Noticeboard
Bogus Red Cross charity collector
We have had a report of a young man in his 20’s around 5 ft 8” and of slim build, allegedly collecting on behalf of the Red Cross in Great Chesterford. The householder collects for the Red Cross herself, so knew that this was not a bona fide collector. We would advise you to donate to charities directly either over the phone, by internet or through your bank and NOT to doorstep callers.
Suspicious phone calls
A Neighbourhood Watcher has reported receiving a phone call (no number on 1471) from someone supposedly from a “crime prevention bureau” asking if they were members of NHW and whether they had a security system.
A Neighbourhood Watcher has reported receiving a phone call (no number on 1471) from someone supposedly from a “crime prevention bureau” asking if they were members of NHW and whether they had a security system.
This is nonsense. There is no crime prevention bureau and Essex Police would have no reason to call you to ask if you had a security system unless you had just been burgled. If you get one of these calls, we would advise against you becoming drawn into any kind of conversation with these people who we believe only want to sell to you.
The Maltings, Thaxted Thursday 15th July
A charity collection driver, has reported witnessing a white Mercedez van picking up charity bags which were meant for his charity and driving off with them. As I mentioned before, these bogus outfits seem to be able to find out where bags have been given out by reputable charities. They then simultaneously drop their own bags at around the same time. In this way, they can sweep the street of all the bags laid out when they go to collect which gives them an excuse for picking up the other charities’ bags. If you have the time and the boot space, we’d strongly recommend that you deliver your donations to your local charity shop personally.
A charity collection driver, has reported witnessing a white Mercedez van picking up charity bags which were meant for his charity and driving off with them. As I mentioned before, these bogus outfits seem to be able to find out where bags have been given out by reputable charities. They then simultaneously drop their own bags at around the same time. In this way, they can sweep the street of all the bags laid out when they go to collect which gives them an excuse for picking up the other charities’ bags. If you have the time and the boot space, we’d strongly recommend that you deliver your donations to your local charity shop personally.
Suspicious circumstances, Ickleton Rd, Elmdon 12th July
A male knocked on an elderly resident’s door claiming to be selling gold jewellery. He commented on a painting on the resident’s wall and attempted to enter the property. The male is described as being white, in his fifties with balding dark hair and thick set around 5ft 6” tall. He drove off in a white car.
A male knocked on an elderly resident’s door claiming to be selling gold jewellery. He commented on a painting on the resident’s wall and attempted to enter the property. The male is described as being white, in his fifties with balding dark hair and thick set around 5ft 6” tall. He drove off in a white car.
Although the police did an area search, this man could not be found. Please warn your neighbours not to do business on their doorsteps, particularly the elderly who are very often a target for bogus calls. We have no evidence (thankfully) that this man had any intention of wrong-doing, however it is quite possible that anyone who comes to your door under the guise of selling, has an ulterior motive.
06:59, 05 Aug 2010
by Michael O'Malley
ADVICE - BURGLARY TREND - RURAL VILLAGES
Please be aware that we have identified a burglary trend targeting detached dwellings in and around your area and I would be grateful if you would circulate this message to your scheme members. Currently we are experiencing only one or two of these offences per month, so although the risk to you and your scheme members is low, I would still recommend that you follow the advice given below, which should help to minimise your risk of becoming a victim still further.
Please be aware that we have identified a burglary trend targeting detached dwellings in and around your area and I would be grateful if you would circulate this message to your scheme members. Currently we are experiencing only one or two of these offences per month, so although the risk to you and your scheme members is low, I would still recommend that you follow the advice given below, which should help to minimise your risk of becoming a victim still further.
When you go out:
These are tried and tested measures that everyone can take.
· Ensure that all doors and windows are closed and locked when you go out.
· If you have an intruder alarm fitted, always use it when you go out and 'zone' it at night to protect the ground floor.
· If you have an intruder alarm fitted, always use it when you go out and 'zone' it at night to protect the ground floor.
· Leave a radio switched on, preferably to a talking station such as Radio 4 or BBC local radio
· Leave lights on if you are unlikely to be back before dark, or if you go out in the evening. Ensure that they are in living areas and not just hall, stairs and landing.
· Leave lights on if you are unlikely to be back before dark, or if you go out in the evening. Ensure that they are in living areas and not just hall, stairs and landing.
· Lock any side gates and internal garage doors.
Target Harden:
If you want to make your property more secure, these jobs can easily be completed in a weekend:
· Cut back undergrowth and hedging at the front of your property so that it opens up the view and deprives burglars of cover.
· Your side gate/s should be installed at the front building-line, so that any attempt to climb over might be noticed.
· Gates should be fitted with a bolt as a minimum requirement. It should be installed halfway down, NOT at the top. Fit the type that can be padlocked (A pad bolt)
· Check the locks on your external doors. Ensure that any mortise locks fitted carry the British Standard kite mark. If not, then change them for ones that do.
· If you have patio doors fitted, check to see if the opening door can be lifted off its runner. If it can, fit a piece of strip wood to fill the gap above the door.
· Fit an additional patio door lock.
Here are some longer-term measures you can take:
· If you don't have an alarm fitted, contact me for details of 'Police Compliant' firms. Alarms are not as expensive as you might think, but never use a cold-calling security firm.
· If you do have an alarm fitted, and it was installed by a reputable company, ask them about having it monitored. A maintenance and monitoring package should not cost more than about £250 pa.
· Grow defensive plants beneath your windows and around your boundary. (Pyracantha, Berberis and Hawthorn are good.) Speak to your local nurseryman for details of other varieties.
If you need more site-specific advice, please contact me.
Peter Caulfield Ad.Cert.ED & CP
Uttlesford Crime Reduction Advisor & Architectural Liaison Officer
Direct Line: 01376 556233
06:54, 05 Aug 2010
by Michael O'Malley
Please see the advertisement by clicking the link...
http://www.ashdonparish.co.uk/assets/documents/house-advert
06:48, 05 Aug 2010
by Michael O'Malley
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