Identity and Credit Card Fraud

To prevent members of the community from becoming victims of identity or credit card fraud, Essex Police offers the following guidance.


“You should never give out details of your PIN number to another person, not even to a respected figure of authority in the community. No professional body or person, not even your bank, will ever ask for the PIN number of your credit or debit cards."

Identity theft is when someone’s personal information is obtained by another person without their knowledge. When the information gathered is used by the criminal to obtain credit, goods or services this is identity fraud.

Here are some simple steps that everyone can take to protect themselves from becoming a victim of identity fraud:

- Store details that contain personal information in a safe place
- Shred or destroy any documents such as bills, receipts or general post
- Check your bank statements regularly
- Have a different password or PIN for each account
- Ensure that your home computer has good anti-virus protection

Dwelling Burglaries... Can You help?

A message from Anne Larn, Maldon Police:

I have been askled by CID officers if I can circulate to you a press release regarding Dwelling Burglaries in the Maldon area.

If anyone has any information that will be of help to the police please contact CID at Maldon Police Station on 0300 333 444.

Many thanks

Anne

MALDON: daytime dwelling burglaries, July 2009
Detectives are appealing for information following a number of dwelling burglaries in Maldon district. There were three burglaries on July 6, 2009, which occurred during the daytime and where entry to the property was gained from the rear of the property by forcing or smashing a rear window or door.

Unknown suspects forced entry to a property in Basin Road, Heybridge, between 6:30am & 4:30pm on July 6, by forcing a rear window with an unknown implement, causing £50 of damage, and stealing cards and jewellery with an estimated total value in the low four figures.

Unknown suspects forced entry to a property in Southminster Road, Mayland, between 9am & 11:40am on July 6, by smashing the glass in an uPVC door at the rear of the property, causing an estimated £200 of damage. Nothing was stolen.

Unknown suspects forced entry to a property in Maldon Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, between 7:45am & 12:40pm on July 6, by smashing a rear window, causing an estimated £300 of damage, and stealing jewellery with an estimated value of around £1000.

Dc Alison Cotter of CID in Maldon said:
“These crimes follow a similar pattern, with the burglar or burglars forcing their way into people’s homes during daylight hours, via the rear of the property. We are actively investigating these crimes, and are determined to catch those responsible. I would ask anyone with information to contact CID in Maldon on 0300 33334444. If you see anybody acting suspiciously, especially in a rear garden, or if you see any unknown or unrecognised vehicles in your neighbourhood, please call 999 immediately.”

Crime Reduction Officer Trisha Staerck said:
“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 job of keeping unwanted visitors out. I would ask residents to consider fitting burglar alarms, which can both deter burglars and help police to catch them.”

It’s also important to take sensible precautions during the hot summer weather.
Dc Alison Cotter said: “Although all these burglaries involved criminals forcing their way into properties, they will also seek to take advantage of open or unlocked doors and windows. Please make sure that you lock up and close all your windows when you leave home.”

Crime Reduction Officer Trisha Staerck adds:
“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 do be sensible even when you’re at home.

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

Police are appealing for anyone with information on any of these crimes to telephone Essex Police on 0300 3334444, and ask for CID in Maldon, or call CRIMESTOPPERS anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For further information on ensuring your home is as safe and secure as possible, please contract Crime Reduction Officer Trisha Staerck, at Chelmsford police station, on 01245 212548.

Chris's Information Update 05 07 09

There has been a report from a resident of West Bowers Road, Woodham Walter that in late June a female knocked on her door. She was not able to answer the door in time, but saw a female standing at the front gate. She didn’t think much about it at the time but has since found evidence that someone has been round the back of her house. She describes the female as approx 5’3” tall, plumpish with long dark hair, olive skinned complexion, wearing a faded yellow tea shirt.
The informant passed this information to the police over the weekend.

Please make sure that doors and windows are kept locked, wherever possible, paying particular attention to rear doors – while you are occupied at the front door, someone could be getting in through the back.



TOLLESHUNT D’ARCY

Detectives are appealing for information following a burglary in Tolleshunt D’Arcy, Maldon. The burglary happened in Station Road, between 7:30am & 2pm on July 1, 2009, when unknown suspects forced entry by smashing a pane of glass, causing an estimated £150 of damage, and stole jewellery with an estimated value in the mid four figures. Anyone with information should call CID in Maldon on 0300 3334444, where the investigating officer is Dc Steven BENNETT, or call CRIMESTOPPERS anonymously on 0800 555111.


COLD NORTON

Detectives are appealing for information following a burglary in Cold Norton, Maldon. The burglary happened in Clarke Rise, around 2:45am on July 4, 2009, when unknown suspects forced entry via a door, causing no visible damage, and stole two wallets, cash and car keys with an estimated total value of around £40. The resident heard the door close and called Essex Police. No vehicles were stolen.
DCI Mark Wheeler said: “It’s good to ensure that you keep your keys somewhere safe and out of sight. Also, do not leave cash, bags and wallets lying around. Please keep all accessible doors and window closed and locked. If you have uPVC doors, please ensure that you lock the door with the key - just pulling up the handle does not deadlock the door. If you have a garage, please try to lock your vehicle away safely inside it.
Anyone with information should call CID in Maldon on 0300 3334444, where the investigating officer is Dc Steven BENNETT, or call CRIMESTOPPERS anonymously on 0800 555111.


Southminster

Between 3 May and 3 July in Hall Road, Southminster, a barn was broken into by breaking the padlock and camping equipment was stolen. There were 12 tents and various cooking equipment to the value of £1500, belonging to scouts groups.


Heybridge

Overnight on 3/4 July at The Roothings, entry was gained to a secure blue Nissan micra and a black Prada shoulder bag, containing a purse, wallet, cards, driving licence and loose change and valued at £250 was stolen. The bag was on the floor of the front passenger seat. Information to Maldon Police Station.

Overnight on 1/2 July in Coopers Avenue an instrument was used to force the offside front door lock of a white Mercedes sprinter van and a tom tom sat nav and telephone equipment were stolen. Value of items is £200, damage estimated at £100. Information to Maldon Police Station.

Leaving goods on show in a car, whether locked or not, is an invitation to steal. Anything of value should be removed from the car (including cradles for phones and sat navs) entirely, or, at the very least, removed from open view.


Maldon

Just after midnight on 5 July in King Street, the front offside headlight of a pink Austin mini was smashed with a piece of concrete. Damage valued at £50. Information to Maldon Police Station.


























Forthcoming meetings:


Monday 6 July at 7.00pm Claydon Room, Plantation Hall, Colchester Road, Heybridge NAPs and NHW

Tuesday 7 July at 7.00pm St Cedds Hall, Princes Road, Maldon NHW Co-ordinators AGM

Thursday 9 July at 7.00pm Wickham Walter Village Hall NAPs

Monday 13 July at 7.00pm Cold Norton Village Hall NAPs

Monday 13 July at 7.00pm Tollesbury Community Centre NAPs

Wednesday 15 July at 7.00pm Tillingham Village Hall NAPs

Thursday 16 July at 7.00pm Maldon Town Hall, Market Hill NAPs

Thursday 23 July 2009 at 7.00pm Burnham Council Offices Maldon District Community Safety Partnership workshop on Fear and Concerns of Crime

Monday 27 July at 7.00pm Brick House Farm Community Centre, off Poulton Close NHW first meeting for Poets Estate

Thursday 30 July 2009 at 7.00pm One Place, High Street, Burnham on Crouch NAPs


NHW co-ordinators should make every effort to attend their local meeting. In that way, they can be certain that the issues in their area are identified and prioritised.

Mrs Chris Walker
6 July 2009

Chris's Information Update 28 06 09

There has been some concern expressed about leaflets being delivered to homes, in particular one for Ben’s Gutters. If you haven’t received the Ben’s Gutters compliment slip,(currently doing the rounds in Basildon and Thurrock), it looks handwritten in felt pen and says he is cleaning the gutters of a close neighbour to you and would you like yours done at the same visit?, It gives a website address and a mobile number and is signed Ben.

Thurrock Trading standards say the advert is breaching the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading 2008 regulations because it is misleading in its contents and appearance and may make a person pay money to the company. Enquiries with Company House have also shown that Ben’s Gutters is not registered as a limited company as its website states it is. Thurrock Trading standards have brought this issue to the attention of the Sussex Trading standards where the company originates from and they will make contact with Ben’s Gutters to highlight the concerns and have them change their advertising.

To date there have been no reports of criminal activity in connection with any local resident using this company; it’s just their advertising strategy that is misleading.

Please avoid using companies that leaflet drop. If you want any work done, use personal recommendations or look for companies in the yellow pages or from the internet and always get 3 quotes before you settle on a company.

If you have any concerns or problems when dealing with any trading standard matter from dealing with people at the front door to buying defective goods from a shop, your first call should be to Consumer Direct, as below.



They work in a similar way to NHS Direct in that they can give advice over the phone on your issue, they will record your complaint and pass it on to the relevant Trading Standard department and if it is an urgent issue (e.g. cold callers still in your road as you are talking to Consumer Direct), they will alert the local Trading standards immediately, who if on duty will attend the incident and speak with the cold caller while they are still in place.






Southminster

Between 2220 and 2320 on 24 June in Scotts Hill, suspects forced entry to a yard by damaging the padlock and stole a Compaq laptop PC, valued at £700. Damage estimated at £75. Information to Pc Nicola Jeffery.


Burnham on Crouch

Between 1 January and 25 June at Creeksea Caravan Park, Ferry Road, a 24 foot boat with a forward facing wheel house, and weighing about 3 tonnes was stolen. Information to Pc Richard Newton.

Overnight on 24/25 June in Maldon Road, a secure cream and brown Bedford horse box, valued at £3000 was stolen from a farm. Information to Pc Shelley Adam.

At 0139 on 23 June at the Co-op in Foundry Lane, entry was gained to the shop by forcing the main entrance door using a claw hammer, causing damage to the roller shutter door and smashing the glass. Cigarettes to the value of £3000 were stolen and £2000 of damage was caused. The cigarettes have been recovered and suspects arrested for burglary.

Between 2230 and 2359 on 26 June an insecure grey Muddy Fox Rogue Houligan cycle was stolen from outside a property in Crouch Road. The cycle had bronze handlebars with red hand grips, 36” wheels, high seat and tall headstock. The cycle is valued at £200. Information to Pc Alan Bowen.

Between midnight and 0600 on 27 June an insecure pedal cycle was stolen from an open porch of a property in Wick Road. The cycle is a purple metallic ladies universal rampage bike with a light grey child seat on the back and a red padded cushion, valued at £70. Information to Pc Jackie Thorogood.

Between 0900 on 18 June and 1630 on 25 June in Lilian Road, the index plate was removed from a trailer attached to a red Ford Escort. Value is £20. Information to Pc Neil Tremain.


Latchingdon

Between 0130 and 0600 on 26 June at a property in The Street, a suspect removed the car keys, which were on a table in the porch, by “hooking” them through the letter box and stole a blue BMW convertible, valued at £35000. Information to Pc Steven Bennett.


Wickham Bishops

Around 2230 on 22 June at Hatfield Road, suspects attempted to force entry to a blue Nissan Cabstar by smashing the front offside window and attempted to start the car causing ignition barrel damage. Total damage estimated at £450. The car was not stolen. Information to Pc Alan Bowen.


Purleigh

Between 1945 and 1955 on 26 June in Howe Green Road the index plates of a black Ford Fiesta were removed. Value is £25. It is believed that 2 or 3 males in a saloon car may be involved. Information to Pc Wendy Brown.


Mundon

Between 0530 on 24 June and 0530 on 25 June in Burnham Road, a secure white Nissan Cabstar, valued at £4000 was stolen from a farm. Information to Maldon police Station.


Heybridge

Between 0900 on 24 June and noon on 27 June in Chapel Lane, a catalytic converter and exhaust, valued at £1500, was stolen from a silver Ford Ranger. Information to Pc Yasmina Sakauloo.

Between 2200 on 19 June and 0915 on 23 June a glazed roof panel at Plantation Hall was broken when a stone was thrown. Damage valued at £250. Information to Maldon Police Station.


Between 20 and 27 June in Maple Avenue, a silver Peugeot was damaged by scratching on the nearside panel. Damage estimated at £500. Information to Maldon Police Station.

Between 1800 on 26 June and 0930 on 27 June in Wood Road a purple VW Golf was damged when the front offside window was smashed. Damage valued at £100. Information to Pc Thomas Flint.


Maldon

Between 2000 and 2315 on 23 June in Park Drive, suspects climbed over a side gate and gained entry to a property via an insecure door. A white gold engagement ring, valued at £500 was stolen. Information to Dc Patrick Snape.

Around 1330 on 23 June, at the car park to the Queens Head, the driver of a white Iveco van left the vehicle unlocked whilst he was delivering. His wallet containing cash and documents was stolen. Information to Maldon Police Station.

Between 1755 on 25 June and 0615 on 26 June in Falcon Fields a catalytic converter, valued at £800, was stolen from a silver Ford Ranger Thunder, by unbolting it. Information to Pc Lee Taylor.

Around 0130 on 26 June in Spinnaker Road, suspects smashed the front window of a yellow Vauxhall Vivaro, ripped the dashboard off and stole a sat nav system. Damage estimated at £600. Information to Pc Martyn Leggett.

Between 2255 and 2300 on 26 June in Mill Road a grey Ford Focus was damaged by kicking, causing a dent in the offside door. Damage valued at £150. Information to Pc Robert Eveling.

Between 1600 on 22 June and 0900 on 23 June in St Giles Close a purple Ford Ka was damaged by scratching the offside rear panels. Damage estimated at £300. Information to Pc Robert Eveling.

Forthcoming meetings:


Monday 6 July at 7.00pm Claydon Room, Plantation Hall, Colchester Road, Heybridge NAPs and NHW

Tuesday 7 July at 7.00pm St Cedds Hall, Princes Road, Maldon NHW Co-ordinators AGM

Thursday 9 July at 7.00pm Wickham Walter Village Hall NAPs

Monday 13 July at 7.00pm Cold Norton Village Hall NAPs

Monday 13 July at 7.00pm Tollesbury Community Centre NAPs

Wednesday 15 July at 7.00pm Tillingham Village Hall NAPs

Thursday 16 July at 7.00pm Maldon Town Hall, Market Hill NAPs

Monday 27 July at 7.00pm Brick House Farm Community Centre, off Poulton Close NHW first meeting for Poets Estate

Thursday 30 July 2009 at 7.00pm One Place, High Street, Burnham on Crouch NAPs


NHW co-ordinators should make every effort to attend their local meeting. In that way, they can be certain that the issues in their area are identified and prioritised.

Mrs Chris Walker
29 June 2009