Neighbourhood Watch
Essex Police Warnings of Scams - November 2014
Essex Community Policing have issued four warnings on recents scams. <<Click to download document>>
Shed Break-ins - February 2014
There have recently been reports of shed break-ins in the braintree area. Below are some information sheets on shed and home security.
Shed Security ...<more>
Locks and Padlocks ...<more>
Home Security ...<more>
There have been no significant reported incidents in the village recently, however we would like to warn residents to be aware of potential scams.
It is still common for traders to knock on doors offering to redo your drive or fix roofing problems. Just recently a trader went round three adjacent properties in Panfield saying that a neighbour was having work done by them (which was not true) as if this would encourage you to place an order. In all cases the advice is to get several independent written quotations and not accept a verbal quotation even if it seems like a bargain. If it is too good to be true, it usually is.
We are sure that many people have had telephone calls from people who say they are phoning to help fix a reported computer fault. Never fall for this one as the caller usually wants to have access to your computer just to install malicious software. Just put the phone down.
A recently reported scam is for a roadside request for fuel with the offer of payment by gold. The items which look like gold are often very cheap metals and certainly not gold. Again, don't fall for it.
Then of course there are all the ways that callers (or email messages) attempt to get you to give them details of your bank account or credit card details. It is probably best just to ignore any such request or just put the phone down.
We are still hoping that someone will volunteer to act as the Street Co-ordinator for Kynaston Road numbers 87 - 125 and 84 - 58.
Why Criminals Won't TOW the Line
The Braintree and Uttlesford districts have suffered a rise in caravan thefts and the criminals are becoming quite brazen. One theft was foiled by an alert resident who saw two men attempting to steal his neighbour's caravan in broad daylight, on a busy main road.
Even caravan storage facilities have not been immune, with thieves exploiting any weaknesses they can find in the site's security. Quite often, well established security measures such as wheel clamps and hitch locks are being quickly removed, which is very disconcerting for the contious owner, who believes they have taken reasonable steps to protect thwir caravan. Don't be put off though; you should still use such devices.
Try these top tips:
1. Remove your rear light bulbs - The majority of caravans are stolen overnight and the police will always stop an unlit caravan at night.
2. Reverse the van up to a wall, tree or other substantial structure and invest in a parking post, (£80) or a hooped barrier that can be fixed over the A-frame. (£100 to £200)
3. Consider fitting a tracker.
4. Caravans manufactured since 1992 have a 17-digit registration number (CRiS) etched on the chassis and windows. Write it in hidden places within the caravan. (Most EU caravans do not use this number and are more at risk of theft.)
5. Consider putting the CRiS number or your postcode, on the roof.
6. Fit an alarm.
7. Use a good quality hitch lock, or steel tow-ball post set in concrete.
8. Fit lockable wheel nuts or wheel clamps to the wheels.
9. If storing a caravan try to use a Cassoa Gold facility for peace of mind http://www.cassoa.co.uk/Caravan_Storage_home.aspx.
10. Look out for each other's caravans off and on site and report anything suspicious.
Call Crimstoppers if you wish to remain anonymous on: 0800 555 111.
If you can help out, or have anything to report, please contact:
Peter and Claire Kenward
01376 322414
Our Neighbourhood Policing Officer is:
Sergeant Nick Williams
Braintree Police Station
Essex Police non-emergency: 0300 333 444
Sgt. Nick Williams
101 extension 400383
Crimestoppers: (Freephone) 0800 555111
