NEWSLETTER

    October 2000

    Sandra Burton, Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer

    Billericay Police Station, Billericay CMI2 9AB
    01277 631212 ext. 45431


    A Post Code question-BEWARE

     We have been informed of the following scam, which is targeting females in particular. They received a phone call at work from the "Post Office" asking them to confirm their company postcode. When this is given, they are told that they have become eligible for some gift vouchers for their co-operation and are asked to provide their home address and postcode in order to receive the vouchers. So fit 90% of the women who have provided this information have been burgled as it is assumed that their homes are empty during office hours. The Police are aware of this scam and the Post Office has confirmed that they are NOT conducting postcode surveys.

    Cycle Marking

     The Cycle Marking in August went very well with 63 cycle's security marked. We plan to hold another Cycle Marking session just after Christmas, look out for the date and time.

    Unwanted telephone calls

     One of our members has been on the receiving end of an automated calling system. The system automatically dials a list of phone numbers and waits for them to be answered before passing the call to a sales person. If the sales person is not ready to take the call the called party gets a phone call with no one at the other end. Our NW member was getting a call every 15 minutes because a sales person was not ready to talk to him. BT can help you if you are pestered by such calling systems. Call BT Preference Service on 0800 398 893. Also remember of you do get malicious calls of any kind, you can get help from BT on 0800 666 700.

    The nights are gettlng darker

     As the nights draw in and it gets darker earlier, spare a few minutes to think about your journeys by car, especially ladies travelling late in the day:
    Plan Ahead
      Plan your journey. What route are you taking to your destination? Do you have enough fuel? What time will you arrive, will it be dark when you do arrive.
    • Tell someone where you are going.
    • If you are going somewhere that you have not been before, or if you are driving alone, ask a relative or friend if they know a safe parking place.
    • Lock valuables in the boot, out of sight.
    • Take a map and mobile phone if your are going somewhere unfamiliar.

      Choosing a Car Park

       When choosing a Car Park. look for:
    • One that carries a Secured Car Park logo. Many local councils now produce guides to the location of registered Secure Car Parks.
    • Good lighting, no dark areas.
    • CCTV if possible.
      Choose a parking place which is:
    • On the lowest level.
    • Park where other people can see you and your car.
    • Park as close to the pay desk as possible.
    • Take your parking ticket with you.
      Vehicle Safety:
    • Fit a car alarm,
    • Fit an immobiliser helps prevent theft of the car
    • Anti theft devices, such as steering wheel locks do help
      When you return to your car:
    • Check the back seat before getting into the car
    • Avoid using the lift, stairways are considered safer.
    • Lock the doors as soon as you get into the car.
    • If it is dark, carry small torch and/or a personal alarm.
    • If you think you are being followed, drive to a Police Station or flag down a Police Car.
    • If you feel unsafe, ask an attendant to escort you.
    • Have your keys ready in your hand.
    • Do not stop for strangers.

      Crime Figures

      Burglary
    • 30 August : Southend Road, thieves stole gardening equipment from locked garage, escaped in Blue Transit
    • 5 September : Norsey Road, building equipment stolen from locked garage.
    • 7 September : Kennel Lane, thieves tried to break into a house through the patio doors, and failed
    • 9 September : Tavistock Drive, pedal cycle stolen from garden shed.
    • 10 September : Hollyford, sports equipment and personal goods stolen from garage
    • 22 September : Mountnessing Road, cash, personal goods and car stolen after thieves broke in through a window
    • 24 September : Coach Mews, pedal cycle and tools stolen from garage
      Theft from Motor Vehicle
    • 29 August : Outwood Common Road, audio equipment stolen from a Silver Citroen Saxo
    • 14 September : Radford Crescent, computer equipment stolen from a white Escort van
    • 23 September : Radford Crescent, electronic and sports equipment stolen from white Citroen Belingo Theft of Motor Vehicles
    • 29 August : Norsey Road. white Escort stolen, containing tools and cheque book
    • 6 September : Norsey Road. trailer stolen from van parked in the Street
    • 6 September : Salisbury Drive. Blue Cavalier stolen
    • 7 September : The Willows, Yellow Ford Ka stolen
    • 13 September : The Pantiles, Queens Park, Black Ford Probe stolen
    • 28 September : Noak Hill Road, Blue Nissan Cabstar stolen

      Do you know someone who wants to join Neighbourhood Watch? If you wish to join your local scheme or start a scheme in your area, please call us at the Police Station. We will be pleased to give you the name of the local Co-Ordinator or help you start a new scheme.

      Crime Cannot flourish in a Community that Cares.

      Who's Who
      Police Inspector Steve Tutton - 01277 631212
      Community Liaison PC Kevin Hoplcn Officer
      Direct Line - 01268 244028
      NW Liaison Officer: Sandra Burton 01277 631212 ext 45431
      Crime Prevention Cohn Mead: 01268 532212

      Diary Dates The Next meeting is on 14 October and The last meeting of the years 6 December. All are welcome at the Billericay Football Club at 8pm.

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

     

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