Wivenhoe

Update

Wivenhoe - updated 8th May 2012
Theft of metal continues to be the main cause for concern in Wivenhoe. About 22:00hrs on 7th May an attempt was made to remove iron railings from outside a house in Rectory Road, but the would be thieves fled when the metal crashed to the ground , alerting the resident.
Further to previous reports , there has been yet another theft of copper gas piping from outside a premises in Wivenhoe in the last few days & an attempt where a suspect was disturbed in Queens Road during the early hours on 29th April.
Also overnight 29th April a Sat-Nav was stolen from an insecure vehicle in Valonia Drive.This again reminds people that valuable items should not be left on show in unattended vehicles.
Also , two further reports of bicycles being stolen .Please ensure these are secured and if possible placed out of sight when left or not in use even for short periods.
Overnight 17th/18th April a length of copper gas piping was removed from the outside of a house in Queens Road Wivenhoe.Apart from the theft , there is also the danger from leaking gas.A further theft of lead flashing was also reported from an unoccupied new dwelling on 21st April. With the current high value of all metals there is a likely- hood of more of this type of theft occuring.Please call the Police immediatly if you see anyone acting suspcious.

Following enquires by the Police, a substantial Cannibis growing factory was discovered in part of the old Cedrics Garage , High Street , Wivenhoe. One male was arrested at the scene & further enquries are continuing.If you have information or are suspious about a property that is possibley being used for similier activity, please call the Police or Crimestoppers.


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.

Please be vigilant and help to be a passive guard of village equipment and play areas at any community settings open spaces. Any information about who causes the 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 occur during the daytime hours so please keep an eye on your own and your neighbour's properties, you can call the Police on 101 to report any strange activity 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.

Essex University - updated 29/04/2012
Following last weeks burglary reported below, yet another laptop has been stolen from a student flat on campus where a window was left open.The most recent occurring whilst the room was unoccupied during the evening on 27th April.
Once again there are reports of burglaries from accommodation on campus. A laptop was removed from a ground floor flat on 17th April after the resident had gone out , leaving a window open. Please remember that you must ensure that your room is secure and valubles are put out of sight when you leave ,even for short periouds.
Pedal cycles have been stolen from a number of locations on campus, please ensure bikes are secured with a good quality lock and stored at the dedicated cycle racks. Students please ensure laptops, I pods and other electrical equipment are stored out of sight and close all windows. Lock doors when going out even if you are leaving the room for a short time. All equipment including bikes can be registered on the national property register at www.immobilise.com.

Wivenhoe Community Speed Watch is continuing and is always looking for new volunteers. If you would like further information about becoming a volunteer please contact PCSO Louise Neville on 07966 197245 or email louise.neville@essex.pnn.police.uk