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POLICE

An important part of Neighbourhood watch is being aware of what is happening in your street. I have received information from my colleagues in other parts of Essex about scams which are brought to your door by unscrupulous, dishonest people.Please remind your NhW members and neighbours to be cautious of unsolicited people calling to your homes.Below are the emails I received. ------------------------------------------- We have currently a report of a scam whereby an elderly resident in Saffron Walden was approached in her property by 2 men offering to pressure clean her driveway for £20.  She agreed to this and after several minutes, the men knocked on her door again stating that they had done the  first square metre for her to look at (for her £20) and that it would cost her £200 to do the rest of the driveway.  When she said that she didn't have the money, they offered to walk her to the cashpoint (very gentlemanly).  She did refuse and they left, but she says she felt intimidated by them and that her driveway has been left in a mess. This has been passed to Trading Standards, but I thought your members may want to be forewarned in case these men cross our borders.  The vehicle description is of a small white van and one of the men is thought to have been wearing a T.shirt with "S.R. Landscapes" on.  - Reports have been received concerning an individual who has been calling door-to-door in the Shoebury area claiming to be running for Children in Need and asking for sponsorship up front. He is unable to provide any paperwork, when challenged. Please be on your guard. As far as is known he has so far been unsuccessful in obtaining any money. Let’s keep it that way. Any sightings etc should be reported to the police immediately on 0300 333 4444. No description currently available except he is male, white and in his 20s.--------------------------------------------- If you find an unexpected caller knocking at your door,  

• Put the door chain on first
• Don’t open the door until you are completely satisfied they are who they say they are. They should all have identification and if they are genuine, they will not mind waiting while you check their identity with their company.  
• If you are still not sure, don’t be pressured into letting anyone in.

• NEVER buy anything at the door.

 HALLOWEEN  2008

The time has come round again for us to fear the egg and flour brigade

and the knocks at the door during the evening.

While It is appreciated that this message is unlikely to be read by those who cause problems in our community,some of you may be asked by your children either to buy "extra eggs and flour" for cooking at school.

You may also be asked or want to accompany younger children on trick or treat outings around your home area. Please try and arrange to only call on friend and family. Please consider the eldery and infirm who might not want a visit at this time of night. PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE NO TRICK OR TREAT SIGNS DISLAYED.

If you want a sign either call at the Police Station or log onto Essex police.uk and down load a poster.      

Wickford First Responders

Volunteer First Responders urgently needed

Essex ambulance trust needs your help to attend to casualties who may be having breathing problems, or suffering chest pains. The purpose of the scheme assists the Essex Ambulance Trust in fulfilling their performance targets of attending calls within their Charter times, thereby ensuring constant funding locally. It also ensures that if the demand is heavy for an ambulance someone locally can provide expert help. Such help saves lives.

All Responders receive a full days training in the use of oxygen therapy, giving resuscitation and using an automatic external defibrillator. Updated training is also given to ensure that you are well equipped physically and mentally to deal with such incidents. A local network of Responders will be established to provide moral support and identify training needs.

You do not have to provide a minimum number of hours, anything is very much appreciated.  All that you need to do is attend the training, be reasonably fit and have your own vehicle. You will attend calls locally in your own time within the rules of the Highway Code and Road Traffic Act.

First Responders ‘buy time’, please contact Philip Hennessey who at present the only Responder in the area and your local co ordinator on 01268 562848 for more information.

WANTED!!

Community First Responders

Keep the burglars out of your home
 
During autumn & winter, homes, which are in darkness, are inviting to thieves - especially approaching Christmas. Here are some tips to keep your home safe over the winter months:

Ensure you have a burglar alarm and additional locks fitted to doors and windows - and that you always use them!
Remove the keys from window locks and keep them out of sight
Close curtains or blinds at night so burglars can't see into your home
Fit a timer switch to turn lights on when you are out
Fit outside dusk till dawn security lights
Mark valuable items, either with a postcode and door number
Don't leave keys in the hallway accessible through a letter box or visible
Hide your Christmas presents away - do not leave them under the tree

 Anti Social Behaviour Reduction - Across the whole of Essex the average daily number of Anti Social Behaviour incidents between 01/04/08 and 19/09/08 was 248, compared to 258 the previous year. (42608 incidents this year compared to 44345 last year, which is 3.9% better).

Useful Links to external Web Sites

•  
  • www.essexprobation.org.uk
  • www.essex.police.uk
  • www.essex-fire.gov.uk
  • www.crimestoppers-uk.org
  • South Essex Rape & Incest Crisis Centre

2 SMART  IN THE BASILDON AND WICKFORD AREA

The 2SMART Summer campaign will run throughout the school holidays and aims to point young people in the direction of interesting things to do.

The 2SMART Summer website has details of events such as hip hop dancing, music festivals, police and fire open days, museum fun days, details of youth clubs, summer festivals, community events and activity days.

If you are organising an event over the holidays that is open to young people or if you are attending events that would benefit from being advertised on our websites please email me with full details and I will add them to our events diary on www.2smart.co.uk/summer
 
The 2SMART Summer team has also linked up with Essex FM who are providing a text service. Once young people register by texting Essex Summer to 82122 (normal network charges apply) they will receive two or three texts a week for the duration of the holidays giving ideas of things to do.

They will be entered into a prize draw with the chance to win a Wii or a DS Lite.

This is a Fraudulent email.

Do not click on link or reply

to it.

 Keyholders update

Essex police are currently updating their computer records regarding

House and business alarm systems including retail premises.

Essex Police use the records not only when your alarm sounds but in the event of Criminal damage or other offences.

The coordinator for this, that should be done on an annual basis is Mrs Christine Chapman, the Service Desk supervisor at Basildon Police Station.She can be contacted at Basildon Police station,Great Oaks, Basildon,SS140AN. Tel 01268 532212(ask for Basildon Service Desk)

There have been recent incidents where we have tried to contact keyholders who have either moved or who have passed away,obviously causing upset and delay.

  

  

Cuppa with a copper

March 1 2008

Wickford Police Stations officers will have the kettle on between 1pm-6pm for you to discuss local issues over a cup of tea.

New non-emergency number for Essex Police

By Morwenna Holland

A new non-emergency number for Essex Police will go live tomorrow, Thursday, March 6, 2008. The new number is 0300 333 4444. It is a 24 hour, seven days a week service that will connect callers from across the county to the switchboard at Essex Police. Calls will then be directed to the most appropriate person, department or station. The non-emergency number should be used for all enquiries to Essex Police but does not replace the emergency number 999. If there is a crime or serious incident in progress, a serious risk of injury or a risk of serious damage to property you should always dial 999. Deputy Chief Constable Andy Bliss, who will join children at the Fairhouse Community Infant School in Basildon to officially launch the telephone number commented: “The non-emergency number will improve telephone access to the police ensuring that all calls are dealt with quickly and effectively. “By having a memorable, low cost, non-emergency telephone number for the whole county it will be easier to contact Essex Police even when you are away from home. You can still contact your local neighbourhood police officer on their mobile telephone number, which can be found on our website www.essex.police.uk or by texting your postcode to 07624 800 101.” Mr Robert Chambers, chairman of the Essex Police Authority, said: “Having a non-emergency number provides convenient access to Essex Police 24 hours a day, a service members of the public have asked for. I urge everyone across the county to remember the new non-emergency phone number, keep one of the handy business card reminders or save it to their mobile phone.” Callers to the non-emergency number will be charged the same or less than calls to 01 (eg 01245) and 02 (eg 0208) prefixed numbers and will be included as part of any inclusive minutes or discount package.

Carpet sales

POLICE STATION OPENING

WICKFORD POLICE STATION NOW HAS NEW OPENING HOURS

               10.00 TILL 20.00          7 DAYS A WEEK

Do your bit to stamp out scams

The elderly and the most vulnerable are often specifically targeted by unscrupulous scammers.

In many cases the victims of scams suffer in silence “ too embarrassed to tell friends, neighbours “ even close family “ what has happened.

If you provide care for an elderly person “ or perhaps make the occasional visit to an elderly neighbour in your street “ here's four tell-tale signs to look out for. Does the person you are visiting:

Receive a lot of junk mail?

Have a house full of cheap looking goods such as jewellery or health products?

Receive frequent calls from strangers?

Become secretive when discussing finances with family and friends?

Scams Awareness Month 2008 is determined to get people talking about the menace posed by scammers in a bid to reduce the three million people who are taken in by too-good-to-be-true scams each year in the UK.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has enlisted the support of local authority Trading Standards Services, Consumer Direct, the Advertising Standards Authority and other consumer and industry bodies. Now the OFT is hoping the Neighbourhood Watch movement will join in the campaign and help spread the word.

The OFT advice to those that receive a possible scam offer is: 'Stop, think, and think again'.

Do not be rushed into sending off money to someone you do not know. How likely is it that you have been especially chosen for this offer? “ millions of people are likely to have received the same offer. Think again “ read the mailing carefully. If you are unsure, speak to family or friends and seek advice.

Mike Haley, OFT Director of Consumer Protection, said: "Scammers use sophisticated psychological techniques to target people who are often the most vulnerable in society.

"Those who fall for these scams not only lose their savings, but often live in fear, suffering debt and depression, and are too afraid to tell anyone of their plight. We want to ask family members, carers and others to help spot the warning signs before it is too late."

If you think you have been the victim of a scam, or you suspect a scam, call Consumer Direct for clear, practical consumer advice on 08454 04 05 06 or www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

Download copies of the leaflets produced by the OFT from this website. Go to our download section by clicking here;

  Burgular alarms

Are you thinking of having a burgular alarm?Have you had a phone call or a cold caller to your door PLEASE THINK VERY CAREFULLY.

Companies may call  and advise you that either Essex Police or Neighbourhood watch have approved their system and that you can get substantial discounts.

Neither Essex Police nor Neighbpourhood Watch support or recomend any company or system relating to alarm systems or crime prevention product .

For further information please contact me at the usual number or the crime reduction officer at Basildon Police Station or Essex Trading Standards

  Well Done

Thursday 13 Dec.

At least 3 Residents in Victoria Avenue called police today re some door to door sales from a company selling solar heating. WHILST THEY WERE NOT COMMITTING ANY OFFENCES POLICE ARE ALWAYS INTERESTED IN WHO IS GOING ABOUT.If You see suspects in your area always call the police(they dont mind!)as it may be Burglar Bill!!!

 New Years Message

Thank you for all the assistance, support and encouragement I have received since taking over my role as Neighbourhood policing Inspector for Billericay and Wickford in April. I get the real sense that Wickford is changing for the better, we are focussing on and tackling the problems which have been identified as causing most concern to you - and there appears to be a real sense of community within the town.

Your neighbourhood policing team for Wickford consists of  PS Jon Devries, Neighbourhood specialist officers Pc Pete Pettet  for Castledon and Park wards, and Pc Paul Gutteridge for North. - supported by a team of eight Pcsos.

These officers have a real commitment to dealing with issues that affect you and your community and they are working extremely hard to tackle anti social behaviour and quality of life issues within the neighbourhood.

Recorded crime in the Wickford between April 2007 and Nov 2007 has seen a decrease of eighty crimes compared to the same period last year – this is down to the dedication of the officers who work in the area concentrating on specific priorities and arresting and bringing more offenders to justice. Wickford continues to be a low crime area for the district and a safe place to live.

Neighbourhood Action Panels are now taking place within the town, and regular meetings are being held. The Neighbourhood action panel is made up of local people who will assess the different concerns requiring police or partner involvement and establish priorities for policing in the area. The panel has been made up from selected members of the key individual network.

This is not to be seen solely as a police tasking group as they will look to problem solve from within the community. If anyone is interested in becoming involved in the key individual network please contact the relevant neighbourhood specialist officer for your ward who will be able to give you further information about this role.    

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and prosperous new year on behalf of myself and my team. We look forward to working with you in the future and building on the success we are currently having in Wickford over the coming months.

Inspector Sue Heaton

Billericay and Wickford NPT

Beat the burglars!

Police set up new squad

"BEAT the burglars"... is the message from detectives, as they launch a new clampdown on crooks. with the Echo's backing.

Basildon CID has set up a dedicated burglary squad with the aim of targeting criminals who profit from breaking into homes across the district.

Over the past year 1,700 homes were broken into across the south-western policing division, covering Basildon and Thurrock.

Frustratingly for the police, 19 per cent of those break-ins were the result of homeowners' carelessness in leaving windows or doors left unlocked.

In the Laindon and Basildon town area, more than 50 homes have been broken into since September. A total of 450 were burgled between November 2006 and the start of November 2007.

They are hoping to make a dent in the statistics, but are stressing that residents must do their bit, too, by improving their home security and making sure their homes are safely locked up.

Det Con Daly said: "We are experiencing a high number of burglaries and obviously, with the Christmas season approaching, this could increase further.

"It is alarming to see a large number of victims could have avoided becoming easy prey for these criminals, by taking simple steps such as locking doors and windows.

"It only takes a few moments to check your home is locked, but it could save you thousands of pounds."

Det Con Ward added: "People don't realise how distressing it is to be a victim of burglary, until it happens to them.

"For some victims, the thought of having a stranger ransack their home, sometimes while they are in it, going through their personal belongings and stealing them, has a real impact and some are left feeling unsafe in their own home.

"We would urge people to protect themselves and lock out the burglars."

The officers will be backed by a team of police community support officers, who will be delivering eye-catching arm-shaped leaflets, warning residents to keep car and house keys and other valuables out of reach.

Tips to keep your home safe

Turn the crooks in

IF you know someone who is trading in stolen goods, turn them in to the police - that's the message from the town's new burglary squad.

Det Con Joanne Daly and her colleagues are keen to hear from anyone with knowledge of housebreakers or crooks who sell on the property they stead.

She said: "Someone, somewhere knows who is behind all these burglaries.

"If you do know who is responsible for causing so much misery for so many victims, then do the right thing - give us their names.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who has information about people cashing in on these victims' heartache, by handling and selling goods taken during burglaries.

"These people often have people's personal belongings passing through their hands and some of it is of real sentimental value.

"They sell them on without a thought, purely to make profit."

Are you at risk of Computer Fraud.

• Are you or a family member in receipt of Child Benefit. If you do not currently receive the benefit your personal details would not have been on the lost computer discs
• Although there is no evidence as yet that the discs are in the hands of criminal fraudsters, you must check your bank statements, and look for any suspicious activity as you would at any time.
• There is no need for you to contact your Bank,unless there has been suspicious activity
• Athough neither police or Governmant agencies have suggested it, consider changing your PIN.
• When choosing a PIN/Password do not use family information such as names and birth dates
• If you receive an email, phone call from anyone purporting to be from your bank or from HM Revenue and Customs asking to clarify personal details DO NOT hand over this information
• HM revenue and Customs have set up a help line on 0845 302 1444

By Nicola Bastendorff