South Woodham Ferrers

Update

We are asking all residents in South Woodham Ferrers to be careful with the security of their motor vehicles. In many areas thieves are targetting cars and stealing Catalytic Convertors

In many parts of the country criminals are intent on stealing copper cables and other metals. These cables take the form of under-ground telephone cables and earth cables from electricity sub-stations. Other items that are stolen include drain covers from the road sides and road signs. This small amount of financial gain to the criminals causes huge amounts of disruption to the community, not to mention the danger caused. Therefore, should anyone see workmen at the side of the road with vehicles that are not liveried with the usual BT or EDF Energy branding, please advise police asap. This applies even if the workmen are wearing flourescent jackets.

We would also like to draw attention to the recent Charitable Collection sacks that are being distributed for the collection of clothing. These bags appear to represent the well known charities that do good work for Breast Cancer etc. However, you should read these bags carefully to ensure that your are actually donating to the correct charity of your choice and not a Charity who has copied the logo and layout of your intended Charity.

Police are conducting various operations in an effort to locate the offenders and we strongly urge residents to secure their cars when parked overnight. Remove all items of value and, once the vehicle has been secured, place the keys away from the house front door and out of sight.

For more crime reduction advice please visit the Be Safe section of our website.

South Woodham Ferrers has has previously suffered from thefts from cash machines. All users of these should thoroughly check the machines for any device before use. These devices exactly resemble the facia of the machine but should become detached with a small amount of pressure. If you lose your card to a cash machine and it is outside of banking hours, stay with the machine and call police immediately who will attend and seize any device found. A good practice to adopt when using these machines is to shield the key pad with your other hand as you input your PIN number.

A new crime trend is for the criminals to watch a cash machine from their vehicles. When a woman withdraws cash and returns to her car the criminals stop and distract her, usually by flashing their head lights at her to cause her to stop and asking the way to the airport our some other destination. While she is distracted a second criminal opens the passenger door of the female victim's car and snatches the hand bag which is invariably placed on the front passenger seat.

We are pleased to advise that the male invloved in a recent distraction theft in ASDA car park is now residing in HMP Belmarsh.

Speeding is perceived as a problem within the town area. A Community Speed Watch (CSW) has been created, involving local residents, in an effort to reduce traffic speeds. CSW has been proactive and makes a great effort to help make the roads safer by educating our road users. However, on occasions police work alongside them and issue tickets to offending drivers. Residents should make themselves aware of the speed limits throughout South Woodham Ferrers and avoid getting a ticket.

If you have any information about any crime I would be pleased to hear from you. Or, if you wish to report a crime anonymously you can do this by speaking to Crimestoppers. You will find the Crimestoppers link in our site.

You can also get involved in making your community a safer place by enlisting with your local Neighbourhood Watch. Information packs can be obtained from the Community Information Centre, Baron Road, South Woodham Ferrers.