NEWSLETTER

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NEWSLETTER

August 1999

Sandra Burton, Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer

Billericay Police Station, Billericay CM12 9AB 01277 631212 ext 45431

Crime Cannot Flourish in a Community that Cares.

Crime Figures 19 June to 10 July 1999

Burglary

21 June - Western Road, Pink and Purple Mountain Bike

1 July - Railway Station, Pedal cycle stolen

2 July - Railway Station, Handlebars stolen from pedal cycle

Theft of Motor Vehicles

21 June - Kennel Lane, Yellow BMW M3 Coupe P53 RUM

22 June - Perry Street, White Vauxhall; Combo, M248 MHX

Theft from Motor Vehicles

26 June - Lancer Way, Radio Cassette stolen

1 July - Allyssum Walk, CD Player stolen

3 July - Crescent Road, Attempted entry, nothing stolen

10 July - Bush Hall Road, Golf Clubs, Tennis Raquets, Suit and Briefcase stolen

Whos Who

Police Inspector: Steve Tutton - 631212

Community Liaison PC Kevin Hopton

Officer Direct Line - 636454

N W Liaison Officer: Sandra Burton

631212 ext 45431

Crime Prevention Colin Mead

Officer: 01268 532212

Billericay Police Station - 631212

Diary Dates

Members meetings are on 11 August, 13 October and 8 December. Everyone is welcome at the Billericay Football Club at 8pm. It is a relaxed a friendly meeting, where you can learn something from the guest speaker and voice any concerns to the Police.

If you have access to the Internet, visit our web site at

www.btinternet.com/~billericayn.w/site

It is packed with very useful information and hot links to other sites. Many thanks to Roy and Sandra Burton for setting up and maintaining the site - all at their own expense.

NW Items for Sale

Haynes Home Security Manuals: £3 (£9 in the shops)

Golf Marking Kits: £4 (£6 in the shops)

Tamper Proof Tax Holders: £1 each

Call us at the Police Station or come to a meeting if you wish to purchase any of them - all great value and make good Christmas gifts!

Visit the Billericay Neighbourhood Watch site at: www.btinternet.com/~billericay.nw/site/index.html

It is probable that much of this crime was drug related. If you think that drug dealers and drug takers are in your area, please call either Kevin Hopton on 636454 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111

You do not have to give your name

B e w a r e

Doorstep sellers are operating in your area.

Here are a few Dos and Dont for dealing with Doorstep sellers.

DO - Check the identity of the caller by asking to see an ID card.

If in doubt, lock them out while you telephone the company and check.

DO - Challenge anyone looking over your property - did you give them permission? Ask them to leave if not.

DO - Consider if you really need the work done. Think before you decide. Shop around for the best deal.

DO - Ask the caller to leave you with the information to study at your leisure.

DO - Remember you should be given the right to cancel a contract after cold calling (that is, you did not ask them to call)

DONT - Believe all callers are genuine.

DONT - Believe the scare stories salespeople may tell you - they are rarely true.

DONT - Believe genuine tarmac companies have loads over - they dont.

DONT - Believe a cash deal is easier or cheaper.

DONT - Sign anything or pay for anything until you are sure about it.

DONT - Believe special deals for today only - its just high pressure selling.

DONT - Let any doorstep caller into your house at any time.

Our thanks to Essex Trading Standards for these Dos and Donts. If you need advise or help call Trading Standards at any time on 01245 341888 and talk to an officer or leave a message - they will call you back.

There have been a number of very disturbing cases reported in Essex, some where doorstep callers have driven elderly people to the bank to withdraw their life savings to pay for un-necessary work which was badly done. Dont be caught out and remember the golden rule IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT.

CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111
Ladies Day!
Are you trim and fit Lady Neighbourhood Watcher (just like Sandra)? Well if not, here is your chance to get into shape with an offer to all Lady members from Christines in Billericay High Street (01277 634474). On Monday 6 September from 9am to 8.30 pm you can have a one hour free session on the toning table, try the Vertical Tanning Booth and the aromatherapy steam capsule. You can also get a 10% discount on all other treatments booked on the day. Many thanks to Christines for helping to make Billericay NW leaner watchers.

Its holiday time again . . .

But unfortunately burglars dont take too many holidays, so before you set off for sunnier climes it is wise to take a few precautions.

Here is a checklist of some of the things you should consider before going:

If you have small valuables that you are not taking with you, consider leaving them at your bank for safe keeping. The bank may make a small charge for this service - but it is worth it.

Post Code your property. We have information on how to do it and the equipment to do it with, just call us at the Police Station if you need help.

Arrange for pets to be cared for, either by neighbours or at a kennel or cattery.

Cut the lawn before you go. It helps to make your home look occupied, and it will not be too high when you get home!

Cancel deliveries of milk, newspapers, etc., but please do it discreetly - dont announce it to a shop full of people - you never know who may be listening.

Try to ensure your house looks occupied. Use automatic timers to switch on and off lights (upstairs and downstairs), and perhaps a radio.

Dont leave valuables, like TVs and Videos, visible through windows. If necessary, move them to another room.

Store garden tools away in the shed or garage and lock it. Besides the risk of these items being stolen, they could also be used to break into your home.

If you have a ladder lock it away or shackle it so it cannot be used.

Dont put your home address on your luggage for the outward journey. It could give a thief the vital knowledge that you will be away from home.

Finally, spend a few minutes before you depart just checking that your home is secure - you would be surprised how many houses are left unlocked due to the final dash to get to the airport!

Being a good neighbour is best!

The best deterrents against burglars are to have secure locks and make the house look occupied.

Most house hold burglaries are not planned, the thief sees a likely target and take a chance. They look for clues, like newspapers sticking out of letter boxes, un-drawn curtains at night or any other sign of an empty house.

Why not arrange with a neighbour to look after each others house while you are each away? Not just on annual holidays but during weekend breaks as well. It takes only a few minutes of your time each day. Here are some of the things you can do for each other:

Clear the mail away from the door mat.

Close the curtains at night and open them each morning.

Switch on and off lights and radios if timers are not used.

Put one of your bin bags outside the neighbours house on bin man day.

Park your car, or a visitors car, on their drive from time