Dedham

Update

Please accept best wishes from the Police Community Teams for 2012 and please spare a thought for Crime Prevention in your busy lives; please be aware of a few ‘top tips’ to help keep you and your property safe as follows;
Please observe the rules and do not drink and drive, for all involved it ruins lives;
have that can of de-icer and scraper handy so you can see out the windows when it is frosty in the mornings, and leave more time for the journey.

When shopping try not to leave items especially handbags or wallets/purses on show in your supermarket trolley or car, keep valuables with you. Lock other items away in the boot along with that Satellite Navigation System that thieves like to steal by smashing windows and breaking into your cars. Leave lights or a radio on in the home to create a presence whilst you are out. Check your house/gate locks are in order, and always check your smoke alarm is working while you are about it.

Theft of Catalytic convertors from vehicles, particularly vans are occurring across Colchester; where you can please secure your vehicles in a garage and if you witness any strange behaviour around vehicles report it to the Police, for example if people are seen under a vehicle or tampering with the bonnet at night you may find the strange and wish to report it.

Mercedes Sprinter Vans are being targeted by thieves for their catalytic convertors. Whole exhaust systems are being stolen. Owners please take as many security measures as you can. There are products available that secure catalytic convertors and they can be security marked.

The stealing of metal for scrap has also hit the headlines, churches and old buildings are being targeted for the lead and copper and precious metals and tiles, this also includes our railway links, and remember, 'see it, hear it, report it' at the time it is happening.

Crime trend-with the ever increasing cost of fuel-fuel for transport and heating is being stolen. Security lights may help to deter this type of crime in dark areas where thieves can work unseen.

Please be vigilant and help to be a passive guard of village equiptment and play areas at any community settings open spaces in the rural areas,it has subsided in Great Horkesley and Wormingford recently and we want to keep this sort of behaviour out of Dedham Village.On this note Police have stepped up patrols with in intiatives from Police Community Support Officers from Ipswich Road and the Special Constabulary. Any information about who causes any damage please contact Police.

In relation to your property there are many ways you can protect it for example the use of good door locking systems and CCTV; being observant of your own and your neighbours property can assist in identify people that are out of place or acting strange in your area. Police welcome calls from residents reporting suspicious activities and we know that often people are unsure whether they should call Police or not when witnessing something strange; my suggestion is that if what you are witnessing doesn't feel right and it is possible that it could be a crime you are watching then please do call the Police.

Crimes can take place at any time, day or night and many dwelling burglaries occurr during the daytime hours so please keep an eye on your own and your neighbour's properties, you can call the Police on 101 or 0300 333 4444 to report any strange actvity but if it is an emergency and you require Police immediately please dial 999.
If you are experiencing nuisance issues the Council has a designated hotline of 01206 282581.
For minor (non crime) Community issues only please ring 07966-197134.Calls will be responded to on this mobile as and when officers are next on duty.