Noticeboard Archive

January 29th 2008.

The following items have come to my attention and I thought you might find them useful.  I'm sorry that the last is so lengthy, but it was such a lovely story I thought you might be pleased to read it.

* Southend Police have circulated a notice regarding a security firm, claiming to be working in partnership with Essex Police.  These people could easily stray our way. The firm are using cold calling tactics to arrange home visits in order to sell equipment and are mainly targeting the elderly.

Please be advised that Essex Police does NOT endorse any companies selling in this way.  We would also discourage you from buying anything on your doorstep in this manner.

Should you require any security advice, this can be obtained free of charge through our Crime Reduction Officer, Peter Caulfield on 01376 556 233 or peter.caulfield@essex.pnn.police.uk who will be more than happy to help you.

* Please be advised that should you ever receive a call or email from someone claiming to be from a bank or building society, you should never disclose any personal information.  If they have called you, they know who you are and should have your details in front of them.  Even if they give you a helpline number to call, this may be false.  If this happens you should take call the number on your bank statement and let them know what has happened.  All banks have their own fraud departments and they will be able to advise you.

* Two Great Dunmow teenagers who turned their lives around have been nominated for an Essex Police Young People of the Year (YOPEY) award.  Philip Gordon, 18, and Kerry Thacker, 17, have been nominated for the award by their foster mum Rachel Evans.

She suggested the youngsters could do some volunteer work in return for the weekly allowance they get from the government. Since then Kerry has been helping out at the local Brownies and at a special needs youth club. Philip gives his time to The Arts Centre in Dunmow, where he previously won a scholarship to learn drama.

As a joint entry for YOPEY, Philip and Kerry are now in the running to win the top prize of £1000, in a competition which highlights young people who are an inspiration to those around them.

Rachel nominated the teenagers for a YOPEY after seeing how well they were doing with their volunteering and the extraordinary young people they have grown in to.

She said: "I am immensely proud of Philip and Kerry because despite everything they have been through, they are in the process of achieving everything they want in life. They deserve recognition for making a good future for themselves and setting a fantastic example for other children who are in the care system."

Inspector Kevin Whipps, head of Essex Police's children and young people's policing team, said: "The difference with the YOPEY awards is that it recognises those who make outstanding contributions for the benefit of others yet go unsung. So often the police are called when things go wrong and when sometimes young people make wrong choices. We want to demonstrate that these are a tiny minority whereas most young people have so much good to give and this is an opportunity to celebrate and reward them."

This year's YOPEY is sponsored by Essex Police, Essex Police Authority and Essex law firm Jefferies Solicitors. Top Stansted Airport hotel Radisson will be hosting a lavish awards ceremony in March.

The Essex Police YOPEY is open to young people aged 10-25, until January 31. They can be nominated or enter themselves. To nominate logon to www.yopey.org or write to Essex Police YOPEY, PO Box 103, Hare Street, Ware SG9 0XD.


Lindsay Baillie
Essex Watch Administrator, Uttlesford.
01376 556 232 / 07837 341 683
Lindsay.Baillie@essex.pnn.police.uk