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
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
posted by Evelyn at 8:34 AM
1 Comments:
"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."
Does this advice also apply to the multitude of kebab houses and indian takeaways who continually leaflet drop my house?
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