Jan: 4, 18
Feb: 1, 15
Mar: 1, 15, 29
Apr: 12, 26
May: 10, 24
Jun: 7, 21

Ashdon Baptist Church, arrives: 11.10   departs: 11.50

APPEAL TO HELP THE VULNERABLE

Whist icy conditions persist, can I please remind you how difficult it is for many elderly people to get out and about in this weather, particulary those who rely on public transport or usually walk to the shops.  Since footpaths are icy, many may feel understandably anxious about walking even as far as the bus stop.

Relatives may be unable to reach family members, because of road conditions etc. and this can be a big worry for them as they might be unable to help.  If you do have elderly persons within your watch area, you might like to consider politely asking them if they need any help and if you are going to the supermarket yourself, perhaps you could either offer them a lift or ask them if they’d like to give you a shopping list of items they need which you could pick up for them whilst you’re there. 

We'll all be old one day!

I've attached the below message as a poster file for anyone who has access to notice boards, if you'd be kind enough to put it up.

Many thanks,

Lindsay

Keeping Essex Moving in Icy Conditions

The County Council is required to focus its gritting resources on keeping major roads clear, so it operates a precautionary salting network. This includes all ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads, access routes for emergency services, rural link roads and major public transport routes.

Residents can check which roads will be gritted and get the latest advice on safe winter travel by visiting www.essex.gov.uk/winter.

Residents are also advised that they can take action to clear their own local pavements and pathways of snow and ice, as long as they take a careful and common sense approach. Further guidance on this is available at www.essex.gov.uk/winter

Adam Pipe, casualty reduction manager for Essex Police, has some advice to help keep motorists safe:

• Make sure all your car lights are working and you have no failed bulbs. Ensure that dirt, salt and snow is cleared away from light fixtures.
• Always ensure all windows are fully cleared of snow, frost and condensation before setting off on a journey - it is illegal to drive with obscured vision.
• Also clear snow from the top of the car as this can fall down and obscure your windscreen while you are driving.
• Keep windscreen washer fluid topped up as windscreens quickly become dirty from traffic spray and salt from the roads.
• Make sure you have sufficient fuel for your journey. Keep the fuel tank topped up.
• Give yourself extra time for your journey and drive at a constant speed. Accept your journey will take longer and don't take risks.
• Take a mobile telephone with you and make sure it is fully charged. Carry a mobile charger in the car.
• If you get stuck in the snow stay with your car. In an emergency, if you do need to leave it, park it out of a main traffic route, where it won't cause an obstruction when conditions ease. Leave a contact number on the inside of the windscreen and return to your car at the first opportunity you have.

Anyone who is stranded or in general difficulty should contact police on 0300 333 4444, leaving the 999 system open for emergency situations only.

 Lindsay Baillie, Essex Watch Administrator, Uttlesford.  Lindsay.Baillie@essex.pnn.police.uk

Dear All,

There have been two reports this week in Chrishall and Wendens Ambo concerning a maroon coloured Cavalier - part index M495,  which was parked in a layby with its hazard lights flashing and a female (described by one informant as Asian and another as Eastern European) with a small child trying to flag down passing traffic.

 
When one informant stopped to offer help, 4 males appeared "out of nowhere", attempting to get into his van and offering gold jewellery in a very heavy handed fashion.

If you see this vehicle on your travels, please travel a safe distance past it, then stop and dial 999 as soon as you can.  Although these people may have already left the area, this is an old and flithy trick to get people to stop and we would advise you to be extremely suspicious of anyone asking you to stop in such circumstances. 

Kind regards,

Lindsay

Suspicious vehicle - Takeley
A white Ford Transit with “Artex and Plastering” written on the van was seen at Parsonage Rd, Takeley.  The occupants, both Eastern European, in their 20’s and wearing high visibility jackets were discovered taking items (uninvited) from the residents garden.  When challenged about what they were doing, they claimed to be “looking for scrap”.  If you see this vehicle behaving in any way suspiciously on your property, please dial 999. 

Burglary Other – Little Walden – 26/11/10
It has been reported that five tractor batteries have been removed from an insecure barn.

Container break in overnight Thursday 25^th November Walden Rd,  Ashdon
At some point between 4pm on Thursday afternoon and 8am on Friday morning, a container has been broken into at the above site by forcing the lock.  Various equipment has been taken from within.  We strongly advise that you review your container security in light of several recent break ins.

Hare coursers at Chrishall Sunday 28^th November
A white Discovery has been seen harecoursing at Chrishall on Sunday at 1pm.  Index either L971WFC or MFC and the vehicle is described as being full of males and dogs.  There was no trace of the vehicle by the time a patrol car arrived.   Please let us know if you see this vehicle.

Kind regards,

Lindsay

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ: The information contained within this email is intended soley for the use of farmers and those working in rural communities, for the purposes of prevention and detection of crime and should not be disseminated to recipients outside of the farming community.  Contents are not suitable for either broadcast or publication since to do so may heighten public awareness of security vulnerabilities at locations mentioned.

MOBILE POLICE STATION

Thursday VISIT TIMES – 2011

FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL 07989 335719

Uttlesford District Council Christmas Collection Arrangements 2010/11

Please make your refuse/recycling available by 7am on collection day

Christmas Day 2010 falls on a Saturday and as such the Christmas
Day and Boxing Day bank holidays carry forward to Monday 27
and Tuesday 28 December. New Year's Day 2011 also falls on a Saturday
and the bank holiday will carry forward to Monday 3 January.

The arrangements for collections for this period are detailed below.

Dry Recycling only (no food waste collection)

Normal Collection Day  -- Revised Collection Day
Monday 27 December 2010 Wednesday 29 December 2010
Tuesday 28 December 2010 Thursday 30 December 2010
Wednesday 29 December 2010 Wednesday 29 December 2010
Thursday 30 December 2010 Thursday 30 December 2010
Friday 31 December 2010 Friday 31 December 2010

Non-Recycling and food waste collections

Normal Collection Day -- Revised Collection Day
Monday 3 January 2011 Tuesday 4 January 2011
Tuesday 4 January 2011 Wednesday 5 January 2011
Wednesday 5 January 2011 Thursday 6 January 2011
Thursday 6 January 2011 Friday 7 January 2011
Friday 7 January 2011 Saturday 8 January 2011

Collections will return to normal from Monday 10 January 2011
www.uttlesford.gov.uk/recycling

CHRISTMAS TREE & GREEN WASTE RECYCLING

Skips and refuse vehicles will be made available on the following days for residents who wish to recycle their real Christmas trees and green waste: -

Saturday, 8 January 2011

Sunday, 9 January 2011

Recycling Centre for Household Waste, Thaxted Road, Saffron Walden: -

8am – 4pm every day except

Christmas Eve: Open 8am – 1pm

Christmas Day: Closed

Boxing Day: Closed

New Years Day: Closed

www.uttlesford.gov.uk/recycling

As Christmas approaches, the pick pockets and purse dippers will be out and about amongst us, ready to make some easy money of your hard earned cash.  Please see some excellent advice below as well as some encouraging statistics.  I will also attach this information in poster format which may be more useful for noticeboards.

Regards,

Lindsay

Police in Central division, which comprises the districts of Chelmsford, Braintree, Maldon and Uttlesford, are delighted that purse dipping offences have reduced by around a quarter, comparing April – October 2010 with April – October 2009.

From April 1 to October 31, 2010, there were 91 purse dippings in Central division, as compared with 113 such thefts during the same period in 2009.

Figures per district as follows:
                      1 April - 31 October 2009                    1 April - 31 October 2010
Braintree                             24                                                            16
Chelmsford                          77                                                            70
Maldon                                  7                                                              3
Uttlesford                              5                                                              2
Total:                                 113                                                           91
However, police are still urging shoppers to keep their purses and valuables safe and secure in the run-up to Christmas.

Chelmsford Neighbourhood Inspector Glen Pavelin said: “We’re pleased that there has been a reduction in purse thefts in Chelmsford and across all of Central division, but we’re not complacent.  Purse thieves like crowds, so unfortunately they may try to take advantage of the increased number of shoppers in the Christmas period to steal people’s valuables.  Police in Chelmsford will be running covert and overt operations in busy areas to combat the thieves.  However, I would also ask everyone to take a few simple steps to ensure that their purses and wallets are safe and secure.”

Crime Reduction Advisor Trisha Staerck offers some common sense crime prevention advice: “It only takes a few seconds for a dipper to reach into your bag or pocket and steal your valuables.  Fortunately, there are a few simple steps everyone can take to make it much harder for the thieves.

“Firstly, NEVER let your handbag out of your sight.  Carry it in front of you – especially if you’re walking through a shop or a town centre.

“Secondly, AVOID carrying large amounts of cash, and if your purse or wallet is in a bag, ensure that bag is securely zipped up.

“Thirdly, KEEP your purse or wallet safe at all times.  Don’t leave it in your shopping basket, on restaurant or coffee tables, or on shop counters.

“Fourthly, IF someone bumps into you, immediately check that they haven’t taken your purse or wallet from your bag or pocket.  Theft can happen very quickly, and you may not notice you’ve been a victim until you next have to make a purchase.

“There are other situations where people should take sensible precautions. 
“Mums should not leave their handbags on the back of buggies or prams, as they can become an easy target for thieves.
“If you’re using an ATM, be mindful of anyone standing close to you, and ensure you obscure your PIN number.   Once your money has been dispensed, remove your card and your cash, place them in your purse or wallet, put your purse or wallet into a bag (or a deep pocket), and make sure that bag is closed and secure before walking away.  Don’t allow other people to rush or distract you.”

SUSTAINABLE HOMES NETWORK

Press Release

22 November 2010

The Home Efficiency Show: Practical Ways to Save Money

Uttlesford Sustainable Homes Network will be holding its first Home Efficiency Show in Saffron Walden Town Hall on Saturday 4 December between 10am and 4pm.  There will be experts on hand giving advice on energy saving and on grants which need to be spent by the end of March. Other experts will be able to talk to you about the care and repair of old buildings and about the supply and erection of energy efficient homes. There will be a stall for a company offering thermal insulation for solid wall homes, another for a firm of local architects who can take thermography images of your home to see where the heat is escaping, and a stall for a local company which installs photovoltaic panels on south facing roofs to generate electricity and so benefit from the Government’s current very generous feed-in tarrif. 

Free entry and teas, coffees and snacks will be available.

For more information about the Sustainable Homes Network see www.sustainablehomes.org.uk

Shed burglary in Ashdon 22th October – 9^th November

At some point between the above dates, a shed at Church End has been burgled.  Suspect /s gained access to the shed by forcing the padlock from the door, however they may have been disturbed, since nothing was taken.

Suspicious circumstances in Ashdon Saturday 6^th November
Two residents at Ashdon have reported disturbances to property in and around their gardens which may have been to do with attempted burglary / shed burglary.

This may be a good time to review your shed / back door security.  If you would like any crime prevention advice or a security review to be carried out on your property, please call Peter Caulfield, the Crime Reduction Officer on 01376 556 233.

Regards,

Lindsay

Beat the Burglar

Traditionally burglaries increase at this time of year so we are asking people not to give thieves a chance.

 You can beat the burglars by taking just a few simple steps

 1.  Make your home safe and secure by fitting 5 lever mortice locks on external doors and for all other doors and windows fit secure locks.

 2. It is most important to take extra care when locking up particularly with regard to UPVC doors.  Lift the handle and lock the door with the key.

 3.  When you leave your property remove keys from locks and place them out of sight.

 4. With the nights drawing in make your property look occupied at all times by using automatic light timers and you might want to consider installing external lighting.

 5.  Nowadays burglars break into properties to steal car keys so avoid leaving car keys near a door or window where and lock your car in a garage or behind a locked gate if possible.

 “You can beat the burglars by taking just a few simple steps. We do have plenty of crime reduction advice on our website at www.essex.police.uk or by contacting your local crime reduction officer on 0300 333 4444. Crime reduction officers offer free advice on crime reduction and if you are considering installing a burglar alarm will put you in touch with regulated alarm installation companies in your area.”

Jenny Ayres
Community Safety Accreditation Scheme Officer 
Operational Policing Command Volume Crime
Essex Police Headquarters, PO Box 2, Springfield,
Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6DA
Opening hours: Mon - Fri 08:00 - 17:00
Tel 0300 3334444 ext 50675
DD 01245 457149

HQTP website: http://web/departments/territorial_policing/HQTP_2010/Home/default.htm

To find out what is happening in your neighbourhood and all about your local neighbourhood policing team visit 
http://www.essex.police.uk/my_neighbourhood.aspx and enter your postcode

Hello everyone!  Please click below for the latest advice from Essex Watch...

http://www.ashdonparish.co.uk/assets/documents/lights-on

Please be aware that last weekend, 23rd and 24th October, there were 3 break-ins in Ashdon.  The police are aware, and working on the cases, but it serves as a reminder to us all that we should be extra vigilant, in the lead-up to Christmas and beyond.

Remember to keep your homes and sheds locked when you are out and about, and be cautious when answering the door to strangers. If you will be spending more than a day away from your home, let your neighbours and friends know, so that they can keep an eye on things while you're gone.

Michael O'Malley

Alarm sales companies
We have had reports of a further alarm sales company offering  "free" burglar alarms. This one is from a company which describes itself as being part of the "UK Crime Reduction Group" (which I could find no trace of on the web). The caller claimed to have 4 free systems to offer to people locally.  We would strongly advise you not to do business with anyone who claims to be offering something for nothing, since the monthly service charges for this type of alarm package usually far outweighs the initial purchase price of a good quality alarm from a reputable sales company, and once your alarm is installed, you may be under obligation to continue payments for quite some time. 

If you are considering buying an alarm system for your home, please feel free to call  Uttlesford’s Crime Reduction Officer, Peter Caulfield for some free, impartial advice on the kind of system you might need and how much you should expect to pay.  He can be contacted either on 01376 556 233 or by email on Peter. Caulfield@essex.pnn.police.uk.

Dear All,

We have had reports in the area of householders receiving calls -  allegedly from Uttlesford District Council to say that they are to be awarded a Council Tax rebate and asking them to call up (on a number which the caller specifies) to arrange for funds to be transferred.

Uttlesford District Council know nothing of this and have confirmed that they WOULD NOT advise people of any overpayments in such a manner.

Please warn your friends and neighbours that this is a BOGUS call and if anyone receives such a call, they should report it in on 0300 333 4444 and NOT divulge any personal details to the caller. 

Once again, can I advise you that you should NEVER give any personal or banking details over the phone, unless you can be absolutely sure of who you are talking to.

Many thanks,

Lindsay Baillie

Click here for a message from the Citizens Advice Bureau

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.

 
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.
·       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.
·       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.

Peter Caulfield Ad.Cert.ED & CP
Uttlesford Crime Reduction Advisor & Architectural Liaison Officer
Direct Line: 01376 556233

Please see the advertisement by clicking the link...

http://www.ashdonparish.co.uk/assets/documents/house-advert

Please find below some valuable advice regarding rogue traders. I have also attached this as a notice for anyone who has access to notice boards.

Regards,
Lindsay

POLICE INCIDENT REPORT

Date 1st July 2010.

Rogue traders are a menace and, although we don't have a particular problem in our District, every now and again an incident rears it's head and when it does it usually means a victim has forfeited a substantial amount of cash. They are difficult to prosecute for any criminal offence because the victim normally hands the money over willingly but Trading standards have had some notable successes in prosecuting rogue traders.

Rogue traders prey on the elderly and vulnerable, often conning them out of vast sums of money for work that is substandard, unnecessary and overpriced. In some cases no work has been carried out at all. Rogue traders can have seriously adverse effects on a victim's health and confidence once the scam is uncovered.

The message is simple: if you're not sure don't open the door. If you are suspicious of them or they are persistent call 999 immediately. Essex Police is committed to dealing robustly with rogue traders and we would rather have a call that turns out to be genuine rather than no call at all.
Last year's national Rogue Trader operation saw nearly 200 people arrested, £200,000 worth of property recovered, 1800 companies checked and over 10,500 vehicles inspected.

Police and trading standards give the following key crime prevention advice to protect against rogue traders and bogus callers:
• Never engage the services of a cold calling tradesperson.
• Don't be hurried or frightened into employing their services.
• If you require the services of a tradesperson, ask for recommendation from family or friends.
• Get three written quotes before choosing a trader.
• Check whether traders are members of the Local Authority Assured Trader Schemes (www.oft.gov.uk) or the government Trust Mark scheme (www.trustmark.org.uk).
• Never pay cash upfront.
• If you suspect a rogue trader caller is at your door dial 999.
Please play your part by keeping an eye on elderly and vulnerable residents in your community. If you think they are being targeted by a rogue trader call us immediately.

If you see any suspicious or unusual activity around your neighbourhood or have any information which you think might be of help, please call Essex Police on 0300 333 4444.

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

o       Neighbourhood specialist officers (NSOs) will become neighbourhood constables
o       Neighbourhood Policing sergeants will become neighbourhood sergeants
o       Neighbourhood Policing inspectors will become neighbourhood inspectors
o       Neighbourhood support teams will be changing their names to response teams

 Introducing The Big Lunch

Dear All,

Please find attached and below invitation to a talk about the Criminal Justice System.

Monday 21st June, 2010

Dear Colleagues,

We are continuing our programme of Information Update evenings, which have been very well-received by those attending over the past few months.

The next issue we will be looking at is the Criminal Justice system and the role of the Magistrates Courts. Our speaker is Malcolm Rogers who is a Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator in High Roding as well as being an experienced Magistrate on the NW Essex Bench which covers the Uttlesford district. As such, he is responsible for the Magistrates in the Community programme, which aims to explain how the court system works, and is particularly focussed on schools and other influential groups.

We do try to ensure that the topics we choose for these evenings are of both relevance and interest to you and that the evening provides an opportunity for co-ordinators to meet one another.

The evening will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 6th July at the Thaxted Day Centre, which is at the back of the Margaret St, (free) car park in Thaxted. The postcode, for those of you with Sat Nav's is CM6 2RL.

Please could you let me know if you are able to join us for this evening (but don't worry, if you don't intend to come) and do feel free to bring a friend.

Kind regards,

Lindsay Baillie
01376 556 232 lindsay.baillie@essex.pnn.police.uk

From Lindsay Baillie, Essex Watch...

Please see below press release which I have also attached as a notice for boards and websites.

Can I please add that most of us do have our back doors open during the summer whilst at home, so this advice applies not just to 82 year olds. It is extremely easy to be drawn into a conversation by a door step caller - these people are well practiced in their profession and can seem very plausible.

If you open the door to people who you don't recognise or haven't made an appointment with, the chances are that they want something from you. The more we keep our doors shut to hard sales people / charity collections and bogus callers, the more chance there is that they'll go some place else, making us all safer in our own homes.

Regards,
Lindsay

WIMBISH: distraction burglary; 16/06/2010
Detectives are appealing for information following a distraction burglary, in which nothing was stolen, at an address in Wimbish, Saffron Walden, on Wednesday June 16, 2010.

At around 7pm on June 16, an unidentified man called at the home of an 82-year-old man in Wimbish, offering to do work in his garden. Whilst the man was talking to the unidentified suspect on his driveway, a second unknown suspect entered the property through the open front door and made a messy search. Nothing is believed to have been stolen.

The unidentified suspect who offered gardening services is described as: a white man, around 20-30 years old, of slim build, with short wavy fair hair, wearing a three-quarters length shirt and trousers. The investigating officer is Ds Angela MCGORRELL.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information about this crime to contact officers at Braintree on 0300 3334444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Crime Reduction Adviser Peter Caulfield says: "If in doubt, keep them out! If you feel unsure about the caller do not let them in. If they are genuine they will understand. Please follow the Lock, Stop, Chain and Check rule.

"If the caller displays a photo ID, please do not phone the number on that ID because it may be false. Note the name of the company, look them up in the phone book, and call the company number printed there to check whether the caller is genuine or not. If you have any concerns, please contact Essex Police on 0300 3334444."

LOCK - make sure your doors and windows are secure. Before you answer your front door, make sure your back door is locked in case the caller has an accomplice.

STOP - See who the caller is before answering by looking through a nearby window, and speak through the window. Once you are happy with the caller, go to the door.

CHAIN - If you choose to open the door, make sure you put the chain on the door before opening it.

CHECK - Find out who your caller is. Ask for their ID and check it carefully. Their identity might be fake so look up in the phone book the company they claim to be from and call it to clarify the facts. Don't ring the number on the caller's ID. Or simply tell them to call again at another time.

Any member of the public who would like more information should call Crime Reduction Adviser Trisha Staerck for Chelmsford and Maldon districts, Stephen Armson-Smith for Braintree, and Peter Caulfield for Uttlesford on 0300 3334444. 

From Essex Watch...

Shed security

Inevitably (for the time of year), there have been a number of shed burglaries in the district.

We would like to advise you that you can buy effective battery operated motion sensing alarms for sheds from under £10. These can be purchased from D.I.Y stores and many internet sites, and can come with either a key fob or number pad to activate / deactivate the alarm.

Please note also that property marking your garden tools (particularly power tools) acts as an extremely effective deterrent to burglars, since being stopped with stolen property which is postcoded leaves no room for ridiculous explanations. Also, boot sales, second hand tool shops etc are unlikely to want to sell on any items which have obvious postcodes painted on them. If you'd be interested in buying a property marking pen / kit, try entering "property marker pen" into your search engine or check out "CRE Mark" as an example of the many products available. Your property marker should be visible and not Ultra Violet for tools otherwise your burglar will not be aware that your belongings are marked.

Kind regards,

Lindsay 

Adult Community Learning Essex

Interested in saving up to £50* a month by making the most of your food?

Essex County Council is running a series of free, Love Food Hate Waste courses, aimed at anyone who is interested in making the most of your food by reducing what you throw away.

Wasted food is wasted money and has a big impact on climate change. A third of the food that we buy in the UK ends up being thrown away and over a year the average family throws away £600* of food shopping – equivalent to an annual utility bill.

Love Food Hate Waste courses are completely free and are being held at Adult Community Learning Centres across the county until 5^th July 2010.

Courses will cover:

• The financial and environmental impact of food waste
• How to reduce the amount of food you throw away, through planning understanding and correct portioning of your food  
• How to make good use of your food leftovers through home freezing and creating tasty new dishes 
• How to recycle what you can’t reuse through a variety of methods including home composting

For more information and to register to attend one of the free courses held across Essex, contact the following participating Adult Community Learning Centres:

LOVE FOOD HATE WASTE COURSES

Dates, times, locations and contact details

21st June 10am to 1pm – Clacton

Course Location: Clacton County High School

Contact to book a place:

Adult Community Learning
St Osyth Road
Clacton
CO15 3BN

Telephone:  01255 424151
Minicom: 01255 223693

24^th June 10am to 1pm (Community Groups) - Chelmsford

Course Location: Chelmsford College Princes Road Campus

Contact to book a place:

Adult Community Learning
Beeches Close
Chelmsford
CM1 2SB
Telephone:  01245 494129

25^th June 10am to 1pm - Chelmsford

Course Location: Chelmsford College Princes Road Campus

Contact to book a place:

Adult Community Learning
Beeches Close
Chelmsford
CM1 2SB
Telephone:  01245 494129

26th June 10am to 1pm  – Basildon

Course Location: Briscoes Community Centre Basildon

Contact to book a place:

Adult Community Learning
Lifelong Learning Centre
Broadmayne
Ely Way
Basildon
SS14 2EQ

Telephone: 01268 520599

28^th June 10am to 1pm – Harlow

Course Location: Mark Hall School Harlow

Contact to book a place:

Adult Community Learning
Rivermill
Hodings Road
Harlow
Essex
CM20 1NW

Telephone:  01279 427711
Minicom: 01279 770894

5^th July 10am to 1pm  – Colchester

Course Location: Wilson Marriage

Contact to book a place:

Adult Community Learning
Wilson Marriage
Barrack Street
Colchester
CO1 2LR
Telephone:  01206 798488

* Source: www.Lovefoodhatewaste.com

How Safe Are your Bank details ?

Recently in Essex there have been reports of the Police
phoning people saying their bank details have been
used illegally. They ask the card owner to confirm their
bank details.

Essex Police will never ask you for
personal bank details over the
telephone

  
If anyone claims to be from the police, ask for their
collar number and contact Essex Police
on 0300 333 4444

From Essex Watch...

During the long days of summer it’s all too easy to become forgetful about things that matter – such as keeping your belongings safe and secure.

Police in mid and north Essex are urging residents to think about the security of their property and take sensible precautions during the hot summer weather.

Crime Reduction Adviser (CRA) Trisha Staerck says:
“It’s important to keep cool during the hot weather, but I would urge residents to be sensible at the same time. Unfortunately, passing thieves or burglars can regard an open door or window as an opportunity for them to chance their luck, and attempt to steal your property. It’s also very easy to doze off for a few minutes in the hot weather – providing a thief with the opportunity they’re looking for. So, please be sensible even when you’re at home.

“If you’re leaving your home unoccupied – whilst going to work, doing the shopping, going on the school run – please check all your doors and windows to ensure that they’re closed and locked before going out. Noone wants to come home to the disruption and heartache of a burglary.”

CRA Staerck also has some specific advice in response to a number of recent burglaries in the region where thieves have gained or forced entry to homes from the rear garden:

“I would urge residents to make it as difficult as possible for criminals to gain access to the rear of your property. Please ensure that the locks and bolts to your garden doors are in good condition, and can do their important job of keeping unwanted visitors out.”

One easy way of improving your home security is to fit and use an alarm.
CRA Staerck says: “I would ask residents to consider fitting burglar alarms, which can both deter burglars and help police to catch them. Some people don’t put their alarms on at night, but I would urge everyone to do so by zoning certain areas on the ground floor level. Burglars may try to gain entry to homes overnight, and they will then typically steal whatever they can find in the living room or kitchen – such as televisions, computers, purses or wallets, and the keys to your car. Switching your alarm on overnight is a highly effective way of protecting your belongings from these criminals.”

If you live in mid or north Essex and would like further information on keeping your property and belongings secure, please contact crime reduction advisors Stephen Armson-Smith for Braintree, Trisha Staerck for Chelmsford and Maldon, and Peter Caulfield for Uttlesford, on 0300 3334444.

POLICE INCIDENT REPORT - Uttlesford North

Monday 19th April 2010.

Wicken Bonhunt  burglary, Sunday 11th April

Between around 7am and 8pm on April 11, 2010, unknown suspects gained entry to a secure property in Wicken Bonhunt by smashing a rear window, causing an estimated £300 of damage, and stole electrical equipment and jewellery with an estimated total value of around £2000.

Littlebury Green burglaries around 10^th & 12^th April

A household in Littlebury Green was entered via a forced kitchen window whilst the owners were on holiday at some time before 10^th April.  High value electrical equipment was taken.

In a second burglary, at Merton Place in Littlebury between 08:00- 08:15 on Monday 12^th April, a property was entered via an insecure rear door whilst the aggrieved was walking her dog.  A tidy search was conducted and a handbag and its contents were stolen from within.

Ashdon, Carters Croft – burglary, Monday 12^th April

An address at Carters Croft was burgled when the front door was forced open, using a jemmy or similar, at some point between 1.30pm and 3.15pm.  A messy search was made and cash and jewellery stolen.

Wendens Ambo burglary – Monday 12^th April

An Irish sounding male called upon a householder to enquire whether his car was for sale.  Whilst the caller was talking to the householder, a second offender is thought to have entered the property from the rear and stolen items from within.

2 burglaries at Whiteshot Way, Saffron Walden Monday 12^th April

Whilst the owner was working in the greenhouse in the back garden of their property, offender(s) entered a house and took cash and documents at between 3.15 – 3.30pm.

The house next door was also burgled at the same time.  Neighbours saw two Eastern European looking males walking around the rear of the properties on a footpath at around the same time.  One was wearing a white shirt with pinstripes and the other a dark suit.  It is possible that the one in a shirt carried a light coloured hooded sweatshirt since a further witness saw a similar looking man in a pale hooded top.  If you saw anybody matching these descriptions or witnessed anything suspicious at around these times in Whiteshot Way, please get in touch with us.

If you saw any suspicious or unusual activity around any of these locations or have any information which you think might be of help, please call Essex Police on 0300 333 4444.

Many thanks,

Lindsay Baillie

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

I have arranged some Compost Giveaway Days for May to giveaway compost made from the kitchen waste collected from Uttlesford residents. 

The dates and sites are as follows:

Saturday 01/05/10 – Great Dunmow ( Chequers Lane Car Park)

Sunday 02/05/10 – Stansted ( Lower Street Car Park)

Sunday 09/05/10 – Thaxted ( Margaret Street Car Park)

Saturday 15/05/10 – Takeley (Sports Field)

Sunday 16/05/10 – Saffron Walden (Swan Meadow Car Park)

All sites will run from 9am until 3pm, or until supplies run out.  It will operate on a first come first served basis and residents will need to bring their own bags to take the compost away.

If you would like to make this information available in your newsletters or on notice boards it would be most appreciated.

Many thanks,
Catherine

 The Rotary Club of Dunmow Presents

THE ESSEX POLICE

CHOIR

IN CONCERT

St. Mary’s Church, Great Dunmow

(by kind permission of the Church Wardens)

Saturday 27^th March 2010 at 7.30pm

Tickets £10.00

In aid if The Teenage Cancer Trust

and

Children with Leukaemia

Tickets available from Tourist Information Office, Market Square, Saffron Walden Reporter Office, 54. High Street or telephone 01799 584229 (evenings)