NEWSLETTER
April 2000
Sandra Burton, Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer
Billericay Police Station, Billericay CM12 9AB
01277 631212 ext 45431Operation Resolve 2
Following the sussess of Operation Resolve, aimed at catching early evening burglars. It does suprize a lot of people that many burglaries happen in the early evening, between daylight failing and residents getting home from work - so keep your eye peeledThe regular Constabulary are being assisted by the Billericay Specials, who provide a valuable volenteer force that helps to keep Billericay safe from crime.
The Eye in the Sky srikes again
On the morning of Tuesday the 14th of March a stole Ford car was found abandonded near Radford Way. Due to a number of other incidents in the area involving stolen cars, local officers were deployed and a short time later the car was seen to drive off.The driver failed to stop for the Police, and additional officers from Traffic Division and The Air Support Unit were used to follow and detain the occupants of the stolen car.
A male adult from the Billericay area is currently remandeed in custody for a number of offences. His adult female passenger from the Basildon area is currently on Police bail to appear in court for the related offences.
Agood result for Billericy Police and law and order, but as Police remind us, most of the cars stolen last month in our area were fitted only with the basic manufacturers security: The ignition operated steering lock. Also the audio equipment had not been security marked.
Unfortunatly most car manufacturers security devices present no great
deterent to car thieves, so additional security is required.
The age, condition and model of the car has little bearing on whether it will be a
target foe thieves - they probably make £50 to £100 at most out of a stolen car,
but the victim lose a lot more in insurance excess payments and inconvenience.
Protect your property: Car security devices are available from many shops in the town: ranging from additional steering locks to electronic alarms (remember Decibels sponsors this newsletter, so if you want help give them a call).
Mark your property:if you need help, call us at the Police Station. The only way the Police can get your property back to you is if it is marked. Remember, propert6y marking is also one of the few ways the Police can identify it as stolen and not a 'boot sale' purchase
Welcome to Pat Mahoney
A recent arrival at Billericay Police Station is Sergeant Pat Mahoney. When you see him on the beat, say hallo, he is a very nine bloke!.
First Aid Kits over the phone - BEWARE!.
One of our members was 'cold sold' on the phone by a person selling First Aid Kits at about £35 each.Being wary of such calls our member started to ask for more details at which the caller became agitated and hung up.
Firstmany thanks for the information;secondly,the rest of us need to take note to be on our guard. Be very wary of such calls and never give away details like your credit card number or the fact of when you will be out at work if they offer to deliver. If you are interested, ask in which store you can go to see and purchase the goods.
Bogus Traders - Doorstep initiative
Continuing the theme of cold calling Essex Trading Standards were very pleased to tell us of recent legislation that allows Trading Standards the power to prosecute traders who do not give the consumer a written 7 day notice of cancellation, a 'cooling off period'.The legislation now makes it a Criminal Offence if doorstep traders do not supply customers with a written 7 day notice of cancellation for unsolicited visits for goods and services over the value of £35.
Door to door 'salespeople' frequently target the elderly and infirm, carring out shoddy, sub-standard work
for exorbitant prices.
This new legislation now allows Trading Standards to prosecute sush sellers if they
do not comply with the 7 day notice. Advice and information can be obtained from Essex Trading Standards
at Chelmsford on 01245 341888
they are open 9 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.
The services of Trading Standards are free and they are experts in the field - please use them before you
part with your hard earned cash.
Beware of callers in your area
We have had a number of reports of callers aggressively selling double glazing. knife sharpening and tools We cannot say that these callers are all bogus, but think before you buy. If they become aggressive close the door and call the Police if you feel threatened. Please keep a look out for your elderly neighbours - they may be vulnerable.
Youth at Risk Scheme
A scheme exists that tries to help Youths at Risk, by that they mean at risk of getting involved in drugs, thefts and general lawlessness. The idea behind the scheme is to steer these people in a better direction. Help takes a number of forms, both practical and intellectual; each student is given a mentor who will work with them for as long as required to turn them into more responsible adults.The scheme has been running for a number of years right across the country and in some areas the fall in crime (burglaries, vandalism, violence) have been dramatic.
If you are a youth at risk or know of someone in the 17 to 19 year old age group who would benefit from help, please contact Nathan Roberts on 01268 527482.
Basildon Police & Community Consultative Group
Each quarter this group meets with the aim of improving policing in the Basildon area, discussing policing plans and exploring ways in which the various community groups and Police can work together better.
The group comprises of representatives from the Police, Councils and many community groups (including Neighbourhood Watch).
Meetings are usually held at The Basilon Centre, but the plan is to move the meetings around the area and the June meeting will be
held in Billericay (7 June, 7:30 at the Day Centre Chantry Way).
It is a formal meeting but non-committee members are welcome in 'the gallery' and are invited to speak at specific points in
the meeting. If you have any points you want to raise, please come along or contact us at the Police Station and we will be
happy to raise them on your behalf.
Women's Safety Evening
Requests for tickets has been great and the event is well over-subscribed. If you do not receive a ticket for this time you are automatically first of the list for the next event
Charred Remains at the Police Station
We are planning a number of social events, one of which will be a BBQ at the Police Station, probably in July. We plan to have a walking treasure hunt followed by a feast at the Station. More details to follow.Other events we are planning are displays in the High Street, a Quiz Night perhaps a return visit to 'Street Wize'. We will be asking you to give us some idea if you are interested before we commit money to the ideas.
Watch the next Newasletter.
Crime Figures
(We have not been able to publish the figure for the last two months - but don't be misled - the criminals were still at it)
- 8th February at Morris Avenue: Thieves smashed the rear window of a white Ford Escort van and stole cash,keys,credit cards, a purse, wallet, telephone and other personal items.
- 8th February at Gascoine Way: Thieves smashed a quarter light of a Hyundai Lantra, made an untidy search but nothing was stolen.
- 9th February at Langemore Way: Thieves stole two wheels from a Ford Fiesta while it was parked in the street. The wheels were secured by locking nuts.
- 17th February at High Street: Thieves stole a wallet from a diner in a High Street restaurant.
- 25th February at Trinity Road: Thieves stole a Black Ford Fiesta from a private drive way.
- 25th February at Radford Way: Criminal Damage to a commercial building.
- 26th February at Little Norsey Road: Thieves stole the indicator bulbs from a Peugeot Coupe while it was parked on the driveway of a private house.
Diary Dates
Members meeting dates for 2000 are: 9 August; 11 October and 6 December All are welcome at the Billericay Football Club at 8pm. Quiz Night - 30 September Streetwise Visit - OctoberWho's Who
Police Inspector: Steve Tutton - 01277 631212Community Liaison PC Kevin Hopton Direct Line - 01268 244028
N W Liaison Sandra Burton 01277 631212 ext 45431
