NEWSLETTER

November 2000

Sandra Burton, Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer

Billericay Police Station, Billericay CM12 9AB

Christmas is coming!

• Set your security and timer lights to come on when it gets dark to make your home look occupied.
• Keep your pile of presents out of sight, put them when they cannot be seen for the outside-remove the target.
• Check your locks are working, and use them each time you leave the house.
• When you are out shopping put your purchases and all your personal possessions out of sight in the book of your car.
• Keep your purse or wallet in an inside pocket, preferably a pocket with a zip or button fastener.
• Don't leave your purse or wallet on the counter while you discuss your purchase with a shop assistant (you will be surprised how many people do!)
• Don't let your credit card out of your sight. There really is not need for a shop assistant to disappear with it into the back room for 10 minutes.
  

  And when you receive lots of presents

  Don't forget to mark them with your post code and house number. Use an ultra violet marker pen as soon as possible after you get the gift. While you are about it, check the rest of your valuables and re-mark them if you are in doubt. If you have not got a marker pen, call into the Police Station, we will leave a supply at the front desk, just ask for one, they are free of charge.

  Getting bike for Christmas?

  Then get it marked. Bring it along to the Police Station between 10 am and noon on Saturday 6 January 2001 and we will mark it for you, again free of charge. If you have had your existing bike marked over a year ago, bring that along and we will 'top-up' the marking on that.

  It's also the Christmas Party Season

  There is always a temptation to have a festive drink in the evening and then drive, after all it's only one, or two, or maybe three. Oh, and I forgot the couple I had lunch time, and one mid-afternoon in the office. By this time you are way over the limit. So what can (and probably will) happen if you drink and then drive, even if you feel ok and filly in control? Well here is what does happen a lot at this time of year:
  
• You could hit a pedestrian or animal and kill them.
• Hit another car or a bike and kill or injure the people.
• Have an accident and kill yourself or your passengers.
• Crash the car and cause a huge amount of damage- remember the Police will breathalyse you if you are in an accident and your insurance company may not pay out.
• Be prosecuted for drink driving, which will result in the loss of your licence, a fine, increased insurance for the next five years and probably prison. Essex magistrates come down hard on drink drivers at Christmas. Take a taxi, walk or always have a nominated person who will not drink to do the driving. It really is not difficult not to drink for an evening. One last point, never take a lift from someone you suspect has been drinking. Yes, it may be difficult to say no to a friend who offers you a lift, but it is less difficult that being pulled out of a wrecked car.

  And it is getting colder...

  Time to switch on the heating (that is if you ever switched it off over the 'summer') and get the electric blanket out. Take a few minutes to check things out:
  Carbon Monoxide
  is poisonous to both people and animals. it is often difficult to detect because you cannot see it, smell it or taste it. About 40 people die each year from faulty home heating appliances. Some of the problem signs are:
  
• Staining, sooting and discolouration on the appliance or around the appliance.
• A yellow or orange flame could mean carbon monoxide is present if the appliance normally burns with a blue flame.
• A strange smell from the appliance.
  If you notice any of the above, STOP USiNG the appliance and immediately contact British Gas or another CORGI registered installer.
  You may want to consider installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home, which sounds an alarm if carbon monoxide levels become dangerous. You should that the detector has the BS7860 Kite Mark.
  

  Gas Leaks.

  Gas, is of course, highly flammable, which is why a strong smell is added to it so that you know straight away if, for instance, you leave a burner turned on. If you small gas:
  
• > Turn off the gas at the main gas tap (usually at the meter).
• DO NOT use any electrical switches, including things like doorbells. The tiniest spark from these could ignite the escaped gas.
• Do not smoke or use naked flames.
• Check that you have not left burners switched on. If you have not, you may have a gas leak.
• Open windows and door to let the' gas out.
• If you think you have a gas leak, call the Gas Emergency Service (0800 111 999)
  from a phone outside you house.

  Electric Blankets.

  Old or damages electric blankets cause over 5,000 fires each year. Make sure your blanket is safe and have is checked or replaced if:
  
• It carries the old BEAB mark (which is circular)
• The fabric is worn or frayed
• There are scorch marks anywhere
• The tie tapes are damaged or missing
• Any connections are loose or missing
  

  More Police support at Billencay

  You will be pleased to hear that a response car is now stationed at Billericay Police Station, rather that one being sent from Basildon when required. This means that calls from the Billericay area will be responded to even faster than before.
  

  Quiz Night

  Many thanks to the 70 contestants who supported the Quiz Night. We hope everyone enjoyed it and we will be doing a repeat next year.
  

  Streetwise Visit

  The visit went off very well and the weather was not too bad. Unfortunately numbers were lower than hoped for, so it is unlikely we will be running another visit.
  

  Billericay Fun Night

  Late shopping in the High Street on 13 December - please support the even, and don't forget to lock up before you go.

  CRIME FIGURES

  Burglary

• 3 October The Dell, Garage door forced, but the thieves ran off when the alarm sounded.
• 3 October Broomshill Chase, Thieves broke into the stables and stole property to the value of £1000
• 4 October Raven Close, Garage broken into, but nothing stolen
• 10 October Coach Mews, Garage broken into, but nothing stolen
• 10 October Outwood Common Road, Garage broken into, £5,000 worth of tools and equipment stolen.
• 11 October Doublet Mews, Garage broken into, but nothing stolen
• 11 October Church Street, Garage broken into, property to the value of £150 stolen
• 17 October Willows Tye, Garage broken into, gardening equipment stolen.
• Theft from Motor Vehicle
• 5 October Horace Road, Wallet, cash and credit cards stolen from a white Ford Escort
• 6 October Norsey View Drive, Radio and clothes stolen from a blue Volkswagen Golf
• 7 October Rosbay Avenue, Radio stolen from a red Ford Fiesta
• 7October Temple (Queens Park), Audio equipment and car parts stolen from a Ford Escort
• 16 October Noak Hill Road, Audio equipment and mobile phone stolen from a Toyota Landcruiser
• 16 October Noak Hill Road, Tools stolen from blue Ford Fiesta

  Theft of Motor Vehicles

• 4 October Tye Common Road, Ford Fiesta stolen
• 17 October Arlington Way, White lveco Ford Cargo stolen.

  If you see anything suspicious, call the Police on 01277 631212 or 999. Your call is important.

  Who's Who

  Police Inspector: Steve Tutton - 01277 631212
  Community Liaison PC Kevin Hopton Direct Line - 01268 244028
  N W Liaison Sandra Burton 01277 631212 ext 45431
  Crime Prevention Colin Mead: 01268 532212

  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

  Diary Dates

  6 December - Last Members meeting of 2000
  13 December - Fun Night in the High Street
  1 January 2001 - Start that diet!
  6 January 2001 - Cycle marking at the Police Station, 10am to noon.

  Our thanks, yet again, go to Decibels and Crystal Print for their generous donation of lime and printing in the production of our newsletter in its entirety this month.