Neighbourhood Watch

Now that those on the Gestingthorpe Parish mailing list

receive regular Neighbourhood Watch newsletters, in future,

this page will only contain material of special significance to Gestingthorpe.

Gestingthorpe residents and those working in, or having property in the Parish can join the mailing list by e-mailing their request to the Clerk to the Parish Council.

Please take copies of any items of long term interest. Items may be removed tomakeroom for new material.

S B 25 May 2012

NEIGHBOURHOOD

WATCH

Braintree District

Neighbourhood Watch update – Date – May 9^th – 17^th

www.ourwatch.org.uk

www.essex.police.uk

Non-Emergency police call 101. Emergency 999

Catalytic Converters

Theft of catalytic converters is still continuing.

What types of vehicles are most likely to be affected?

High Clearance vehicles.

What does High Clearance vehicle mean?

These are vehicles which do not have to be jacked up to gain access to the underside / exhaust system. They can be accessed by persons simply sliding themselves underneath the vehicle.

What types of vehicles have suffered?

Commercial vans, 4x4’s, People carriers and Motor homes appear to be the most vulnerable when it comes to this type of crime. On rare occasions thefts have occurred from standard cars.

This type of crime is affecting businesses and private owners.

How would you know that yours has been stolen? This would be apparent from the sound of the vehicle when you start it up. If it sound like a loud roar similar to an old race car it would be worth having a look underneath or have the vehicle checked by a your vehicle service agent.

The cost to businesses is not just the replacement part, labour cost is on top, plus your business will suffer as your vehicle may be off the road for a day or two whilst the part is ordered and then fitted. Those persons who commit this type of crime do not give a thought to the amount of damage they cause or the disruption this causes.

So what can you do to try and prevent this happening?

Garage your vehicle whenever possible, be it in the garage at home or if permitted by your business insurance store vehicles within your industrial unit.
If you cannot get into a unit, then think about defensive parking, by parking your vehicles as close as possible to walls and fences and surround the vehicles with other low clearance vehicles. ( low clearance means vehicles that you cannot slide under to gain access to the underside) Thereby making it as difficult as possible to access any high clearance vehicles and at the very least slow the thieves down making the target less attractive.
Where possible ensure that all business parking areas are locked at night and it you have gates on your driveway at home close them at night.
Park in well-lit busy areas.
Fencing is the first line of defence for most businesses and regular checks of fences for damage, ensuring any holes etc are quickly and properly repaired will help deter the opportunistic catalytic thief. There are many types of security fencing and increasing the protection will help prevent or at least slow down the more organised thief.

You maybe interested to look at the following websites

www.trucksecure.co.uk

www.catclamp

www.channelcommercials.co.uk

www.catguardian.co.uk

Date	Location	Incident
		Burglary Dwelling
11^th	Stainers Close, Witham	Entry gained by smashing a pane in the rear door – Entry gained – property removed
12^th	St James Road Braintree	Entry gained through the rear of the property – Property removed from within

		Burglary other
13^th	Alan Road, Witham	Garage entered - property removed. 2 Arrests made
11^th	Bradwell Court, Braintree	Secure shed entered – Padlock was damaged
10^th / 11^th	Long Green, Cressing	Two sheds entered – various tools removed from within
12^th	Vine Street, Great Bardfield	A till was removed from a licensed premises overnight, A window was forced top gain entry.
12^th	Bradford Street, Braintree	An attempt was made to gain entry to a garage
12^th /13^th	Station Road, Rayne	A secure garden shed was forced open – nothing taken
13^th	Brook Street, Great Bardfield	Commercial premises entered and property removed
13^th	The Street, Rayne	Forced entry made to a garage – tools removed from within
1^st /16th	The Street, Cressing	Insecure shed entered and a Brush cutter removed
16^th	Blake End, Rayne	Secure lock up entered and various tools removed overnight
9^th	Nunnery Street, Castle Hedingham	An attempt was made to enter a garage
12^th	Church Road, Gosfield	Entry was gained to a commercial premises by forcing a window and a quantity of cigarettes were removed
12 / 13^th	Clare Rd, Tilbury Juxta Clare	An attempt was made to gain entry to the church – Damaged caused
Criminal Damage incidents	Have occurred in the following locations	13^th Swan Street, Sible Hedingham 13^th Finsbury Place, Halstead 13^th Little Hyde Rd, Great Yeldham 13^th Dury Lane, Ridgewell 11^th Walnut Drive, Witham 13^th Mersey Rd, Witham 14^th Bluebell Close Witham 12^th The Square, Great Notley 8^th Hythe Close, Braintree 15^th Braintree Road, Tye Green
		Theft of Pedal Cycle
11^th	Station Approach, Braintree	Cycle stolen from bike rack
		Theft from a motor vehicle
13^th	Phillip Rd, Witham	Petrol removed from a vehicle
14^th	White Horse Lane, Witham	Number plate removed from vehicle
17^th	Avenue Road Witham	Vehicle entered – Messy searched made
17^th	St Nicholas Rd, Witham	Catalytic converter removed from a vehicle overnight
10^th	The Limes, Gosfield	Diesel was removed from a vehicle
12^th	St James Street, Castle Hedingham	A spare wheel was removed from a vehicle whilst parked at the location
16^th	Baythorne End	Property was removed from a vehicle at a commercial premises
9^th	Rose Hill, Braintree	A leaping cat Mascot was removed from the bonnet of a vehicle.
11^th	Bradwell Court, Braintree	A Van was entered overnight and various items removed
11^th	Bocking End, Braintree	Catalytic converter removed from a vehicle overnight whilst parked in car park
13^th	Oak Tree Gdns, Braintree	Insecure vehicle entered, damage caused.
13^th	London Rd, Braintree	200 to 300 fuel removed from a lorry
14^th	Kings Rd, Braintree	Insecure vehicle entered and OHP removed
16^th	Great Notley Country Park	Entry gained to a vehicle by smashing the window and a bag of clothing removed from within.
9^th – 14th	Earls Colne Industrial Est	16 Catalytic converters were removed from vehicles
		Theft of Metal
		No reported incidents

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Braintree District

16 May

Community Speed Watch.

Many members of the public have asked about the Community Speed Watch scheme. This is where members of the community can take action with regard to motorist who may take it upon themselves to speed through local villages, towns etc. Volunteers who decide that this is something that they would like to be are fully trained to carry out Speed Watch.

If you would like to know more about the scheme or perhaps you are waiting to be trained up then please contact Pcso Eddie Edwards on 07890 601682 who will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.

SCAMS AGAIN

I am still being sent many scams. Please do take on board the following

Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud reporting centre and the place for you to report fraud and scams, or to get advice if you’re not sure what to do.

If you’ve been a victim of fraud, you can report it to Action Fraud online. You’ll be given a crime reference number and your case will be referred on to the police force that investigates fraud.

Why contact Action Fraud?
Sometimes people choose not to report fraud because they are embarrassed that they fell for a scam.

Remember that fraud is a crime and that fraudsters will constantly reinvent themselves to find new ways of tricking people. Anyone could be a victim.

Some people also think that fraud is a victimless crime, or that it’s not as serious as other crimes. This is not true. Fraudsters are often part of serious organised criminal gangs, who use the money to fund other crimes such as human trafficking, illegal firearms trade and terrorism.

Fraudsters rely on silence. We can beat fraud if we talk.

Top 5 tips to prevent fraud

Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number) to organisations or people before verifying their credentials.

Non-Emergency police call 101. Emergency 999

Report 8th May

Date	Location	Incident
		Burglary Dwelling
1^st	Cressing Road, Braintree	Attempted Burglary Dwelling – an attempt was made to gain entry by jemmying the front door
3rd	Pygot Place, Braintree	Attempted Burglary Dwelling – an attempt was made to gain entry through a rear UPVC door
7^th	Boar Tye Road, Silver End	Between 14:15 – 19:00 Entry gained through a forced side window. Property removed from within.
		Burglary other
1st	Lakes Road, Braintree	Burglary other – Commercial Premises – Secure containers entered Hedge Trimmers, Strimmers and Blowers removed overnight.
2^nd / 3rd	Stoneham Street, Coggeshall	Suspects unknown attempted to break into the premises causing damage an outside shed was also entered.
3^rd	Church Street, Coggeshall	Wooden door frame was forced / jemmied at a business premises. This occurred overnight. Nothing removed.
4^th	Pelly Ave, Witham	A garage door was bent back and various tools were removed from within
Criminal Damage incidents	Have occurred in the following locations	1^st,Tanners Meadow, Braintree 1^st Cressing Road, Witham 4^th, Rayne Rd, Braintree 4^th Aluf Close, Witham 5^th Holly Walk Witham 5^th, Hythe Close, Braintree 6^th Bank Street, Braintree 7^th Mitchell Avenue, Halstead 8^th Trinity Street, Halstead
		Theft of Pedal Cycle
6th	Manor Road, Braintree	Theft of a Pedal cycle Secure cycle removed from stairs – Viking Black with the word Viking in white text on main frame
		Theft from a motor vehicle
3^rd	Humber Road, Witham	Catalytic converter removed from a vehicle overnight whilst parked roadside
4^th	Humber Road, Witham	Tax disc removed from vehicle overnight.
4^th	Cutting Drive Halstead	A front number plate was removed from the front of a vehicle
4^th	Swanbridge Ind Park, Witham	Catalytic converter removed from a high clearance van
5^th	Powers Hall End, Witham	Catalytic converter removed from a vehicle
5^th	Vicarage Ave, White Notley	Front and rear number plates have been removed from a vehicle whilst parked roadside.
5^th	Lakes Road, Braintree	Theft from a motor vehicle - A LED beacon light was stolen from the top of a Transit cab
5^th	Murray Close, Braintree	Theft from a motor vehicle -A vehicle was entered and a CD was removed from within overnight
6^th	Springwood Dr, Braintree	Commercial Premises - Hub caps were removed from a Ford Transit
2nd	Fisher Way, Braintree	Front Number plate removed from a vehicle
		Theft of Metal
1^st	Dunmow Rd, Great Bardfield	Black and gold metal bin removed from outside the library overnight.
7^th	Braintree Rd, Great Bardfield	175 Meters of underground telephone cable stolen
		Theft other
1^st	Newland Street, Witham	Cash was removed from a church at approx 13:20, a male, white , 40,s with silver blond hair, well built wearing a green top and puffer jacket was noted at the time.
1^st	Hay lane, Braintree	Small pots of drinking yoghurt stolen from doorstep.
3^rd	Valentine Way, Silver End	A female approached the victim and asked if she could use a mobile phone, as the battery was nearly flat the unknown suspect then asked for some money to use a pay phone, whilst the victim was looking for change the victim then stole A £20 note from the victims hand and made off. She was described as late teens / early Twenties. Slim Long blonde hair in ponytail and was wearing a white baggy tracksuit. This occurred at approx 22:40
4^th	Hawkes Road, Witham	A Victorian Chimney pot containing plants was stolen from a doorstep. This occurred 3^rd / 4^th May
4^th	Tofts Walk, Braintree	Whilst in a supermarket a purse was removed from a handbag, which was hung on a supermarket trolley
5^th	Freeport Village	Whilst changing a baby a lady removed her four rings and put them to one side, she forgot to pick them up, when she realised she went back and the rings had been taken
5^th	Animal – Snake Escaped	A woman has reported to Police that she has been unable to locate a snake that lives in her home in Butlers Way, Great Yeldham. The snake is a Royal Python, about 4ft long, described as having Black and Brown patches and an arrow shaped head. The female snake called Rosie, is not aggressive. The owner has thoroughly checked her premises and there is a possibility that it could have gone outside. If it has then the snake is likely to choose somewhere up high, perhaps a tree. Police are seeking the animal but advise anyone who spots it to call Police immediately on 101
7th	St James St, Castle Hedingham	Entry was gained to a shop by forcing the rear window, Tidy search made and cash removed. This occurred between 6tth / 7^th May
		Theft of a motor vehicle
4th	Church Lane, Castle Hedingham	A green Chevrolet index M86 PDV was stolen from the Memorial hall grounds. This was taken within the last 2 weeks
		Flooding
		Between 1^st – 8^th May Essex Police received 114 calls relating to flooding

12^th – 19^th April

Please find below incidents for this week.

Please take the time to read through the incidents, you will note various types of crimes in various locations.

Always think about security of your own property and goods whilst at home and whilst out and about.

Last week I mentioned that there had been several thefts of lead from outdoor meter boxes and this appears to have reduced this week.

However you will note that there has been an increase in thefts of caravans. These appear to have been taken overnight. We all tend to see an increase of caravans and motor homes as we move further into the year and I would ask everyone to take note of those on the road. If you happen to notice a caravan that is being towed and the index numbers on he them do not match, ask your passenger to take note and call Essex Police on 101.

Burglary Dwelling

This week there have been four Burglaries with the Braintree District

12^th April – Queens Road, Coggeshall – Suspects unknown have gained entry by forcing the front door of a property. A messy search took place but no items were removed.

12^th April – Broad Street, Braintree. This occurred between the hours of 09:30 – 22:00 Suspects unknown have smashed the glass in a rear Kitchen door to gain entry. Once inside the property a messy search took place and items were removed from within. The patio door was also damaged.

13^th April – The Street, Stisted. Commercial premises. Suspects unknown has attempted to gain access to a secure premises by attempting to force the ground floor window. No entry gained.

15^th April – Trotters Field, Braintree. Suspects unknown have gained entry to a property via an insecure kitchen window. Jewellery stolen from within.

16^th April – Bakers Lane, Hatfield Peverel – Suspects unknown have gained entry to a secure property by forcing the front door and removed property from within. Items removed from the property

16^th April – School Green Blackmore End. Suspects unknown has gained entry to a victim’s garden, through a side gate. Once inside the garden a shed was entered property was moved and a Lawnmower described as a Honda Izzy, blue metallic with red as removed from within. This occurred between 10:30 – 11:45.

Burglar Other

Bailey Bridge Road, Braintree –Suspects unknown have attempted to gain entry to a secure garage, causing it to buckle.

PLEASE NOTE THREE INCIDENTS IN THE SAME AREA.

14^th April – Chipping Hill Witham – Suspects unknown have gained entry to an insecure garage

Fishing and golf equipment was removed from within

16^th April – Lombard Street, Finchingfield – (1)Suspects unknown gained entry to a shed by breaking the lock off and bending the door an attempt was also made to enter the garage . Nothing removed. This occurred between 09:00 – 13:00 – (2) a further incident also occurred in the same area. in this incident suspects unknown have gained entry to an up an over garage door on a detached garage. Once inside a tidy search took place. (3)Entry was also gained to a secure shed and tools were removed. This occurred between the hours of 09:00 - 15:30A further incident occurred at another property whereby an insecure shed was entry between the hours of 09:00 – 11:00.

A petrol lawnmower was stolen.

16^th April – Pebmarsh, Halstead – Suspects unknown have gained entry to a secure shed by forcing the lock on the main door and a lawnmower was removed from within. This occurred between the hours 13:00 – 17:00

17^th April – Maldon Road, Hatfield Peverel (Commercial premises) Suspects unknown have entered a secure premises at 03:45 and removed a quantity of tobacco.

Between 12^th / 17^th April – Swan Close, Hatfield Peverel - Suspects unknown have caused to damage to the handle , Suspects have failed to gain entry.

Criminal Damage

Incidents have occurred in the following area

12^th Bailey Bridge Rd, Braintree

13^th Tanners Meadow, Braintree

13^th The Maltings, Braintree

13^th Leather Lane, Great Yeldham

14^th Alexandra Road, Sible Hedingham

16^th London Road, Rivenhall

16^th Upper Acres, Witham

17^th Notley Road, Braintree

18^th Ronald Road, Halstead

Theft of a motor vehicle

14^th April – Abbotts Croft, Sturmer – Suspects unknown between the hours of 21:30 – 22:35 have removed a secure red Diahatsu Sportrak 4X4 index H410KGS from the location.

Attempted theft of a vehicle

Hawkwood Road, Sible Hedingham - Between the hours of 20:10 16^th April and 07:40 17^th April Suspects unknown have attempted to remove a vehicle, damage was caused to the door lock and the ignition.

Theft of a pedal Cycle

12^th April – Clockhouse Way, Braintree – Suspect unknown has entered a secure cycle shed beneath a residential block and remove a Silver Mongoose Mountain Bike which was chained to a rack.

12^th April – Stubbs Lane, Braintree – Suspect unknown have removed a pedal cycle from the front garden of a property. This was a blue and silver BMX.

Theft from Motor Vehicle

12^th April – Lower Holt Road, Earls Colne – Suspects unknown have removed a catalytic converter from a car. This occurred between the hours of 20:00 – 21:00

12^th April – Hedingham Road, Halstead – Suspects unknown have removed a catalytic converter from a car. This occurred between the hours of 20:00 – 21:30

13^th April – Hedingham Road, Sible Hedingham – Suspect unknown has entered an insecure vehicle between the hours of 13:00 – 14:00 and removed a purse from the passenger seat.

14^th April - Bradford Street, Braintree – Suspects unknown have removed the front and rear number plates from a vehicle from a vehicle.

15/16^th April – Colchester Road, White Colne – Suspects unknown have removed trim from the light clusters on a van.

15^th April – Peter Taylor Avenue, Braintree - Suspects unknown at 02:12 have entered a vehicle and removed a bag containing personal items.

15^Th April – Burrows Road, Earls Colne– Suspects unknown have removed a catalytic converter from a vehicle. This occurred between the hours of 00:00 – 15:00

17^th April – Stone Path Drive, Hatfield Peverel – Suspects unknown have removed number plates from both the front and rear of a vehicle

17^th April – The Street, Cressing. Suspect unknown has removed a van the orange flashing light from the roof, plus a front bull bar and spots lights, by unbolting and cutting wires. This occurred over night.

18th April – Church lane, Braintree – Suspects unknown have removed two sets of ladders from the roof of a vehicle. This appears to have taken place overnight.

Theft from a person

13^th April - High Street, Halstead – Suspects unknown between 13:55 – 14:05 – have distracted a victim and removed a wallet from the victim’s coat. The victim just prior to the theft had withdrawn cash.

Theft other

12^th /13^th April – Owers Road, Witham – Suspects unknown have removed three chickens, water and troughs from a chicken coop from a learning establishment grounds.

12^th April – Market Place, Braintree – Suspects unknown whilst in a supermarket removed a victim’s wallet and then attempted to gain money from the victim’s bank account, by using the cards within.

13^th April – Coggeshall Road, Braintree – Whilst in a supermarket suspects unknown have removed a purse from a victim’s handbag and then used the cards within to remove cash from a cash point.

13^th April – The Green, Hatfield Peverel – Suspects unknown have removed a static Elddis Liberty Caravan from a site behind a public house. This occurred between the hours of 06:00 – 18:00

13^th April – Doubleday Corner, Coggeshall – Suspects unknown have removed a purse from the top of a double buggy whilst the victim was in a smaller supermarket. This occurred between the hours of 12:00 – 13:00

13^th April -

14^th April – Braintree Road, Witham – Suspects unknown have removed a victims purse from bag whilst in a supermarket in at the above location, the bag was in a trolley when the purse was taken. This occurred between the hours of 11:00 – 12:00

14^th April – London Road, Great Notley - Suspect unknown has attended a location an created an opening in the hedgerow filled in the ditch with timber to create a roadway and then used this route to steal a twin axle Bailey Pagent Loire caravan, having removed 3 individual wheel clamps and a towing hitch lock. The caravan was then towed off across the fields. This occurred between 18:00 13^th & 15:00 14^th April.

16^th April – Rifle Hill, Braintree – Suspects unknown have stolen two pints of full fat milk from a victims doorstep. This occurred between 06:00 – 07:30

17^th April – Warren Road, Braintree – Suspects unknown have stolen four pints of milk.

Between the hours 7th – 17^th April Blackleys Lane Great Notley – entry was gained to a secure yard and a Swift Challenger caravan was removed.

17^th April – Colne Chase, Witham – Suspects unknown have removed lead flashing from an external meter cupboard.

17^th April – The Grove Shopping Centre, Witham – Suspects unknown have removed a victims purse from an unattended handbag which was hung over an unattended shopping trolley. This occurred between 10:47 – 11:03.

17^th April – Blackley Lane, Great Notley – Suspects unknown have gained entry to a secure compound causing damage to gates and removed Luna C49 Caravan. This occurred approx 03:00

30^th March and 13^th April – High Street, Wethersfield – Suspects unknown have removed a vacuum cleaner from a Church.

Please find below information on how to report incidents or any suspicious activity to the police.

Listed below are some helpful tips that may assist you when calling Essex Police.

What number should I call?

101

This number can now be used to contact the Police anywhere in the UK

This came into force on December 5^th 2011

If it is an emergency such as a crime happening at the time call 999

If you are victim of crime try to touch as little as possible until the police arrive.

If you want to give information anonymously you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

What can you do to help reduce incidents of crime?

Be extra observant. The only persons who really know the area in which you live are the people that live there. The police may not note a suspicious person within your road, but you probably would. Neighbourhood watch area the eyes and ears of the community.

Have you noticed persons hanging around the area? These persons may be on foot, on a bike or in a vehicle.

Have you noticed a tool or a piece of equipment that has been discarded? This may have been used to commit a crime. Have you noticed anything in an odd location and thought it strange? Then report it 101

Did you hear something?

Perhaps you may have heard a noise during the evening or at night. Have a look out your window. If you note someone or a vehicle acting suspiciously then please call Essex Police straight away. Do not think that you are wasting Police time.

Did you over hear something?

Perhaps you may have over heard someone talking about a burglary / crime and can share the information with us.

How as Neighbourhood Watch can we make the area more secure?

Ensure this information is known to others within your watch group.

Some members may walk their dogs regularly during the evening and may notice something.

Look at security, Trisha Staerck the Essex Police Crime Reduction Officer can offer advice. Have a look at the Sold Secure or Secured by design websites. There are a whole host of products on sale to secure property

Mark any property with a UV or permanent marker pen – just write your house number and postcode.

Take photos of any valuable items

Think about having an alarm installed, the Crime reduction officer can assist you with this and give you advice on what you need.

What number do I use to call Essex Police?

If someone is committing a crime at the time call 999

The Non Emergency number is 101

If you are victim of crime try to touch as little as possible until the police arrive.

What information will help the Police?

A description of the suspect(s)

Male/ Female, Ethnicity

Clothing (any patterns or logos)

Age, Height, Build, Hair colour/style

Was the suspect holding anything, goods / backpack?

Tattoos, Glasses, beard

Give any directions that the suspect is heading towards.

Do not worry if you do not have answers to all the above, just try to remember as much as you can.

Keep and pen and pad to hand if it helps you.

Vehicle information

Try to make note of the following

Index number

Make

Model Number

Was the vehicle sign written?

Direction of travel.

If you note something strange report it straight away. Tell the Essex Police call taker that you are a Neighbourhood Watch member.

If you would like on advice on what to look out for please do not hesitate to contact me direct.

brenda.cross@essex.pnn.police.uk

Essex Watch – Essex Police

Braintree office 101 ex 400166

Chelmsford office 101 ex 412153

Mobile 07970 599923

-------------------------------

Braintree District (Edited down to just northern part of district)

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

1st – 12th April

BURGLARY DWELLING

8^th April – Reuben Walk, Earls Colne – Entry gained to insecure premises – property removed.

8^th April – Charlton Close, Sible Hedingham – Entry gained to a secure property by smashing the rear patio glass door with a brick – search made – property removed.

11^th April – Skitts Hill, Braintree – Entry gained through a jimmied conservatory window – search made – nothing stolen.

Burglary Other

1^st April – Bowmans Park, Castle Hedingham – Damage caused to garage door look – No entry gained.

4^th April – Camps Road, Steeple Bumpstead – Entry gained to a tool shed by bending the support on the padlock – Various Power tools removed.

10^th April – East Hill, Halstead – Entry gained to shed by jemmying lock – Tools removed

10^th April – Ronald Road, Halstead – Entry gained to a secure garage by forcing the lock and cutting a hasp and staple. Once inside a quantity of Brass and Copper fittings in a plastic box were removed.

Criminal Damage incidents have occurred in the following locations

2^nd April Homefields Way, Earls Colne

4^th April – Hedingham Road, Halstead

6th April - Trinity Court, Halstead

7^th April – Colne Road, Halstead – one male cautioned

Criminal Damage to a vehicle

5^th April – Abel Road, Halstead

7^th April - Colchester Road, Halstead

11^th April – Kings Road, Halstead

Theft of a pedal cycle

2^nd April – New Street, Halstead – Suspect unknown has removed an in secure bicycle from a rear garden.

Theft from a machine.

Theft from a motor Vehicle whole District

1^st – Powers Hall End, Witham – Suspect unknown has gained entry to a vehicle by smashing a window and removed £5.00 cash from the centre console.

1^st April – Pinkham Drive, Witham – Suspects unknown have entered a vehicle whilst parked insecure and stolen items from within.

1^st April – Laurence Avenue, Witham – Suspects unknown have gained entry to a vehicle and removed an Iphone from the passenger seat.

2^nd April – Lakes Industrial Estate – Suspects unknown have removed a catalytic convertor from a lorry

2^nd April – Church Street, Braintree – Suspects unknown have removed power tools from a van.

5^th April – Galleys Corner, Cressing – Suspect unknown have siphoned fuel from a fuel tank on a lorry.

5^th April – Brook Walk, Witham – Suspect unknown has attempted to remove the catalytic convertor from a ford Focus causing damage to the vehicle.

5^th April – A120 Braintree –An attempt was made to steal fuel from a lorry – 3 males arrested

7^th April –Lakes Industrial Estate – A catalytic convertor was removed from an Iveco van.

8^th April –Crouch Court, Braintree – Suspects unknown have removed three badges from a Chevrolet vehicle overnight. Badges on a Mini Cooper were also reported as stolen on a separate incident.

8^th April – Rosemary lane – Suspects unknown have smashed their way into a vehicle and removed cash from under the driver’s seat.

8^th April – Powers Hall End, Witham – Suspects unknown have entered a vehicle and removed items from within

9^th April – School Road, Silver End – Suspects unknown have removed a ladder from the roof of a vehicle, by cutting through the restraining straps.

9^th April – Broadway, Silver End – Suspect unknown has attempted to open a car door and then removed a ladder.

9^th April – Perryfields, Witham – Suspects unknown have removed a petrol cap and caused damage to a vehicle and then deflated a tyre also.

9^th April – Bronte Road, Witham – Suspects unknown attempted to remove a catalytic convertor from a Mercedes Sprinter.

10^th April – Springwood drive – Braintree – Suspects unknown have removed a catalytic converter from a Mercedes sprinter van.

10^th April - Broom Hills Industrial Est, Braintree – Suspects unknown have removed a catalytic converter from a Mercedes Sprinter van.

10^th April – Coggeshall Road, Earls Colne – Suspects unknown have cut a wire from a Range Rover and removed the spare wheel.

11^th April – Long Green – Cressing – Suspects unknown have removed a trim from a Panel van.

Theft Other

1^st April – Borley, Sudbury – Suspects unknown have removed a metal gate near to an Rd Bridge.

4^th April – Park Lane, Toppesfield – Suspects unknown have removed a pressure washer from a yard.

5^th April – Lawshalls Hill, Colne Engaine – Suspects unknown removed approx 500 litres of domestic heating fuel from a tank in the rear garden.

6^th April – High Street, Halstead – Distraction Theft - Suspects unknown have entered a store asking about rental properties in poor English, whilst the vehicle was away it was noted the a mobile phone had been taken, the suspect was stopped and through the phone back when the police were called

7^th April – Colchester Road, Bures – Suspect unknown have removed a secure Horse box Trailer by cutting the electric wire Fence and wheel clamp- the unit was than towed across a field

11^th April – Oxford Meadow Sible Hedingham – Suspects unknown have removed a concrete ornament from the front of a property.

If you noticed anything suspicious in any of the areas listed above or have any information please call Essex Police on 101 or 0300 333 4444

Please do not wait to be told about any incident before you think about suspicious activity in your area.

If you see something that perhaps does not feel right, please let us know, you may just prevent someone else becoming a victim of crime.

If you would like on advice on what to look out for please do not hesitate to contact me direct.

brenda.cross@essex.pnn.police.uk

Essex Watch – Essex Police

Braintree office 101 ex 400166

Chelmsford office 101 ex 485952

Mobile 07970 599923

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH March 2012

Here are a few notes from our discussions at the NW meeting last Monday.

It has been fairly quiet since our last meeting with respect to crime in this area. There was a spate of burglaries in Great Yeldham last month (5 in one day) but nothing this month. The growth in the theft of catalytic converters is continuing (mostly in Braintree/Witham areas) and the police are keen that 4 wheel drive cars and vans should be kept in a locked garage if possible.

Brenda Cross (the Police NW co-ordinator) told us again of the importance of locking doors and making sheds secure. She said that many burglaries were opportunistic. The burglar will knock on doors and if no reply, try them to see if they are unlocked. If so, the burglar will enter to see what he can steal.

Brenda also told us about the National Equine Database, for registering horses. Apparently many horse owners are now hiring out their horses to help with the upkeep costs, and of course some are never returned. The database is to allow purchasers to check whether the horse they are being offered has been stolen. She also warned that sometimes horses are being left in farmers' fields, for a few days free grazing, and then being retrieved!

There was a PCSO present at the meeting (his name was Chris, but unfortunately I didn't note down his second name). He gave some mobile numbers for PCSO's in our area, which were:

07855 781127
07855 781608

Chris said that 999 was still the emergency number, and 101 was for reporting non urgent matters, but the mobile numbers were to allow members of the public to chat to a PCSO if they need advice or to talk to a PCSO about something that was troubling them.

A person, in the village, has lost a bird already this season to the fox. Please beware, he is a digging fox.

------------------------------------------

Braintree District NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH February 2012

European Commission - Press release

Europeans don't know what emergency number to call when travelling in the EU. New campaign
Whether for skiing holidays, family days out, business travel or visits to this summer's sporting events, including the London Olympics or Euro 2012 UEFA football in Poland and Ukraine, millions of Europeans and visitors need access to emergency services in and outside their home country. Yet only 34% of regular travellers and 26% of all Europeans know that 112 is the single emergency number they can call, both in and outside their home country when in trouble. Many major rail, air and other transport companies have joined Vice Presidents Neelie Kroes and Siim Kallas in a campaign to raise 112 awareness rates. The emergency number will be publicised without cost to taxpayers on e-tickets, in on-board magazines, on their company websites and through their staff.

Metal theft:

Objects targeted range widely, from cable, drain covers, lift panels from housing estates, memorial plaques, to children's playground slides, fire escape stairs, local electricity substations and even English Heritage buildings including Churches.

If you see any suspicious activity near to any of these locations please call Essex Police or Crimestoppers.
Contact details:
Essex Police Tel 101 or 999 if an emergency or
Crimestoppers Tel 0800 555 111 - Call anonymously with information about a crime

The thieves are using uniforms, stolen vans etc. One witness recently reported that they did not look like real workmen - they were working too fast.

Security products for sale

Door Guards and door chains @ £2.50

Door viewers @ £1.50
Personal Attack Alarms (140Db) - 60mm x 70mm x20mm @ £4
Plug in 24 hr Timers @ £3
Personal Attack Alarms (140Db) – 40mm x 45mm x 16mm @ £3
NEW – Shed Alarm (key pad PIR) @ £14.99.
NEW – Optional external sounder to (7) @ £6.99 – buy 7 & 8 together and get £1 off each.
Special Price – SelectaDNA home property marking kits @ £16.50 (domestic kit normally priced at £49.99).

http://www.selectadna.co.uk/forensic-coding-domestic-kits.html

“Allows you to mark and protect valuable items, both quickly and easily. Deters would be thieves and in-house theft. Proven to reduce thefts by up to 85% in some cases, especially where people are made aware of its use through warning labels, window stickers and outdoor signage.”

NB - item (3) has many other uses with a little though of its application, i.e. it can be used as a shed alarm, or protects the piping in the tube on a plumbers van.

Contact to order:

Nigel Oldacre 01376 325074 nigel.oldacre@btopenworld.com

Stephen Armson-Smith, tel -101, extn 400152 stephen.armson-smith@essex.pnn.police.uk or

Brenda Cross, tel – 101, extn 400166 or 421131 brenda.cross@essex.pnn.police.uk