Essex Community Messages received -
NOVEMBER
29/11/15
Number plate thefts are taking place in the District. (Information from AA website) If the number plates are stolen from your car you should report it straight away – you might start receiving parking fines, speeding fines or worse as number plates are used to disguise the identity of cars used in a wide range of crimes. Number plate theft is a big problem – rates have more than doubled in the last five years and there were at least 40,000 cases last year. Thefts from cars are significantly under-
25/11/15
Deliberate Fires in Rochford
We have received a report of a fire being set in the waste area of the tennis courts in Stambridge Road Rochford on 24/11/15 at approximately 18:00 by a group of 3 or 4 youths. There have also been similar reports of deliberate fires in the grounds of the Community College, Rocheway and fields near Doggetts Close in the past few days. If you see any suspicious activity or have any information please call Essex Police on the non-
Clive Mayhew 73351 Essex Watch Liaison Rayleigh Police Station
Phone 101 extension 490540 email clive.mayhew@essex.pnn.police.uk
25/11/15
Counterfeit Currency
We have had a report of counterfeit currency being passed at a fast food restaurant in London Road Benfleet.
A small group of adults distracted the cashier with constant questions and talking to them. Attempts to pass the fake notes have also been made at a small number of other shops in the area and fake £20:00 notes detected at the Co-
Traders are advised to review their procedures for detecting counterfeit currency and all staff are made aware of what to do if they suspect notes are fake. Notes detected so far include Scottish £20:00 & £50:00. The notes had been sprayed (possibly with hairspray) so that UV pens used to help identify fakes did not react. The Bank of England has produced a downloadable app for smart phones that may help in the detection of fraudulent notes.
This is available at www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/Pages/banknoteapp/default.aspx
If you see any suspicious activity, are a victim of this crime or have any information please call Essex Police on the non-
Clive Mayhew 73351 Essex Watch Liaison Rayleigh Police Station
Phone 101 email clive.mayhew@essex.pnn.police.uk
19/11/15
WARNING for the elderly. Police forces have become aware of a fraud circulating targeting elderly and vulnerable members of the community. Some older people have received telephone calls from a caller who purports to be from the GP surgery and is asking for an appointment to discuss the persons mobility needs. During the appointment, the older person is persuaded to buy mobility aids which are either unnecessary or inappropriate and always expensive. If you receive a call like this, please check with your GP surgery first before agreeing to a visit.
18/11/15
Watch Out for Storm Cowboys Householders are being advised by Essex County Council Trading Standards against using cowboy builders or rogue traders if their houses or fences have been damaged by the recent storms and high winds. Legitimate builders, plumbers, carpenters and other craftsmen will be working at full stretch and Trading Standards is concerned that dishonest traders will take advantage of the situation to rip off vulnerable residents. Traders who knock on your door or leaflet you may provide you with a false address or a pay as you go mobile number which cannot be traced. Trading Standards advise people to speak to their insurance companies before engaging anyone to carry out repair work and to approach businesses approved by the insurers. In the case of flood damage, electricity and gas companies may be able to make free inspections and advise on safety work. If your house or property has been damaged by the recent storm the last thing you need is a rogue trader adding to the problem. We would recommend using one of our Buy with Confidence traders, who have been audited and approved by Trading Standards” You can find a Buy with Confidence trader or obtain advice and guidance on any consumer issue by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506, who handle calls for Trading Standards or look on www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk We would also urge residents to ensure that family, friends and neighbours are not ripped off by rogue or doorstep traders.
17/11/5
WARNING: Thefts from Cars There is an increase in items being stolen from cars in car parks at this time of year whilst drivers are distracted loading purchases into their vehicles. When you have finished your shopping please:
- If you are on your own or need to leave your vehicle, perhaps to return a trolley, lock your car and try to keep it in sight.
- Do not leave handbags, laptops or mobile phones on the seat at any time even when loading your boot or just returning your trolley.
- Keep your car door locked when travelling slowly through car parks, in traffic queues or at traffic lights.
- Keep high value items covered or in your boot out of sight. Boxes of cigarettes are particularly desirable due to their high value and ease of resale.
- Remove all high value items from your vehicle immediately when you get to your destination.
Please always be aware of who is around you and keep safe.
16/11/15
Burglaries in Rochford District There have been a number of incidents in Rochford District over the last few days
1) Before 11/11/15 09:00 Dwelling Burglary, Manor Road, Hockley. Front door forced. Reported by neighbours as owners away.
2) 12/11/15 04:00 approx Dwelling Burglary, Clifton Road Rochford Rear patio door smashed. Reported by neighbours as owners away.
3) 12-
4) 16/11/15 – 01:40 approx Dwelling Burglary, Leamington Road Hockley Front door forced, property removed
5) 07/11/15 19:45-
6) 15/11/15 before 15:50 Dwelling Burglary. Cherrydown Rayleigh. Rear door smashed, property removed
7) 14-
If you saw any suspicious activity at the time or have any information please call Essex Police on the non emergency number 101 or 999 in an emergency.
You can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-
Clive Mayhew 73351 Essex Watch Liaison, Rayleigh Police Station Phone 101 extension 490540 email clive.mayhew@essex.pnn.police.uk
12/11/15
Thefts from Vehicles in Rochford District We have received a number of reports of thefts from motor vehicles in Rochford District over the last week. Most of the thefts took place in Hockley and Wakering, and in the majority of the cases there was no sign of forced entry to the vehicles.
To avoid becoming the victim of car crime can you please ensure that your vehicle is locked when left unattended. It takes seconds for an opportunist thief to open an unlocked door and remove valuables.
Make sure your belongings, phones, money, sat navs etc. are kept out of sight in the boot or glove compartment when you are away from your car, and if possible, take valuables into your house rather than leaving in your car overnight.
For further information please visit www.essex.police.uk/be_safe/your_property/vehicles.aspx
or contact the Crime Prevention Tactical Adviser on the Police non-
Clive Mayhew 73351 Essex Watch Liaison Officer Rayleigh Police Station
11/11/15
An update on burglary in Rochford District:
07/11 -
02/11 > 10/11 -
09/11 > 10/11 -
10/11 -
10/11 -
10/11 -
10/11 >11/11 -
11/11 -
Please consider installing an alarm. Further crime reduction advice is available.
PC 1325 Steve Joynes -
3/11/15
Please be aware that fraudsters are actively targeting residents of the District. The caller claims to be District Council staff informing the resident they are entitled to a refund and asking for their bank details.
If you have concerns with regard the legitimacy of the caller, advice is to hang up and call the Council directly on 01702 318197 or 01702 318198.
Never give bank or other personal information to anyone; unless you know the legitimacy of the caller.
Graham Browne, Community Safety Officer.
3/11/15
Urban Fraud Myths and the Reality We recommend you check the website below
Do you know your fraud fact from fraud fiction?
Action Fraud and the City of London Police launch its Urban Fraud Myths campaign to let you know the truth about fraud and cyber crime. To view myths and realities connected to
Myth 1 Dating fraud Myth 2 Spoofing Myth 3 Pin Safety Myth 4 Money mules Myth 5 Public Wi-
Myth 7 Insurance fraud Myth 8 Money Transfer Systems Myth 9 Passwords Myth 10 Social engineering Myth 11 Legitimate websites
Myth 12 Anti-
please visit