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January Crime Report

Essex Police - Protecting & Serving EssexJanuary Crime Incidents

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.

cctv.h2Intruder 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: –

  • National Security Inspectorate, Sentinel House, 5 Reform Road, Maidenhead SL6 8BY Telephone: (switchboard): 01628 637512 – www.nsi.org.uk
  • 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: –

(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: –

  • 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.

Burglar
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.

mslogoMicrosoft 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:

If anyone has been caught out by these types of callers they can report it directly to www.actionfraud.police.uk or by telephone 0300 1232040

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BHYFC Results 26th January and Fixtures 2nd February

Bergholt Heath Youth Football ClubBergholt Heath YFC – Results 26th January

The weather again took it’s toll on this weekends fixtures with both away matches for the Under 11s and the Under 15s postponed.  This only left the one home match for the Under 9’s on the Poors Field who took on Brooklands who they had lost heavily to earlier in the season:

BHYFC Under 9s vs Brooklands

This week’s match started on what was a sticky pitch following the week’s rain.  This was further added to throughout the match as players, supporters and officials all were on the receiving end of a bucket or two more!

In their first meeting this year a few moments of madness cost Bergholt dear and Brooklands gave them their biggest defeat of the season.  Keen for this not to be repeated the Bergholt manager stressed to the boys not to give Brooklands any time or space on the ball and to ensure their long range efforts were kept to a minimum.

Within five minutes Brooklands tried their luck from distance, but Daniel was more than equal to it and the whole team’s confidence were lifted by this.  Both teams were passing the ball around well despite the heavy pitch, trying to get the opening goal.  It was a very open game and there were attacks aplenty – Bergholt had more shots in this half than ever seen, with James, Theo and Freddie in particular all going close.

Brooklands too had their chances and Bergholt were grateful for Billy’s bum saving a certain goal.  It looked like being goalless at half-time but then Brooklands got through the Bergholt defence.  The initial effort was blocked but the ball fell kindly to another Brooklands striker who reacted first and slotted the ball past Daniel.  HT 0-1.

Brooklands kicked off the second half and within a minute were kicking off again when full-back Thomas L got the ball on the half-way line burst down the wing, skipped past two challenges before hammering the ball past the keeper at the near post for his first ever Sunday league goal.  This gave Bergholt a real shot in the arm and they continued to press to try to get the lead.   They nearly succeeded twice but the post denied both Theo and Thomas L.  The visitors however, were still determined themselves to get the victory and the Bergholt defence and midfield were all called to do some desperate defending and when beaten, Daniel pulled off a great save with his foot.  FT 1-1.

This was the right result as Brooklands shaded the amount of possession whilst Bergholt had more scoring chances.  The match itself was a fantastic game of football played in difficult conditions.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: Thomas L – not only a great individual goal but some great defending in the first half.

Next weeks fixtures Sunday 2nd February:

  • Long Melford vs. Under 9
  • Under 11 vs. Stanway Villa Reds –  Open Cup R2,  KO 10am
  • Heybridge Swifts vs. Under 15
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Neighbourhood Plan Open Meeting – share views

Logo of the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan project
Our village & parish life in our hands

Open Meeting – John Lampon Hall – 19th February at 7pm

The purpose of this meeting with the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, is to draw attention to the work undertaken so far in preparing a Neighbourhood Plan for our village and Parish Area.

In the summer of 2013 a community survey was concluded and the results of this have been analysed. This open meeting will be an opportunity to share the findings of the survey with the community and to reveal residents’ views on everything from sport to transport.

The meeting will be a chance to explain other aspects of the plan including how it is likely to affect the village and how it fits in with the plans of Colchester Borough Council and Essex County Council. Representatives from the Parish Council and Colchester Borough Council will be present.

The most important aspect of the meeting will be to explain the next stages of the plan’s development including the opportunity for members of the community to get involved either directly or indirectly.

So please come along and share your views with the Steering Group.

For any more information you can contact Steering Group Chairman Chris Stevenson at: [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]

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Introducing the Sultanate of Oman

Sultanate of OmanThe local branch of the WEA welcome all who would like to join this course in the Methodist Hall.   Graham Platts, who has lived in Oman and will lead the course “An introduction to the Sultanate of Oman”, says:

The Sultanate is a rapidly progressing country in the Arabian Peninsular but still not widely known.  The combination of cherished traditions and modern development provides a fascinating basis for study.

This is a shorter course than usual in the hope that it will avoid the worst of the winter weather and cost less.  The classes start on Tuesday 18th February 2014 at 8.00 pm and cost £27.18 for six weeks with a coffee break thrown in.  There is no need to book ahead,  just turn up on the first evening without obligation, before deciding whether to enrol.

Further information is available from the WEA Secretary on 01206 240791 or e-mail [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

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Cinderella with Supper & Show

Cinderella's Ugly SisterCinderella at the Orpen Hall

Peter Cox has once again written and directed this fabulous interpretation of the classic Cinderella. This exciting and wonderful show will have you laughing and cheering right from the start. Our award winning cast return again and we also have some new faces to the Orpen Stage!

Cast

  • Scott Sophos & Ben Maytham as The Ugly Sisters,
  • Anne Sexton as The Fairy Godmother,
  • Holly Snowling as Buttons,
  • Phoebe Stringer & Kim Bennett as Prince Charming & Dandini,
  • Mike Poole as The Baron,
  • Niamh Bennet-Dix & George Dooley as Nip and Tuck,
  • Debs MacMahon as The Wicked Stepmother and
  • congratulations to Sophie Peterson who was a chorus member last year for securing the title role of Cinderella.

Tickets

This fabulous show will sell out so book early to avoid disappointment – as this news update is posted the matinee performances are already sold out!  Remaining performances are:

  • 31st January 8pm;
  • 1st February 8pm;
  • 7th February 8pm;
  • 8th February 8pm.

Tickets for the panto alone are priced £7 adults and £5 children with a 50p booking fee if booking online.  If you prefer you can buy your tickets from Ash’s store or by calling Orpen players on 01206 241048.

Supper & Cinderella

The Treble Tile and the Orpen Players have joined together in an initiative designed to provide a special night out in the village for their patrons. They are offering a special ticket that entitles the bearer to a meal followed by an evening’s entertainment.

The Treble Tile menu will consist of a choice from bangers and mash, fish and chips or a vegetarian option, a glass of house wine or pint of beer and a cup of tea or coffee.  The combination ticket of £20 will get you a meal at 6pm giving you time to take your (included) seats for the show, these tickets must be booked in advance directly with the Treble Tile on 01206 241712.

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BHYFC Results 19th January and Fixtures 26th January

Bergholt Heath Youth Football ClubBergholt Heath YFC – Results 19th January

Both the Under 9s and Under 15s away fixtures were postponed this weekend due to water logged pitches, so it left the Under 11s to fly the flag at home to Wivenhoe Town. Under 11s manager Pete Sanderson reports:

BHYFC Under 11s vs Wivenhoe Town

After all the recent rain, the pitch just about held up and we able to fulfil our final home fixture of the season.     I abandoned my traditional conservative approach and changed formation today. The boys were requested to grasp the game by the scruff early on. Initial forays were promising. Nice passing allowed us to move upfield and keep possession.  It was just that final ball missing that would not open the resolute Wivenhoe defence up.

 A few chances came and went; Fred saw a good angle shot just go wide, Jonah had a nice chance but could not make good contact.  Tyler’s firm shot was well blocked by the keeper who then spilled it. Unfortunately for us rather than roll over the line it stuck in the mud.

As time went on Town got back in the game and with us being short at the back they looked to capitalise.  Ben and Dan were rocks at the back though and Harv pulled off a couple of good saves. Then a couple of strange decisions.  An attempted cross by the Wivenhoe winger was blocked by Dan with the ball rolling safely to Harv who rightly picked it up.  The ref saw different and gave a free kick for a back pass six yards out. Luckily we survived.

Lo and and behold 5 minutes later Dan made a tackle which again rolled back, picked up and yet another back pass was judged.  How bizarre.  Although the initial shot was cleared a well hit strike from the second ball found us go in one down at half time.

The second half was much the same with some good attacks, but as time went on it looked like we never going to be able to finish. A turning point came when after having some wayward shots, Richard hit a great one which thundered against the bar and away.

This gave the boys renewed vigour and it wasn’t long before Richard again was on the edge of the area but this time he fired it home GOOOAAALLL!!!

You could tell from the boys celebration that they were not finished yet and 5 minutes later Joe found a gap on the right hand of the goal to slot in GOOOAAALLL!!!

Urged on by their supporters Wivenhoe fought back but some last minute tackles by the guys saw us finish the match ahead.

Well done boys it was a pulsating battle with the 2-1 win consolidating our fight for fourth place. It was great to see such fantastic team unity and spirit, not just today but in practise yesterday as well.   We are not going to win the silverware but we will sure have a lot of fun trying.

MOM went to Dan Thomson for a fantastic performance at the back.

Next weeks fixtures Sunday 26th January:

  • Under 9 vs. Brooklands, KO 11am
  • Lexden Saints vs. Under 11
  • Stanway Rovers vs. Under 15
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Crime & burglary report

Essex Police - Protecting & Serving EssexWest 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

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Winter birds at Hillhouse Wood

Song ThrushWinter bird walk – Saturday 8th February

Weather permitting, Steve Hallam will lead a winter bird walk in and near Hillhouse Wood, offering a chance to see resident woodland and meadow species and some winter visitors.   Stout footwear and warm clothing are advised, as well as a flask of hot drink.

If you want to join Steve then meet him at the Old Church at 09:30.

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BHYFC Results 12th January and Fixtures 19th January

Bergholt Heath Youth Football ClubBergholt Heath YFC – Results 12th January

BHYFC Under 9s vs Gt Bradfords

Bergholt Heath took on Great Bradfords on what was a rather sticky Bergholt pitch following on from the U11s match against Cornard earlier.  The hosts were the brighter in the first half with some very slick passing creating a number of scoring chances for Ollie and James in particular, but found the Bradfords keeper in exceptional form. When Bradfords did attack, the Bergholt defence were able to restrict their opportunities to a minimum, the best coming when Freddie upended the attacker on the edge of the area.  However, the freekick was sent over the bar.  HT 0-0.

The second half started the better for the visitors when early on both Thomas L and a Bradfords attacker went tumbling together in the box.  After a few seconds thought, the referee awarded a penalty to Bradfords whose striker smashed the ball into the roof of the net giving Daniel no chance.  This gave Bradfords a lift and they went further in the lead when the striker broke through the Bergholt defence and coolly slotted the ball past Daniel.  To their credit Bergholt did not give up and despite being on the end of some robust challenges continued to press, but once again the Bradfords keeper stood in their way making one fine save in particular when faced with Theo in a one-on-one situation.

Despite all her best efforts, the Bradfords keeper was only beaten when Oliver beat her with a piledriver from just inside the box.  However it wasn’t enough for Bergholt and the visitors came out winners 2-1.

BHYFC Under 11s vs Cornard Dynamos Reds

The Under 11s manager, Pete Sanderson, was not available to lead his team and see his son Matthew put in a ‘man of the match’ display that saw them overcome a valiant Cornard team 2-0 with goals from Jack Tomlin and Freddie Scott-Yates.

Stanway Rovers vs BHYFC Under 15s – Open Cup Round 1

The Under 15s started the defence of the cup they won as under 14’s back in May with a short away trip to Stanway to take on fellow A league side Stanway Rovers.

Already without striker James Holden who has a knee injury that will keep him out until around the end of January, Bergholt were dealt a blow in the warm up with key midfielder Cairan pulled his abductor muscle ruling him out of the game and possibly for a  further couple of weeks.

Despite this, Bergholt started the game brightly although the pitch was making their usual short passing game difficult against a team with a much more direct style.  The first goal of the game went to the home team when a long ball forward looked like it was going to carry to the ‘keeper but held up slightly in the mud to allow the striker to get there first and coolly finish with Connor stranded. Bergholt huffed and puffed and had a few half chances to equalise, plus one clear chance that the home ‘keeper saved well, but went in at half time trailing 1-0.

The second half started with Bergholt applying more pressure and with a little more composure in front of goal they would have equalised.  Against the run of play Stanway scored a second goal when Aaron miss-controlled and lost the ball to the striker who run directly into the area before turning back to finish well.  Bergholt were shell shocked by this and for a few minutes it looked like the home team were going to walk away with the game.  However a change of positions with Sam moving into midfield, James dropping back into central defence with Jamie moving to the right side, seemed to bring new life to Bergholt and they regained the initiative.  Again chances came but were not taken.  However with 10 minutes remaining Max got free on the right and drove into the penalty area, only to be upended as he went past the ‘keeper. Penalty.  Ollie stepped up to send the ‘keeper the wrong way to bring Bergholt back into the Match.

Another switch of formation to 3 at the back saw Bergholt dominate the remainder of the game and they duly managed to equalise with just 2 minutes left when Mickey, now playing as left wing back, was put through to finish well into the bottom right hand corner of the goal. There was still time left for Stanway to launch another attack down their right but Connor in the Bergholt goal came out commandingly to claim the cross – and the striker too (who had to go off injured) – to send the match into extra time.

Extra Time

The first half of extra time was generally a one way affair with Bergholt piling on the pressure against a team who were now playing with 10 men, as their striker who was injured at the end of normal time had tried but could not continue and Stanway did not have any substitutes available.  Jamie hit the post from a corner and the Stanway defence somehow managed to stop the ball crossing the all-important line on more than one occasion.  The second half of extra time saw the striker come back on in a deeper role and, although not moving well, this helped Stanway balance the play up and it took Connor to make another save to keep the score level at 2-2 at the end of extra time.

Penalty shoot out.

Stanway took the first kick and scored, as did Ben for Bergholt. Stanway scored their second penalty, as did Luke. The home team missed their third with the ball going wide of the post, with Jamie scoring to put Bergholt into the lead.  Stanway scored their fourth but then Mickey had his kick easily saved by the home ‘keeper. Connor then saved Stanway’s fifth attempt to allow Sam the chance to win the match for Bergholt with the final kick. Unfortunately he put his shot over the bar to take the shoot out into sudden death.  The sixth taker for Stanway also put his shot over the bar and Max walked up to put his shot off the inside of the post and into the net to win the cup tie for Bergholt!

Final score AET: 2-2. Bergholt Heath won 4-3 on penalties

Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: after a draining couple of hours it was decided to award the whole team for an heroic effort to pull the result out of the bag, rather than an individual.

Next weeks fixtures Sunday 19th January:

  • Oyster Youth vs Under 9
  • Under 11 vs Wivenhoe Town,  KO 10am
  • Wivenhoe Youth vs Under 15
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Gardeners’ Spring & Summer Update

Recent talks

Woodland TrustThe West Bergholt Gardeners Association report that they ended 2013 with interesting talks by Sally Hepher on the Woodland Trust and Barry Kaumann-Wright on his former occupation of Wildlife Crime Officer with Essex Police.

Sally Hepher’s talk illustrated the value of the Woodland Trust in creating new woodland, restoring old woods and in particular protecting ancient woodlands from the pressure of todays road, rail and housing developments. It was becoming increasingly important to retain woodland to save endangered species and their habitats for future generations.The talk was well appreciated by the Members and it is more than likely that she will be asked to return to give a further talk on one of her varied interests.

Badger cubsBarry Kaufmann-Wright described the ongoing work aimed to protect our wildlife population from both man and machine. He talked of the protective works which had been carried out to save several species.  He referred in particular to his knowledge of both newts and badgers, the former still threatened by new developments and the latter from man and illegal baiting. In all an interesting as well as an educative talk.

2014 Spring & Summer Programme

So we embark upon a new year, full of sunshine(?) and gardening promise. It is hoped that the program for the next six months will encourage people to come along to one of our meetings and participate in our outings – you may well like to join the Association.

  • 17 February   Eddy Harris    Looking for plants in South Africa
  • 17 March    Geoff Hodge      Luscious Lawns – Lawn Care
  • 14 April     Richard Ford     Hostas
  • 19 May       PLANT SALE – all proceeds to Charity
  • 19 June     Day Trip        Waddesdon Manor
    (Includes House, Gardens and Aviary, Woodland also Shops, Restaurants & Wine Cellars).

We welcome new members and anyone that may be interested in either joining the Club or participating in our summer outing should telephone 01206 241256 or email at [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

Tom Souter (Publicity)