders are interested in becoming more involved they should contact one of the current committee members who will be able to advise them on what is involved.
There are approximately half a dozen plots currently available; precedence will be given to those on the waiting list, but should you be interested in acquiring a plot for yourself (think of all those home grown veggies!), then please contact Terry Claydon on 01206 241256 or by email to [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].
The committee has recently agreed that, in order to protect the pathways, there should be no vehicular access to the allotments between the months of November and March, this is because of typical weather conditions at these times. Any access must be expressly approved by the Allotment Committee Chair, Terry Claydon.
Given recent trends in income & expenditure, the Allotment Holders Committee are recommending to the Parish Council that there should be no increase in rents for 2015. This recommendation will be considered by the Parish Council Environment & Highways Sub-Committee.
As previously advised (September news update), whilst some limited supplies were secured for 2014, there is, as yet, no ready source of supply for 2015 and plot holders may have to organise their own supply. Should anybody be aware of a supply that would provide adequate quantities with minimal transport issues, please let a committee member know.
Last, but not least, seasons greetings for the upcoming New Year!
Having missed just once in the past 31 years this will be the 30th Historic Vehicle Rally hosted in West Bergholt (Nayland Road, CO6 3DG), and, over the years, has grown in size to the over 500 vehicles we expect to see this year. Of course, whilst these are the main attraction there is also a full range of trade stands, charity stalls and arena attractions. Admission each day is just £6 (£5 for concessions). As well as the Historic Vehicle Parade each day, other highlights include:
James Dylan’s Stuntworld, who claim to be the most experienced Stunt Team in Great Britain has something different for 2014, a new style Stunt Show with the latest motorcycles and a remarkable buggy. The show includes Ramp Jumps, Wheelies, Stoppies and many more remarkable motorcycle stunts that need to be seen to be believed.
The evening sees the regular Country & Western Concert (free entry) with licensed bar from 7:30pm.
The legendary RAF Spitfire will perform a flypast on SaturdayThe Sunday show is opened by BBC Radio’s Richard Spendlove MBE
Squibb Freestyle claim to be the No. 1 FMX Stunt Display Team so you will need to turn up both days to see who you think is best! Jamie Squibb and his team of riders perform breathtaking jumps and stunts in the ultimate UK arena show.
Not to be outdone by the Falcons, the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment ‘Tigers’ Parachute Display team will also be dropping into the arena, smoke trailing, flags flying, performing several amazing formations both in the air and under the parachute.
The RAF Falcons are widely recognised as the UK’s premier military parachute display team, based at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, they display at venues all over Britain and Europe throughout the year.
The RAF Spitfire makes another visit on the Sunday but, this time, also with a flying display of around 15 minutes!
For those with music in mind the arena will also see the Massed Bands of the City of Coventry!
All enquiries to M J Culham on 01206 271253.
April started with a burglary after a late flurry of incidents in March and then saw two-vehicle-related crimes…
At some time between 4:10 pm on the 4th and 9:30 am on the 5th April unknown suspects gained entry to the house through an insecure rear door. Once inside they made a tidy search and removed a number of items.
At some time between 9pm and 5am overnight on 8th/9th April unknown suspects siphoned a quantity of diesel from a lorry parked on the A12.
At some time on 19th April an unknown suspect threw an egg at a vehicle which, being left on for a length of time before being noticed, caused damage to the paintwork.
Two have come through this month, one on how to deter criminals rather than attract them and another on garden security.
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 Crime Reduction Advice contact – Stephen Armson-Smith, Colchester District Crime Prevention Officer using the police non emergency telephone number 101 then extension 436126.
Garden Security – Hints & TipsWith 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:-
For further advice contact, please contact:-
Crime Prevention Tactical Advisor:- Stephen Armson-Smith on tel 101, extn 426127, or email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].
February Crime IncidentsFebruary started off with yet another vehicle crime and, crime-wise, finished there . . .
Taking place in daylight hours on 8th February suspects unknown have removed the victims front index plate from his vehicle by ripping it off.
Although we are, hopefully, coming to the end of the cold season (or maybe it is still to come?) Essex Police have offered the following advice for those who store heating fuel on their premises:
In the more isolated parts of the countryside it is primarily domestic properties that have been targeted by the heating oil thieves but we have also seen such thefts at farms and other businesses. There are a number of security devices available that will protect your fuel supplies – details of which can be found via your fuel supplier or local plumber’s merchant.
One such system is “GPRS Fuel-Oil Alarm” from www.compoundsecurity.co.uk which has “Secured by Design” accreditation; this detects a dramatic drop in fuel and calls you on the telephone. There are also other systems that will add on to an existing intruder alarm system, whilst others protect the filler cap and there are of course the conventional locks.
Another consideration would be defensive planting around the tank, concealing it and restricting access to it by gates or fencing, and, where possible, locating the tank under lighting in view of lived in rooms within the house.
For larger quantities of fuel http://dieseldye.com/ supply a dye that will uniquely mark the fuel should it be later recovered. Use of the dye, combined with signs making it clear that the fuel has been marked, can act as a strong deterrent to thieves.
If you would like any advice regarding security please do not hesitate to contact your local Crime Reduction Advisor by using the 101 non-emergency telephone number. Naturally we also ask locals to report any unusual activity seen around fuel tanks to police in an emergency on 999 or after the event on 101 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Stephen Armson-Smith
Crime Reduction Advisor for the Colchester District