NEWSLETTER

It’s holiday time again . . .

But unfortunately burglars don’t 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 - don’t 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 (but not loud enough to annoy your neighbours!)

¨ Don’t 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.

¨ Don’t 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 takes 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.

Fun Day Thanks

Well, we had the weather for it and the support. Many thanks to all of you who came along to Lake Meadows on 1st June and supported our coconut shy. We turned a profit, which will help us to continue with such projects as property marking. Special thanks to those members who turned out to get backache and sun burn: Jean and George Smith, Anne and James Larn, Stephen Foggo, Maureen Frankham, Alan Wood (the birthday boy) and Alan’s Grandson, Mark.

Thanks again to J & B Florists for providing the coconuts at a really good price.

Ladders

Now is the time of year that we tend to climb up our ladders to paint and fix things. Stop burglars using them to break into your, or a neighbours, house.

Keep the ladders locked in the garage or shed; or shackle them to a brick wall with a chain and a good padlock.

How to Beat the Bogus Callers

Well done Anglian Water! Printed on my latest water meter bill was the following:

“Beware of Bogus Callers claiming to be from ‘the water board’ - they’re not always easy to spot.

Follow 3 simple steps and reduce the chance of being caught out:

1 Ask to see the caller’s identity card

2 Take the card and close the door.

3 Call Anglian Water on 0800 145 145—we can give you a description of the caller and a coded number to double check their authenticity.”

We would like to see other companies do the same.

We have some very good leaflets on ‘How to Beat the Bogus Callers’ and some door sticker reminders. If you would like one or more, please call us on 01277 633090 and we will be happy to send them.

Message in a Bottle

We have more supplies and they are available at the front desk of the Police Station—just drop in and collect one. The bottles are primarily for the elderly or infirm, especially if they live alone.

If you belong to an organisation that needs a larger supply, please contact us at the Police Station.

The bottles are free; they are funded by the generous donations of local businesses, councils and individuals.

Crime Figures from 6 May to 28 May 2002

Burglary

15 Of the 15 burglaries that were perpetrated this period, six involved domestic garages and one involved a garden shed. Possessions to the value of £34,635 were stolen and damage to the tune of £1,600 was caused. The areas affected were: Mountnessing Road, Brakendale Road, Marllow Gardens, Crown Road (2), Trafalgar Way, Belgrave Road (2), Springfield Road, Mill Road, Southend Road, The Oaks, Potash Road and Billericay High Street.

Theft From Motor Vehicles

5 The numbers are down this period—good news. Have the thieves gone on holiday or are we getting better at protecting our cars from the local drug addicts and those too lazy to work for a living? Don’t get complacent! £5,500 worth of your property was stolen and £1,050 worth of damage caused. The areas affected were: Langham Crescent, London Road, Burstead Golf Club, Norsey Road and Stock Brook Manor.

Theft Of Motor Vehicles

1 Only one car stolen this period, from Hope Road. It was worth £800 and later recovered. However £300 was lost in goods stolen and damage caused to the vehicle.

Criminal Damage

7 The mindless managed to cause £2,060 worth of damage that we must pay for. Besides the cost of making good the damage in increased insurance premiums and Council Taxes we have to look at the mess they make! If you see it happening, call the Police. Areas affected were: Passingham Close, Holly Court, Stock Road, Mountnessing Road, Laindon Road, Coxes Farm Road, Ganels Road and Doublet Mews.

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 14 August, 9 October and 4 December

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