Essex Community Messages received in April 2017

(Because of the number of links shown we no longer make direct links - please simply copy and paste to your browser)

28/4/17

We have been informed that some dubious cold calling Tree surgeons/Landscape Gardeners have entered our area having been suspected of committing offences in a neighbouring area “Your Doorstep Your Choice”, we would advise you to think twice about engaging cold calling traders. If you need a trader for a particular job and do not have a trader by personal recommendation contact Trading Standards “Buy with Confidence Scheme” on 0345 404 0506

26/4/17

Phishing is - any email, call or message which has been received claiming to be an official body and asking for personal details. They may promise rewards, prizes or shares of fortunes for small fees. An incident of phishing was recently reported in the Rochford District. The victim in her 80's received a telephone call and was told it was the Metropolitan Police (IT WASN'T!!) The male caller explained her bank account had been targeted but a male was in custody. He gave genuine sounding crime reference numbers (but are not recognised by local Forces including Metropolitan Police.) The victim was asked to go to her bank and withdraw £7000 and to expect a further call. Fortunately the bank had already closed and the police were alerted. No further call has been received from the suspects. The police never call victims to ask for personal or banking details. If you receive a call from any agency; police, bank or otherwise; DO NOT divulge personal details. Scammers will try all manner of ways to trick you into giving up passwords and other details. Report any incidents to Action Fraud 0300 123 20 40. Or on-line www.actionfraud.police.uk

23/4/17

We would like to make you aware that police have received three more reports overnight in the Benfleet area of catalytic converters being stolen and again these were all from Ford Galaxy vehicles. Police would like to remind you again that if you are leaving your vehicle unattended please park your vehicle in a secure place and if your vehicle is being left unattended overnight please use your driveway if you have one or park your vehicle in a well-lit place. Castle Point and Rochford Neighbourhood Policing Team Rayleigh Police Station 101 Ext: 490161

22/4/17

Essex Police have received three reports of theft overnight whereby catalytic converters have been stolen. All three thefts took place in the Benfleet area and the vehicles that the catalytic converters were stolen from were Ford Galaxy’s. Please try and park your vehicle when leaving it unattended in a secure place, If you are leaving your vehicle unattended overnight please use your driveway if you have one or leave your vehicle in a well-lit area. We have seen this type of crime trend previously on vehicles such as Mercedes Sprinters and other transit vans however it now appears that Ford Galaxy’s are being targeted.

20/4/17

Theft from Vans Vans have been entered and tools have been removed, if you own or know a neighbour, friend or workmate who owns a van make them aware. Think about security especially when working away from home and parking at a hotel. If you have tools on board think about removing them overnight if possible and add signage to your vehicle to indicate you have done so. Also make a point of property marking your equipment both overtly and covertly. Please also take on board the following advise • DON’T tempt thieves by leaving any items on display. • DO CLEAN THE SAT NAV RING off the windscreen. • DO TURN BLUETOOTH OFF anything left in the car – it can be detected when on. • DO lock your vehicle at all times, close windows, and set the alarm, even when parked on your driveway or when carrying out any work. • DO PARK REAR DOORS ON VANS up against garage doors or other to prevent access where possible. • DO NOT just press the button on your fob to lock it – Look at your car to see the lights flash etc to confirm locking; someone may be nearby with a “remote blocker” and stop your car from locking. • DO try to park in a secure, well lit area were possible, if parking at a hotel try and park within view of reception, CCTV cameras or your room. • Do mark tools and property visibly with your post code and house number, and consider products such as CRE Mark, Selecta DNA and Smart Water. • Do register serial numbers of your property on www.immobilise.com this is completely free service. Please visit the website for more information. • Do consider having additional security door locks fitted, they make it harder for the thief and are a great visual deterrent. • Do consider having a safe box secured within the vehicle and keep it locked. • Do consider a PIR alarm that calls you on the mobile phone when activated, intended for sheds work just as well in a van. • If using a public car park – Try to use a “Parkmark” approved car park www.parkmark.co.uk Empty your van or car before someone else does. For further crime prevention advice see https://www.essex.police.uk/advice/your-property/vehicles/ or dial 101 and ask for your local Crime Prevention Officer. If you know who is committing crime call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 Countywide circulation from the Braintree and Uttlesford Crime Prevention Officer - stephen.armson-smith@essex.pnn.police.uk - Tel 101 extn 407110

19/4/17

An attempted burglary was committed in Hall Road, Rochford. This occurred between 6th April and 15th April. Did you see any suspicious activity. If so please call Essex Police on 101 quoting incident number 42/56593/17 Thank You PCSO 8507 Ginn Rayleigh Police Station

12/4/17

The brother and nephew of a woman missing for more than two decades are appealing for new information which may lead to a breakthrough in the search. Barbara McGeachy, a then 55-year-old housewife who lived in Trinity Road, Rayleigh, was reported missing in April 1994. In the years that have passed, her family have heard nothing from her, nor had any information which has successfully led to answers about her whereabouts. Today, Wednesday April 12, is Barbara’s 79th birthday and Jim Dixon, 87, and Tim Dixon, 56, Barbara’s brother and nephew, are making a direct appeal for anyone with information which may be connected to her disappearance, to come forward. Tim Dixon, who lives in Cold Norton, and is a retired Essex Police officer, said: “Our family have been living with this for decades. “Barbara has missed so many family events and milestones, including my wedding and the birth of my children. We just want to know whether she is alive, and if not, what happened to her. “We ask that anyone, specifically people who lived near the Trinity Road area of Rayleigh during the time of my Aunt Barbara’s disappearance, and who think they may have relevant information, to contact DI Anna Granger. “Even the tiniest piece of information could lead to a breakthrough.” DI Anna Granger, who is leading the review of Barbara’s case, said: “Essex Police has explored numerous lines of enquiry in this missing person case since the mid-nineties, including a number of reviews. “We are working closely with Barbara’s family to identify new information, however our investigative opportunities are gradually becoming fewer. “I want to hear from anyone who has even the smallest piece of information, or anecdote to share, which they feel could be useful in the search for Barbara.” Anyone with information is asked to call DI Anna Granger at Basildon Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

8/4/17

Did you know.....?
You can report a vehicle that appears to be untaxed and used/kept on the public road anonymously by submitting the details electronically using the on-line form found at https://forms.dft.gov.uk/report-an-untaxed-vehicle/
Please note that if you are unable to supply a postcode, it may delay any action.

Return to Police & Messaging Contents page