Kelvedon

Update

Now evenings are getting lighter and the temperature warms things up we are tempted to throw open the windows wide, please remember that there are still thieves and burglars around. You need to make sure that windows and doors are not left open or insecure while you are not in the premises and please do not leave valuables on display in an open window or door area in case they are stolen. The same is advice is given for motorist leaving sunroofs and vehicle windows rolled down and leaving valuables on display do not make it easy for the thieves.

we have seen a increase in shed and outhouses burglaries in the area, lets not make it easy for the people to walk off with our property if you have a bike or lawnmower Etc lets make sure they are locked away after use perhaps its worth spending time marking our property so that we can return the property if it is found.

lets remember

• Leave a light on when going out in the evening.
• Place your lights and radio/television on an automatic timer.
• Draw your curtains when it is dark.
• Fit security lighting where suitable.
• Ensure windows and doors are closed and locked before leaving.
• Ensure your shed or garage is locked whilst not in use.
• Before opening your front doors ensure your back doors are closed and locked.
• If you are not expecting visitors check from your window who is at the front door.
• Ensure keys to your property and vehicle are out of sight kept away from the doors and windows.
• Property mark valuables to assist in returning items found by police.
• Check identification of any persons visiting, these can be passed through the letter box without opening doors, trust your instincts if in doubt call the telephone number on the identification for conformation, or call police.

Also with regards to persons attending your address selling wares, e.g. tea towels, cleaning products and such, these persons are required to have a pedlars licence with them. You as the community tend to know the vehicles your friends and neighbours drive.

If you see vehicles or individuals that you don’t recognise behaving in a suspicious fashion, I would encourage you to call Essex Police on 0300 333 4444 or 101.

We continue to have a problem with speeding on the rural roads and we have been conducting a number of speed checks and operations. These will continue over the coming months and would request drivers check there speed.

I would also like to remind motorists using the Coggeshall area that one of our current priorities is the illegal parking on the zig zag lines at the zebra crossing in East Street, anyone caught parking on this area will be dealt with in a positive manner possibly 3 points and £60 fine.


Visit our Be Safe section of our website for crime prevention advice to keep you and your family safe.

Operation DRIFTER was running over a few days in Braintree and this was it's findings.

Vehicle Crime Awareness operation.

As the warmer evenings are getting closer our criminals are more likely to be wandering the streets in search of opportunist crime.

The offence of Theft from Motor Vehicle is often more appealing and far easier if vehicles are left insecure.

During a three day period last week Pc Paul Andrews and Police Community Support Officer Gemma Cheek went out on foot patrol in random areas of Braintree trying vehicle doors and checking vehicles for possessions left on display which would be attractive for the opportunist thief.

The following statistics were recorded

263 x car doors were checked and 18 were found to be insecure, these tended to be family saloon cars.

5 x Sat navs were left clearly visible in the windscreens.

5 x handbags were left on display in either the front or back seat.

4 other types of bags were also left on display which would attract unwanted entry to the vehicle.

1 x amount of significant amount of coins was left on display in the centre console.

1 x set of tools were left on display.

1 x bank card.

2 x iPods

1 x set of golf clubs.

All of these items were clearly on display by a quick glance into the vehicle.

There were the usual signs that sat navs are being used on a regular basis in the vehicles by the multiple ring marks on the inside of the windscreens. This often gives clues to the thief that the vehicle is worth entering and investigating further.

During these times, owners of vehicles who fell into these areas were called upon and offered advice to raise their awareness. All were appreciative of that advice.