NEWSLETTER

Crime Figures from 1 January to 12 February 2003

Burglary

29 Mons Avenue, Hunts Mead, Warrington Square, Rosslyn Road, Stock Road (2), Perry Street, Summerdale (2), Outwood Farm Road, South Ridge, The Rowans, Mill Road, Pauline Gardens, Norsey View Drive, The Priory, Homefield Close, Brompton Close, Bush Hall Road, Western Road, Grange Road, High Street (2), Radford Way(2), Noak Hill Road, Blunts Wall Road, Outwood Common Road,

Theft From Motor Vehicles

16 High Street (3), Queens Park Avenue, Western Road (2), Radford Way, Kings Way, Crown Road, Moutnessing Road, Perry Street, Central Avenue, Huntsmead, The Copse, Outward Common Road, Heath Road

Theft Of Motor Vehicles

7 Salesbury Drive, Summerdale, Graham Close, High Street (3), Radford Crescent

Criminal Damage

19 Chapel Street, Archers Close, Brightside, Salesbury Drive, Hill House Drive, Abbots Ride, Regent Drive, Linkdale, The Chase, Perry Street, Lakeside, Greens Farm Lane, Coach Mews, Southend Road, Prince Edward Road, High Street, Clandine Close, Grange Road, Knightbridge Walk

Talk from Trading Standards

Sue Bunney of Essex Trading Standards gave us a great presentation on the history and work of Trading Standards (it is the second oldest profession!). Sue explained how Trading Standards have developed over the centuries and how they are positioned to ensure that everyone gets a fair deal under the law.

If you need advise on a particular problem or you have some information about possible rogue traders (especially bogus callers) please contact them on:

Consumer advice: 01245 341888

General enquiries: 01245 341800

E-mail trading.standards@essexcc.gov.uk

Web site www.essexcc.gov.uk

They are there to help, they are also busy, so if you get through to an answer phone, do leave your name and a phone number, they will call you back.

Sue covered a great deal in her talk, far too much for me to report here, but, some interesting points to be aware of:

‘High pressure’ selling is not illegal, just remember to take care. If you have questions about the legality of an agreement, call Trading Standards for advice.

Beware of callers who announce they are from Social Services and need to check your house. Keep them outside and phone Social Services.

There are a number of quite vicious chain letters (both paper and e-mail) doing the rounds. They promise riches if you pass on some money and dire results if you don’t. Consign them all to the waste bin.‘You have won a prize! Just send £10 to get it’ letters are junk. If you have won a prize you should not have to pay for it. Again, put them in the bin.

Protection on purchases over £100 is provided by credit card companies. If you have a problem with goods purchased with your credit card, then the card issuer will be able to help you fix the problem.

If you do engage a workman, get all the details, terms and costs in writing before you agree to any work starting. It is worth calling the appropriate trade association for advice on selecting a company. Check what protection the trade association can offer you against poor workmanship or unfinished jobs. Whenever you can, obtain references.

Trading Standards will always advise you what to do, but they cannot write letters or prosecute on your behalf. They will tell you how to do it, but they cannot do it for you.

Queens Park Burglaries

Following the spate of burglaries in the Queens Park area, two people were caught and are now serving an 18 month sentence in Belmarsh Prison.

However, the Police have commented that when they patrolled the area during the evenings they were surprised how many homes were obviously unoccupied with the lounge curtains open and all the goodies (TV, stereo, computer) on display. Take a moment to think what can be seen by a passer-by in the street.

Car Key Thefts

There is a growing number of burglaries to obtain car keys . One of the popular methods is to push a long probe through the letter box and hook the keys off the hall table. Watch where you put your keys when you go to bed. It is sad we have to remember things like that, but don’t make it easy for the thieves.

Alcohol Free High Street

The Police (led by WPC Julie Dawes) are trying to get ban on drinking alcohol in public in the High Street. It will take time to get the permission granted but Julie is pushing hard to get it done in an effort to reduce the weekly damage and mess in the High Street.

Superdrug Shoplifter

A shoplifter was caught by the store manager, tried the next day and is now serving 3 months in prison. Great news.

Shopwatch Scheme

Local traders have been given ‘mug shots’ of known thieves and the traders ask them to leave their shop. The scheme seems to be working and a drop in crime has been noticed.

Quiz Night

Come along to the annual brain damage session at Canon Roche Social Centre on Saturday 26 April. £7 a head including supper, a bar is available (please don’t bring your own booze). See over for the ticket form.

Goods for sale

Just a reminder that we have tamper proof tax disk holders at £1 each and personal alarms at £4 (including the battery). The alarms are good personal attack alarms and can be used as door or luggage alarms.

Information Leaflets

If you need information on any security topic, we have probably got a leaflet on the subject. Just call us and ask—we are happy to post them to you. If you need markers pens (free of charge) just call in at the Police Station any time they are open. We also have marking kits for loan if you need to mark tools or heavy equipment.

Saturday Morning at the Police Station

We will be at the Police Station from 10am to 11 am on Saturday 5 April. Please drop by of you need property marking done, information, leaflets or goods.