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RDC News

Issue 46 – Winter 2013
            
  Thanks to the Rosca Trust who continue to sponsor our newsletter.

1. Coverage.  We cover the area of Rochford District Council which includes: Ashingdon, Barling Magna & Sutton, Canewdon, Rawreth, Great Wakering, Hockley, Foulness, Hullbridge, Pagelsham, Hawkwell, Rayleigh, Rochford & Stambridge

2. Getting in Touch.  Contact us on the above number. The office is usually staffed from 10.00 am – 12.00 am each weekday. Please leave a clear message on the answer phone at other times and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

3. Organisation. Due to ill health, Michael Bubel has had to give up his role. Our thanks to him for all the work he has done over many years. We are recruiting a replacement to join the existing team of Mike Hooper, Debbie Agambar and John Metcalfe.

4. Neighbourhood Action Panel   Residents are invited to these open meetings which are held throughout the Rochford District. Meet your local police officer and have your say on issues affecting you and your neighbours. The meeting dealing with Rayleigh is held on the second Tuesday of the month in the Rayleigh Town Council pavilion, King Georges Park from 7-30pm to 8-30pm. Contact your local council for details of your meeting or go to the Essex Police web site- (Click on the ‘My Neighbourhood’ and then ‘Events’ tabs.)

5. Scams
We issue warnings via email on a regular basis concerning various scams operating in and around our district. If you want to be included on our circulation and have not already done so, please let us have your email address.

6. Community Speedwatch
We mentioned Speedwatch in our last newsletter and we have had several volunteers who have now been trained. If you want to make a difference and help reduce speeding in your road then contact Rayleigh Town Council on 01268 741880 or email:
rayleigh.towncouncil@btopenworld.com . The scheme enables volunteers ( who are covered by the Council’s insurance) to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and poor driving, helping to control the problem locally. Speedwatch does not operate speed traps, but speed checks.

 7. Online Safety
You can protect yourself and your family by going to: www.getsafeonline.org or call them for advice free on: 0800 4085500

8. Pickpockets
Don’t be a victim: Carry your bag in front of you, keep all zips and fasteners closed, keep valuables in a secure inside pocket, keep an eye on belongings at all times. There is a useful guide provided by the British Transport police at btp.police.uk/theft. Check it out.  

9. Going Abroad?
Fees for passports have increased over the years and HM Passport Office charges £72.50 for making an on line application. Do not ‘shop around’ for a cheaper deal as there isn’t one. If you do apply via the internet beware of bogus sites as they will charge more.     

10. We need more volunteers
Rochford District NHW continues to grow it's membership and we now have over 6500 members but we are always looking for new co-ordinators to set up watches in their road or area. If you are, or know anyone who would be interested in taking up the role, please ask them to get in touch with us.  

11. Neighbourhood Policing
Check out your neighbourhood police team by logging on to the Essex Police web site and clicking on ‘My Neighbourhood’

12. Inconsiderate Parking
This is actually a subject for Essex County Council Highways and not the police unless the vehicle is causing an obstruction. If you feel the matter requires reporting then you may wish to take a photograph and forward it to the police to consider whether or not it is something they can proceed on.  

13. Protecting your valuables
The most common items stolen in the course of a burglary are laptops, Apple products, smart phones, bicycles, televisions, cash and jewellery. Please take care not to leave these on view and store them out of sight when you are not at home.  

14. Stay safe over Christmas
We want you to have a happy Christmas so make sure the crooks don’t ruin it for you, just follow these tips.

 If you are out shopping try not to carry too many bags as they can be a distraction
 Lock all your car doors and windows and don’t leave belongings in view
 Try not to return to your car to drop off purchases as thieves may be on the lookout
 Never leave your bag/purse in a shopping trolley at the supermarket
 Remember to lift up the handle to engage all the bolts and lock it properly if you have a UPVC door
 Cancel milk and paper deliveries
 Use time switches where possible for lights
 Do not leave presents on view
 Lock sheds and secure any ladders
 If possible leave a key with a neighbour who can make sure your letterbox is clear
 Don’t leave dustbins where they can be used to climb a fence or access a window

Useful Numbers
Non-emergency police number: 101
Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111
Trading Standards - Consumer contact: 08454 040506
Papworth Trust (Used to be Springboard) - For small household repairs, trustworthy gardeners etc:  0300 333 6543
Alcoholics Anonymous - All enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence - 0845 7697555

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