The West Bergholt & Eight Ash Green Speed Watch team remains one of the most active in the county; with 78 groups in total only 7 undertook more speed checks in March. Across the county as whole there were 147 speed checks (up from 99 in February), which resulted in 1,129 first warning letters, 77 second warnings and 24 being processed for further action being either a visit from an officer or specific enforcement.
Essex Police are always actively trying to clamp down on speeding drivers and they have a dedicated web page where you can see details of recent speed checks undertaken by police officers as well as the location of Community Speed Watch groups throughout the county – http://www.essex.police.uk/be_safe/speeding.aspx. Essex Highways also maintain a mapping system where you can find details of accidents, speed cameras etc… at http://www.essexworkstraffweb.org.uk/main.html.
If you are interested in finding out more about the local Speed Watch group, perhaps you would like to join them, please contact Anthony Robin by phone on (01206) 571910 or email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]. An earlier post on this site also has more information – speed watch campaign.
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
Avoid 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
Second elderly victim tricked into handing over cash
Thieves running a telephone scam have now tricked £15,000 from elderly people in just two days last week. On Monday, a woman in her 70s in Saffron Walden was tricked into handing over £5,000 and a man in his 70s in the Steeple Bumpstead area fell victim to the same scam, handing over £10,000 on Tuesday.
Six other people in Uttlesford, four at Saffron Walden,one at Clavering and one at Stansted Mountfitchet, were contacted within a short space of time on Monday afternoon. Fortunately they realised they were being targeted by tricksters, ended the calls and called the police.
More than 600 similar thefts and attempted thefts have been reported in Essex since the scam first came to light in January 2013 and similar crimes have been reported in the Met Police area and other counties.
More than 90 people in Essex have been tricked out of money and the total stolen is more than £325,000. Six people have been arrested in connection with the investigation.
In both cases this week, the victims were contacted by a man claiming to be a Metropolitan Police fraud squad officer based at Hammersmith who said he was investigating fraud at their respective banks. The trickster then claimed that he needed a large sum to be withdrawn from the local branches of the bank so that the banknotes could be forensically examined.
Fraudsters claim to be Metropolitan Police Fraud Squad Officers!
Extensive publicity campaigns have been carried out across Essex to warn residents of the scam and although thefts have reduced, elderly and vulnerable people are still falling for the scam.
Most of the thefts or attempted thefts have been in the west and south of the county but there has been a sudden shift to the north and more rural communities of Uttlesford and Braintree districts.
Chief Inspector Richard Melton, the Uttlesford and Braintree district commander, said:
These are despicable crimes being carried out by thieves posing as police fraud officers, the very people they ought to be able to turn to and trust in exactly this sort of crime. Instead, they callously prey on the elderly and vulnerable and have no thought for how their victims might suffer from the loss of money that might have been saved over many years. It is vital that whenever people receive this sort of call they should put the phone down and call us, but on another phone or mobile. Part of the con involves keeping people on the line while they pretend to transfer calls to police officers or bank officials.
Report
Anyone with information about the thieves should contact the Operation Seaford team at Grays on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Advice
Police will never ask for your PIN.
If you think you have been a victim, call police from a different number.
If you don’t have another phone, use a neighbour’s, or wait five minutes before dialling 101 or 999 (if urgent).
The local Community Speed Watch team help keep our roads safe.
Of 61 Speed Watch groups in Essex, the West Bergholt/Eight Ash Green speed watch team remains one of the most active (joint 5th) with 6 speed checks undertaken in February. Between them the groups managed over 90 checks last month resulting in 853 first warning letters being sent, 58 second warning letters and 15 requiring further action which will either be a visit from an officer or targeted enforcement; since January 2013 there have been over 29,000 offenders that have attended a speed awareness course.
If you would like to find out more about where Speed Checks take place from time-to-time, then you should check out the following link which will take you to the Essex Police website where you will be able to view the speed checks that have taken place in your area or nearby – http://www.essex.police.uk/be_safe/speeding.aspx.
The full Community Speed Watch report for February can be downloaded from here:
Followers of this news feed may have noticed an increase in vehicle crimes lately; certainly Essex Police have and they offer the following advice:
Did you know that…
Most vehicle crime is preventable. It can take as little as 10 seconds for a thief to steal something from your car. If at all possible, leave nothing on view.
Never leave valuable items in your car, including sunglasses, the removable radio cover and your Sat Nav. Do you really need all those things you keep in the glove box?
Wipe away the Sat Nav mark on your windscreen.
Consider fitting anti-tamper screws to your number plate.
Never leave your car keys where they can be seen from the front door.
Vehicle common sense
Always
Close the windows and sunroof; lock the doors and activate any security devices when leaving your car unattended.
Park with care, particularly at night or if you are leaving the vehicle for a long time. If possible, park in a busy, well-lit area.
Never
Leave cash, credit cards, chequebook, mobile phones, vehicle documents or other valuables in the car.
Leave your keys in the car, even for a second – treat them as you would your cash and credit cards.
Secure your vehicle, or risk losing it
Immobilisers
Electronic engine immobilisers prevent your vehicle from starting and are the best way to stop thieves. Only buy security devices that are approved by either Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre on 01635 868855, www.thatcham.org, or by Sold Secure on 01327 264687, or visit www.soldsecure.com. Have it professionally fitted either by your car dealer or by an installer approved by the Vehicle Systems Installation Board.
Alarms
Alarms help to deter thieves from stealing your car, or breaking into it. For more information about alarms, contact the Vehicle Security National Helpline on 08705 502006, or find an approved installer through the Vehicle Systems Installation Board at www.vsib.co.uk
Property and equipment marking
Etching your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or registration number onto your windscreen, windows and headlights provides an additional visible deterrent.
Property mark your equipment, such as stereos and satellite navigation systems, with your postcode and house number. Make a note of the make, model and serial number and register it at the National Property Register, visit: www.immobilise.com
Steering locks
Steering locks are a very visible deterrent and are ideal also for older cars. Fit one that has been tested by Thatcham and meets Category 4 approval.
Don’t give thieves a motive.
Keep your valuables safe. Remember, many thieves aren’t even after your car, they’re looking to steal the valuable possessions you’ve left on display in your vehicle. In fact, every year, more cars are broken into than are stolen. The simple advice needs to be repeated as it will help you keep your belongings out of the hands of criminals:
Never leave valuable items such as satellite navigation systems in your car overnight, even if it is parked in your driveway. Most thefts of and from vehicles happen when they are parked outside the home.
When removing your satellite navigation equipment, don’t forget to erase the suction mark it leaves on your windscreen.
Keep bags and other valuable belongings out of sight and lock your doors or wind up your windows when stationary or in slow moving traffic. Thieves can lean in and steal your things in just a couple of seconds.
Advice about motorcycles and cycles
To secure your motorbike, use a steering lock and steel cable, or D-lock to attach your bike to security rails or a ground anchor.
For extra security, have an alarm and immobiliser fitted.
To secure your bicycle, buy a good quality D-lock or combination lock.
When leaving your bicycle unattended, lock both wheels and remove detachable items like lights.
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
Local Community Speedwatch volunteers were involved in the recent Surround a Town event.The Community Wheels truck joined Speedwatch teams and others in raising speeding awareness
Essex Highways, Essex Police, Essex Fire & Rescue and local Speedwatch groups joined forces on 5th February with a crack down on speeding motorists. The results saw a substantial number of interventions including:
Road Safety staff gave advice and showed education videos to 81 offenders at enforcement sites.
400+ people on the “community wheels truck” outside the Town Hall with road safety staff and staff from the fire brigade giving advice.
32 drivers were recorded travelling over 36 mph in Langenhoe, Peldon and West Bergolt by Community Speedwatch.
13 speeding drivers spoken to by school children at a child speed watch event outside a school in Colchester.
Other activities included:
year six walks conducted by road safety staff to highlight the dangers on the road to year six students.
road safety staff in a college to engage with over 50 students about road safety issues.
the north Essex parking partnership were patrolling schools to raise awareness of the dangers arising from poor parking outside schools.
With the first couple of weeks seeing no reported crime in and around West Bergholt, the latter part saw little more:
Theft from a vehicle on the A12
Taking place on 13th January this involved a parked, secured, lorry on the A12, outside West Bergholt, which had the side curtains slashed and items removed. Probably of no more than passing interest to residents (sorry).
Criminal Damage to a Vehicle in Mumford Close
Overnight on 23rd January the rear nearside door of a car was dented by unknown person and object.
Criminal Damage to a Vehicle in Mumford Close
Overnight on 28th January an unknown person scratched the full length of both nearside and offside of a parked vehicle.
Theft from a Vehicle in Chapel Road
Overnight on 29th January an unknown person gained entry to an insecure vehicle and following a messy search removed items.
Information Releases
Essex Police often issue information & advice updates with their crime reports, the following few about Alarms, Burglary facts and Microsoft scams have recently been received.
Intruder Alarms and/or CCTV
Please note that Essex Police do not recommend any particular product or supplier.
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: –
SSAIB The Smoke Houses, Cliffords Fort, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE30 1JE Telephone: 0191 296 3242 – www.ssaib.co.uk
British Security Industry Association(BSIA), Kirkham House, John Comyn Drive, Worcester, WR3 7NS – Telephone 0845 389 3889 – www.bsia.co.uk
For other security products that have ‘Police Preferred Specification’ status visit Secured by Design – www.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.
Secure your home and remain vigilant
Burglary Facts – Did you know?
35% of all burglaries are crimes of opportunity, where the burglar lets themselves in through unlocked doors or windows.
You are ten times more likely to be burgled if you don’t have basic security – even something as simple as putting strong locks on your doors and windows will keep your house much safer.
Burglary has fallen by nearly 60% since 1995, but criminals are opportunists who will take advantage of any chance to steal from you, so you should remain aware.
Burglars generally prefer empty properties, often looking for visual clues such as an empty drive and dark homes so any lights, televisions and radios left on are usually off-putting for burglars.
A common tactic employed by homeowners to make the house look occupied, leaving the curtains closed, actually encourages burglars who believe it indicates the occupants are on holiday. If the property is going to be vacant for an extended period, ask a trusted neighbour to open and close curtains, collect milk from the door step, turn lights on and off, and remove unopened post that is visible etc. so that the property continues to look occupied.
Burglars are attracted by the sight of valuables, including car keys. They spot these by simply looking through windows and doors. Householders need to be careful about the type of goods that are on display.
Generally, burglars like to access property from the rear as it offers a safe environment. Having adequate fences and locked gates can make this a less inviting opportunity.
If you make your property more secure, it’s a lot harder for criminals to break in and it’s easier for police to catch them. For more crime prevention advice, go to http://essex.police.uk/be_safe.aspx.
Microsoft Cold Calling Scam
The Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer has been made aware that persons are cold calling by telephone offering computer repairs, stating your computer has a problem with Microsoft. Advice has been sought from Microsoft and they have given the following advice.
Neither Microsoft nor our partners make unsolicited phone calls (also known as cold calls) to charge you for computer security or software fixes.
They have advised that further information regarding how to avoid Phone scams can be found on the below website:
West Bergholt has managed to escape early January without mention in the Neighbourhood Crime Report issued by Essex Police. They do however caution the public to be vigilant and have offered the following advice:
Did you know?
35% of all burglaries are crimes of opportunity, where the burglar lets themselves in through unlocked doors or windows.
You are ten times more likely to be burgled if you don’t have basic security – even something as simple as putting strong locks on your doors and windows will keep your house much safer.
Burglary has fallen by nearly 60% since 1995, but criminals are opportunists who will take advantage of any chance to steal from you, so you should remain aware.
Burglars generally prefer empty properties, often looking for visual clues such as an empty drive and dark homes so any lights, televisions and radios left on are usually off-putting for burglars.
A common tactic employed by homeowners to make the house look occupied, leaving the curtains closed, actually encourages burglars who believe it indicates the occupants are on holiday. If the property is going to be vacant for an extended period, ask a trusted neighbour to open and close curtains, collect milk from the door step, turn lights on and off, and remove unopened post that is visible etc. so that the property continues to look occupied.
Burglars are attracted by the sight of valuables, including car keys. They spot these by simply looking through windows and doors. Householders need to be careful about the type of goods that are on display.
Generally, burglars like to access property from the rear as it offers a safe environment. Having adequate fences and locked gates can make this a less inviting opportunity.
If you make your property more secure, it’s a lot harder for criminals to break in and it’s easier for police to catch them. For more crime prevention advice, go to http://essex.police.uk/be_safe.aspx
With 56 Community Speed Watch groups in Essex undertaking 45 speed check sessions in December (3 of them in the West Bergholt/Eight Ash Green Area), Essex Police have reported statistics as follows:
766 1st warning letters issued,
57 2nd warning letters,
5 incidents which will result in either a police visit or specific enforcement action.
Last Sunday a regular police speed check was also carried out in the village and they stopped one driver for speeding (40ish) who was also twice over the legal drink drive limit.
Crime Update
Definitely a case of no news being good news. The regular Crime Report issued by the Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer, covering ‘beats’ in and around Colchester over the Christmas/New Year period, ran to 41 pages (roughly 250 incidents) covering events such as Assault, Criminal Damage, Burglary, Theft etc… Fortunately not one took place in West Bergholt!
The West Bergholt & Eight Ash Green Speed Watch team remains one of the most active in the county; with 78 groups in total only 7 undertook more speed checks in March. Across the county as whole there were 147 speed checks (up from 99 in February), which resulted in 1,129 first warning letters, 77 second warnings and 24 being processed for further action being either a visit from an officer or specific enforcement.
