Crime Reduction

Bogus Callers

Some burglars try to trick their way in to peoples homes. They may say they
are from the water, gas or electricity company or the local council. Or, they may
ask for a glass of water, or to wash their hands or claim to have lost a pet.
In fact, they’ll use any story they can to get in.

They can be young (even children) or old, male or female, and might work alone or in teams. They often target the elderly and can be convincing, persuasive and produce
false identity cards in their attempt to gain entry to your home.

By using the advice given below you can protect yourself and vulnerable
members of your family from bogus callers or distraction burglars by:

Lock – keep your doors and windows locked, even when you’re at home.

Stop – are you expecting anyone, do they have an appointment? Make sure
your back door is locked – distraction burglars often work in pairs with the other
sneaking in the back whilst you’re at the front door.

Chain – put the door bar or chain on before you open the door.

Check – check their identity carefully. Ask for an ID card.

Close the door and check using a phone number from the phone book or a
relevant bill, not the phone number on the ID card.

If in doubt, keep them out, particularly if you’re on your own. Ask them to make an
appointment or come back later when someone else is around. Genuine callers
won’t mind. If you are suspicious report the incident promptly
to police – dial 999 or telephone Essex Police on 0300 333 4444

Be ready to give as many details as you can about the callers
description(s) together with any details you may have about vehicles they
are using, in particular registration numbers.

Remember, the earlier police are notified that bogus callers or distraction
burglars are working in an area, the quicker they can investigate.

TOP

Burglaries

Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves.

In two out of 10 burglaries they don’t even have to use force – they get in through an open door or window. Most burglars do not want to draw attention to themselves so they will try and get into the house, garage or shed without being seen or heard.

You can reduce the likelihood of being burgled by taking the following
basic steps:

House

Examine all doors, ensure they are fitted with 5 lever mortise deadlocks (British Standard Kitemark BS3621).

Ensure windows are fitted with locking handles or additional locks, but know
where keys are in case of fire.

Consider investing in a small secured safe that can house items of jewellery,
personal documents, bank cards and cash.

Take photographs of valuable and sentimental items and have them
security marked as this will assist in offenders being identified and property
being returned to you. Record and retain serial and model numbers of property.

Keep your doors locked when you’re at home, even when popping out to
the garden or to visit a neighbour.

Never leave house or car keys where they can be seen from a window or
letterbox. This affords the burglar easy access to your home or car. Keep them out of sight and in a safe place.

Ensure your home looks occupied – use time switches to turn on lights, radios and other appliances when you’re out. Cancel milk, newspaper and other known deliveries.

Consider installing a burglar alarm – but obtain professional advice beforehand.

Prevent intruders getting to the back and sides of your home by installing strong fencing or gates.

Garage or Shed

Garages and sheds are often full of expensive tools, which are ideal for breaking into the rest of the house.

Never leave a garage or garden shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to your home.

Fit strong padlocks to shed and garage doors, and make sure that the doors are solid enough not to be kicked in.

Visibly and permanently security mark tools, bicycles, garden machinery
and other property.

Secure tools, mowers and other machinery to the wall or floor with a high security chain fixed to a sturdy anchor point, or within a locked steel box.
Consider installing security lighting which can act as a deterrent during the hours of darkness.

If you witness a burglary or you see anyone acting suspiciously report it
promptly to police – dial 999 or telephone Essex Police on 0300 333 4444.

Further detailed information on home security is available here:

Home Office Crime Prevention Information

or via the Tendring Crime Prevention Officer – Calvin Heal – 01255 254020

Visit the following site for more information on home protection:

Home Protection Information

Gardens

For information on how to protect your garden view our Rich Pickings  information leaflet.

TOP  

Vehicle Crime

Vehice crime can be distressing, annoying and cause a lot of inconvenience, as well as leaving you out of pocket. That’s why security features should be as important as any other feature. It is often opportunistic, but there are easy ways to outsmart the thief by following the tips below:

Cars

• Lock all doors and close all windows (including the sunroof) every time you leave your car unattended.
• Don’t leave anything on display in your car. Even an old coat is temptation for someone to ‘smash and grab.’
• Lock possession in your car boot is you have to leave them in your car.
• Have an electronic immobiliser professionally fitted or use a good quality mechanical immobiliser such as a steering wheel lock.
• Fit locking wheel nuts.
• Have your car’s registration number etched onto all glass surfaces.
• Try to look for a public car park which is part of the police ‘Safer Parking Scheme’. Car parks that meet the standards are entitled to display the ‘Park Mark® sign.

Motorcycles

• Get a combined alarm and immobiliser
  professionally fitted.
• A good disc lock is useful, but U-locks are better. Always try to secure your motorbike or scooter to something which is solid and cannot be moved.
• Put security markings on as many parts of your motorbike or scooter as possible.
• Ground anchors are good for protecting your machine at home and if you have a garage use it and keep it locked.

TOP

Bicycles

• When buying a bike budget for security and take out insurance, either by extending your home contents policy or through a separate one.
• At home, keep your bike in a secure garage or shed and keep the door locked.
• When parking your bike, lock it to an immovable object like a bike rack or ground anchor. Lock both the wheels and the frame together and take smaller parts like the lights with you.
• Look for security products that have been tested against attack and invest in a quality lock.
• Hardened steel D-shaped locks are recommended as the minimum standard.
• Security mark the bike.

TOP

Contact Us

Leanne Thornton Community Safety Manager
E-mail Leanne
Tel: 01255 686353
Mobile: 07850 090670

Lisa Staras
Community Safety Officer
E-mail Lisa
Tel: 01255 686355
Mobile: 07768925404

Laura Hicks
Anti-Social Behaviour Coordinator
E-mail Laura
Tel: 01255 686 359
Mobile: 07760 391 864