Village Crime Wave – What Can You Do?

Burglar
Burglar
Secure your home and remain vigilant

Village Crime Wave

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].

What Can You Do?

There are three things that spring to mind: Continue reading “Village Crime Wave – What Can You Do?”

November 2015 Crime Report

November 2015 Crime IncidentsEssex Police - Protecting & Serving Essex - December Crime report

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:

Christmas Tips

Father ChristmasWith 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 eveningmake 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

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.


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Car Thefts

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.

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Car Park Thefts

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.

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Top ten online safety tips.

Watch your back

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.

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Safe internet shopping

Taken from GetSafeOnline.org
  • 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.

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Allotments December 2014 Update

veg-seed-guide
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Allotments December 2014 Update

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:

Committee Vacancies

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.

Available Plots

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]”].

Vehicle Restrictions

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.

Rents

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.

Manure update

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.

Happy Gardening for 2015

Last, but not least, seasons greetings for the upcoming New Year!

Historic Vehicle Show 2014

West Bergholt Historic Vehicle Rally

Historic Vehicle Rally – 26th & 27th July 2014

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:

Saturday 26th July

Stuntworld FMXJump4James 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.

SpitfireThe legendary RAF Spitfire will perform a flypast on Saturday

Sunday 27th July

The Sunday show is opened by BBC Radio’s Richard Spendlove MBE

Jamie-Squibb 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.

Tigers-display-team

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.

RAF FalconsThe 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.

 

SpitfireThe 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 Crime report

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

April started  with a burglary after a late flurry of incidents in March and then saw two-vehicle-related crimes…

Burglary in Albany Road

At some time between 4:10 pm on the 4th and 9:30 am on the 5th April unknown suspects gained entry to the house through an insecure rear door.  Once inside they made a tidy search and removed a number of items.

Theft from a Vehicle on A12

At some time between 9pm and 5am overnight on 8th/9th April unknown suspects siphoned a quantity of diesel from a lorry parked on the A12.

Criminal Damage to a vehicle in Chapel Road

At some time on 19th April an unknown suspect threw an egg at a vehicle which, being left on for a length of time before being noticed, caused damage to the paintwork.

Information Releases

Two have come through this month, one on how to deter criminals rather than attract them and another on garden security.

What attracts a criminal?

Without that initial attraction most crimes could be avoided, statistics show that most crimes are opportunist crimes; yes they may go out intending to commit crime but the victim is not yet chosen. So if there is no attraction then you may not become a victim.

What is the attraction?

  • The shed or garage with minimal security and tools visible through the window.
  • A lone person down a dark street talking loudly on their illuminated new I-Phone.
  • The house in darkness with the side gate flapping open, welcoming.
  • That accessible open window or door.
  • The purse sitting in the open handbag on top of the shopping trolley.
  • Group sitting chatting at a bar table with a mobile phone just sitting there on the table.
  • The bag on the back seat of an unattended car, even though the bag may only contain your sports clothes, the thief does not know this until he/she has smashed the window and stolen it.
  • The tradesman’s sign written van parked on the dark drive by the gate with accessible doors and unprotected pipe tube on the roof.
  • The partygoer that’s had too much to drink and is unaware of his/her surroundings.
  • Shiny new ride on lawn mower sitting on the grass in full view of the road with no postcode/security markings visible.

The above is just short list I am sure you can think of more.  What can you do? STOP, think like a thief, spot the attraction and, where possible, remove it.

For Crime Reduction Advice contact – Stephen Armson-Smith, Colchester District Crime Prevention Officer using the police non emergency telephone number 101 then extension 436126.

garden securityGarden Security – Hints & Tips

With the weather steadily improving and with the nights getting longer, it is even more important that your garden is secure from would-be criminals.  Making your garden more secure could prevent an intruder from getting into your home, garage or shed.

Hints and tips for securing your garden:-

  • Installing strong fences or gates will act as a deterrent, preventing intruders getting into your garden.
  • Ideally any gates, fencing, walls and hedges at the front of your house should not be more than 1.2m (4ft) so the front of your property can be seen by passers-by.
  • A standard 1.8m (6ft) wall or fence at the back of your house is sufficient. Increase the height to 2m (6ft 6in) if there is public access on the other side – any higher than this will need planning permission.
  • Trellis fixed to the top of a fence is not only decorative but can provide extra protection as it is difficult to climb over, breaking easily and noisily.
  • If there is an access point to your garden at the side of your house a strong lockable gate will act as a deterrent.
  • Garden gates should be at least the same height and strength as your fencing with hinges securely attached to the gateposts.
  • Fit good quality locks to gates that cannot be reached from over the fence.
  • Remember to always lock your gates.
  • Planting prickly plants or a hedge, such as firethorn, climbing rose or hawthorn, around the perimeter of your garden can be a powerful deterrent.
  • Gravel on paths and driveways can act as an alert to someone coming towards your property.
  • Install dusk to dawn security lighting. The low energy lamp stays on in the dark and switches off when it starts to get light.
  • Secure garden furniture and wheelie bins so they cannot be used to climb on and gain access to upstairs windows.
  • Do not leave ladders lying around – they could be used by thieves to climb into an upstairs window. Keep them locked in a garage/shed or chained to a fixed object.
  • Do not leave tools, gardening equipment or debris lying around in the garden as they could be used to smash windows.
  • Keep your garden neat and tidy so it looks cared for.
  • While working in your garden, make sure doors and windows are locked to stop unwanted visitors.
  • Do not use barbed wire, razor wire or broken glass on walls or fences to protect your property – you could be held legally responsible for any injuries caused.

For further advice contact, please contact:-

Crime Prevention Tactical Advisor:-   Stephen Armson-Smith on tel 101, extn 426127, or  email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

 

February Crime Report

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

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

Theft from a vehicle in Chapel Lane

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

Information Releases

Heating Oil Theft

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stephen Armson-Smith
Crime Reduction Advisor for the Colchester District

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