Hempstead Neighbourhood Watch coordinator Sara Scott may be contacted as follows:

sara@hempstead-essex.org.uk

(To log onto the Uttlesford Neighbourhood Watch site click here)

Hempstead falls within the “Thaxted Neighbourhood” and our local Officer is PC Tanya Tokarczyk who can be contacted on the duty mobile number 07779 085615 or by e-mail on Tanya.Tokarczyk@essexpnn.police.uk.

• Meter Credit Scam
• Telephone Fraud Advise
• Home Security Tips
• Police Incident Reports
• Farm Watch
• Charity Fraud Advise
• Virus Scam
• Sheds & Outbuildings

• Crime Reduction
• Being Bullied
• Message In A Bottle
• Rogue Traders
• Pick Pockets
• Cold Calling
• BT Scam

Please click here for the latest Neighbourhood Watch bulletin

We have had an incident reported today where the victim has lost a substantial amount of money to a telephone loan scam. A telephone call from a company calling themselves 'FAFS Loans Company Ltd' was received offering a loan. The offer was taken up and terms were agreed over the telephone; the victim was then told the first month's payment was due in advance and this was duly paid. The 'company' rang back later and requested more money for 'tax' purposes which they said would be paid back at a later date. Several further telephone calls were made and money paid before it was realised this was a scam. It is highly likely that these scammers will continue to target the Uttlesford district. The advice from the Office of Fair Trading regarding these loan scams is as follows:

• Do be very careful when dealing with loan companies that charge upfront fees
• Do be cautious if a loan company cold-calls you
• Do some research about the business offering the loan - look for proper phone numbers and physical addresses and ask for information in writing
• Do check that the company has a credit licence on the Consumer Credit Register at www.oft.gov.uk/ConsumerCreditRegister

• Don't believe adverts which indicate a loan is 'guaranteed'
• Don't give out your card details 'for security reasons' as the company may then debit your bank account without you knowing
• Don't wire money to loan companies using money transfer services when applying for loans
• Don't go ahead with a loan if a company approves it and then demands a fee before you get the money

We are aware that people continue to get telephone calls regarding their computers and a Microsoft Windows error. A telephone call is received which states you are a windows user and you are then informed that a remote security system has detected a problem on your computer. You are asked to open your computer and they then take you through a list of "checks", all of which show errors or faults. These are just routine diagnostic checks which for the non technical sound genuine. By this time they have gained your trust; the sting is that for a small fee they offer to repair the non existent faults, the unwary provide the debit/credit card details and the usual huge debits are made. Please be aware that Microsoft does not make unsolicited calls to help you fix your computer. Again the advice is to treat all unsolicited calls with suspicion and never give your details over the phone or the internet unless you trust the recipient.

At any time of the year, and especially in the summer months, it is not uncommon for members to experience unauthorised encampments of travellers on their land. This guidance note is intended to assist in general terms with information about the options open to the landowner and the relevant legislation. Please click here to view

Dear Councillor

Following on from the violent disorder seen across London and in cities across the UK, I wanted to write to you with some reassurance on the situation in Essex. We have sought to keep our communities informed and yesterday put out a strong message to the public via our website and twitter, as well as through the media.

We have seen no violent disorder in Essex akin to what has been happening in larger cities across the country. Where there has been minor disorder, Essex Police has acted quickly to make arrests. On Monday following a burglary in Buckhurst Hill, 13 men were arrested, and following minor damage to a police vehicle in Loughton, two male youths were arrested. In Harlow, four people were arrested for minor damage in the town centre. We have seen a number of young people gathering in large groups in various places across the county, but Essex Police has taken immediate action by deploying public order officers to disperse such groups. This early intervention has meant we have not seen any large scale disorder.

Last night (Tuesday) Police officers arrested a 17-year-old man from Clacton for incitement to commit violent disorder after comments were published on facebook encouraging people to gather at a location in Essex and cause disorder. The man remains in police custody. We also arrested two teenagers from Grays and South Ockendon, for using social networking websites for incitement to commit violent disorder. Essex Police is monitoring social media and will not tolerate anyone who uses the internet or any electronic communication device to send inaccurate and false messages intending to incite disorder, or cause alarm.

Essex Police has a robust plan in place and is utilising additional resources by calling officers and staff in to work on their rest days. We have been providing support to colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service. We currently have between 50 – 100 officers in London at any one time from within our establishment of over 3000 police officers, over 400 PCSOs and several hundred Special Constables.

Your support is important to us. When you are speaking to the public please help us by reassuring them that Neighbourhood Policing teams remain in place across Essex and Police Officers, PCSOs and Special Constables are working in communities to ensure a high visibility policing presence. Essex Police is doing all it can to ensure Essex remains a safe place to live and work and will continue to work with partners across the criminal justice system to ensure that any criminality is dealt with swiftly and robustly.

You can also assist the police by encouraging the public to call 999 if they witness any incidents taking place or to call our non emergency number 101 or 0300 333 4444 to pass on information or intelligence.

We are updating our website with the latest information in Essex throughout the day and night, so this is the best place to look for updates should the situation change. www.essex.police.uk

Thank you for your continued support and please get in touch if you have any further questions or comments.

Yours faithfully
Derek Benson
Deputy Chief Constable

Essex Police is one of the first forces to switch to the new police national non-emergency 101 telephone number*

Please use this number if you need to contact Essex Police about any non-emergency crime issue, to contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team, to seek crime prevention or personal safety advice, to contact your nearest police station or to speak to us about any other non-emergency issue.

Please be assured that the emergency 999 number remains unchanged and should continue be used if you have an emergency

One of our residents has received a call from an Asian sounding gentleman who stated that the resident might be due some compensation due to a bank error. He was then "transferred" to the appropriate department, where a female tried to elicit his banking details.

Please ensure that you do not give out any personal details to people who call you. If they claim to be from your bank or any other company with which you have dealings, then ask for an extenstion number and call back by using their published switchboard telephone number. Do not call back on any number given to you by the caller.

The recent spate of incidents, have seen high quality power tools, hand tools, road bicycles and mountain bikes, being stolen from sheds, garages, farm outbuildings and lock-ups across Essex. Owners are being urged to assess the security of their property.

The Police are urging everyone to ensure their premises are secure and are offering some practical steps that can be taken reduce the risk of burglary.

• Ensuring that all sheds, garages, workshops, lock-ups and other outbuildings, are in a good state of repair and that any damaged or rotten sections of their structure, which could make it easier for a thief to gain access, are repaired or replaced.
• Use quality close shackle padlocks which cannot be easily levered or cut.
• If you have a window in the premises, consider whether you actually need it and if not consider boarding it over securely. Otherwise, make the window opaque or cover windows to ensure the property inside is not on display.
• Consider fitting key operated locks to any opening windows or screwing them shut.
• Where the building is a wooden structure, consider lining the property with plywood sheeting to make it more difficult for a thief to get through without proper tools and lots of time.
• Consider fitting an alarm, these are readily available from DIY stores or local locksmiths.
• Chain any tools through their handles to large heavy items such as lawn mowers or cultivators. If you have neither of these fill a bucket with concrete and, using a masonry fixing, chain your tools to this.
• Mark all valuables within your premises with your postcode and house number; record serial numbers of all equipment and keep the records safe.
• Good security lighting, using existing lights, (consider installing a time switch or adding sensor lights).
• Ensure that all sheds, garages, lock-ups or other relevant outbuildings, are securely locked and never left unlocked whilst unoccupied.

For further crime reduction advice, please contact your local Crime Reduction Officer:-

BRENTWOOD

Emma Clark Tel: 101 Ext: 320384 emma.clark@essex.pnn.police.uk

EPPING FOREST

Tony Ellis Tel: 101 Ext: 319383 tony.ellis@essex.pnn.police.uk

HARLOW

Graham Anthony Tel: 101 Ext: 300383 graham.anthony@essex.pnn.police.uk

UTTLESFORD

Peter Caulfield Tel: 101 Ext: 395387 peter.caulfield@essex.pnn.police .uk

I have just received a call from one of our Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators, who has had a call from someone trying to find out personal details from her under the guise of someone making out to be involved with Equestrian Crime Prevention and connected with trying to sell advertising.

When challenged the caller put the telephone down and a subsequent check on 1471 came up with number unknown.

No other details, but anyone involved with horses should be on their guard, as the intentions of the caller are unclear.

Do not give out your personal details or information over the telephone.

Surrey Police and other forces have an excellent DVD out, which covers all aspects of rural crime and security measures

You can view this on the following website www.youtube.com/user/kentpolicevideos. If you are unable to click on the above link, please copy and paste into your address bar,

Thefts of batteries.

There appears to be several batteries being removed from various locations, both within farm building and also out in the fields. Please can I make a suggestion that you clearly mark all your batteries with your farm name and postcode. Make it very noticeable use something bright.

Quite often a vehicle maybe stopped and searched particularly if there has been either a suspicious vehicle report or if Police are carrying out a special OP. Officers may find items within vehicles, but because there is no marking on the items it is hard to establish where they have come from. By simply marking these items up we can then identify who owns them and arrests can be made if they have been confirmed as stolen from your farm.

All another gentle reminder to try and keep any field entrances blocked off. Check any padlocks on gateways to ensure that your keys still fit the locks and send in an index numbers, vehicle makes and description of those on board whom you note upon your land. Advise any workers to make a point and check what or who anyone in any strange vehicle is looking for.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have been asked to forward this out to you from Alan Johnson, the Chair of Uttlesford District NHW steering group.

neighbourhood watch sponsorship.pdf

Also:-

There has been a recent upsurge in the number of prepayment electricity customers affected by a meter scam. To read more and access links to a video and to a wide range of materials from the recent National Prepayment Meter Fraud Conference, please click here:

http://www.ourwatch.org.uk/news_and_events/news/electricity_meter_fraud_dont_get_caught_out/

Many thanks,
PC 3041 Alison Rumbold

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have had a couple of calls now reporting suspicious phone calls regarding computer scams. Details are as follow:

A call was received from a man with a thick foreign (Asian/Indian) accent purporting to be Michael from a Windows Service Centre telling the informant that there was a problem with his computer. They pretended that they could'nt hear him (partially true anyway) and asked for a number to call back. He gave them (after 3 attempts to get it right) 0800 0488005.

Internet investigation indicates that this number is used by a company called CoMantra Services based in Salt Lake City but the style and method of approach is strongly indicative of some sort of illegal activity.

Under no circumstances should anyone give ANY information whatsoever. If the caller provides your name and address (which are public information anyway) and asks you to confirm these details - DON'T.

A second member of public called today to state that she had received a call, again from a male with an Indian accent, stating that her computer could corrupt at any time as there were numerous problems on it. They asked her to go onto her computer so that they could access it and fix it for her. Very sensibly she said NO, and then proceeded to try and get some information from them. They also said that they were from Windows 7 and that his name was Jason. The telephone number given this time is 02032397020. When asked which area this was they said it was Southampton, but that is not correct

Unfortunately the same lady reporting the second incident also had another call, supposedly from her bank, stating they were wanting to refund any charges that had been taken from her account. When she asked which bank they were talking about, they said "you know the one", to which she replied that she did, but did they not know which bank it was. At this point they hung up.

Unfortunately phone scams seem to be increasing so we want to reiterate the fact that you should NEVER give out or confirm personal details, NEVER go on to your computer to allow access to these people, and again NEVER give out any banking details.

Most people are aware of this, but unfortunately we can be caught out on occasions.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this.
PC 3041 Alison Rumbold

I'm sure that you are aware from The Observer newsletter, that your NhW Steering Group has been selling door handle alarms from its website at www.uttlesfordnhw.org.uk

Well now they have added some new items, click here full details. It's worth a look. The new items should be on the site by the end of the week in the new "Security Shop"

Uttlesford district Crime Reduction Advisor (CRA) Peter Caulfield has a few top tips for keeping your garden equipment and sheds safe from thieves: “I would urge everyone to make a note of all their gardening equipment, recording the make, model and serial number. We also recommend that you mark all your equipment in a highly visible manner, such as scratching or engraving or using a permanent security marker, showing your postcode and house number or name. This makes it less attractive to thieves as the equipment is then much harder to sell on the black market.

“Also, do securely lock your shed, with bolts that cannot be prised off. Larger tools and items such as bikes and lawn mowers should ideally be chained to a shed shackle on the wall, or to an ‘Eye’ type anchor fix into the concrete floor inside the shed.”

Shed doors can be further secured with shed alarms and a “shed bar” lock. Approved security products can be seen on web sites: www.soldsecure.com or www.securedbydesign.com.

CRA Caulfield adds: “Please don’t advertise your gardening equipment to passers by. If you keep your tools in your garage or a shed, don’t leave the door open for long periods for everyone to see. In addition, if you’ve just bought some new gardening equipment, don’t put the box out for collection at the roadside: please turn the box inside out or break it down so it fits inside the bag or bin, protecting your privacy.”

There are also plenty of ways of increasing the security of your back gardens, particularly through using what the experts call “defensive planting”.

CRA Caulfield explains: “In everyday language, ‘defensive planting’ means putting prickly shrubs in areas of your garden where they can deter would-be thieves. So, if your garden borders public areas consider planting prickly bushes in that area.”

Residents should also consider topping fences with trellis that will collapse on the weight of someone climbing it, or alternately adding a spiky topping to fences, with relevant warning signs affixed to the fence.

If you live in mid- or north Essex and require further information on keeping your shed and garden secure, please contact crime reduction advisors Stephen Armson-Smith for Braintree, Trisha Staerck for Chelmsford, and Peter Caulfield for Uttlesford, on 0300 3334444.

Any information, please telephone Essex Police on 03003334444 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111

PC 3041 Alison Rumbold
Temporary Uttlesford Watch Administrator
Saffron Walden Police Station
East St Saffron Walden
CB10 1LX
Tel No: 03003334444 extn:395388
E-mail: 3041@essex.pnn.police.uk

From PC 3041 Alison Rumbold

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This information was received from my colleague in Epping which looks extremely usefull:

The following is most important if you find yourself as a victim of crime. It outlines information about a statement you are entitled to make that will be taken into consideration at subsequent court proceedings. Please read the information and ensure that you keep it in mind.

VICTIM PERSONAL STATEMENTS

At the Farmers NAP recently we had any excellent input from one of our County Prosecuting Solicitors, Charlotte Davison.

One of the questions that was put to her prompted an excellent response and certainly one that I had not considered.

The question was along the following lines……

When a person has been caught by the police for a criminal offence, the police have to submit case papers to the CPS for them to consider whether or not a prosecution is viable. Some rural offences, on the face of it, may appear trivial. For instance, the poaching of 30 pheasants may seem a minor occurrence but, does the CPS realise that these birds have been introduced by the landowner at an end cost of around £30 a bird? A loss of £900. If there was a ‘let day’ the following day on that same land this could affect the bag and therefore the income to the landowner causing a considerable loss.

If a piece of farm machinery is stolen at a material time of the year, does the CPS appreciate the additional cost that ‘buying in’ a service may cause?

They receive case papers simply marked as ‘damage to crops’, does the CPS take into consideration the extent of the damage and the potential loss to livelihood? Is that included in the case papers they receive?

Charlotte’s response was extremely encouraging and went along the following lines…

Where a person is arrested under such circumstances, a police officer will take a statement from the victim. He can also take an additional statement from the victim called a ‘Victim Personal Statement’. This statement can include any additional loss that the victim has incurred as the result of the crime over and above the value of the items stolen or damaged.

A very simple example would be…. You were about to use a piece of equipment on the land at a material time. The equipment was stolen and, as a result, you had to pay someone else to provide the service. Under those circumstances the case file would probably outline the value of the equipment stolen but make no mention of your additional cost and that’s where the ‘Victim Personal Statement’ comes in.

Should the offender be convicted, this can be read out to the Judge prior to him passing sentence or considering compensation.

A police officer may not offer you a VPS at the time as he or she may be unaware of the circumstances. However, if you find yourself in the sort of situation I have described you have a right to ask to make a VPS.

Tony Ellis
Crime Reduction Officer
Epping Forest Police District

The following items of information are from areas that border us so it could still be very usefull:

News from Chelmsford

Roxwell

• A Blue Black Toyato carrier was noted driving across fields near Boyton Cross, the owners claimed to be looking to buy Tractors – The Index on foreign Plates FGA 980.
• Unlawful Killing of a deer
• A Green Trouper vehicle – no index noted was seen leaving an area of woods between Ingatestone and Highwood. The deer (doe) had been shot and gutted and an almost mature foetus was found in the remains

Great Leighs

• 9th May 2011 - Break in at 3 o’clock this morning at a Farm in Great leighs– all 3 breaker powerpacks were taken from a warehouse. Fencing had been cut down and the road to bridge barricaded with owners fence posts

News from Braintree

• A blue Ford Transit van with TRP sign written on the side took metal shelving from outside a company in Warner Drive Braintree.

The index of the vehicle is not known and following checks with TRP it is likely that it is an ex-fleet vehicle that has been sold. At this time we have no way of tracing the vehicle after speaking with TRP.The Same van is believed be Responsible for other metal thefts in the area..

If a vehicle matching this description is seen on any of the industrial estates or farms please contact police ASAP on either 0300 333 4444 or 999.

News from Witham

• A White Ford Transit vehicle ND05 OSM was noted just about to load some metal into the rear of the van, when approached and asked for authority and identification the vehicle left, empty handed. This incident happened at an industrial Estate in Witham, but those who commit crime travel.

General crime prevention advice

• Make sure that all vehicles are immobilised or kept securely in a locked building.
• If vehicles are left in fields, make sure they are not near roads which could provide thieves with a quick and easy escape route.
• Keep farm boundaries in a good state of repair so that fences and gates cannot be moved easily. Use capping hinges on gates to prevent their removal.
• Brand livestock to make sure they are easily identifiable as yours.
• If you can, install CCTV so you can monitor activity both near to your home and in the outlying parts of your farm.
• Use security lighting so that thieves can clearly be seen by neighbours and CCTV cameras.
• Make sure that valuable items are stored in a secure building with a good quality front door, British Standard locks and windows which cannot easily be accessed.

Security Marking

• Make sure all your property is marked with your postcode and house or farm number/name.
• Consider marking valuable pieces of machinery with SmartWater or with a ultra-violet pen. Other marking methods include engraving and stamping.

Security Marking

• Note down the make, model and serial number of your property.
• Take photographs of your property – it will benefit any investigation if that property is stolen. If items are small, photograph them next to a ruler to indicate scale.
• Register your property for free on the Immobilise website – a free database used by police to help locate stolen property. To register items visit www.immobilise.com.

Below are incidents that have occured in the local area over the past week:

• Non dwelling burglary, Canfield rd, Takeley,
  Between 0030hrs and 0630hrs on 12/5/11, someone has gained entry to a secure outbuilding by jemmying open a single glazed window causing it to splinter and break at the latch. Once inside they have removed a number of items of garden equipment and equestrian equipment. Both were of high value. They have then entered another secure outbuilding by unscrewing a bolt and removed the CCTV recorder and the wireless dongel.
• Dwelling burglary, Dunmow rd, Hatfield Broad Oak, Bishops Stortford,
  Between 2200hrs on 14/5/11 and 0830hrs on 15/5/11, someone has entered the property by forcing the front door causing damage to the wooden door frame. A John Lewis sewing machine and an Ibanez, sunburst, bass guitar and guitar equipment, was stolen. They have then entered 4 outbuildings and removed a number of tools, gardening equipment and a number of equestrian items.
• Theft, Hollow rd, Widdington, Saffron Walden,
  Between 0900hrs on 25/4/11 and 1430hrs on 9/5/11, someone has removed the battery from a blue tractor.
• Theft, Wicken Rd, Clavering, Saffron Walden,
  Between 1700hrs on 9/5/11 and 0800hrs on 10/5/11, someone has removed vehicle parts from a silver Ifor Williams trailer by putting the trailer on a jack and removed all four tyres and brakes.

If you have any information regarding anything above, please telephone Essex Police on 03003334444 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111

Many thanks

PC 3041 Alison Rumbold
Temporary Uttlesford Watch Administrator
Saffron Walden Police Station
East St Saffron Walden
CB10 1LX
Tel No: 03003334444 extn:395388
E-mail: 3041@essex.pnn.police.uk

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) today launched their 2011 Scams Awareness Month in association with trading standards. In a bid to raise awareness of mass market scam mailings, trading standards services across the country will be alerting consumers about scams, and how they can outsmart the scammers.

Every year 3.2 million adults falls victim to scams. Deceptive mailings, phone calls or emails are all designed to con victims out of their money. As a result an incredible £3.5 billion is lost every year. Some victims are targeted many times over as their names are passed between scammers, and lose not only thousands, but suffer related stress caused by repeated requests for money.

During Scams Awareness Month there will be Scamnesty bins placed in local libraries and public areas around the country. These bins are for people to fight back against fraudsters by putting any scam mailings that land on their doorstep into them. To see if your local trading standards service is participating visit Consumer Direct’s website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/scamnesty

Graeme Preston, lead officer for scams, said; ‘The general advice is that if it appears too good to be true then it probably is. However, we are very concerned that those who are repeatedly falling victim to scams will not be in a position to heed this advice.’

What can never be underestimated is the effect on the victims and their loved ones as illustrated by the Think Jessica campaign at www.thinkjessica.com. The Trading Standards Institute supports this campaign which was launched in October 2009. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of postal scams; advising people to think before sending money to claim fake prizes from bogus lotteries, competitions and catalogues.

To find out more information or to report a scam, visit the Consumer Direct website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/reportscam

Uttlesford remains one of the safest places to live and work in the UK as a result of police working in partnership with the district council, county council, fire service and the primary care trust.

Watch schemes, especially Neighbourhood Watch, also make great contributions to the district.

I am particularly keen to reduce acquisitive crime in the district, especially thefts from vehicles and non-dwelling burglaries, and would like to reiterate the message about locking vehicles and not leaving anything on display.

Vehicle safety crime prevention advice

Firstly, please park your vehicle in safe areas. Choose somewhere busy and well lit with good surveillance. Areas where there are few people about, several escape routes and cars hidden out of view are attractive to thieves.

Try to use car parks with Park Mark status. These car parks have been certified as meeting minimum standards in layout and design, lighting, surveillance and controlled entry and exit.

Although it’s not a guarantee of safety, figures show parking in a secured car park reduces the chances of vehicle crime by 70 percent.

You can find out where these car parks are on the Park Mark website here: http://www.saferparking.com/

Secondly, use security devices. Think about wheel protection. Thieves target alloy wheels and tyres from steel wheels so protect them using locking wheel nuts which are inexpensive and easy to fit.

Fitting an immobiliser or alarm system is a sure way to prevent your vehicle being stolen. Consider using Thatcham approved systems or Sold Secure products which have been tested to certain standards, but check with your insurance company first as they may have particular conditions.

Steering wheel and gear lever locks are effective, inexpensive and easy to fit

Etch your vehicle registration number onto all glass surfaces. This service may be free from a vehicle glazier but check your car insurance details first.

If you have a car stereo, choose one that’s removable or has a removable front cover. Make sure you take it with you when you leave the car and mark the stereo with a unique identifying reference.

Thirdly, keep doors locked and windows shut. It may sound obvious but unlocked doors and open windows are invitations to thieves so make sure your vehicle is secure even if you are only popping into a shop, paying for petrol or getting car park ticket.

Don’t forget to lock the boot and sun roof too. It only takes seconds for a thief to make off with your belongings.

Finally, and crucially, don’t leave anything valuable on display. Thefts from vehicles greatly outnumber thefts of vehicles so never leave your property on display on the dashboard or front or back seats. Removing valuables like radios, sat navs, mobile phones and laptops helps remove temptation.

Don’t forget to wipe away the marks left by the suction pad on your sat nav as they may lead thieves to believe it’s in your car somewhere. Keep an eye out for devices on the market that can hold sat navs in place without using sucker pads.

If you are unable to remove your property from the vehicle, lock it out of sight in the boot or a vehicle safe.

Whist icy conditions persist, can I please remind you how difficult it is for many elderly people to get out and about in this weather, particulary those who rely on public transport or usually walk to the shops. Since footpaths are icy, many may feel understandably anxious about walking even as far as the bus stop.

Relatives may be unable to reach family members, because of road conditions etc. and this can be a big worry for them as they might be unable to help. If you do have elderly persons within your watch area, you might like to consider politely asking them if they need any help and if you are going to the supermarket yourself, perhaps you could either offer them a lift or ask them if they’d like to give you a shopping list of items they need which you could pick up for them whilst you’re there.

We'll all be old one day!

Many thanks,
Lindsay

If you are away from home this Christmas, we would like to offer you the following advice to help to ensure that you find your house just as you left it.

• Leave a light or lamp on a timer switch in a living area (not just the hall) to come on in the evening.
• Leave your curtains open.
• Leave a radio on somewhere in the house.
• Ensure you have cancelled your milk and papers.
• Ask your neighbours to move your post if it is visible through your letterbox or door.
• Check that garages, sheds and other outhouses are adequately locked up and put keys out of view, even inside your house.
• If you are leaving a car behind, reverse it up to your garage so that the garage door cannot be opened.
• Bearing in mind the freezing temperatures, you might also like to consider setting your heating to come on a couple of times a day at a low temperature to ensure that you don’t come home to find an indoor ice rink where your kitchen used to be.
• Check weather reports before setting off on any journey and ensure that you have more than adequate fuel to get you there even if your journey were to take you much longer than usual.

Please find below some excellent advice which has been taken from the Asda website. Whilst Essex Police do not endorse any commercial companies, I thought the below tips might be of value to you……

As part of our regular communications, we want to ensure that you stay safe and do not fall victim to 'phishing' attacks, that are common at busy shopping times such as the run-up to Christmas.

A phishing attempt often arrives as an email, pop-up screen or text message created by criminals to gain personal security information by pretending to be from seemingly authentic companies. They can look very convincing at first glance as they copy branding, styles and logos.

Phishing emails - so named because fraudsters use them to "fish" for information - attempt to entice people to provide sensitive information or take actions that a fraudster can exploit for financial gain or other malicious purposes. Within the message they then urge you to click on a link from an apparently real business that you may have used. From that site they trick you into giving away your personal security information. Some phishing emails even threaten dire consequences if you don't respond.

Top Tips to avoid falling for a phishing scam:

• Think before you act - if it sounds suspicious, or too good to be true, it probably is.
• Never respond directly to an email request from a company for personal or financial information. Instead verify the authenticity of the request by using an email or telephone contact that you know is legitimate.
• Never go to a web site from a link in an email you suspect to be fraudulent. Instead enter URLs that you know are legitimate directly into your browser or by using bookmarks you created.
• If you unwittingly supply personal or financial information, inform the appropriate institutions immediately. Banks and credit card companies will work with you to prevent your information from being used against you.
• If an apparently legitimate Web site that you have visited before prompts you for a password, enter an incorrect one first. A fraudulent Web site will accept an incorrect password while a legitimate one will not.

Can I please remind you of the scam that I described to you last autumn, since this scam appears to still be running.

Details are as follow:

A professional sounding adult male phones the victim stating that he is calling from BT Collection Service because money is owed to BT. The caller states that the victim’s bank has stopped Direct Debit payment and that outstanding monies are owed immediately and failure to pay will result in immediate loss of the telephone line. The amount owed is typically less than £10. The caller asks for the victim’s credit card details so that payment can be made. The caller also “proves” he can easily cut off the victim’s phone, telling them to hand up and try dialling out. It is then believed he puts them on “hold” so that the line is still connected, but of course the victim believes their line has been disconnected. The offender then phones them back and again attempts to obtain their credit card details. The main object for the caller is not the payment of under £10, but the credit card information.

Please be aware that you should never give your credit card information over the phone to anyone who calls YOU.

Should you or any of your members receive suck a call then you should immediately contact the BT Nuisance Call Bureau on 0800 411 422.

If you have any information about this incident or have any information which you think might be of help to the Police, please call Essex Police on 0300 333 4444.

Southend Library Service has alerted us to the following scam.

A company cold calls you at home and states there is a problem with the anti-virus software on your computer. They sound very plausible and offer to help you download and install a programme, free of charge, to help you update your protection.

They can be quite persistent and when this programme is downloaded and installed on your computer they can then access your personal information including passwords and bank details.

The standard advice if cold called is to terminate the call without handing over any personal information.

If you are contacted please notify Consumer Direct on 08454 040506, providing as much information as possible.

For more information visit www.getsafeonline.gov.uk.

Police in Uttlesford district are advising residents not to succumb to high pressure sales techniques from cold calling security companies.

In recent days, police have received several reports of companies cold calling residents in the north of the county, attempting to sell alarms, panic buttons, cameras, and other home security devices.

Peter Caulfield, Crime Reduction Advisor for Uttlesford district, said: “Essex Police advises people not to buy alarms from cold calling firms. If you want advice and guidance around home security, please contact your local Crime Reduction Advisor at Essex Police.”

For home security advice, please contact your local Crime Reduction Advisor: Trisha Staerck for Chelmsford district, David Rapson for Maldon district, Stephen Armson-Smith for Braintree district and Peter Caulfield for Uttlesford district on 0300 333 4444.

Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) would like to remind residents to exercise extreme care when providing personal and bank account details to cold callers.

A number of charities are now employing agency staff to cold-call residents, either door-to-door or by telephone, with a view to increasing the number of people who subscribe by monthly direct debit payments.

Southend CDRP has been made aware of charity agency staff who have been setting up direct debit accounts for relatively small sums of money, which is then paid into their own personal bank accounts on a monthly basis.

However, police are still urging shoppers to keep their purses and valuables safe and secure in the run-up to Christmas.

Few people will actually check their bank statements regularly - a fact that is being exploited by these fraudsters.

Lorna Watson, Crime Reduction Officer, said: “I would advise that details of the receiving account, which should be printed on the direct debit form, are thoroughly checked before completing and handing over the form with your own details. The form can be posted back to the charity at a later date and does not need to be completed immediately.

“Anyone agreeing to set up a direct debit by telephone should insist that they be sent the relevant forms for signature before the agreement can be activated by the charity.”

Mick Holland, Community Engagement Officer, added: “Whilst it is not the intention of the CDRP to restrict the legitimate fund raising activities of charities, we would strongly advise you to be circumspect about providing banking and personal details to cold callers.”

For more information and advice, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Police in Central division, which comprises the districts of Chelmsford, Braintree, Maldon and Uttlesford, are delighted that purse dipping offences have reduced by around a quarter, comparing April – October 2010 with April – October 2009.

From April 1 to October 31, 2010, there were 91 purse dippings in Central division, as compared with 113 such thefts during the same period in 2009.

Figures per district as follows

However, police are still urging shoppers to keep their purses and valuables safe and secure in the run-up to Christmas.

Chelmsford Neighbourhood Inspector Glen Pavelin said: “We’re pleased that there has been a reduction in purse thefts in Chelmsford and across all of Central division, but we’re not complacent. Purse thieves like crowds, so unfortunately they may try to take advantage of the increased number of shoppers in the Christmas period to steal people’s valuables. Police in Chelmsford will be running covert and overt operations in busy areas to combat the thieves. However, I would also ask everyone to take a few simple steps to ensure that their purses and wallets are safe and secure.”

Crime Reduction Advisor Trisha Staerck offers some common sense crime prevention advice: “It only takes a few seconds for a dipper to reach into your bag or pocket and steal your valuables. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps everyone can take to make it much harder for the thieves".

Firstly, NEVER let your handbag out of your sight. Carry it in front of you – especially if you’re walking through a shop or a town centre.

Secondly, AVOID carrying large amounts of cash, and if your purse or wallet is in a bag, ensure that bag is securely zipped up.

Thirdly, KEEP your purse or wallet safe at all times. Don’t leave it in your shopping basket, on restaurant or coffee tables, or on shop counters.

Fourthly, IF someone bumps into you, immediately check that they haven’t taken your purse or wallet from your bag or pocket. Theft can happen very quickly, and you may not notice you’ve been a victim until you next have to make a purchase.

There are other situations where people should take sensible precautions.

Mums should not leave their handbags on the back of buggies or prams, as they can become an easy target for thieves.

If you’re using an ATM, be mindful of anyone standing close to you, and ensure you obscure your PIN number. Once your money has been dispensed, remove your card and your cash, place them in your purse or wallet, put your purse or wallet into a bag (or a deep pocket), and make sure that bag is closed and secure before walking away. Don’t allow other people to rush or distract you.

Dear Neighbourhood and Farm Watchers,

Please see this message, originally sent by Northamptonshire Police, warning about an upcoming survey. This message is relevant nationally so please take note and advise your members, friends and relatives to take care with their personal data. This message is on our website here

Yours faithfully, Catherine Dunn Information & Database Officer

Dear All,

I found an excellent website about on line security which offers some very sound advice regarding protecting yourself against on line fraud whilst doing any shopping on the internet this Christmas. Please see the link below...

http://www.getsafeonline.org/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=1492

I hope you find it useful.

Kind regards,

Lindsay Baillie

As we now have the darker evenings upon us. We are advising members of the public to leave a light on so that house look occupied. Click here for information leaflet.

Traditionally burglaries increase at this time of year so we are asking people not to give thieves a chance.

You can beat the burglars by taking just a few simple steps

1. Make your home safe and secure by fitting 5 lever mortice locks on external doors and for all other doors and windows fit secure locks.
2. It is most important to take extra care when locking up particularly with regard to UPVC doors. Lift the handle and lock the door with the key.
3. When you leave your property remove keys from locks and place them out of sight.
4. With the nights drawing in make your property look occupied at all times by using automatic light timers and you might want to consider installing external lighting.
5. Nowadays burglars break into properties to steal car keys so avoid leaving car keys near a door or window where and lock your car in a garage or behind a locked gate if possible.

“You can beat the burglars by taking just a few simple steps. We do have plenty of crime reduction advice on our website at www.essex.police.uk or by contacting your local crime reduction officer on 0300 333 4444. Crime reduction officers offer free advice on crime reduction and if you are considering installing a burglar alarm will put you in touch with regulated alarm installation companies in your area.”. Click here for advise leaflet.

Police in Uttlesford are delighted that Halloween night was largely trouble free, with only three incidents being reported across the district.

Sgt Lindsay Beckman said: "Officers undertook a lot of work in schools and the community in the run-up to Halloween night, educating young people in particular about how to behave safely and respectfully when trick or treating. We are delighted that only three incidents were reported to Essex Police in Uttlesford district on October 31, suggesting that our communities enjoyed a safe and friendly Halloween.”

Between 7:30pm and 11:15pm on October 31, eggs and flour was thrown at a car in Hunters Way, Saffron Walden. On cleaning the vehicle, the owner found that the wing mirror was damaged, with an estimated cost of £100.

There was a report of eggs being thrown at a house in the Weaverhead Lane area of Thaxted, shortly before 9pm on October 31, which police are investigating.

An 18-year-old man received a Fixed Penalty Notice for a firework incident in Elsenham on October 31.

The Spending Review announced today (Wednesday 20th October 2010) has confirmed that the police service will have to make significant savings.

Although final figures will not be known until the grant settlement is made in late November/early December, it is our assessment that Essex Police will have to save a figure in the region of approximately £50 million by 2014.

Some of these savings result from anticipated cuts in the police grant from the government but there are other financial pressures that we also have to deal with.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Bliss said: “We will now study these figures in order to understand the exact consequences for the Essex Police force budget. Together with the Essex Police Authority, we will tailor our plans for savings to fit with the budget we are given.

"The Chief Constable has said before that we will have to make major changes to the way that we organise policing in Essex in the coming years. As more than 80% of our budget is spent on officer and support staff salaries, there will inevitably be less staff employed by us as we move forward to work in a climate of tighter budgets. We are currently working on a completely new Blueprint for policing and are taking the opportunity fundamentally to re-design all aspects of how we deliver our services.”

Mr Bliss added that although savings of £17million had been made in the past two years, there was scope further to reduce spending without affecting the high standards of local policing. Sharing the costs of services by working closely with other forces, particularly Kent, is already reaping rewards and there is potential for other collaborative work in the coming months.

In keeping with public priorities, Essex Police will seek to continue its delivery of frontline services ensuring a visible and accessible presence.

Essex Police’s Reform Programme has been set up to look at the different areas across the force to find the best way successfully to meet the budget cuts, manage resources, improve productivity and use the comprehensive spending review as an opportunity to develop a new ‘Blueprint‘ for policing in Essex. Our aim is to ensure that we continue to deliver a high standard of service to the public.

DCC Andy Bliss

Police are urging residents of villages across Uttlesford district to join the fight against burglary and report any suspicious behaviour or vehicles to officers.

Superintendent Steve Robinson said: “We made our first appeal for vigilance at the end of August, 2010. Despite the best efforts of Essex Police and local people, there have been four further house burglaries in the Uttlesford villages since then, occurring in Wendens Ambo, Quendon, Newport and Howlett End.

“Essex Police continues to believe that the criminals committing these burglaries are probably travelling in to Uttlesford from outside the area. The residents living in these villages belong to strong and supportive communities, and they are likely to notice strangers using vehicles not commonly seen in the village streets. If you see a stranger or strangers acting suspiciously in your village, please consider politely asking them if they need any help or even, in a non-confrontational way, challenging them. If they are up to no good, they will more than likely make their excuses and leave the area."

Supt Robinson also urges anyone seeing a vehicle not known locally, and being driven in a suspicious fashion, to make a note of the model and index number and contact Essex Police.

Another highly effective way for local communities to help stamp out rural crime is to support and join Neighbourhood Watch schemes. If your village does not currently benefit from a Neighbourhood Watch or you would like details of your local group, please contact Crime Reduction Adviser Peter Caulfield or Essex Watch Administrator Lindsay Baillie on 0300 3334444.

If you have any information about “travelling burglars” in Uttlesford, please contact officers at Saffron Walden or Dunmow on 0300 3334444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police investigating a road incident which left a teenage boy in hospital with serious head injuries have arrested a man on suspicion of careless driving and failing to stop at the scene of a road accident.

A 36-year-old man from Stansted was arrested on Sunday, October 17 after an incident which happened in the early hours of the same day in Pines Hill, Stansted.

Road policing officers believe the boy, who is from Harlow, had some kind of dispute with the driver of a vehicle which had stopped in Pines Hill.

The boy was found with serious injuries at 3.30am and is currently in a stable condition in Queens Hospital, Romford.

The 36-year-old man has been released on police bail pending further enquiries until December 1st.

Officers from Dunmow Road Policing Unit are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward as soon as possible. The number to call is 0300 333 4444.

Essex Police has arrested seven people in relation to a holiday villa fraud.

The arrests relate to villas which don't really exist being advertised for rent on legitimate websites.

Victims book flights to France, Spain and Portugal only to find the villas don't exist when they reach their holiday destination.

Two 29-year-old men, a 37-year-old man, 34-year-old woman, 46-year-old man all from Saffron Walden, 31-year-old man from London and 37-year-old from Hove have all been arrested and bailed until November 2, 2010.

Anyone with information is asked to call Pc Lisa Cox at Braintree CID on 0300 333 4444 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are issuing advice after a man in his fifties from Wickford was conned out of more than £1,800.

Late last month, the victim received an email from a friend's email account, asking for €2,000 to be sent to them at an address in Spain, as they were stuck there without any money.

The victim, believing their friend was in need of help, sent the requested money via a money order. It later transpired that the friend wasn’t in Spain, and their email account had been breached by the fraudsters.

Investigating officer, Pc Robert Sansom, said: “It is really unfortunate that this victim has lost money, after they thought they were helping a friend.

"These emails can be very common, and the fraudsters always ask for the money via a money order, as there are thousands of companies worldwide to do this through, and they are hard to trace.

“I would advise anyone that receives such an email to always contact the said friend on the phone to verify the authenticity of the request, before sending any money. More often than not, the email will be written differently to how your friend will usually communicate with you, so if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The work Essex Police does to combat anti-social behaviour has been highlighted in a national report. A study by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) recognises that tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) is a key force priority because of the major effect it can have peoples’ everyday lives.

The inspectors from HMIC have recognised how much work Essex Police put into dealing with ASB problems. That’s why local people in Essex say that ASB is a generally low or moderate issue of concern to them, according to this report. Local people are right, of course – crucially in Essex this year there are 4233 less victims of ASB than last year. That is a 10% fall in reported incidents compared to the year before. In all five Essex Police areas there are noticeable falls in the number of problems.

I have personally insisted since I arrived in Essex that we respond actively to calls from the public when there is a concern about anti-social behaviour.

Chief Constable

Chief Constable of Essex, Jim Barker-McCardle, said: “I have personally insisted since I arrived in Essex that we respond actively to calls from the public when there is a concern about anti-social behaviour. This survey shows that as we do that, people are reassured, and say that the situation has been resolved or improved. The police can’t solve all these issues alone, we value the involvement of key partners such as councils and others and particularly of local community groups. HMIC usefully highlights areas we can improve further, and I’m very glad to report that we have already made great progress. I have to balance ASB work with other vital police work such as combating serious organised crime, but I promise people in Essex that we will keep on improving our work, with you, to reduce anti-social behaviour.”

Anti-social behaviour can have a serious impact on people's lives and I am pleased that tackling this is one of the force's top priorities.

Robert Chambers

Chairman of Essex Police Authority, Robert Chambers said: “This report from the HMIC is very useful as it highlights what Essex Police is doing to tackle anti-social behaviour and how to further improve the work. Anti- social behaviour can have a serious impact on people’s lives and I am pleased that tackling this is one of the force’s top priorities. I am confident that Essex Police will do all it can to further improve the service that the people of Essex receive, continuing to keep our county a safe and pleasant place to live.”

The HMIC Report highlighted Essex Police’s achievements particularly –

• Dealing effectively with ASB issues are a priority for the force
• A clear focus from Neighbourhood teams on tackling local ASB problems
• Thorough and regular briefing of all officers on ASB issues

As a result of the HMIC inspection in May, we have continued to improve the way we work to protect the most vulnerable or repeat victims of ASB. A new database run jointly with Kent Police will enable us to check progress on solving ASB problems and ensure that best practice is used everywhere.

Energy companies and Consumer Focus, the consumer watchdog, is warning about organised criminals targeting homes selling illegal meter credit.

The doorstep scam seems to offer cheaper electricity meter top-ups but ends up with consumers paying twice. The problem has already affected more than 85,000 customers of all of the leading energy companies across the UK. Please go to this article on our website for more details.

Customers can contact their electricity company or Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, and further information about prepayment meters can be found at the Top-Up Safe website.

I received a call from a member who had been called, allegedly by Sky, and asked for payment over the phone for a “Satellite services repair warranty” which he knew had already been paid for. When the caller was asked to quote the householder’s account number, he was unable to do so and so there is a good chance that this was a bogus call. Upon checking up on Sky fraud, I found the below two articles which I have pasted in from www.skyuser.co.uk and www.digitalspy.co.uk which I thought offered good advice.

Can I also recommend that you consider using a blocker on your phone such as “Anonymous Caller Reject” from BT. This acts as a deterent to bogus callers who tend to block their number. It has the added bonus of also stopping the double glazing, patio etc sales and the “you have won”... type calls.

I’ve pasted the details from the BT webpage below. http://bt.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/8482/c/345,350,1084

Rogue traders are a menace and, although we don't have a particular problem in our District, every now and again an incident rears it's head and when it does it usually means a victim has forfeited a substantial amount of cash. They are difficult to prosecute for any criminal offence because the victim normally hands the money over willingly but Trading standards have had some notable successes in prosecuting rogue traders.

Rogue traders prey on the elderly and vulnerable, often conning them out of vast sums of money for work that is substandard, unnecessary and overpriced. In some cases no work has been carried out at all. Rogue traders can have seriously adverse effects on a victim's health and confidence once the scam is uncovered.

The message is simple: if you're not sure don't open the door. If you are suspicious of them or they are persistent call 999 immediately. Essex Police is committed to dealing robustly with rogue traders and we would rather have a call that turns out to be genuine rather than no call at all.

Last year's national Rogue Trader operation saw nearly 200 people arrested, £200,000 worth of property recovered, 1800 companies checked and over 10,500 vehicles inspected.

Police and trading standards give the following key crime prevention advice to protect against rogue traders and bogus callers:

Leaving keys for thieves
It may sound crazy but 7%** of homes has a key concealed outside their front door. Burglars know this so don't leave them the means to let themselves in.

Hook, line and sinker
One in ten (10%) ** people leave keys in doors and windows most of the time. These are easily fished out using a crude hook and line device, through a cat flap or letter box, allowing thieves to walk right into your home and help themselves.

Got it? Use it
There's no point having the securest locks, doors and windows if you don't use them. Opportunistic burglars will make the most of that 'one time' you leave your back door unlocked.

Window shopping
With nearly one in ten (9%) ** sheds left unlocked or unsecured throughout the UK, outbuildings are also vulnerable to crime. Get a sturdy padlock, and hang a net curtain or put frosted film over shed windows to stop thieves window-shopping for bikes, golf clubs and tools.

Anybody home?
Don't leave tell tale clues that you might not be home, like a build up of milk bottles, parcels or post. Cancel deliveries and ask a neighbour to do a quick check of your home every couple of days. Ask your neighbour to bring in your wheelie bin on collection day if you are out at work.

When the clocks go back
Long dark nights in the winter prevent natural surveillance. Install timers to switch lights or radios on and off automatically if you're not home. If you're going out, draw the curtains and leave some lights on.

Keep it clean
Faulty fence work, loose gates, rubbish in the front garden; all give the impression that your home could be an easy target. A well cared for property and garden provides another psychological barrier to the burglar, so trim hedges, repair woodwork and brickwork and keep it tidy. And remember to put away anything that can be used to gain entry including tools, ladders and DIY debris.

Personalise your possessions
If the worst happens and your belongings are stolen, it can help their recovery if you've marked them with a personal identifier. Permanent U.V. marker pens are a cheap and effective way of marking property such as laptops and televisions. UV Pens are available from your NhW street coordinator or Angie Pearson, the Neighbourhood Watch Administrator at Grays Police station, telephone 01375 362118.

Facts
- Households with no home security measures are around ten times more likely to have been victims of burglary than households where there were simple security measures such as deadlocks on doors or window locks. (25.0% compared with 2.3%) **
- More that one in ten (13%) Brits wish they knew more about home security. **
- Nearly one in ten (9%) sheds are left unlocked or unsecured throughout the UK.

British Crime Survey 2007/2008
** Research conducted with 2,592 adults online between 22nd and 29th August 2008. The survey was carried out by Redshift Ltd.
Source: Angie Pearson, Essex Watch Administrator, Thurrock. Used with kind permission.

General NHW information:

Following highly successful sales of door handle alarms, the Uttlesford Neighbourhood Watch website has added two more products to its online "Security Shop."

You can now get a door bar - a stronger version of the traditional door chain - for just £3.99, and the very popular anti-purse dipping bells for just 50p.

Payment is made via paypal and, as with the door alarms, there is no postage to pay; you just simply nominate a local police station from which you can collect your order.

The website can be found at www.uttlesfordnhw.org.uk and the link to the shop is on the home page.

Many thanks,
Lindsay Baillie

Essex Watch Administrator, Uttlesford.
01376 556 232 / 07837 341 683
Lindsay.Baillie@essex.pnn.police.uk

Computer virus (possible) scam

We have had two reports of householders being called and asked if they are using a computer or laptop and advising that they may have a computer virus. The callers claimed to be working "with" Microsoft. In both cases, thankfully, the householders gave no information away and ended the call, refusing to answer questions. It is VERY possible that the callers may have been in the vicinity and possess the ability to intercept Wifi signals. If you get a call like this, disconnect from the Internet immediately and do not speak to the caller. Please can I also ask that you report any such incidents on 0300 333 4444 so that we can find out the scale of this operation. It may also be that this is a hard sales tactic from either an I.S.P. or antivirus supplier, but either way, there is no benefit to speaking to these people, so we'd strongly advise that you do not.

Malicious computer virus scam (23 November 2010)

Southend Library Service has alerted us to the following scam.

A company cold calls you at home and states there is a problem with the anti-virus software on your computer. They sound very plausible and offer to help you download and install a programme, free of charge, to help you update your protection.

They can be quite persistent and when this programme is downloaded and installed on your computer they can then access your personal information including passwords and bank details.

The standard advice if cold called is to terminate the call without handing over any personal information.

If you are contacted please notify Consumer Direct on 08454 040506, providing as much information as possible.

For more information visit www.getsafeonline.gov.uk.

Bogus Red Cross charity collector

We have had a report of a young man in his 20’s around 5 ft 8” and of slim build, allegedly collecting on behalf of the Red Cross in Great Chesterford. The householder collects for the Red Cross herself, so knew that this was not a bona fide collector. We would advise you to donate to charities directly either over the phone, by internet or through your bank and NOT to doorstep callers.

Suspicious phone calls

A Neighbourhood Watcher has reported receiving a phone call (no number on 1471) from someone supposedly from a “crime prevention bureau” asking if they were members of NHW and whether they had a security system.

This is nonsense. There is no crime prevention bureau and Essex Police would have no reason to call you to ask if you had a security system unless you had just been burgled. If you get one of these calls, we would advise against you becoming drawn into any kind of conversation with these people who we believe only want to sell to you.

Bogus Caller

We have had a report of a white male of around 5'7" with brown greasy hair, knocking on doors in Great Chesterford claiming to be there to carry out works to properties on behalf of the District Council.

Whist we have had no reports of thefts so far surrounding this man, he does not work for Uttlesford District Council. Anyone working for the council should be carrying an I.D. badge and if maintenance staff, should arrive in a U.D.C. or Housing Association van. If you are EVER in ANY doubt as to whether to allow a caller access to your property, you have every right not to let them in. If the caller is genuine, they will have your details to contact you by telephone or mail to arrange access.

If this man comes to your door, please call 0300 333 4444 to let us know immediately.

Suspicious Vehicles

The following light brown LDV Convoy Van has been seen acting suspiciously in a farmyard in White Roding today (10th May), with no obvious reason to be there. The plates were J227JNR at the front and P227JNR at the rear. This van was reported in two separate incidents in March for suspected metal and diesel thefts.

Vehicle occupants were; slim white male in mid 20’s with dark brown hair; stocky white male in mid 40’s with dark hair. Both had local accents and there were no dogs visible.

Please also see a list of suspicious vehicles so far so that you don’t have to rifle through old emails to check indexes of those recorded.

Ford Transit blue J3JFE 14-Dec

Cherokkee Jeep blue N54FLX 12-Jan

Vauxhall Estate blue V905NAV 15-Jan

Peugeot silver RA52 BBV

Ford Transit white X599OLV mid Jan<

Ford Transit white SH05MHE mid Jan<

Mitsubishi N63 incomplete

Ford Galaxy white R805VWC 23 Jan<

Ford Transit panel white X539 DJR 26-Jan

Ford Transit white P412KLG 29-Jan

van white KM06 MHL 29-Jan

side opening van white ***PVW

Renault Clio van red R259C00

pic as per 2-2 lorry white / yellow YM51ORW 31-Jan

? transit yellow ? 08-Feb

Ford transit white 09-Feb

Subaru Estate silver S580UOW 10-Feb

Ford Transit panel silver HG52RWO 15-Feb

Ford Transit (truck?) white P599 DUK 17th Feb

Ford Transit blue J3JFE 18-Feb

? Transit white V056KNH 19-Feb

Ford Transit panel blue J3JFE 22-Feb

? Hatchback white S401 HDJ 24-Feb

? van white FJ59 ??? Feb

Ford transit blue AJ05 ULF 24th / 27th

Nissan Almera P60*VGT 01-Mar

Ford pick up / transit white/red N531BHL 05-Mar

LDV Convoy van light brown P227 JNR 05-Mar

Van (no make spd) white LV53 FTC 09-Mar

BMW maroon K432 AEP 06-Mar

BMW red F502 FWG 07-Mar

LDV convoy panel van brown P227JNR 14-Mar

Ford Ford transit van Blue T720MPP 12-Mar

Toyota Hilux silver LK06HUX? 09-Mar

Vauxhall Brava pick up blue S661LEB 10-Mar

Fiat like Renault Kanga blue

Ford transit white P768HHF 16-Mar

Ford long transit red ? 16-Mar

Vauxhall Vectra silver S401KOJ 15-Mar

Vauxhall Vectra silver S401KOJ 12-Mar

Ford transit white P768 HHF 17-Mar

Mercedes van white P136 MLR 18-Mar

Ford Transit blue M615MUY 20-Mar

Ford Ranger white EO54 2BE 18-Mar

Ford Transit pickup blue X201 GNH. 23-Mar

Citroen small van white KD05 HJE 22-Mar

Mercedes panel van white KU04NHD 28-Mar

Mercedes van white P136MLR 29-Mar

Ford Transit panel white Y969UOA

S661LEB

white is9698

Vauxhall Brava pick up Blue X559GMJ April

Ford transit white AV55 YRN April

pick up black W92OVV April

Vauxhall Vectra green R759WVU April

Ford Transit white P450GMM 5th May

Vauxhall Combo white ET04EFB April 3rd

Vauxhall Vivaro VK56XUG April 3rd

LDV Transit convoy brown J227JNR 10-Apr

LDV Transit convoy brown P227JNR 10-Apr

Travel scam/ Phishing emails

The CAA is aware of scam emails asking passengers who had their travel plans disrupted by volcanic ash, for personal details, including passport information, in return for money. These scam emails purport to be sent on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority.

The CAA has not sent these messages. Passengers are asked to delete these messages immediately. There is a high risk that any personal information received will be misused.

There is no CAA fund for compensating passengers affected by the volcanic ash disruption.

The CAA has notified the Office of Fair Trading about these scams for further investigation.

The CAA’s advice to passengers affected by volcanic ash disruption remains unchanged. Passengers claiming reimbursement of expenses should contact their airline in the first instance.

REMEMBER - Never give out your personal details or information over the telephone, or on an email, unless you are 100% certain and satisfield, as to the identity of whom you are dealing with, and that they represent a bona fide organisation. Never put your personal information or security at risk.

If you are unsure, check with Trading Standards: 08454 04 05 06

Paving Scam

A company is currently doing the rounds, offering to undertake Block Paving, Landscaping & Patios and offering 30% discount.

They have been targeting vulnerable people and getting them to agree and to sign up for work to be carried out, saying that you have seven days from the date of signing, to change your mind.

One such agreement was signed by a senior citizen yesterday (22nd April), and when a relative read the agreement afterwards, it was noticed that the form was dated '15th April 2010,' (seven days prior to the actual date of signing).

In my view, this is at the very least, malpractice, and must be stopped and those responsible need to be brought to justice.

Essex Trading Standards are aware of this, and are following up the complaint.

DON'T BE A VICTIM, Never sign anything without thoroughly checking the documents concerned. Better still, never agree to anything offered through cold calling, unless you know those concerned and are sure that they are genuine.

If in doubt, please contact Essex Trading Standards: 08454 04 05 06

And, once this has been done, please let me know, so that I can inform and warn other people.

Mobile Phone Scam

I've also been sent a report of a mobile phone scam where the perpetrators pose as a High Street bank and call individuals on their mobile phones to apparently warn them about fraudulent activity on their account. When the call is answered a recorded message is played. The message states that they are informing the caller of a 20p transaction that was made to the Netherlands, the caller is then transferred to a ''Fraud Advisor'' who asks personal details.

We would advise that you NEVER give your personal and, or bank details out to anyone over the telephone, unless you are 100% sure of whom you are dealing with . Even then, preferably only if YOU yourself made the call to THEM using a trusted number which is printed on either your bank card or statement.

Harecoursers arrested

Two harecoursers in a blue and white Transit NL57FUK who were seen at Littlebury Green have been arrested and are currently on bail until 27th October pending charges of both harecoursing and criminal damage offences. The vehicle has been impounded and a witness statement taken in support of the charges.

Oak House Hempstead

Metal Theft

Metal parts which are used to attach machinery have been stolen from a tractor at the above property sometime in the past 4 weeks.
Keep an 'eye on' all your equipment be it Tractors, Mowers, Garden Tools - Metal/Scrap Metal is worth a lot of money!! Keep it locked away where possible.
Catalytic Converters which contain high value metal are also being stolen from Cars, Vans and Trucks.

Thursday 30th June 2011

Criminal damage, village hall, Margaret st, Thaxted

Between 1730hrs on 29/6/11 and 1100hrs on 30/6/11, someone has smashed a window by throwing an apple at it.

Wednesday 29th June 2011

Dwelling burglary, Ashdon Rd, Radwinter

Between 0715hrs and 1431hrs on 29/6/11, someone has tried to break into the premises by forcing the rear door but was unsuccessful, but then they have managed to gain entry by forcing a side, ground floor wooden framed window. A messy search was made, but nothing appears to have been stolen. Exit was via the front door.

Tuesday 21st June 2011

Burglary - Walden Road, Ashdon

Between 2359hrs on 16/6/11 and 1000hrs on 21/6/11, someone has gained entry into a property that is being renovated and removed some copper piping.

Arrests - Braintree

Two men were noted coming out of farm buildings in Robin Hood End, Stambourne at 4:30am June 21st. Their car was a Burgundy Ford Cabriolet Ragtop two door Index G609 XPF. When the persons saw the farmer they dropped a crowbar they were carrying.

Police arrested two males for questioning yesterday as a result of the above incident.

At another farm at Robin Hood End, Stambourne, 3 weeks ago metal items including an old seed drill stolen. Those involved would have had to come with a lorry and a hiab to take it.

5th - 13th June 2011

Chelmsford

Fish poaching occurred at a farm in Writtle, locks were cut to gain entry to the area. A white Renault KE03 EVY was seen.

Two males were acting suspiciously at a farm in Wickford. They were driving a dark Kia Sorrento. LK53 --- I have checked the details of this vehicle and nothing comes up on it, but would be interested to hear if there are any further sighting.

Mashbury Road, Great Waltham. 220 litres of red diesel was stolen from a tractor on the 3rd June. This appears to have been taken overnight.

Bury Lane, Great Waltham. 7th June – 8 batteries and cables have been taken.

Also on the 8th at the same location damage was caused to two tractors, 100 litres diesel in total had also been taken from both and one battery This occurred between 16:00 and 07:15.

On 13th June at the same location as above. Between 20:00 11th June – 10:30 13th June. Potato’s were taken. The theft covered 40 metres and between 25 – 5o kilos were taken. The potato’s were not ready to been eaten.

5th - 7th June – Boyton Hall lane, Mashbury. a shed was entered, a diesel generator,oxygen meter and two cans of diesel were taken.

Monday 6th June 2011

Supicious Vehicles

Wicken Bonhunt, 15:51hrs - A green old style subaru, registration number X474BWP, pulled onto a driveway in Wicken Bonhunt. There were 5 males in the vehicle, all with irish accents, and 2 lurcher type dogs. The vehicle was covered in mud and steam was coming out of the engine area. They asked the occupants of the address if they could borrow their hose. They asked in quite an agressive manner and so the occupants allowed them to use it. Once they had finished they left, leaving a lot of mud all over their driveway. The vehicle is not registered to anyone at the moment, but it is believed that it is coming over from Kent.

Another incident occurred at 16:15hrs, also in Wicken Bonhunt. A small metro sized blue/grey vehicle was seen parked across a farm entrance. 2 males, one wearing a high visibility jacket, were seen to climb over the gate into the driveway. Nothing appears to have been damaged or stolen, so they may just have been having a look.

Sunday 24h April 2011

Vandalism

At Carnation Drive, Saffron Walden, between 2030hrs on 24/4/11 and 1000hrs on 25/4/11, someone has damaged a blue fiat punto near to the petrol cap.

Wednesday 20th April 2011

Vandalism

At Tye Green, Wimbish, Saffron Walden, between 1500hrs on 20/4/11 and 0800hrs on 21/4/11, someone has removed a silver BK racers alloy wheel and tyre from the front garden.

Saturday 16th April 2011

Vandalism

At Winstanley Rd, Saffron Walden, between 0100hrs on 16/4/11 and 2359hrs on 24/4/11, someone has cut the cable leading up to the Sky dish.

Tuesday 29th March 2011 between 2000hrs and 0800hrs

Vandalism - Radwinter

Someone has cut a post and wire fence.

Monday 28th March 2011 at 0410hrs

Theft - Radwinter rd, Sewards End

Someone has entered a white peugeot expert panel van and removed items from the boot.

Sunday 27th March 2011 Between 0400hrs and 0500hrs

Theft - Gt Sampford, Saffron Walden

Someone has smashed the nearside window of a black ford galaxy and removed items from inside.

Friday 25th -Saturday 26th March 2011

Theft - Jo Jacks Farm, Wicken Rd, Clavering, Saffron Walden

Between 18.00hrs and 07.00hrs, someone has forced entry into 7 sheds and removed various power tools and lorry batteries.

Friday 25th March-Saturday 26th 2011

Theft - Jo Jacks Farm, Wicken Rd, Clavering, Saffron Walden

Between 18.00hrs and 07.00hrs, someone has forced entry into 7 sheds and removed various power tools and lorry batteries.

Tuesday 22nd March-Friday 25th March 2011

Theft - Fastrack Municipal Hire, Fourwinds, Moulsham Hall Lane, Gt Leighs, Chelmsford

Between midnight on 22/3/11 and 25/3/11, someone has entered the yard and removed 12 lorry batteries, and it is believed that fuel from some of their vehicles had also been removed.

Suspicious van - Crabbs Green Farm, Hatfield Broad Oak

On 22nd March 8.55am white transit type van, reg: GF 56 TVT drove into yard, young white driver (poss mid twenties)asking for old batteries.

FN10 YPL White Citroen Relay

2 men, white, in their early 20's just drove into the yard here at Old Wythers, would have carried on right through the yard if I hadn't stopped them. Said they were looking for a big stable yard, that they had been asked to pick up some stuff from there - when I asked them what kind of stuff they said scrap - old electric fencing and dead batteries. When I asked them what the name of the place was, they didn't know. As I looked at their number plate the driver got quite aggressive and said "go on why don't you write it down, if I going to steal stuff I'd be in a car, not a van. This isn't my van anyway". I have little doubt they were up to no good. The gate onto the A414 was opened again last night, the same as it had been before the last burglary, might be nothing to do with these guys but you never know.

Theft - Millbank Avenue, Ongar

Stolen from Millbank Avenue, Ongar is a large and heavy garden ornament. Sculpture of an adult fox sat upright with 2 cubs, one either side, 14" wide at base, 3' long, 3' high, life-like colours, no identifying marks. This is believed to be unique as was hand made some 30 yrs ago. No photograph available unfortunately. Due to it's size and weight this may have been abandoned somewhere.

Monday 21st March 2011

Attempted burglary - Sibleys Lane, Thaxted

At 23.30hrs on 21/3/11, someone has attempted to gain entry into a secure barn which is located on the farm and used as an office, by using a sledge hammer to break through a brick wall located at the rear of the outbuilding. No entry was gained and the suspect left in an unknown vehicle across an adjoining wheat field, when the alarm activated.

Theft - Oxen End, Lt Bardfield

At 14.15hrs on 21/3/11, someone has removed the batteries from 2 bird scarers.

Sunday 20th February 2011

Attempted house burglary - Stansted

Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following an attempted house burglary in Stansted, between 6th and 20th February, 2011.

Between around 2pm on February 6th and 10am on February 20th, entry was attempted to a property in Woodfields, Stansted, by forcing a rear door, causing an estimated £200 of damage. No entry was gained and nothing was stolen.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information about this crime to contact the CID Target team at Braintree on 0300 3334444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Friday 18th February 2011

Stolen card - Saffron Walden

At around 11am a woman was approached at Waitrose, Hill Street, Saffron Walden. She was told she had dropped money, on checking her handbag her debit card was removed by the person who approached her. The card was later used to withdraw money.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about these incidents to contact officers at Saffron Walden police station on 0300 3334444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Thursday 17th February 2011

House Burglary - Newport

Between around 7:15am and 9:15pm entry was gained to a property in Gaces Acre, Newport, by forcing a rear window, causing an estimated £50 of damage. Jewellery was stolen with an estimated total value of around £100.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information about this crime to contact the CID Target team at Braintree on 0300 3334444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

House Burglary - Felsted

Between around 7am and 4:20pm entry was attempted to a property in Bannister Green, Felsted, by forcing the front door causing an estimated £50 of damage. No entry was gained and nothing was stolen.

Between around 12:30pm and 4:15pm entry was gained to a property in Ravens Crescent, Felsted, by forcing the front door, and stole jewellery with an estimated value of around £300.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information about these crimes, which may be linked, to contact the CID Target team at Braintree on 0300 3334444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Wednesday 16th February 2011

Stolen purse - Saffron Walden

At around 12 noon a purse was stolen from a woman in her 50s, from inside her trolley whilst she was shopping in Waitrose, Hill Street, Saffron Walden. The purse contained documents and cash, with a total estimated value of around £240.

Between around 12 noon and 1pm a purse was stolen from a woman in her 80s, from inside her trolley whilst she was shopping in Tesco, Radwinter Road, Saffron Walden. The purse contained cash, and the total estimated value of the stolen property is around £40.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about these incidents to contact officers at Saffron Walden police station on 0300 3334444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Friday 11th February to Sunday 20th February 2011

Break-in - Hempstead

Waterloo Cottage, Hempstead - An attempted break-in took place between Friday 11th February to Sunday 20th February whilst the owners were away.

Window locks are a good deterrent.

End November 2010 to January 2011

Heating Oil theft - Hempstead

4 Mill House Cottages, Hempstead - Approximately 200ltrs of central heating oil has been stolen between end of Nov 2010 and Jan 2011.

Locks for your oil tanks are a good deterrent.

Tuesday 9th November, 2010

Bicycle theft - Brookside Cottage, Hempstead

A child's bike has been stolen from a shed at Brookside Cottage, Hempstead in the last 3 weeks. The bike was a birthday present for their 4 year old costing around £75. The owners are anxious for the return of the bike.

Please be vigilant and check that all sheds, garages, doors are locked at all times.

Sunday 31st October, 2010

Bicycle theft - Harvey Way, Hempstead

A pink girl’s mountain bike has been removed from a shed at Harvey Way. Thieves smashed the shed window to gain access.

Wednesday 27th October, 2010

Vehicle Theft - Finchingfield Road, Hempstead

An unregistered, white off-road motorcycle has been stolen from a property at Finchingfield Rd, Hempstead.

Tuesday 12th October, 2010

Frambury Lane, Newport

A blue Ford Transit van SW51 KXK has visited several addresses on Frambury Lane in Newport on Tuesday 12th October, with the drivers helping themselves to metal items without permission. On two reported occasions, residents have challenged the male driver who became argumentative. The occupants of the vehicle are described as being 3 Eastern European males in their 20’s, all with dark hair. The details of this van have been circulated to local officers.

Sunday 10th – 11th October 2010

Fallowden Lane, Ashdon

Suspects unknown have removed a iron three seater garden bench by means unknown from the victims front garden at some point between Sunday10th and Monday 11th October.

Sunday 3rd October, 2010

Artifice Burglar - Tusser Court, Chelmsford

There have been reports from Chelmsford of three men calling on households, claiming to be from the Water Board. In one case the callers managed to steal a sum of cash from inside the elderly owner’s house.

It appears that these men, who DO NOT work for any Utility company are targeting older residents to call upon, presumably in the hope that they will be more likely to be granted entry to the property.

Opposite is an EFIT of one of the three suspects - believed to speak with a European accent. If you have been paid a call by anyone claiming to be from either the Water Board or any other Utility company, matching this description, please get in touch

Please keep an eye out for this individual and warn any elderly or vulnerable neighbours not to open the door to any alleged Utilities personnel with whom they have not made an appointment. If you have any information relating to this it should be passed to Central Burglary Squad, for the attention of Hannah Kirk Chelmsford Police Station on 0300 333 4444 ext 420283

If you have any information which you think might be of help to Essex Police, please call 0300 333 4444.

Wednesday 8th September, 2010

Scrap metal collectors - Hempstead

We have have a reported incident of two men claiming to be 'scrap metal collectors' in Hempstead. They stopped at the Wilderness on Wednesday 8th September luckily the owner was at home. One of the men had a Geordie/Irish accent of medium height, slimmish, with brown hair. They were driving a small white van (not really the sort of vehicle you would collect scrap in) part of the registration plate read VK........VG.

Tuesday 7th September, 2010

Travellers on the move

Please see below information from Epping. Please can we ask that you keep a check on your access points for any signs that anyone's been nosing around or damaged fencing etc.and if you see anything which looks like travellers have been prospecting for a new site, let the Police know as quickly as possible.

I've included the Essex Police weblink so you can keep updated if there are any developments. http://www.essex.police.uk/home.aspx

Dear all - please be advised that Travellers are being evicted from Hovefields site, Wickford over ther next 4 days. This may cause additional activity in our area. Further details are available on the Essex Police web site and BBC News site.

If you have seen anything suspicious please contact me at sara@hempstead-essex.org.uk.

Please be on your guard.

Sara

Threat to local horses

Dear Farmwatch members,

I would like to report the attempted theft of a coloured stallion, and the targeting of cobs, childrens ponies and other user friendly horses in the Puckeridge Hunt area. Men with vans have been seen checking out local paddocks in the past month and actual thefts are currently being attempted. The young coloured stallion probably fought off an attempted theft last night in the Meesden area.

The threat is sufficent to consider moving these target horses to more secure places immediately, and the advice of extreme vigilence particularly over the coming week.

The police are aware.

Please pass this on to relevent organisations

Regards
Sarah Fremantle

Please telephone me if more information is required.

Oil Tank Security

Please find below, details of three products that might help to keep your oil/diesel supplies in your tank and not someone elses. Please note that this information should not be construed as a personal recommendation for those particular branded products; but merely as details that might be able to satisfy your security needs.

Regards,
Peter

Peter Caulfield Ad.Cert.ED & CP
Uttlesford Crime Reduction Advisor & Architectural Liaison Officer
Essex police, East Street, Saffron Walden, CB10 1LX Direct Line: 01376 556233
General Non-Emergency Number - 0300 333 4444 and ask for the person or department you require.

http://www.securitydirect.uk.com/

Oil Storage Tanks

Theft of oil from fuel tanks at farms, transport depots and domestic properties. With the increasing cost of crude oil, thieves are now actively targeting fuel tanks!

These tanks contain many £100's often £1000's worth of oil or diesel, and therefore worth taking precautions to protect it.

With the price increases happening by the day, theft of oil and diesel will inevitably increase by the day

Security Direct have developed the solution!!!

The 1" Parallel Fuel Line Lock

- Easy to use
- The ideal line of defence
- 3mm steel case fits over the gate valve
- 25mm diameter lock bolt that cannot be bolt cropped, locks in place
- Finished in bright red powder coating
- Highly visible AND easy to fit
- Fits 1" parallel gates valves

Only £89.00 including Vat & Delivery

Free Phone - 0808 680 680 Web - www.securitydirect.uk.com

http://www.oilsecurecom/

There's a new designed to help prevent theft of your oil supply and raise the alarm should your oil tank be tampered with.

OilSecure is a fully self contained alarm system that alerts you when potential thieves try and gain access to your oil tank. Using our unique range of sensors OilSecure can be fitted to almost any type of oil tank and can detect entry through various sizes of caps, inspection covers or other means of accessing your tank.

The OilSecure system:

• Requires no electricity, is battery operated and batteries last up to 3 years;
• Requires no drilling into the tank to install it which may void your tank guarantee;
• Has all parts concealed within the tank so they cannot be tampered with by thieves;
• Uses tried and tested wireless technology which means that the main siren, which is triggered when a cap / cover is removed, can be located away from the oil tank and at a height which means that it cannot be tampered with;
• Can easily be turned off and on by a unique remote control which uses 'Rolling Code' technology to add even greater security to your system;
• Can be DIY fitted in less than an hour or you can use our the full installation service available in certain parts of the country;

Compound Security

Padlock Shrouds

Hello All,

I've had one farmer ask me for a padlock shroud, but I need a minimum order of 20 to get a batch made up. The cost is £ 30 + vat & p&p. Is anyone else interested in buying any to make the order up? I have called another supplier of these who quoted me £100 each including padlock (which presumably you'd already have anyway), so this is a significant saving (and I know you love a bargain). Please see original description / picture sent out before.......

Container theftsI have been given details of a device being used in East Herts to combat container theft. This device can be used with any padlock on outbuildings which could be cut.

This stops the padlock from being cut. The padlock is protected under a thick, steel, brick- shaped box and is accessed by a hole underneath. East Herts have used them for about five years and had a 100% success rate with them.

If you might be interested in purchasing one of these, I can order them through East Herts Police. The Industrial version is £30 + vat and shipping. Please let me know if you are interested and I will pass your order on. I promise I don’t make any commission!

Regards, Lindsay Baillie

Fuel Laundering

Please read the following article on fuel laundering plants. Fuel Laundering Briefing 2.doc

Tuesday 3rd May 2011

Ladies and Gentleman, for your information we are still having incidents of fuel thefts, some from motor vehicle, and others from fuel tanks, so please continue to be vigiliant.

A white van index number EX04 GVN,was seen entering a farm courtyard in the Hatfield Broad Oak area, on the 5th of April, about 5.35pm. The van contained two white males, in their 20's, who were having a look round. The following day another white van was seen in the gate entrance to the same farm, again with 2 white males in, but when they heard the dogs bark the vehicle pulled away. A partial index number was taken as NN10...

It has been reported on the BBC news that Basildon DC are in a position to serve notices on the occupants of Dales Farm unofficial travellers site, requiring them to move within 28 days.

It is believed that these notices have still to be served but they were giving a direct warning that the occupants would be seeking new locations and for landowners to be aware. Information shows that travellers will normally identify a new site well before they are required to move on. They rarely see out the full time of the notice preferring to slip away to the new site without too much attention. The Bank Holidays are a good time to move because they will be aware that most public services will only have restricted resources available to them over this period.

It is up to each individual to protect there own property from illegal entry. If they come on to your land it will be for you to take legal proceedings to remove them.

• Check your gates regularly to make sure chains and padlocks are intact
• Make sure any ‘ditching’ or ‘mounding’ hasn’t been tampered with to allow entry
• Keep you eyes peeled for any movement in your area and let the police know if you see any

White Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van - KN58 UMG or KN59UNG

The van was seen having a look in at Lashes Farm, Tan House Lane in Navestockside and driving up and down the road on Thursday 7th April at 14.32.

No description available of those driving the van

If you see the following vehicle on your property, please contact us ASAP as information suggests the occupants have been seen acting suspiciously.

R206YHK - White Volkswagen Caddy

The vehicle was seen with a three tier ladder on the top and when questioned they asking to buy an old JCB.

Please keep an eye out for the below vehicle:

T369CCV - Transit in White

As around 11am on the 31st March, a stocky, white male in his 30's was seen going through skip's at Frieze Hall, Coxtie Green Road in South Weald. The male also had a 2-3 year child with him.

Please act with caution as when challenged the male responded in a threatening manner.

Please contact us asap if seen doing the same on your property.

Unauthorised Encampments

The document below has been circulated to Epping Farmwatch and would appear to be very useful, so I'm sharing it with you too.
Please read it, it could save you a lot of grief later.

Peter Caufield

unauthorised encampments.pdf

Please also check out the document below issued by the Country Land and Business Association concerning Trespass, Travellers, Unauthorised Encampments and Raves

unauthorised encampments trespass travellers.pdf

Tuesday 13th December 2011

Request for Information

A red SEAT Estate car, registration number W915 XRO, has been siezed by Essex Police as it is suspected of being involved in hare coursing. If you know of any sightings of this vehicle in the Essex area recently, particularly in the last few days, it would be appreciated if you could contact PS Dominic Farrington on 01279 666144 or 01279 680298.

Around 2-2.30pm today a young boy has been seen knocking door to door in Great Chishill asking for scrap metal with a white van following a few doors behind, looking closely into peoples property, occasionally the passenger jumping out of the van and taking a closer look down the sides of houses etc. They left Great Chishill and headed to next village of Chrishall, where they were seen raiding a skip. Back of van full of bikes and various other items. Van details - large white Peugeot van registration number RN07 ENC with WHS World written on van (this appears to be a van hire company).

Saturday 10th December 2011

Theft of a motor vehicle, Marks Hall Lane, Margaret Roding

Between 12.00am on 7/12/11 and 10.15am on 10/12/11 someone stole a secure red and black Leyland DAF Horsebox registration number E867 XJO.

Thursday 8th December 2011

Non-dwelling burglary, Finchingfield Road, Little Sampford

Between 4.30pm on 8/12/11 and 7.30am on 9/12/11 someone smashed the locks on doors to storage containers and gained entry. A paint can was taken and found outside the containers but no other property was stolen.

Theft, Bumpstead Road, Hempstead

Between 9.00am and 4.00pm on 8/12/11 someone stole metal tractor accessories from the rear garden at the location.

Theft of a motor vehicle, Forest Hall Park, Stansted

Between 4.45pm on 7/12/11 and 7.00am on 8/12/11 someone entered a secure compound by removing the padlock from the gates. A yellow JCB 140 forklift truck registration number KX10 GZH was then stolen after first removing the tracker device which was left on the ground.

Attempted theft, Ash Green, Great Chesterford

At 8.20am on 8/12/11 someone in a blue Caravelle panel van registration number M978 LRY was seen to pick up a strimmer and two new metal roof bars and cable from the front garden at the location. When the driver was challenged by a local resident he placed the items back. The incident was reported to the police and the driver was later arrested and cautioned.

Wednesday 7th December 2011

Non-dwelling burglary, Chelmsford Road, Hatfield Heath

On 7/12/11 someone gained access to three outbuildings and stole a vehicle battery, a metal Custom Copper tank, a cycle ramp and a quad bike.

Finchingfield - Toppesfield

At approx 11.00am on 7/12/11 two males were noted at a farm in the above area looking for scrap metal. The vehicle was described as a Blue Ford Transit pick up registration number MV54 BZB with hi-ab crane on the back– the vehicle then went on to another farm nearby. The two males on board are described as white and scruffy.

Monday 5th December 2011

Theft, Boyton End, Thaxted

Between 9.00am on 5/12/11 and 1.20pm on 6/12/11 someone stole a reel of disused cable which was due to be scrapped from the power station. The empty reel and outer tubing were then left a short distance away.

Sunday 4th December 2011

Theft, Plegdon Hall, Henham

On 4/12/11 someone stole 100 litres of red diesel from the fuel tank located in the yard outside the property.

Friday 2nd December 2011

Bulford Mill lane, Cressing

Between 5.00pm and 11.55pm on 2/12/11 someone removed links from a chain and left a gate open to a field used to keep horses. An electric fence was also undone and damage caused to fence and posts. Horses were not in the field at the time.

Finkle Green, Birdbrook

On 2/12/11 someone came into the property owner’s yard and asked about various items sinks, oven and wheelbarrow. The owner gave permission for them to be taken, but they also took £200 worth of Lead. The males were in a white Iveco Van, partial registration number VX55.

Wednesday 28th September 2011

Attempted Land-Grab/Encampment

An area of farmland at Great Canfield was found to have been fenced-in. The landowner was informed and the fencing was immediately removed and all post-holes filled-in. Entrances to the field have now been blocked to try and prevent re-entry by those responsible.

It is possible that this attempt to grab the land is connected to the Dale farm evictions, but there is no evidence to confirm this.

Nevertheless, you should now all please check all your land for similar activity and re-check regularly. As you know, once the land has been occupied, it is not so easy to remove them.

Wednesday 14th September 2011

Hare Coursers

At about 11.00pm a suspicious vehicle containing 2 men parked in field at end of Calthorpes Lane only there about 10mins but could of been possible Hare Coursers.

Saturday 23rd April 2011

Helions Bumpstead

Barn broken into at Helions Farm sometime between 12:30 on Saturday 23rd and 10:00 on Sunday 24th. Oil and other items taken.

12th April 2011

Weald Lodge

About 11.15am Tuesday 12/4/11, around Weald Lodge, CM16 6AU, an old Ford Orion or VW golf with a boot ( don’t remember the name of this model ) Reg. No. H397 AMC; was acting suspiciously, single driver completely obscured by large ‘hoody’ covering entire face, driving slowly around the area looking at everything and occasionally stopping nowhere in particular.

6th April 2011

Abridge

About 05.45 on the 6/4/11 we received a report of suspects disturbed on a farm in Abridge. The intruder removed a padlock from a gate between farm land and a static mobile home. They entered an open barn where they then removed a padlock from a storage shed. Various tools were then stolen including a set of bolt croppers.

As the suspect was leaving he was disturbed by the victims daughter and so left empty handed.

The intruder is described as a white male, aged about 30 years and balding. He was dressed in jeans, trainers and a blue jacket.

5th April 2011

Mundon

Overnight, a £3,000 Kawasaki quad bike and cash were stolen from an insecure premises in Vicarage Lane, Mundon.

1st April 2011

Toppesfield

At 14:10 a silver, Renault, W729 XBK, 2door was noted at a farm in Robin Hood End. The driver did not want to stop. He was aged approx 30’s and stated that he was lost. The passenger was hiding his face. The vehicle had been seen in the area before. Nothing had been noted as stolen.

31st March 2011

West Hanningfield

An Ivor Williams trailer full of manure was stolen and gates were ripped off. This report came in at 00:16 at a farm in Blind Lane, West Hanningfield. A White Transit L662 BKP was noted in the area earlier in the afternoon.

30th March 2011

Stanford Rivers

4 bee hives were stolen from a farm in Stanford Rivers. Value was around £1,200.

Now, I wouldn’t imagine these are going to be the easiest things to dispose of and “buying them from a man in a pub” is not likely.

If you hear of any such items being offered for sale or you know of someone who has suddenly become an apiarist, please let me know.

27th March 2011

Latchingdon

Tractor and car Batteries were stolen from a Farm yard. The vehicle seen was a white Open backed Transit DP55 WYL.

26th - 29th March 2011

Ford End

Pigeon scarers were stolen from three fields.

Boreham

Hare coursing was reported to have taken place in Church Road, Boreham. Unfortunately there were no details of vehicles.

Chelmsford

A male has recently been arrested after attempting to sell a tractor and sit on mower that had been stolen from a farm in Writtle in the latter part of 2010.

25th - 26th March 2011

Latchingdon

Overnight between March 25 and March 26, a green Ausa M50D four wheel drive agricultural Mule was stolen from the driveway of a property in Lower Burnham Road, Latchingdon. It is worth £12,000 and the registration is AY10 ESN.

Clavering

Between 18.00hrs on 25/3/11 and 07.00hrs on 26/3/11, at Jo Jacks Farm, Wicken Rd, Clavering, Saffron Walden, someone has forced entry into 7 sheds and removed various power tools and lorry batteries.

Thursday 24th March 2011

Little Waltham

1000 Litres of red diesel were stolen from the Pits in Little Waltham.

Wednesday 23rd March 2011

Southminster

Can you circulate to any Farmwatch members that there has been a theft of Wiltshire Horn Lambs from a farm in Southminster, and they need to look at any security they can put in place to protect theirs. These lambs were only a week old and not tagged or registered. They are a very rare breed and there are only a few in Essex. If anyone sees this breed can they please contact the OIC PC 73729 Bettell-Higgins at Maldon Police Station. Crimefile number is CF0245620311

Marsh Road, Tillingham, Southminster

Hare coursing incidents. A Dark Green Nissan Tarano style vehicle was noted at approx 14:00

Honey Pot Lane, Purleigh

Between 7.30am and 10.15am on March 23, a black Vauxhall Astra was stolen from a farm in Honey Pot Lane, Purleigh, worth £5,000. The registration is VK07 XOB.

Tuesday 22nd March 2011

Little Waltham

Person were heard to be shooting and shinning a red light across the fields in Wheelers Hill, Little Waltham. A search was made, new tyre tracks were found but there was no trace of those involved.

Bury Water Lane, Newport

Hare coursing incidents. No vehicle details noted

Althorne

Between March 22 and March 28, someone stole a wheel clamp worth £200 and damaged two other clamps and four locks, which were attached to vehicles, at a Farm in Southminster Road, Althorne, by cutting them off and causing £300 damage.

Monday 21st March 2011

Thaxted

At 23.30hrs on 21/3/11 at Sibleys Lane, Thaxted, someone has attempted to gain entry into a secure barn which is located on the farm and used as an office, by using a sledge hammer to break through a brick wall located at the rear of the outbuilding. No entry was gained and the suspect left in an unknown vehicle across an adjoining wheat field, when the alarm activated.

Lt Bardfield

At 14.15hrs on 21/3/11 at Oxen End, Lt Bardfield, someone has removed the batteries from 2 bird scarers.

Tuesday 8th February 2011

Hempstead

P registered ford escort van reg no. P---LVV Seen at Hill Farm, Hempstead, lunchtime Monday 7th Feb. Wanting old batteries.

Monday 7th February 2011

Gt. Chesterford

Around 10.00 am today (7/2/11) a white Ford Escort Van reg. no. P396 LVV arrived at Park Farm, Gt. Chesterford. The two male occupants drove around the yard slowly then stopped at the Diesel Tanks where one got out to inspect them. When one of my staff approached he jumped back in the van and drove off with the door still open. They left the farm at that point.

Please report any further sightings of this vehicle to the farmwatch mailbox, and if the vehicle is also seen in suspicious circumstances, please report it to the police.

Please be aware that this might be the prelude to some diesel thefts and take all necessary precautions. Consider an oil tank alarm system such as Oil-Secure (www.oilsecure.com), which appears to be very cost effective.

Friday 26th November 2010

Animal Theft - High Laver

I have just had a call from a young lady who has a small holding in the High Laver area which she rents from a local farmer. She has been keeping ducks, chickens and a few pigs on the land to sell for Christmas money. It appears that last night persons entered the land by first turning off the electric fence. Once inside they stole 6 Aylesbury ducks, 10 brown hens and 10 white hens. They then killed a one year old saddleback boar before gutting it and cutting the head off. The carcass was removed but the head and innards were left behind. They then left the land turning the electric fence back on as they did so. Several other pigs were left untouched.

The small holding can be seen clearly from the roadway and I have no doubt this was a planned action with Christmas approaching.

I am contacting you on two fronts. Firstly, if you have any information about this incident or hear of a saddleback being offered for sale can you contact me immediately.

Secondly, if you are keeping livestock for sale at Christmas this should serve as a reminder that we get these type of offences every year in November and December and you must take every precaution you can to protect your investment.

Wednesday 24th November 2010

Hempstead

NA53KFR White Transit Falsely claimed that they'd been given permission to take scrap at a yard in Hempstead. Dug around, but actually took nothing. Green garden waste type box in the back of vehicle.

X reg ex Post office red Escort van – also at Hempstead asking for scrap.

Harecoursers at Lindsell

A blue and silver Mitsubishi Estate L268WPN has been stopped following reports that it was suspected of harecoursing at a farm at Lindsell. The suspects were followed by both car and helicopter and stopped and the vehicle searched. Although there were two dogs in the car, there was insufficient evidence of harecoursing to bring any charge.

Suspicious vehicle - Little Walden

Five old batteries were taken from a barn at Little Walden, by two persons in a white Transit type van at just before 4pm on Wednesday 24th November. Passenger was wearing a florescent yellow jacket. The vehicle drove away when disturbed and no index number was taken, however it is possible that this is the same white Ford Transit NA53 KFR which we have been reporting as being very active this week. This vehicle has also been seen in Langley and Clavering on Wednesday. Please do keep an eye out for it and ring in if you see if behaving in any way suspiciously.

Tuesday 23rd November 2010

Suspicious vehicle - Stansted

On Tuesday 23rd November, afternoon / early evening a T reg, Red Volvo van (transit style) was seen Driving around the top of Stansted going up and down various roads scouting around. They were seen to stop and look at a small building site, then the informant spotted them stop outside his house and one male walk up a drive, he went out to see where he was going to find that the male was attempting to take 2 bikes.

They left when confronted, and stated that they were collecting scrap metal. The informant stated that the 2 males in the vehicle were European, possibly Polish and were both wearing a Hi visibility jacket.

Monday 22nd November 2010 - overnight

Metal theft – Langley Upper Green

2 men in a white Renault / Vauxhall van index EF02 VBT have been reported as taking metal and cables out of a skip outside a house at the above address.

Farm theft - Roding

A Nissan Navara crew cab pickup (MW04 EDF) has been stolen from Roding between 12.10 pm and 12.40 pm Monday 22nd. The Nissan has an Ifor Williams canopy on the back of it with a cage door. It has Essex Farms logo on the driver’s door and the passenger door. It has a fairly noticeable dent in the bodywork under the back passenger door. In the right sunlight you could still read Farmcare Countryside Services on the Ifor Williams hood on the back of it.

Also in the back of the pickup was a Belle petrol engine cement mixer and stand, a tool box full of tools (screw drivers, spanners, hammer etc) and chainsaw safety boots and leggings. There was also a wallet with credit cards and cash left in it.

If anyone sees or hears of any of these goods for sale or indeed sees the pickup someplace, please contact us immediately.

Information request

The Aviation Security Team, have asked that we provide more/better descriptive details of vehicles where possible to help them in tracking down vehicles which you report in whilst they’re on patrol.

Please mention identifying marks even when the index is obscured or only partial (which as you know can be worked on in some cases to work out full index) and to point out that depending on what it is, it's as useful as a distinguishing feature on someones face. On occasions this could be the difference of an arrest or not.

Dents to panel work / non standard looking wheels / tow bar / roof bars or rack / broken light clusters or repair work / stickers to include in the windows as well as outside or blackout glass / roof bar lights i.e. amber / non factory fitting type ariels.

Herts have told us that they have a farmer in Matching Green who has now lost a 3rd piece of plant equipment ( 360 degree excavator).

Also in Herts there has been a theft of metal from Buntingford Waste Management, Aspenden Road, Buntingford. Between 2030hrs on 17th November and 0620hrs on 18th, a 40 yarder skip full of metal has been taken. It is believed that a roll on roll off lorry had to be used to remove the skip which may have had some form of hydraulic leak due to fluid being found.

Saturday 20th November 2010

Theft of underground cable - Elsenham Road, Stansted

At around 5am on Saturday 20th November, a suspect in a Landrover Freelander was disturbed whilst pulling BT cable out of the ground (vehicle recovered at scene). The suspect made off across fields as officers arrived at the scene (white male in 30’s, wearing hat and dark jacket).

The vehicle is believed to have been using false plates since the index did not match the chassis number which shows it to be a vehicle which was reported as stolen from Hertfordshire on 11th November. This is the second such offence in 10 days. In both cases the thefts were discovered whilst in progress and both the cable and vehicles left at the scene.

Cable casings dumped at Widdington

A load of cable casings, presumably from stolen cable, has been dumped at a field entrance in Widdington. If you find any materials which you think may be connected to cable thefts, please let us know immediately as these may be able to be used as evidence.

Friday 19th November 2010

Suspicious vehicles

White and blue Mitsubishi Tipper Y867NJN loaded with gravel was reported as acting suspiciously, allegedly selling gravel, but the occupants were described as “snooping” as they were on private property without legitmate reason to be there.

A White transit van has been seen driving about the industrial estates in Dunmow, Index SE07 HSY. There have been 3 people on board every time it has been seen this week. Please keep an eye out for this vehicle and if you see it on your property, or behaving in any way suspiciously, ring in immediately.

Fuel theft at Shire Hill, Saffron Walden overnight

Fuel has been siphoned from two dust carts at the above location. Please keep an eye out for any suspicious long vehicles which appear to be low on the rear axel (due to weight of fuel) and report any sightings in.

Wednesday 17th November 2010

Farm unit break, Threshers Bush, Harlow.

A padlock on the site entrance gate was cut and the door to a tenant’s unit levered open. One of their own sledge hammers was used to break down the locked office door. A laptop computer was stolen in addition to their keys to their white Mercedes Sprinter van., index number C17 GES (Reads as "CAGES"). This vehicle was stolen and is observed leaving the site on CCTV at 9.18pm. The vehicle has black sign writing on the white van and is displaying the owners business name of "DISTRIBUTION MAINTENANCE". If anyone saw or sees this vehicle after this time, please let us know.

Container break in at Elsenham

Two containers have been broken into at a farm on Old Mead Rd, Elsenham. Nothing appears to have been stolen, but there does appear to be a rash of container thefts at the moment, so if you have high value items kept in your containers, please consider your security accordingly. You can buy battery operated movement sensing alarms online (I got some from Ebay for under £10) which would startle a burglar, even if you are too far away to hear it. Solar powered security lights may also be useful as a deterrent and we would definitely recommend using a padlock shroud to stop thieves being able to force your lock or padlocks with a crowbar or cordless angle-grinder.

Tuesday 16th November 2010 - overnight

Theft of metal a farm in Burton End

Seven chicken sheds have been entered by forcing the doors and scrap copper kept inside has been stolen.

Friday 12th November 2010

Workshop break in – Clavering

A farm at Wicken Rd, Clavering has had a workshop broken into and tools have been removed. We are currently checking to see if the chain saw which has been found belongs to this farm, but it appears not.

Chris Bates, the Farm Watch North rep, has bought a key fob camera which looks entirely like a remote car fob but takes still and video pictures through a tiny, concealed lens. The quality of the pictures is very good and could be used in evidence or to send round to other FarmWatchers. If you are interested in looking at this, it is advertised on Ebay at £7.99 or you can buy directly from boxitsellit@hotmail.co.uk.

This might save any confrontation when taking pictures of wrong doers and help to collect index numbers.

Thursday 11th November 2010

Container break in – Hadstock

A secured container has been broken into by using a crowbar to force the lock at Hadstock. We would advise you to review your container security to ensure that any valuable items stored in containers are adequately secured.

Tuesday 9th November 2010

Car incident - Anso Road, Hempstead

Two windows were smashed and contents taken from a car parked on private property along Anso Road. The incident took place during the evening of Tuesday 9th November.

Please remember to take valuables and personal items from your vehicles when not in use.

Thursday 21th October 2010

Farmers Neighbourhood Watch Action Panel

Uttlesford District Farm Watch can be contacted via email on Uttlesford.FarmWatch@essex.pnn.police.uk. However please call in ANY criminal incident which is in progress on 999 and anything supicious which you think Officers should know on 0300 333 4444. This is still the best way to trigger a response and ensure that the information is relayed to patrolling / response vehicles. If you could then drop a note into this email address as well for our information, that would be extremely helpful.

Click here for the minutes of the Farmers Neighbourhood Watch Action Panel which took place on 21st October 2010.

Sunday 24th October 2010

Harecouring

The red Landrover Freelander T45CRM which has been previously seen harecoursing around the Thaxted area has been seen by the Aviation Security Team on Sunday 24th October, with approx 5 persons on board with dogs in the Audley End/Newport area. The vehicle made off from them across fields. They tried to track it but it appears it made off down the M11. Please call us if you see this vehicle anywhere.

Monday 4th October 2010

Suspected harecoursers - Newport

A Blue Peugeot 405 has been stopped in Newport following allegations of harecoursing in Debden. There was no physical evidence of harecoursing available, however occupants were given a warning regarding another offence and the vehicle details have been recorded.

Wednesday 29th September - overnight

Diesel theft at Wimbish

Around 700 ltrs of red diesel has been removed from a tank situated at the back of the owners yard. No suspects or vehicles seen and no CCTV available. Please take care to protect your diesel stores. The attached sign may serve as a good decoy if you have no CCTV around your diesel stores and you can either make this sign up yourself or I have artwork made up at Morelock signs if you'd like to order reflective ones.

Thursday 23rd September

Theft of tools - at Smiths Green, Takeley, 11.00-12.00

A leaf blower, chainsaw and hedge trimmer stolen by two white males in a large white Peugeot van, one was in his 40s-50s with dark hair and stocky build, the other is just described as having dark hair. As mentioned above a suspicious vehicle was seen in the Clavering area during the daytime of 21/09/10. Please call 999 if you see this vehicle behaving suspiciously in any way.

Epping

A JCB Telescopic has been stolen from an Epping farm in the early hours of the morning. It was driven away across the fields. This may be parked up somewhere as the thieves may check to see if it has a tracker, so please be on the lookout for it. It is JCB yellow has a twin bale spike on the front and the boom has a black rectangle on it, where the previous plant companies logo has been painted over. Reg MX07 FFL.

Poaching at Elsenham

The heads and feet from two deer have been found discarded into a ditch on the Tye Green road and the start to Belmer road this week. Please let us know if you have found any similar evidence and particularly if you saw any suspicious vehicles around at the time.

The Wildlife Officer, Andy Long has forwarded the below on to me which I thought might be of interest to you in protecting your property.

Wednesday 22nd September

Hempstead

A locked farm building at Nosterfield End, Hempstead was broken into and a quantity of items stolen from within.

Tuesday 21st September

Saffron Walden

On Tuesday 21st at 8PM there was an attempt to steal a JCB Loadall at a farm on Debden Rd. The Thieves broke through the gates of the yard entrance and forced the personnel door open on a barn .The key to the loadall is missing. The owner disturbed them when walking their dogs. They were in a small white Astra type van with three occupants.

Burglary in Clavering

Committed at a Farm on Pelham Road, Clavering overnight 21/09/10 - 22/09/10. The offenders have gained entry to a warehouse and three units by removing the securing padlocks. They then took tools, tractor batteries and other items from within these buildings.

A suspicious vehicle was seen in the Clavering area during the daytime of 21/09/10. This was a white Peugeot Boxer panel van index S119CTM which was seen at Deers Green and is believed to have removed a lorry battery from this location.

Fly tipping – Broxted, Overnight

During the night of 3rd September, fly tippers entered a private field and dumped various building waste items such as doors and broken glass. If you saw anything suspicious at all or any unusual vehicles in the area on Friday night, please let us know. Please do always report fly-tipping to us. It may be that we can't do much about what's already been dumped, but the more information we have, the better the chances of finding out who is responsible.

Suspicious vehicle at Chrishall

A white Vauxhall Vivaro Van VK56XVG (as previously reported through Farm Watch) was reported as acting suspiciously at Chrishall this morning and asking for scrap metal. The vehicle was wanted for previous offences and has now been stopped and the 3 occupants arrested on theft / burglary charges.

Friday 3rd September

Poachers at Ugley

There has been a report of poachers driving around farmland at Ugley shooting both deer and a fox. These people had no permission to be on the land and have both driven across farmland and been seen in the yard uninvited. If you have noticed any evidence of anyone shooting deer on your land or can offer any vehicle descriptions or further information, please get in touch.

Harecoursing, Harston

A bottle green Audi P269 FSR and gold BMW full of lurchers and “skinheads” was seen cruising slowly and pulling in fields all way from Harston across A505 at Flint Cross. If these vehicles sound familiar, please let us know where you saw them and what they were up to.

Fly tipping – Broxted, Overnight

During the night of 3rd September, fly tippers entered a private field and dumped various building waste items such as doors and broken glass. If you saw anything suspicious at all or any unusual vehicles in the area on Friday night, please let us know. Please do always report fly-tipping to us. It may be that we can't do much about what's already been dumped, but the more information we have, the better the chances of finding out who is responsible.

Suspicious vehicle at Chrishall

A white Vauxhall Vivaro Van VK56XVG (as previously reported through Farm Watch) was reported as acting suspiciously at Chrishall this morning and asking for scrap metal. The vehicle was wanted for previous offences and has now been stopped and the 3 occupants arrested on theft / burglary charges.

Crime Reduction Department
Essex Police - Uttlesford District

Thieves have made off with several thousand pounds-worth of tools and equipment from shed burglaries across the Uttlesford district, and local Crime Reduction Advisor, Peter Caulfield, warns that these offences could continue for the foreseeable future.

"In the past," he said, "shed break-ins have usually been confined to Autumn and Spring, but now all the signs point to them continuing through the year, and as usual, they generally happen overnight."

Mr Caulfield said that thieves usually target insecure or poorly maintained sheds, but in some of the recent offences, the sheds had reasonable security in place, which suggests that the thieves were unusually determined.

Here are his "Top-Ten Tips" for keeping your property in your possession, not the burglar's:

• Site your shed as close to the house as possible.
• To prevent snooping, white-out the windows or fit net curtains.
• If you have opening windows in your shed, then screw them shut.
• Fit a "close-shackled" padlock and a heavy-duty hasp and staple. Do not use screws, but ensure that they are bolted in place. If you have a substantial door, then fit a 5-lever mortise lock certified to BS3621.
• Drill out the hinge screws so that they cannot be easily removed.
• If the door is suitable, fit hinge-bolts. they are inexpensive and easy to fit.
• Secure tools, mowers, cycles etc with a steel security cable.
• Visibly mark all removable items with your house number or name, and postcode.
• Fit a shed alarm. These cost from £6.00 to around £25 and can provide great peace of mind.
• Do not think that it can't happen to you - it can happen to anyone.

Peter also offers a word of caution about external movement-activated lighting. "These lights are very common now, but they are of little use if no one reacts to its activation. All too often someone's first thought will be that an animal may have activated it, not that there might be an intruder! If you intend to install one, try to find the type that includes a buzzer-plug that will alert you. Obviously, to cut down on false activations, you should try to adjust the settings so that the light only reacts to the movement of large objects.

Further information about locks, padlocks and other security measures, can be obtained from Peter by contacting him via the new non-emergency number 101, and asking for extension 395387

Despite repeated warnings we are finding that over 50% of our thefts from vehicles are from cars that have not been locked!!

Please, please, please take the simple step of LOCKING YOUR CAR!

HOME SECURITY - Most homes are burgled during daylight hours by opportunists.

• Make your home look and feel occupied.
  • Leave a radio switched on to a talking station.
  • Using low energy bulbs, fit daylight sensors to some interior lights, so that they come on when it gets dark, dull or overcast.
  • Do not close your curtains during the day.
  • Close your garage door if you remove your car.
• Secure your boundaries.
  • Repair fences and fit trellis to the tops.
  • Use Defensive Planting on vulnerable boundaries -Berberis, Hawthorn, Pyracantha etc.
  • Cut back undergrowth and lower hedges in your front garden to at least 4 feet.
• Secure your house.
  • If you don’t have multi-point locking (as fitted to most modern U-PVC doors) ensure that all external locks conform to BS3621.
  • Fit additional locks to windows. Use push-button locks on frequently-used windows.
  • Consider installing an intruder alarm. Modern systems are very reliable and are far less expensive than most people think. See above as well.
• Protect your possessions.
  • Invest in a small safe (around £25.00) and use it keep your valuables safe – incl spare credit cards, driving licence, passports etc.
  • Security mark all your electronics and other valuables.

SHED AND GARAGE SECURITY - Many sheds and garages are burgled at night.

• Sheds
  • Site your shed near your house and fit good exterior lighting.
  • Fit a close-shackled padlock to your shed and bolt the fittings through the door and frame.
  • Hang net curtains at shed & garage windows – Burglars seldom steal what they can’t see.
  • Secure garden equipment, cycles, mowers, ladders and power tools with a steal cable.
• Garages
  • Drill a hole in the runners of up-and-over doors (just above the wheels) and fit a bolt or padlock to prevent the door from opening.
  • If your garage has a back door, fit a lock certified to BS3621.
  • Property mark all tools and equipment.

HEATING OIL SECURITY - Now a high-value commodity, heating oil is often stolen at night

• MOVE IT: If the tank is located away from the house, move it closer where you can keep a better eye on it.
• SCREEN IT:If the tank can be seen from the road, then screen it with fencing or hedging.
• CAGE IT: Consider building a metal cage around it with a secure entrance gate.
• CONCEAL PIPE WORK: Reduce the locations that it can be attacked. Conceal external pipe work.
• CUT THE POWER SUPPLY: Ensure that any electrical control boxes or switches are in a secure environment. (Your house?).
• BLOCK VEHICLE ACCESS:Keep vehicles as far away from your tank as possible, Use locked gates, parking posts or hooped barriers. Install a driveway alert monitor.
• INVEST IN GOOD LIGHTING: Fit movement activated lighting and consider the type that activates a buzzer in the house when it switches on. Adjust the sensitivity to prevent false alarms.
• CHECK YOUR HOME INSURANCE: Ensure that your home insurance covers you for the loss/theft of your heating oil.

CAR AND VAN SECURITY – Vehicle security is very good these days – It’s usually the owners who are the problem!

• On the Driveway
  • If possible, garage your car. Many people fill their garage with junk and leave their £20,000 car on the driveway!
  • Modern cars cannot be taken without the keys. Thieves will sometimes burgle houses to get them, so do not leave them lying around. Take your keys to bed!
  • If you have a van, reverse it up to a wall to deter theft of its contents.
  • Always remove valuables (incl portable sat navs) and lock your car – even if it’s kept in the garage. See above – a car thief told me recently that 1 in 5 cars are not locked!
• Away from home
  • Lock your vehicle whenever you go to pay for fuel.
  • Do not leave valuable items in view, especially wallets, handbags and portable sat-navs.
• In attended car parks, always park near the attendant’s kiosk and do not leave the ticket in the car.
• Park in well-lit areas

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS – A new trend caused by the escalating value of scrap metal.

• Commercial Vehicles
  • Ensure that your compound is well lit.
  • Park you vehicles closely together, against a wall if possible.
  • Secure your yard – mend holes in fences.
  • Install CCTV.
  • If possible, allow staff to take vehicles home.
• Private Owners
  • 4x4s and high wheelbase cars should be garaged.
  • Fir movement activated lighting.
  • Install a ‘Driveway alert’.

http://www.essex.police.uk/news_features/latest_news_updates/landlord_protects_his_catalyti.aspx

http://www.essex.police.uk/news_features/other_stories/watch_out_for_the_cat_thieves.aspx

CARAVAN, TRAILER AND HORSEBOX SECURITY – usually working at night, thieves in rural areas will often travel across fields to reach their targets.

• Farms, yards and compounds
  • Fit lockable gates if possible.
  • If you live near the yard, install movement activated lighting or leave lights on all night.
  • Consider CCTV.
  • Remove the rear light bulbs – Police will usually stop vehicles travelling at night without lights.
  • Reverse trailer close to a wall and fit a hooped barrier over the A-frame.
  • Fit wheel clamps, hitch-locks and alarms.
• Private dwellings and driveways.
  • Install exterior lighting.
  • Fit parking posts in front of trailers and caravans.
  • Fit hitch-locks and wheel clamps.
  • Fit an alarm in caravans.
  • Remove rear light bulbs.
  • Display postcode on the caravan roof.

Please note: The advice given in this document does not guarantee that you won’t again be a victim of crime, but merely suggests measures that might deter criminal activity. No contract, either express or implied, has been entered into with Essex Police, its officers, staff, agents or employees.

For a Word Document version of this item please click here

If you are being bullied, or if you know someone who is, then this site can help.

• Advice and information.
• Help with text and Cyber bullying.
• Online forum to share experiences.
• Links to other anti bullying sites.

‘Message in a Bottle’ is a simple means of providing reassurance to vulnerable people, living alone, and of providing information to the emergency services. So how does it‘ work?

A sticker positioned by the lock on the inside of the front door, alerts the emergency services to the fact that the occupier has a ‘Message in a Bottle’, giving personal and medical details in their fridge. A second sticker on the outside of the fridge reinforces the fact. On opening the fridge, the bottle is removed and the form, with all relevant information, is extracted and read. All the Emergency Services know about the scheme and fully support it.

'Message in a Bottle’ is being led by Neighbourhood Watch and the distribution of bottles is via local Neighbourhood Watch Co-coordinator.

If you are interested in this service please call Jim Rennie.