Essex Community Messages received in January 2017

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25/1/17

Crimestoppers are an independent charity helping law enforcement to locate criminals and help solve crimes. They have an anonymous 24/7 phone number, 0800 555 111 that people can call to pass on information about crime; alternatively people can send information anonymously via their 'Giving Information Form' on line at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online/ You don't have to give your name or any of your personal details. They do not trace calls or track IP addresses. They pay cash rewards of up to £1,000 if the information you give to Crimestoppers leads to one or more people being arrested and charged. The information you give is passed onto the police in such a way that they do not know who you are; they have never given the police information about their callers. It's a simple and secure way of bringing criminals to justice, without anybody knowing where the information came from.

24/1/17

In light of the recent press article involving a drug cultivation in London which caught fire causing injuries to a number of people and forcing over 40 houses to be evacuated...now is a very good time to check your smoke alarm is working. It really does just take seconds. Smoke alarms are proven life savers. They give warning at the first sign of fire, waking you and your family up and giving everyone the time they need to get safely out and call the fire service. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service wants to ensure that every single home in Essex has the excellent protection smoke alarms offer and will visit any home in Essex and fit smoke alarms completely FREE of charge. What a home safety visit involves: Identifying and making you aware of the potential fire risks in your home. Making sure you know what to do in order to reduce or prevent these risks Helping you put together an escape plan in case a fire breaks out in the future Ensuring you have a working smoke alarm and if you don't, Essex County Fire & Rescue will fit a FREE ten year smoke alarm. To arrange your home safety visit, or if you know anyone who would benefit from a visit, please contact Essex County Fire & Rescue on 0300 303 0088 or complete the on-line form www.essex-fire.gov.uk/Home_Fire_Safety/Home_Safety_Visit_Form/

24/21/17

The Castle Point and Rochford Policing Teams are now on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/EPCastlePointandRochford/ Please 'like' our page and follow all the news and advice as it happens

22/1/17

What are the signs? Children and young people that are the victims of sexual exploitation often do not recognise that they are being exploited. However, there are a number of tell-tale signs that a child may be being groomed for sexual exploitation. These include: • going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late • regularly missing school or not taking part in education • appearing with unexplained gifts or new possessions • associating with other young people involved in exploitation • having older boyfriends or girlfriends • suffering from sexually transmitted infections • mood swings or changes in emotional well being • drug and alcohol misuse • displaying inappropriate 'sexualised' behaviour. For more information visit; http://www.barnardos.org.uk/get_involved/campaign/cse.htm

21/1/17

Police rely on information from the public to spot those locations in your own communities where crime may be taking place. Information can be passed to the police in a number of ways; by calling 101, online at www.essex.police.uk or even free and anonymously through independent charity Crimestoppers 0800 555 111. Maybe you have seen people coming and going to a property carrying plant pots and compost. Maybe you have noticed lots of children attending a property where an older person lives and you just get a feeling it isn't right. Whatever your suspicion please report it...and don't forget to write down those important vehicle number plates. Thank you

21/1/17

We regularly receive calls regarding suspicious vehicles or being used in crime but seldom get passed the number plate of the vehicle. It is important to obtain number plates whenever you can to give the police a chance to identify the vehicle. A photograph on your phone, scratching it into a cigarette packet, writing it on the back of your hand or simply remembering it in your head...whatever method; think number plate. Help us to fight crime effectively. Thank you.

19/1/17

Do you know somebody in your community who goes the extra mile to support vulnerable people, prevent crime and make their communities safer? Then why not nominate them for the Police and Crime Commissioner’s ‘Outstanding Contribution to Community Safety Award?The process is simple to complete, and winners will be recognised at the PCC Annual Conference on 14th March 2017. The winning area of work or project will also receive £500, with those highly commended receiving £250 each to be reinvested into the areas they are recognised for. The deadline for nominations is Monday February 20th so make sure your local heroes are recognised in the way they deserve!
The nomination form can be downloaded from the Essex PCC website here: https://www.essexcommunitymessaging.org/

18/1/17

There has been an increase in shed burglaries recently particularly within the Rochford District. Please check your sheds and other outbuildings of an evening and again each morning to ensure they are secure, locking them with decent quality padlocks and consider a shed alarm which can be purchased cheaply on-line or in DIY stores as well as security lighting.

13/1/17

Police have received a number of reports in the last two weeks from elderly and vulnerable people who have been scammed for a large amount of money. Please do not give your bank or personal details out over the phone unless you are happy that the person you are talking to is working for a reputable company. Police advice you to report any cold callers knocking at your property and do not accept these people to complete any work on your property. If you wish to have works carried out and are unsure on a company to use, contact your local council who will have a list of businesses. Reporting incidents to police, please phone the non-emergency number 101 or 999 in an emergency.

13/11/17

Police have received two reports of a Mercedes AMG vehicle being stolen; this has taken place in the Hullbridge, Essex area. If you own a high powered vehicle please take extra care with your security. Police advice is that if you are able to park the vehicle in a locked garage area then please do so, it also may be worth purchasing steering wheel locks or something similar. If you see anything suspicious please report this to Essex Police on the non-emergency number 101 and in an emergency please dial 999.

13/1/17

Please be aware that police have received a number of reports in regards to theft of vans. Always keep your van secure by making sure you have locked the vehicle when unattended, you can also attach stickers to the rear of the vehicle stating that no tools are left overnight, this may prevent you from becoming a victim. If you see anything suspicious please report this to Essex Police on the non-emergency number 101 and in an emergency please dial 999.

11/1/17

If you have any information regarding crimes, suspicious buildings, cars or people and you would like to report it anonymously contact CRIME STOPPERS-uk or phone 0800 555 111

9/1/17

Essex Youth Offending Service are actively seeking volunteers from the community to help them in their work of preventing re-offending by young people aged between 10 and 17 years.
We are searching for people like you who have skills and are looking to learn new skills that can talk to young people, their parents and sometimes the victim of the offence to draw up a contract to address the young person’s offending behaviour.
The contract is designed to prevent young people from re-offending, but also looks to try to repair the harm caused which can benefit both the victim and the community.
• You would receive full training and support.
• You would be able to fit this role around your existing commitments.
• You would be welcomed in to a friendly and supportive team who care about the community in which they live.
If you are aged over 18, live in Essex and are interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity, please contact Jodie Fenemer at jodie.fenemer@essex.gov.uk or ring on 03330139773

8/1/17

Following the recent spate of dwelling burglaries in the Castle Point & Rochford districts, additional overnight resources have been put in place to provide reassurance, stop check suspicious vehicles and persons and prevent further offences being committed.
Since 31/12/16 night time patrols have stop checked 14 persons, stopped and checked 26 vehicles and arrested three persons (drugs possession, a drink driver and a female for assault on Police following a vehicle stop). This increased activity has resulted in a sharp drop in dwelling burglaries and suspects for the outstanding offences are actively being sought.
This does not mean we should become complacent and overt and covert patrols continue. Residents are reminded to double their doors, secure all windows and activate alarms and CCTV if installed.
If you witness any suspicious activity or have any information on crime please call 101. You can also provide information anonymously via CrimeStoppers UK

8/1/17

Blue Badges are valuable to you, but also to criminals. Please be aware of car security. Ensure all doors are locked and nothing is left on display.

5/1/17

A scheme which will allow victims of crime and anti-social behaviour (such as neighbour disputes) the chance to communicate with the perpetrators has been launched. We are searching for people to volunteer their time and skills, people who have the ability to learn skills that would allow them to assist us.  The Essex Restorative Justice and Mediation Service facilitates safe communication between those involved in a crime or conflict and allow victims to ask questions and receive meaningful reparation for the harm that has been caused.

You would receive full training and ongoing support

You would become part of a friendly and supportive team

You would be able to fit this role around your existing commitments

If you are aged over 18 years, live in Essex and are interested in learning more about this exciting and challenging role Please contact restorativejustice@essex.pnn.police.uk or ring 01245 291609

Case Study: An example of the work we do:
A young boy had caused criminal damage to a school window and the incident was referred to us for a restorative outcome

During the meeting, the head-teacher of the school asked if the boy was angry with her or the school. this was something she had been worried about, and didn't know what she might have done to have caused it.

He explained that he wasn't angry, and offered a very heartfelt apology for his actions. The headteacher explained that she wanted him to move forward and achieve his goals in life without jeopardising his future with further thoughtless acts. she said he was welcome back to the school for events in the future. we received very good feedback from all involved, with everyone saying they were very glad they had taken part.

"the meeting has helped me to close the door on the incident. thank you for supporting us, it really helped"
What our volunteers say about us:
Before I volunteered with the service I was stuck in a rut but now I have a purpose and realise I can use my skills to help others

This role has made me realise that I can do much more than I ever thought I could do

Seeing the change in the people I have worked with has made me feel so proud to have been part of the process

Volunteering with the Restorative Justice Service has been so rewarding, I think everyone has something to give

They team are always at the end of the phone, they push me to do things to build my confidence and I cant thank them enough for the opportunity,

their support and encouragement and for giving me the chance to work in this fantastic role

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