This simple scheme could save your life. If you would like a bottle kit please call at the Police Station and collect one at reception. The bottles are free of charge, the cost is entirely funded by local councils and other organisations. We have a supply of bottles and more are on the way, so if they are not available when you call, please leave your name, address, phone number and the number of bottles you require and we will tell you when they are ready for collection.

The nights are getting 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.
• where other people can see you and your car.
• as close to the pay desk as possible. Take your parking ticket with you!
  Vehicle Safety
  
• Fit a car alarm
• Fit an immobiliser, it helps prevent theft of the car
• Anti theft devices, such as steering wheel locks, do help
  When you return to your car:
  
• Avoid using the lift, stairways are considered safer.
• If it is dark, carry a small torch and/or a personal alarm
• If you feel unsafe, ask an attendant to escort you
• Have your keys ready in your hand
• Check the back seat before getting into the car
• Lock the doors as soon as you get in to the car.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to a Police Station or flag down a Police Car.
• Do not stop for strangers.

  Telephones
  All calls to any Basildon Division Police Station are now routed automatically to Basildon Central exchange, who will then route the call the Station you want.
  This has been done to cut costs and improve the service. Our experience to date has shown the phones are answered faster. If you have any experience (good or bad) of calling Billericay please let me know, the feed back will help the Police plan their services and remove problems.

  Security Goods for Sale
  Just a reminder that we have stocks of security products that may interest you, including Security Tax Disk Holders (£1), Golf Marking Kits (£4), Haynes Security Manuals (£1) and personal attack alarms (£5). We also have Security Marker Pens (free) and plastic straps to keep your hub caps attached to your car wheels (free). If you need help or advice with security marking, please ask us, we have some good information on the subject and some security marking kits you can borrow to mark heavier items.

  Garage Burglaries
  Garage Burglaries are still happening and the costs of goods stolen from them is very high. Have a quick count up in your garage - you will be surprised. Please check your locks and add addition chains and locks for expensive cycles and mowers. Also, please ensure that ladders are chained up, don't help the burglars!

  Crystal Print
  Our good friends at Crystal Print produce 5,000 copies of our newsletter each month. They do not check the spelling or grammar - that is down to me. If there are errors they are my fault, so please do not blame Crystal Print. Those who send the anonymous letters to Crystal Print pointing out errors, please send them to me, even better, volunteer to help with the production of the newsletter. Regards, Colin Cutler.

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  Crime Figures from 18 August to 16 September

  Burglary
  12 reported this period, eight house burglaries and four garage burglaries. One of the burglars was disturbed by the householder and another of the burglaries was committed while the householder was in the back garden - so be careful. Areas involved were: Newlands Road, Crescent Gardens, Beams Way, Beams Close, Norsey Road (2), Anthony Close, Pantiles, Tye Common Road, Mountnessing Road, Dorset Way and Coopers Drive. Goods to the value of £5,230 were stolen and damage costing £1,710 was caused.

  Theft From Motor Vehicles
  8 There has been a marked drop in the number of Thefts From Motor Vehicle reported this period, which is very encouraging and we hope that it is because people are taking more care of there property. The areas involved were: Waitrose Car Park (2), Southend Road, Bridle Way, Robina Close, Froden Close, Great Burstead and Passingham Avenue. Goods worth £4,360 were stolen and damage running to £610 caused.

  Theft Of Motor Vehicles
  3 Again there has been a drop in the number of cars stolen this period. The locations the cars were stolen from are: Car Park behind Woolworths, Lake Meadows Car Park and Radford Way. Again the Radford Way and Lake Meadows area is popular with the car thieves.
  The value of the cars stolen was £5,800.

  Criminal Damage
  9 Remember that this is all types of Criminal Damage, broken windows, fences etc., not just graffiti. The mindless amongst us caused £3,510 worth of damage this period, which we as Council Tax and Insurance payers will end up paying for. The areas affected were: Radford Crescent, Raven Close, Mayflower Road, Warner Close, Mountnessing Road, Chapel Street, Beauford Road, High Street and Grange Road.

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

  Diary Dates Members meetings are held on the following dates at the Billericay Football Club, Blunts Wall Road,
  8 pm, everyone is welcome on 5 December.
  Quiz Night 20 October at Canon Roche Social Centre

  Who's Who Police Inspector: Richard Croft - 01277 631212
  Community Liaison PC Kevin Hopton
  Officer: Direct Line - 01268 244028
  N.W. Direct Line 01277 633090

  CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111