Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Police Community Consultation Group meeting held 25th July, Maldon
I went along to this not at all sure what to expect. There were a large number of people there, residents, senior police officers, and other agency members, such as the Fire Brigade.
The meeting was chaired by Bob Hollis (? I think that's his name. Sorry.) from Essex Police Authority.
First to Address us was Maldon’s District Commander, Chief Inspector Craig Robertson.
The joint Community Safety Partnership in Maldon has been highly praised for the way the partners work together. Compared with 14 other similar partnerships, Maldon came out the safest. There are 8 crimes a day reported for the district, and there has been a 5-8% reduction in crime over the last year. Compare this with Witham town, which has almost the same rate as the whole of Maldon District.
There is a 30% detections rate. Someone pointed out that 30% detection meant that the criminal is getting away with it 70% of the time, which seems like very good odds for getting away with crime. Craig Robertson said that criminals tried very hard not to get detected, but he did feel a little uneasy about the ones that aren’t detected.
CR mentioned the Neighbourhood Policing Team meeting in May, and told us that the World Cup had drawn officers away from their duties to help control potential misbehaviour at Stansted Airport etc. Instead of focussing on the NPTs they took the opportunity to follow up unresolved issues, making 63 arrests in a 2 week period.
A problem with the NPT mobile phones has been highlighted, where if no officer happens to be on duty, the message won’t be picked up until the next officer is on duty. The calls are now to be diverted to a human being in those circumstances.
The NPT for Heybridge has met with great success re the “Heybridge Crew”, detecting crimes which were reported. The Heybridge Crew have also admitted to crimes that the police didn’t know about.
The issue of switching off the street lighting was touched on briefly but not delved into. CR said they were aware of residents’ concerns and fear of crime, and these would be considered at the consultation process.
CR said that because we live in a safe area, there is a tendency to open ourselves up to becoming victims, eg 60% of domestic burglaries was through insecure premises.
The Merger. Shelved not Binned,
Inspector Andy Proffit (Prophet? Sorry, didn't quite get this name either) gave us a presentation on the proposed merger with Bedfordhire and Herts. He assembled a team in September to look at the pros and cons of such a merger. Two weeks ago the situation changed, and the Home Office has stepped back from pushing the mergers through. However, the mergers may still happen if Police Forces cannot show they are capable of standing alone, that is, it that police force still fit for the purpose in the 21st century?
There are 43 police forces currently. There is a minimum staffing level at which the Home Office deems that force capable of delivering the service required, 4000 officers and 6,000 staff. At present Essex has, if I noted this correctly, 3,200 officers and 5,300 staff and argues that it can stand alone with this.
The Home Officer wanted a merger with Herts and beds. On 12th July, the planned forced merger was taken off the immediate agendas, but not off the agenda altogether.
There are 3 options:-
1. and alone.
2. Effective collaboration.
3. Voluntary merger
Essex has delivered the key services required of a police force, and represents good value for money for the council tax paid, being the third cheapest force in England and Wales.
Now the planned merger is off (for the moment),Essex Police will be looking to the Government to refund the monies spent on the project.
A questionnaire has been circulated to see what we think. This is on the back of the Policing Essex newspaper delivered to all households, as well as a separate sheet delivered to much of Essex.
Open Forum
The meeting was then opened to the floor for questions.
Mobile Phones used whilst driving. The first question was what are the police doing about it. The resident mentioned he had seen a number of people using their phones on a short journey from Maldon to South Woodham Ferrers. (I think it was something like 7 cars, 2 vans 2 lorries and a coach.)
CR said this will be dealt with firmly, as will the “Boy Racers”. New powers which allow the vehicle to be seized after a warning about antisocial driving are being implemented. He told us that in a recent exercise with Essex CC Road Safety Caravan and 12 officers, a large number of people were stopped for using mobile phones or not using their seatbelts, including one person for whom there was a warrant outstanding.
The topic of young drivers was mentioned. There is a scheme “Pass Plus” where young drivers can apply for a grant of £50 towards 6 post-passing lessons to cover aspects like motorway driving. This decreased the young driver’s risk of having an accident and is very worthwhile.
Poor driving and noisy cars and people are again reported on Market Hill. This will be dealt with.
Vandalism. One resident remarked that the church windows had been smashed, replaced at considerable cost, and then one of the new windows was smashed the next day.
CR Said that criminal damage was taken seriously, amounting to a large proportion of the crime reported. Often it was children mucking about, not realising that the damage they were causing isn’t funny to the victim.
A Graffiti File is being compiled because the perpetrator will use a characteristic tag, or a certain style. The graffiti is being photographed and filed to aid detection.
The public are urged to cooperate with the police in matters of criminal damage, with as much information as possible.
Young offenders or those at risk of offending can be helped:- Many come from unpleasant backgrounds and need help rather than censure to prevent them from re-offending. 8-13 year olds can be referred to Maldon District Council for help.
Response times. CR said for priority jobs the target is to attend within 20 minutes. This is hit 100% or the time. For Urban priority jobs, the target is 10 minutes which is hit 96% of the time. A resident pointed out that someone has to prioritise the jobs, and low priority jobs often take a lot longer to respond to. There have been a couple of hiccoughs just recently where the computer has hidden a job or two which should have been given a higher priority, and this is being sorted.
CR gave a newsworthy example. The digger destroying a house incident. Contrary to what was initially reported on the news, officers were at the scene within 10 minutes. It is the specialists ie firearms officers who took 45 minutes to get there (Not that they were planning on shooting the guy. They also use non-lethal methods such as tasers.) The situation was highly volatile and dangerous, and there was little the first officers could do. They were later commended for their bravery. (I wouldn’t fancy sorting someone in a digger. Big machines those, and surprisingly manoeuvrable. What a job!)
Only 1 in 5 calls to the police is to report a crime.
Bureaucracy is a nightmare. There was an effort to reduce bureaucracy from the home office, with 61 recommendations. A lot od bureaucracy was got rid of, but has now been replaced by – you guessed it – the Home Office.
Youth offending. The “Heybridge Crew” has been broken up, thanks to intense work by the NPT. Unfortunately, unless there is intelligence beforehand, dealing with this sort of behaviour and crimes is investigative rather than proactive, ie stopping the crimes from taking place. Where there is intelligence, the police will act pro-actively.
There are a raft of measures available for dealing with youngsters, but it’s not as easy as all that to apply. Maldon has a Youth Offending Team. Maldon District has a schools officer aimed at early intervention. A lot of effort and investment is going into prevention youth offending. (Good. We want our kids to grow up to be useful members of society, not sucked into criminality from an early age.)
Maldon is held up as a good example, because of the way the partners work together.
I'm sorry if I haven't got all the facts or have got a few things wrong. This was a toe-in-the-water session for me, a snoop to see what was going on. I would urge anyone interested to go to the next meeting.
The meeting was chaired by Bob Hollis (? I think that's his name. Sorry.) from Essex Police Authority.
First to Address us was Maldon’s District Commander, Chief Inspector Craig Robertson.
The joint Community Safety Partnership in Maldon has been highly praised for the way the partners work together. Compared with 14 other similar partnerships, Maldon came out the safest. There are 8 crimes a day reported for the district, and there has been a 5-8% reduction in crime over the last year. Compare this with Witham town, which has almost the same rate as the whole of Maldon District.
There is a 30% detections rate. Someone pointed out that 30% detection meant that the criminal is getting away with it 70% of the time, which seems like very good odds for getting away with crime. Craig Robertson said that criminals tried very hard not to get detected, but he did feel a little uneasy about the ones that aren’t detected.
CR mentioned the Neighbourhood Policing Team meeting in May, and told us that the World Cup had drawn officers away from their duties to help control potential misbehaviour at Stansted Airport etc. Instead of focussing on the NPTs they took the opportunity to follow up unresolved issues, making 63 arrests in a 2 week period.
A problem with the NPT mobile phones has been highlighted, where if no officer happens to be on duty, the message won’t be picked up until the next officer is on duty. The calls are now to be diverted to a human being in those circumstances.
The NPT for Heybridge has met with great success re the “Heybridge Crew”, detecting crimes which were reported. The Heybridge Crew have also admitted to crimes that the police didn’t know about.
The issue of switching off the street lighting was touched on briefly but not delved into. CR said they were aware of residents’ concerns and fear of crime, and these would be considered at the consultation process.
CR said that because we live in a safe area, there is a tendency to open ourselves up to becoming victims, eg 60% of domestic burglaries was through insecure premises.
The Merger. Shelved not Binned,
Inspector Andy Proffit (Prophet? Sorry, didn't quite get this name either) gave us a presentation on the proposed merger with Bedfordhire and Herts. He assembled a team in September to look at the pros and cons of such a merger. Two weeks ago the situation changed, and the Home Office has stepped back from pushing the mergers through. However, the mergers may still happen if Police Forces cannot show they are capable of standing alone, that is, it that police force still fit for the purpose in the 21st century?
There are 43 police forces currently. There is a minimum staffing level at which the Home Office deems that force capable of delivering the service required, 4000 officers and 6,000 staff. At present Essex has, if I noted this correctly, 3,200 officers and 5,300 staff and argues that it can stand alone with this.
The Home Officer wanted a merger with Herts and beds. On 12th July, the planned forced merger was taken off the immediate agendas, but not off the agenda altogether.
There are 3 options:-
1. and alone.
2. Effective collaboration.
3. Voluntary merger
Essex has delivered the key services required of a police force, and represents good value for money for the council tax paid, being the third cheapest force in England and Wales.
Now the planned merger is off (for the moment),Essex Police will be looking to the Government to refund the monies spent on the project.
A questionnaire has been circulated to see what we think. This is on the back of the Policing Essex newspaper delivered to all households, as well as a separate sheet delivered to much of Essex.
Open Forum
The meeting was then opened to the floor for questions.
Mobile Phones used whilst driving. The first question was what are the police doing about it. The resident mentioned he had seen a number of people using their phones on a short journey from Maldon to South Woodham Ferrers. (I think it was something like 7 cars, 2 vans 2 lorries and a coach.)
CR said this will be dealt with firmly, as will the “Boy Racers”. New powers which allow the vehicle to be seized after a warning about antisocial driving are being implemented. He told us that in a recent exercise with Essex CC Road Safety Caravan and 12 officers, a large number of people were stopped for using mobile phones or not using their seatbelts, including one person for whom there was a warrant outstanding.
The topic of young drivers was mentioned. There is a scheme “Pass Plus” where young drivers can apply for a grant of £50 towards 6 post-passing lessons to cover aspects like motorway driving. This decreased the young driver’s risk of having an accident and is very worthwhile.
Poor driving and noisy cars and people are again reported on Market Hill. This will be dealt with.
Vandalism. One resident remarked that the church windows had been smashed, replaced at considerable cost, and then one of the new windows was smashed the next day.
CR Said that criminal damage was taken seriously, amounting to a large proportion of the crime reported. Often it was children mucking about, not realising that the damage they were causing isn’t funny to the victim.
A Graffiti File is being compiled because the perpetrator will use a characteristic tag, or a certain style. The graffiti is being photographed and filed to aid detection.
The public are urged to cooperate with the police in matters of criminal damage, with as much information as possible.
Young offenders or those at risk of offending can be helped:- Many come from unpleasant backgrounds and need help rather than censure to prevent them from re-offending. 8-13 year olds can be referred to Maldon District Council for help.
Response times. CR said for priority jobs the target is to attend within 20 minutes. This is hit 100% or the time. For Urban priority jobs, the target is 10 minutes which is hit 96% of the time. A resident pointed out that someone has to prioritise the jobs, and low priority jobs often take a lot longer to respond to. There have been a couple of hiccoughs just recently where the computer has hidden a job or two which should have been given a higher priority, and this is being sorted.
CR gave a newsworthy example. The digger destroying a house incident. Contrary to what was initially reported on the news, officers were at the scene within 10 minutes. It is the specialists ie firearms officers who took 45 minutes to get there (Not that they were planning on shooting the guy. They also use non-lethal methods such as tasers.) The situation was highly volatile and dangerous, and there was little the first officers could do. They were later commended for their bravery. (I wouldn’t fancy sorting someone in a digger. Big machines those, and surprisingly manoeuvrable. What a job!)
Only 1 in 5 calls to the police is to report a crime.
Bureaucracy is a nightmare. There was an effort to reduce bureaucracy from the home office, with 61 recommendations. A lot od bureaucracy was got rid of, but has now been replaced by – you guessed it – the Home Office.
Youth offending. The “Heybridge Crew” has been broken up, thanks to intense work by the NPT. Unfortunately, unless there is intelligence beforehand, dealing with this sort of behaviour and crimes is investigative rather than proactive, ie stopping the crimes from taking place. Where there is intelligence, the police will act pro-actively.
There are a raft of measures available for dealing with youngsters, but it’s not as easy as all that to apply. Maldon has a Youth Offending Team. Maldon District has a schools officer aimed at early intervention. A lot of effort and investment is going into prevention youth offending. (Good. We want our kids to grow up to be useful members of society, not sucked into criminality from an early age.)
Maldon is held up as a good example, because of the way the partners work together.
I'm sorry if I haven't got all the facts or have got a few things wrong. This was a toe-in-the-water session for me, a snoop to see what was going on. I would urge anyone interested to go to the next meeting.
Friday, July 21, 2006
NHW Area Meeting
A Summary of Points Raised at the Area Neighbourhood Watch Meeting last night
Crime Reduction Officer Report.
There has been a serious increase in cycle thefts in the Maldon Area (including Great Totham) recently. Some cycles have been taken to provide a “ride home” and have been recovered. Others have vanished. Some of the bikes were insecure, but others have been hard work to steal, such as requiring the thief to cut a fence, and in another case, the bike was stolen from a back garden.
There are still incidents of purse dipping in Maldon, especially in the two big supermarkets. It’s believed this is the work of opportunists rather than gangs just now. (As a personal observation I can understand why. Have you seen the number of people who turn their backs on their handbags whilst shopping? It’s so easy to be absent-minded when looking for a bargain. We must all be more careful and not make things easy for the opportunist.-Evelyn)
Satellite Navigation systems are being stolen from cars.
With the start of the hot weather we have the start of burglaries in insecure premises. Entry is often through an open window, including upstairs windows, or windows that look too small to allow someone to pass through. If the temperature is soaring outside, it can actually make the house hotter to have windows open.
Street Lighting
The lights are about to go out in Maldon. In an effort to reduce greenhouse emissions and save money, Essex County Council are going to turn out all but “certain limited areas” from midnight to 5.00am.
This “Key decision” is being rushed through. It was published on 14th July, and will be signed on 24th July. This gives very little time for appropriate consultation with District and Parish Councils and the police.
This has led to high levels of concern amongst Maldon Residents, and with the police, who fear an increase in antisocial behaviour, crime, and fear of crime in the area.
Evelyn’s comments:-
Cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing light pollution are important aims. However, this shouldn’t be at the expense of public safety. I presently live in an area where there is no street lighting. In the winter this means walking in the dark with a torch. This is scary, though I tell myself it’s a low crime area. It’s also scary because the pavements are uneven and not every dog owner clears up after the dog. The local people tend to have bright front lights to compensate, which of course negates any saving in greenhouse emissions. And I know that our elderly residents in particular won’t walk in the dark, so would rather drive half a mile to the village hall. What does that do for greenhouse emissions?
Turning the lights out in Maldon might result in a midnight curfew, where the streets are avoided by all but the mischief-makers.
I am uneasy at the way this is being rushed through as a key decision, with very little time for appropriate consultation before the decision is made and ratified.
PCSO changes.
Maldon is saying goodbye to Brett. Brett is replaced by PCSO Neil Fitter, who will be patrolling Maldon town centre.
PCSO Steve Butler will be concentrating on the rural villages, and is presently teamed with PCSO Heather Owen.
There is ongoing recruitment of PCSOs in the area.
Crime Reduction Officer Report.
There has been a serious increase in cycle thefts in the Maldon Area (including Great Totham) recently. Some cycles have been taken to provide a “ride home” and have been recovered. Others have vanished. Some of the bikes were insecure, but others have been hard work to steal, such as requiring the thief to cut a fence, and in another case, the bike was stolen from a back garden.
There are still incidents of purse dipping in Maldon, especially in the two big supermarkets. It’s believed this is the work of opportunists rather than gangs just now. (As a personal observation I can understand why. Have you seen the number of people who turn their backs on their handbags whilst shopping? It’s so easy to be absent-minded when looking for a bargain. We must all be more careful and not make things easy for the opportunist.-Evelyn)
Satellite Navigation systems are being stolen from cars.
With the start of the hot weather we have the start of burglaries in insecure premises. Entry is often through an open window, including upstairs windows, or windows that look too small to allow someone to pass through. If the temperature is soaring outside, it can actually make the house hotter to have windows open.
Street Lighting
The lights are about to go out in Maldon. In an effort to reduce greenhouse emissions and save money, Essex County Council are going to turn out all but “certain limited areas” from midnight to 5.00am.
This “Key decision” is being rushed through. It was published on 14th July, and will be signed on 24th July. This gives very little time for appropriate consultation with District and Parish Councils and the police.
This has led to high levels of concern amongst Maldon Residents, and with the police, who fear an increase in antisocial behaviour, crime, and fear of crime in the area.
Evelyn’s comments:-
Cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing light pollution are important aims. However, this shouldn’t be at the expense of public safety. I presently live in an area where there is no street lighting. In the winter this means walking in the dark with a torch. This is scary, though I tell myself it’s a low crime area. It’s also scary because the pavements are uneven and not every dog owner clears up after the dog. The local people tend to have bright front lights to compensate, which of course negates any saving in greenhouse emissions. And I know that our elderly residents in particular won’t walk in the dark, so would rather drive half a mile to the village hall. What does that do for greenhouse emissions?
Turning the lights out in Maldon might result in a midnight curfew, where the streets are avoided by all but the mischief-makers.
I am uneasy at the way this is being rushed through as a key decision, with very little time for appropriate consultation before the decision is made and ratified.
PCSO changes.
Maldon is saying goodbye to Brett. Brett is replaced by PCSO Neil Fitter, who will be patrolling Maldon town centre.
PCSO Steve Butler will be concentrating on the rural villages, and is presently teamed with PCSO Heather Owen.
There is ongoing recruitment of PCSOs in the area.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Police and Community Consultative Group (PCCG) meeting
I picked up a leaflet advertising the next PCCG meeting, which is on
25th July 2006 7.30pm,
at Maldon Town Hall.
This is our opportunity to speak directly with senior police officers and members of Essex Police Authority about any policing issues in our area.
25th July 2006 7.30pm,
at Maldon Town Hall.
This is our opportunity to speak directly with senior police officers and members of Essex Police Authority about any policing issues in our area.
Friday, July 14, 2006
A Worrying Incident
Earlier today in Stapler’s Heath, a 13 year old lad thought he was being watched by a man in a small blue car. When he walked by, the car followed him for a time.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Contents So Far
Because I'm just getting used to this, I've added material in a jumbled way.
July's Posts so far include
Request for information re Robbery
The Crime Report for the Maldon Area for April 06
The text contents of the July 06 Great Totham South Newsletter. which will be delivered to residents soon.
Heather's Report for May 06
July's Posts so far include
Request for information re Robbery
The Crime Report for the Maldon Area for April 06
The text contents of the July 06 Great Totham South Newsletter. which will be delivered to residents soon.
Heather's Report for May 06
Can you help?
Can You help?
The Maldon Police have sent me this request. I'm going to try to post the e-fit on here, but I'm a technophobe and find this sort of thing tricky. But here's the message including the description:-
Can anyone please give any information to Police regarding the identity to the following E-Fit picture of a male in connection to a Robbery which occurred about 6pm on 14th May 2006 at Broad Street Green, Great Totham, or if seen any other information that could be of assistance to Police.
Male is described as; White, 5’10” in height, aged 32 – 40 years, with very short dark hair no longer than ¾ inch long, Wearing dark glasses with a small thin frame, Pale complexion, clean shaven Jeans and dark top. The glasses may be part of a disguise.
Male was driving a black coloured new style Mini which had black arches around the wheel trim. If anyone can help Police, please contact DS 1408 Gary McNair of Maldon CID on 01621 852255
Can anyone please give any information to Police regarding the identity to the following E-Fit picture of a male in connection to a Robbery which occurred about 6pm on 14th May 2006 at Broad Street Green, Great Totham, or if seen any other information that could be of assistance to Police.
Male is described as; White, 5’10” in height, aged 32 – 40 years, with very short dark hair no longer than ¾ inch long, Wearing dark glasses with a small thin frame, Pale complexion, clean shaven Jeans and dark top. The glasses may be part of a disguise.
Male was driving a black coloured new style Mini which had black arches around the wheel trim. If anyone can help Police, please contact DS 1408 Gary McNair of Maldon CID on 01621 852255
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Crime report for April 06
MALDON AREA NORTH
Criminal DamageKelvedon Road, Wickham Bishops - Btwn 7.30pm on 01/04/06 & 8am on 02/04/06, damaged was caused to the rear windscreen of a grey Mitsubishi Pajero.
ArsonFarm Premises, Great Braxted - Btwn 4.52pm & 5pm on 29/03/06, a barn farm building was set on fire causing extensive damage to building and machinery.
Theft From Motor Vehicle x 2Plains Road, Great Totham - Btwn 7pm on 29/03/06 & 7.30am on 30/03/06, entry was gained by means unknown to a silver Ford Focus and also a blue Ford Fiesta. Once inside items were moved and some cash was stolen.
Criminal DamageHead Street, Goldhanger - At approx 2.17am on 04/04/06, damage was caused to garden lights.
Theft of Motor VehicleMaldon Road, Goldhanger - At approx 11.30am on 31/03/06 a blue Nissan Cabstar index F***HMX was stolen.
Burglary Farm Premises, Pages Lane, Tolleshunt D'Arcy - Btwn 6pm on 28/03/06 & 8.15am on 29/03/06, farm outbuilding was entered by removing fanlight on door, once inside some spray paint equipment and a Seeley Sander were stolen.
TheftCommercial Premises, Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury - Btwn 12pm on 02/04/06 & 8am on 03/04/06, entry was gained to premises by cutting through fence and a small mini Komatsu Excavator was stolen.
Criminal DamageD'Arcy Road, Tolleshunt Knights - Btwn 3.30pm & 4.30pm on 01/04/06 the offisde rear door was keyed of a silver Hyundai Terracan.
MALDON AREA SOUTH
Criminal DamageThe Street, Purleigh - Btwn 6pm on 29/03/06 & 8.30am on 30/03/06, a brick was thrown through front window causing it to smash.
Criminal DamagePost Office, Church Hill, Purleigh - At approx 18.18pm, damage was caused to wooden front door of shop premises.
Att BurglaryGolf Club, Beeleigh, Maldon - At approx 1am on 01/04/06, an attempt was made to gain entry to tractor shed by cutting padlocks off. Alarm activated, no entry was gained.
TheftFarm Premises, Woodham Walter - Btwn 20/03/06 & 04/04/06, persons have entered farm grounds and dug up & stolen 7 conifers.
Criminal DamageGolf Club, Stow Road, Cold Norton - At approx 12.45pm on 10/04/06, a vehicle was left in car park and when owner returned a few minutes later damage had been caused to door locks.
Suspicious PersonCherry Blossom Lane, Cold Norton - At approx 12.35pm on 08/04/06, a male was observed hanging around the village hall and seemed to be watching young girls playing in the play area by the hall. Description given as follows:- male, late 40's or early 50's, wearing a green baseball cap, green top and dark trousers.
EP-20060408-0657 refers
Theft of Motor VehicleFarm Premises, Maldon Road, Goldhanger - Btwn 6.30pm on 07/04/06 & 8am on 08/04/06, a blue & silver insecure Ford Capri being prepared for banger racing was removed from farmyard and later found in nearby field with axel and gearbox removed.
MALDON CENTRAL
Dwelling BurglaryMasefield Rd, Maldon - Btwn 2am on 23/03/06 & 6.30pm on 06/04/06, entry was gained to private dwelling and a childs pushchair and car seat were stolen. No sign of forced entry.
Criminal DamageMasefield Road, Maldon - Btwn 9pm on 11/04/06 & 6.30am on 12/04/06, damage was caused to metal surrounding both side lights on a white Ford Transit tipper van.
Criminal DamageWentworth Meadows, Maldon - Btwn 10.15pm on 01/04/06 & 10.30am on 02/04/06, damage was caused to the front nearside wing and nearside door of a blue BMW with an unknown sharp instrument.
Criminal DamageLeisure Centre, Park Drive, Maldon - Btwn 7.30pm on 25/03/06 & 7am on 26/03/06, window was smashed Leisure Centre premises.
Criminal DamageCross Road, Maldon - At approx 11.40pm on 28/03/06, the windscren wipers and aerial were damaged to a blue Ford Mondeo.
Criminal DamageCross Road, Maldon - Btwn 10.30pm on 31/03/06 & 5pm on 01/04/06, persons unknown keyed the offside bodywork of a green Ford Scorpio.
TheftCross Road, Maldon - Btwn 2.36am & 2.45am on 02/04/06, two bundles of newspaper supplements were stolen from outside shop premises.
TheftPark Drive, Maldon - Btwn 10am on 02/04/06 & 6pm on 02/04/06, cash was stolen from jacket in insecure staff room area.
Vehicle Taken Without ConsentFambridge Close, Maldon - At approx 4.40pm on 04/04/06, a silver Peugeot Speedfight Scooter was stolen and later recovered in Fambridge Close, Maldon
Criminal DamageChandlers Quay, Maldon - At approx 11.05pm on 03/04/06, security light to front of house was damaged.
Criminal DamageChandlers Quay, Maldon - Btwn 5pm on 03/04/06 & 12.30pm on 05/04/06, wooden slats to fence damaged and gate lock damaged.
Theft From Motor Vehicle The Hythe, Maldon - Btwn 8.15pm & 10.30pm on 31/03/06, the number plates were stolen from a silver Ford Ka.
Criminal DamageMarket Hill, Maldon - At approx 12.42am on 02/04/06, window was smashed to house.
Suspicious PersonNorfolk Road, Maldon - At approx 6pm on 10/04/06, a male knocked on door of house claiming to be reading gas & electric meters. The male claimed to work for "Meters R You". The householder told male that the electric meter had already been read by a genuine representative reading electric meters. The male left after being refused entry by the householder. British Gas was contacted who stated they had never heard of the company name given by male. Description of male :- Afro caribean, early 30's, approx 5ft 7ins, slim build, clean shaven, no glasses, wearing navy blue bobble hat with "meters for you" written on the front in red writing, smart/casual navy blue coat, navy blue trousers, carrying on of the hand held computers.
EP-20060410-1259 refers
Attempt Commercial BurglaryWycke Hill, Maldon - Btwn 9pm & 9.20pm on 09/04/06, 3 youths were seen to enter commercial yard by damaging a fence and tried to gain entry to container by tampering with lock. No entry was gained. Descriptions given as:- 1) white male, aged 22-26 years, wearing baseball cap & dark clothing, 2) white male, aged 22-26 years, wearing baseball cap and dark clothing, 3) white male, aged 22-26 years, wearing baseball cap and dark clothing.
EP-20060410-0657
Criminal DamageWantz Road, Maldon - Btwn 11pm on 07/04/06 & 9am on 08/04/06, the front nearside wing mirror was pulled off and damaged from a purple Rover 214.
Criminal DamageWarwick Drive, Maldon - Btwn 6.30pm on 07/04/06 & 10.30am on 08/04/06, the nearside wing mirror of a blue Nissan Micra was kicked and damaged.
HEYBRIDGE AREA
Criminal DamageCoopers Ave, Heybridge - At approx 9pm on 06/04/06 outer pane of glass to double glazed unit in front door of house was broken.
Criminal DamageGoldhanger Road, Heybridge - At approx 8.49am on 05/04/06, three panes of glass in telephone kiosk were smashed.
Criminal DamageSports Centre, Drapers Chase, Heybridge - Btwn midnight & 9am on 04/04/06, windows and glass panel in external bar door were smashed.
Criminal DamageCaravan Park, Goldhanger Road, Heybridge - Btwn 6pm on 01/04/06 & 8.30am on 04/04/06, a door to a shalet was kicked and damaged and window to a caravan was smashed.
Criminal DamageDrapers Chase, Heybridge - At approx 12.47am on 05/04/06, glass window to telephone kiosk was damaged.
Criminal DamageCommercial Premises, Colchester Road, Heybridge - Btwn 6pm on 03/04/06 & 8.30am on 04/04/06, outer glass of two double glazed windows were damaged.
Dwelling BurglaryStock Terrace, Heybridge - Btwn 04/03/06 & 01/04/06, entry was gained to premises via insecure patio door, once inside 13 kitchen unit doors were stolen.
TheftTesco, Fullbridge, Maldon - Btwn 3.35pm & 3.50pm on 11/04/06, person distracted shopper and sunsequently stole purse from handbag. Description given as white male, approx 5ft 7ins tall, slim build, aged 26-30 years, stubble on chin and spoke with a foreign accent.
EP-20060411-0767 refers
Attempt BurglarySanderling Gardens, Heybridge - At approx 9.39am on 07/04/06, forced entry to flat was gained by forcing front door, a tidy search was made but nothing was stolen.
Criminal DamageCoopers Avenue, Heybride - At approx 9pm on 06/04/06, outer pane of double glazed window in front door was broken by unknown missile.
DENGIE AREA
Criminal DamageTattersalls Chase, Southminster - Btwn 6pm on 27/03/06 & 5am on 28/03/06, damage was caused to the drivers door and rear quarter panel of a black Ford Fiesta index EK54DTZ..
Vehicle InterferenceMedley Way, Southminster - Btwn 11pm on 05/04/06 & 7am on 06/04/06, the rear and offside door locks to a red Citroen Van were damaged, and offside door was found wide open. Nothing was stolen from within.
Criminal DamageSports Centre, Millfields, Burnham - At approx 5.20pm on 11/04/06, a window to sports centre was smashed.
Shed BurglaryArnheim Road, Burnham - At approx 4.20pm on 11/04/06, damage was caused to gate of premises and shed door to gain entry to shed, not known if items stolen.
Theft From Motor VehicleEssex Road, Burnham - Btwn 4pm on 09/04/06 & 1.35pm on 11/04/06, tax disc and disabled parking badge was stolen by means unknown from unattended green Citroen AX.
TheftQuayside, The Quay, Burnham - Btwn 1pm on 04/04/06 & 1pm on 11/04/06, 11 paving slabs and 60 tiles were stolen from premises.
TheftEsplanade, Mayland - Btwn 8pm on 09/04/06 & 8pm on 10/04/06, 4 solar lights were stolen from front garden of house.
Attempt BurglaryDebden Way, Burnham - 2pm on 08/04/06 & 3.15pm on 10/04/06, an attempt was made to gain forced entry to property via front window and back door. No entry was gained.
Criminal DamageBramley way, Mayland - Btwn 12.15am & 9.30am on 09/04/06, the Ford car badge was pulled off and stolen from grey Ford Focus causing damage to bodywork.
Criminal DamageSunnymead, Burnham - Btwn 7.35pm on 31/03/06 & 10.20am on 01/04/06, the rear windscreen of a red Vauxhall Nova was smashed.
Criminal DamageBurnham Road, Southminster - Btwn 8am & 12am on 30/03/06, gold metallic paint was sprayed over front bonnet and windscreen of a yellow Fiat Doblo Cargo vehicle.
Criminal DamageBurnham Road, Burnham - Btwn 7am & 12pm on 30/03/06, metallic paint was sprayed over a silver Ford Mondeo.
Theft From Motor VehicleGoldsands Road, Southminster - Btwn 5pm on 30/03/06 & 7am on 31/03/06, damage was caused to a bulldozer and a loading shovel, a gauge was stolen from yellow Vovo Dumper Truck alonfg with 3 cans of Easy Start.
Burglary OtherFarm Premises, Burnham Road, Althorne - Btwn 5.30pm on 30/03/06 & 7am on 31/03/06, forced entry was gained to a steel container and 2 cement mixers were stolen from within.
ArsonPrinces Avenue, Mayland - Btwn 8.30pm & 9.15pm on 27/03/06, a suspicious fire was caused to outbuilding in garden of house.
Shed Burglary Farm Premises, Southminster Road, Asheldham - Btwn 7pm on 26/03/06 & 10am on 27/03/06, entry was gained to shed by means unknown and once inside £300 worth of oil, a garden sack barrow, a gas cylinder and a lawn mower were stolen.
TheftMill End, Bradwell on Sea - Btwn 3.30pm & 7pm on 26/03/06, a cash tin on a gate was damaged and cash within for selling produce was stolen.
Criminal DamageKelvedon Road, Wickham Bishops - Btwn 7.30pm on 01/04/06 & 8am on 02/04/06, damaged was caused to the rear windscreen of a grey Mitsubishi Pajero.
ArsonFarm Premises, Great Braxted - Btwn 4.52pm & 5pm on 29/03/06, a barn farm building was set on fire causing extensive damage to building and machinery.
Theft From Motor Vehicle x 2Plains Road, Great Totham - Btwn 7pm on 29/03/06 & 7.30am on 30/03/06, entry was gained by means unknown to a silver Ford Focus and also a blue Ford Fiesta. Once inside items were moved and some cash was stolen.
Criminal DamageHead Street, Goldhanger - At approx 2.17am on 04/04/06, damage was caused to garden lights.
Theft of Motor VehicleMaldon Road, Goldhanger - At approx 11.30am on 31/03/06 a blue Nissan Cabstar index F***HMX was stolen.
Burglary Farm Premises, Pages Lane, Tolleshunt D'Arcy - Btwn 6pm on 28/03/06 & 8.15am on 29/03/06, farm outbuilding was entered by removing fanlight on door, once inside some spray paint equipment and a Seeley Sander were stolen.
TheftCommercial Premises, Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury - Btwn 12pm on 02/04/06 & 8am on 03/04/06, entry was gained to premises by cutting through fence and a small mini Komatsu Excavator was stolen.
Criminal DamageD'Arcy Road, Tolleshunt Knights - Btwn 3.30pm & 4.30pm on 01/04/06 the offisde rear door was keyed of a silver Hyundai Terracan.
MALDON AREA SOUTH
Criminal DamageThe Street, Purleigh - Btwn 6pm on 29/03/06 & 8.30am on 30/03/06, a brick was thrown through front window causing it to smash.
Criminal DamagePost Office, Church Hill, Purleigh - At approx 18.18pm, damage was caused to wooden front door of shop premises.
Att BurglaryGolf Club, Beeleigh, Maldon - At approx 1am on 01/04/06, an attempt was made to gain entry to tractor shed by cutting padlocks off. Alarm activated, no entry was gained.
TheftFarm Premises, Woodham Walter - Btwn 20/03/06 & 04/04/06, persons have entered farm grounds and dug up & stolen 7 conifers.
Criminal DamageGolf Club, Stow Road, Cold Norton - At approx 12.45pm on 10/04/06, a vehicle was left in car park and when owner returned a few minutes later damage had been caused to door locks.
Suspicious PersonCherry Blossom Lane, Cold Norton - At approx 12.35pm on 08/04/06, a male was observed hanging around the village hall and seemed to be watching young girls playing in the play area by the hall. Description given as follows:- male, late 40's or early 50's, wearing a green baseball cap, green top and dark trousers.
EP-20060408-0657 refers
Theft of Motor VehicleFarm Premises, Maldon Road, Goldhanger - Btwn 6.30pm on 07/04/06 & 8am on 08/04/06, a blue & silver insecure Ford Capri being prepared for banger racing was removed from farmyard and later found in nearby field with axel and gearbox removed.
MALDON CENTRAL
Dwelling BurglaryMasefield Rd, Maldon - Btwn 2am on 23/03/06 & 6.30pm on 06/04/06, entry was gained to private dwelling and a childs pushchair and car seat were stolen. No sign of forced entry.
Criminal DamageMasefield Road, Maldon - Btwn 9pm on 11/04/06 & 6.30am on 12/04/06, damage was caused to metal surrounding both side lights on a white Ford Transit tipper van.
Criminal DamageWentworth Meadows, Maldon - Btwn 10.15pm on 01/04/06 & 10.30am on 02/04/06, damage was caused to the front nearside wing and nearside door of a blue BMW with an unknown sharp instrument.
Criminal DamageLeisure Centre, Park Drive, Maldon - Btwn 7.30pm on 25/03/06 & 7am on 26/03/06, window was smashed Leisure Centre premises.
Criminal DamageCross Road, Maldon - At approx 11.40pm on 28/03/06, the windscren wipers and aerial were damaged to a blue Ford Mondeo.
Criminal DamageCross Road, Maldon - Btwn 10.30pm on 31/03/06 & 5pm on 01/04/06, persons unknown keyed the offside bodywork of a green Ford Scorpio.
TheftCross Road, Maldon - Btwn 2.36am & 2.45am on 02/04/06, two bundles of newspaper supplements were stolen from outside shop premises.
TheftPark Drive, Maldon - Btwn 10am on 02/04/06 & 6pm on 02/04/06, cash was stolen from jacket in insecure staff room area.
Vehicle Taken Without ConsentFambridge Close, Maldon - At approx 4.40pm on 04/04/06, a silver Peugeot Speedfight Scooter was stolen and later recovered in Fambridge Close, Maldon
Criminal DamageChandlers Quay, Maldon - At approx 11.05pm on 03/04/06, security light to front of house was damaged.
Criminal DamageChandlers Quay, Maldon - Btwn 5pm on 03/04/06 & 12.30pm on 05/04/06, wooden slats to fence damaged and gate lock damaged.
Theft From Motor Vehicle The Hythe, Maldon - Btwn 8.15pm & 10.30pm on 31/03/06, the number plates were stolen from a silver Ford Ka.
Criminal DamageMarket Hill, Maldon - At approx 12.42am on 02/04/06, window was smashed to house.
Suspicious PersonNorfolk Road, Maldon - At approx 6pm on 10/04/06, a male knocked on door of house claiming to be reading gas & electric meters. The male claimed to work for "Meters R You". The householder told male that the electric meter had already been read by a genuine representative reading electric meters. The male left after being refused entry by the householder. British Gas was contacted who stated they had never heard of the company name given by male. Description of male :- Afro caribean, early 30's, approx 5ft 7ins, slim build, clean shaven, no glasses, wearing navy blue bobble hat with "meters for you" written on the front in red writing, smart/casual navy blue coat, navy blue trousers, carrying on of the hand held computers.
EP-20060410-1259 refers
Attempt Commercial BurglaryWycke Hill, Maldon - Btwn 9pm & 9.20pm on 09/04/06, 3 youths were seen to enter commercial yard by damaging a fence and tried to gain entry to container by tampering with lock. No entry was gained. Descriptions given as:- 1) white male, aged 22-26 years, wearing baseball cap & dark clothing, 2) white male, aged 22-26 years, wearing baseball cap and dark clothing, 3) white male, aged 22-26 years, wearing baseball cap and dark clothing.
EP-20060410-0657
Criminal DamageWantz Road, Maldon - Btwn 11pm on 07/04/06 & 9am on 08/04/06, the front nearside wing mirror was pulled off and damaged from a purple Rover 214.
Criminal DamageWarwick Drive, Maldon - Btwn 6.30pm on 07/04/06 & 10.30am on 08/04/06, the nearside wing mirror of a blue Nissan Micra was kicked and damaged.
HEYBRIDGE AREA
Criminal DamageCoopers Ave, Heybridge - At approx 9pm on 06/04/06 outer pane of glass to double glazed unit in front door of house was broken.
Criminal DamageGoldhanger Road, Heybridge - At approx 8.49am on 05/04/06, three panes of glass in telephone kiosk were smashed.
Criminal DamageSports Centre, Drapers Chase, Heybridge - Btwn midnight & 9am on 04/04/06, windows and glass panel in external bar door were smashed.
Criminal DamageCaravan Park, Goldhanger Road, Heybridge - Btwn 6pm on 01/04/06 & 8.30am on 04/04/06, a door to a shalet was kicked and damaged and window to a caravan was smashed.
Criminal DamageDrapers Chase, Heybridge - At approx 12.47am on 05/04/06, glass window to telephone kiosk was damaged.
Criminal DamageCommercial Premises, Colchester Road, Heybridge - Btwn 6pm on 03/04/06 & 8.30am on 04/04/06, outer glass of two double glazed windows were damaged.
Dwelling BurglaryStock Terrace, Heybridge - Btwn 04/03/06 & 01/04/06, entry was gained to premises via insecure patio door, once inside 13 kitchen unit doors were stolen.
TheftTesco, Fullbridge, Maldon - Btwn 3.35pm & 3.50pm on 11/04/06, person distracted shopper and sunsequently stole purse from handbag. Description given as white male, approx 5ft 7ins tall, slim build, aged 26-30 years, stubble on chin and spoke with a foreign accent.
EP-20060411-0767 refers
Attempt BurglarySanderling Gardens, Heybridge - At approx 9.39am on 07/04/06, forced entry to flat was gained by forcing front door, a tidy search was made but nothing was stolen.
Criminal DamageCoopers Avenue, Heybride - At approx 9pm on 06/04/06, outer pane of double glazed window in front door was broken by unknown missile.
DENGIE AREA
Criminal DamageTattersalls Chase, Southminster - Btwn 6pm on 27/03/06 & 5am on 28/03/06, damage was caused to the drivers door and rear quarter panel of a black Ford Fiesta index EK54DTZ..
Vehicle InterferenceMedley Way, Southminster - Btwn 11pm on 05/04/06 & 7am on 06/04/06, the rear and offside door locks to a red Citroen Van were damaged, and offside door was found wide open. Nothing was stolen from within.
Criminal DamageSports Centre, Millfields, Burnham - At approx 5.20pm on 11/04/06, a window to sports centre was smashed.
Shed BurglaryArnheim Road, Burnham - At approx 4.20pm on 11/04/06, damage was caused to gate of premises and shed door to gain entry to shed, not known if items stolen.
Theft From Motor VehicleEssex Road, Burnham - Btwn 4pm on 09/04/06 & 1.35pm on 11/04/06, tax disc and disabled parking badge was stolen by means unknown from unattended green Citroen AX.
TheftQuayside, The Quay, Burnham - Btwn 1pm on 04/04/06 & 1pm on 11/04/06, 11 paving slabs and 60 tiles were stolen from premises.
TheftEsplanade, Mayland - Btwn 8pm on 09/04/06 & 8pm on 10/04/06, 4 solar lights were stolen from front garden of house.
Attempt BurglaryDebden Way, Burnham - 2pm on 08/04/06 & 3.15pm on 10/04/06, an attempt was made to gain forced entry to property via front window and back door. No entry was gained.
Criminal DamageBramley way, Mayland - Btwn 12.15am & 9.30am on 09/04/06, the Ford car badge was pulled off and stolen from grey Ford Focus causing damage to bodywork.
Criminal DamageSunnymead, Burnham - Btwn 7.35pm on 31/03/06 & 10.20am on 01/04/06, the rear windscreen of a red Vauxhall Nova was smashed.
Criminal DamageBurnham Road, Southminster - Btwn 8am & 12am on 30/03/06, gold metallic paint was sprayed over front bonnet and windscreen of a yellow Fiat Doblo Cargo vehicle.
Criminal DamageBurnham Road, Burnham - Btwn 7am & 12pm on 30/03/06, metallic paint was sprayed over a silver Ford Mondeo.
Theft From Motor VehicleGoldsands Road, Southminster - Btwn 5pm on 30/03/06 & 7am on 31/03/06, damage was caused to a bulldozer and a loading shovel, a gauge was stolen from yellow Vovo Dumper Truck alonfg with 3 cans of Easy Start.
Burglary OtherFarm Premises, Burnham Road, Althorne - Btwn 5.30pm on 30/03/06 & 7am on 31/03/06, forced entry was gained to a steel container and 2 cement mixers were stolen from within.
ArsonPrinces Avenue, Mayland - Btwn 8.30pm & 9.15pm on 27/03/06, a suspicious fire was caused to outbuilding in garden of house.
Shed Burglary Farm Premises, Southminster Road, Asheldham - Btwn 7pm on 26/03/06 & 10am on 27/03/06, entry was gained to shed by means unknown and once inside £300 worth of oil, a garden sack barrow, a gas cylinder and a lawn mower were stolen.
TheftMill End, Bradwell on Sea - Btwn 3.30pm & 7pm on 26/03/06, a cash tin on a gate was damaged and cash within for selling produce was stolen.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
News Update July 06
This is a summary of the latest Neighbourhood Watch Great Totham South Newsletter and Heather's Crime Reports. This blog is still in its infancy, so forgive any hiccoughs please.
July 06 Newsletter Contents
Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs)
There has been a reorganisation of Maldon Policing, with the creation of Neighbourhood Policing Teams. This is to restore the familiar face in policing local issues. There are 6 NPTs, each with a point of contact for discussing issues.
If we need the police in a hurry, we should use the conventional contact method, ie 999
Great Totham NPT is based in Tolleshunt D’Arcy under PS Lee Parish. There will be six in the team, covering a rural area from Tollesbury to Althorne. Each officer will have a special interest in one segment of the area. For us in Great Totham this is PC Andy Bagley.
The emphasis in NPT is on team. When each officer is on duty they will respond to any problems needing immediate attention in the whole area, as well as focusing on their own beat.
This means we will have a more visible police presence, and it will be someone we can get to know, giving us continuity if we have a problem. We all know how helpful it has been to have PCSO Heather Owen as a familiar face. Heather will still be covering her five parishes. PC Bagley will soon become as familiar a face in the Great Totham area.
Each of the NPTs has a Specific Point of Contact (SPOC) For us, this is PC Eddy Edwards. He has always been willing to answer his mobile, even when off duty. This mobile will now be carried by whoever’s on duty.
What’s this number for? It’s for when you need to talk to an officer about a local issue. It is not for summoning that officer to your door immediately. It is not for replacing 999 calls.
On the subject of 999 calls, it seems we’re still reluctant to contact the police using 999 even something that requires immediate attention. There was a situation recently where a member of the public saw a suspicious person but didn’t dial 999. By the time the information had reached the police, 5 hours had elapsed, reducing the chances of the police finding this person.
The Maldon District is a very safe place, 7.9 crimes a day, which is low, but if you are one of the unlucky people to be a victim, it’s still very upsetting. The low crime rate makes us all too complacent, leaving back doors and windows open, cars unlocked, and handbags temptingly open or unguarded in shopping trolleys while we look on the shelves. And our old folk just don’t imagine that a bogus caller will call on them. But lately we’ve had those sorts of crimes in the area, and need to be more aware of purse dipping, bogus callers, and home security measures.
Graffiti. Please report all graffiti to the police before cleaning it off, because the police want to photograph it for evidence. The perpetrators have certain characteristic styles and tags which make a conviction easier with photos.
PC Bagley is looking forward to being out and about as much as possible, getting to know the beat and the people in the area.
PC Bagley emphasizes that crime, however trivial seeming, should be reported so that manpower and resources can be targeted appropriately. The police can’t act if they don’t know something has happened. Crimes like criminal damage often go unreported.
We’ve got to report it if we want them to sort it.
Highlighted crimes
10/5 18.30 hrs Stapler’s Heath. Suspicious person asked female her name & address and if she wanted to get into his car.
16/5 Two suspicious males entered Gt Totham Store. One tried to get money out from a credit card, the other paid a lot of attention to the store. Left in a white Sherpa van with “School Bus” written on it. 15 minutes later the van drove past again, but didn’t stop when a police vehicle was parked outside. 2 black males in mid 30s, one wearing a baseball cap.
18/5 Mill Rd. Sus person stopped outside a house, asking resident directions to Harwich. Then locked resident out of his house, demanding money from resident’s wife for 2 Gucci coats to get to Harwich. They told him to go and he sped off in his vehicle. This has happened before in Mill Rd.
Ray Stannard, Crime Reduction Officer warns that the police are implementing powers to seize motor vehicles which are on the road with no insurance, on the spot, leaving the occupants with a long walk home.
Heather’s report for May 06
Great Totham02/05 - Road Traffic Collision, Gt.Braxted Road, 1630 hrs. 2 vehicles, non-injury.
10/05 - Suspicious person asked female her name and address, and whether she wanted to get into his car, 1830 hrs, Stapler' Heath.
12/05 - RTC, Braxted Road junction with Grove Farm Road, 0800 hrs. 3 vehicles, 2 minor injuries.
14/05 - Robbery committed towards male, Broad Street Green, 1830 hrs. 35 yr old male pulled alongside aggrieved in a black mini and said he would punch the aggrieved if he didn't hand over money.
16/05 - 2 suspicious people entered Gt.Totham Store, one tried to get money out from a credit card, the other paid a lot of attention to the store. Left in a white Sherpa Van with 'school bus' written on it. 15 minutes later the van drove past again but didn't stop when a police vehicle was parked outside.2 black males in their mid thirties, one wearing a baseball cap.
18/05 - Mill Road, 1130 hrs, Suspicious person stopped outside a house, asked for directions to Harwich. Resident went to go inside to ask his wife, but the suspicious male locked him out, and then demanded £50 from the residents' wife, to get to Harwich in return for 2 Gucci coats. They told him to get out of their house, and he then sped off in his vehicle. This is not the first time this specific offence has happened in Mill Road.
19/05 - 2000 hrs, blue Ford Escort seen doing circuits of Stapler' Heath, driver warned of driving behaviour.
26/05 - At 3.50pm, along Catchpole Lane, a suspicious male was seen to be looking into peoples' gardens. Before the informant spoke to the male, he tried to jump in front of a bus. Possible mental health issues. The male then disappeared, so possibly lives in the area. Mid 40ties, with dark hair, blue trousers, blue collar shirt and long sleeved zip fleece.
26/05 - Distraction burglary committed whereby 3 males called at the address, 1 spoke to the aggrieved about 'smelly drains' whilst the others stole money.
Wickham Bishops
05/05 - Possible theft of 2 bin bags full of clothes from front of home. Great Ormond St Hospital were doing a collection of old clothes but aggrieved had left her own clothes for the ironing lady to collect. Great Ormond Steet collectors were adamant that they would not pick up black bin bags when their collection bags are white and clearly marked for G.O.S.H.
13/05 - Drunk male seen in informant's front garden at 0230 hrs, unable to walk.
22/05 - Actual Bodily Harm committed to youth at the Tennis Club, 2030 hrs.
28/05 - 1830 hrs, Local youth arrested for being in possession of an air rifle, that may have caused damage to window.
Little Braxted
10/05 - Local youth given reprimand for public order incident that happened earlier in year.
10/05 - Local youth given reprimand for criminal damage offence that happened earlier in the year.
10/05 - Local man given a caution for a public order incident that happened earlier in the year.
09/05 - Yellow tip -up van caught fly tipping down Witham Road. Maldon Council are dealing with prosecution.
26/05 - Road Traffic Collision, Braxted Road, by the war memorial at 1845 hrs. 2 vehicles, non-injury.
Heather’s Crime Report for April 06
Great Totham
28/04 - Actual Bodily Harm to local resident, offender got out of a dark silver BMW and hit aggrieved in the face. Offender was a white male, 5ft 10", with blonde spiky hair, wearing blue jeans and beige jumper, and wore a gold coloured buckle ring on right hand.
27/04 - Suspicious person seen loitering outside a property, Prince of Wales Rd at 8pm. Person looked approximately 25 years old, tall and slim, had dark hair and wore a white shirt. It looked like he was looking at informant's new car, even opened informant's garden gates to get into yard.
26/04 - Scrambler motorbike nearly hit passing resident on Hall Road, 7.45 pm. The motorbike rider wore a red jacket, and a white helmet with a stripe.
22/04 - Theft of silver Ford Focus from Forrester's Golf Park, between 9am and 6.30 pm.
13/04 - Robbery to local youth, Broad Street Green at 0030 hrs. 2 males in hoodies with London accents committed the robbery, stole mobile phone.
Wickham Bishops
29/04 - Theft of Nokia mobile phone from The Chequers. Phone left on bar.
16/04 - 6 cars full of youths trespassed onto property, 2340 hrs, possibly believed to be ravers trying to find place to party.
16/04 – Fly tipping reported down Langford Road.
15/04 - Theft of dog from back garden kennel, Station Road. Repeat victim, believed knows offender.
15/04 - RTC with injuries, Arbour Lane, 2 cars.
02/04 - Criminal damage to car, Kelvedon Rd, between 7.30 pm on 1st and 8am on 2nd April. 2 small holes in rear windscreen.
Great Braxted
30/04 - RTC, Braxted Rd at 5.10 am. 1 vehicle near bridge crashed into telegraph pole.
24/04 - Member of the public impersonated a police officer after a driving dispute with informant, acted in an intimidating manner. Braxted Road.
23/04 - RTC with minor injuries, Braxted Rd. 2 vehicles collided at 1135 hrs.
29/03 - Fire to Porter's Barn - 3 local youths arrested, 1 charged.
July 06 Newsletter Contents
Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs)
There has been a reorganisation of Maldon Policing, with the creation of Neighbourhood Policing Teams. This is to restore the familiar face in policing local issues. There are 6 NPTs, each with a point of contact for discussing issues.
If we need the police in a hurry, we should use the conventional contact method, ie 999
Great Totham NPT is based in Tolleshunt D’Arcy under PS Lee Parish. There will be six in the team, covering a rural area from Tollesbury to Althorne. Each officer will have a special interest in one segment of the area. For us in Great Totham this is PC Andy Bagley.
The emphasis in NPT is on team. When each officer is on duty they will respond to any problems needing immediate attention in the whole area, as well as focusing on their own beat.
This means we will have a more visible police presence, and it will be someone we can get to know, giving us continuity if we have a problem. We all know how helpful it has been to have PCSO Heather Owen as a familiar face. Heather will still be covering her five parishes. PC Bagley will soon become as familiar a face in the Great Totham area.
Each of the NPTs has a Specific Point of Contact (SPOC) For us, this is PC Eddy Edwards. He has always been willing to answer his mobile, even when off duty. This mobile will now be carried by whoever’s on duty.
What’s this number for? It’s for when you need to talk to an officer about a local issue. It is not for summoning that officer to your door immediately. It is not for replacing 999 calls.
On the subject of 999 calls, it seems we’re still reluctant to contact the police using 999 even something that requires immediate attention. There was a situation recently where a member of the public saw a suspicious person but didn’t dial 999. By the time the information had reached the police, 5 hours had elapsed, reducing the chances of the police finding this person.
The Maldon District is a very safe place, 7.9 crimes a day, which is low, but if you are one of the unlucky people to be a victim, it’s still very upsetting. The low crime rate makes us all too complacent, leaving back doors and windows open, cars unlocked, and handbags temptingly open or unguarded in shopping trolleys while we look on the shelves. And our old folk just don’t imagine that a bogus caller will call on them. But lately we’ve had those sorts of crimes in the area, and need to be more aware of purse dipping, bogus callers, and home security measures.
Graffiti. Please report all graffiti to the police before cleaning it off, because the police want to photograph it for evidence. The perpetrators have certain characteristic styles and tags which make a conviction easier with photos.
PC Bagley is looking forward to being out and about as much as possible, getting to know the beat and the people in the area.
PC Bagley emphasizes that crime, however trivial seeming, should be reported so that manpower and resources can be targeted appropriately. The police can’t act if they don’t know something has happened. Crimes like criminal damage often go unreported.
We’ve got to report it if we want them to sort it.
Highlighted crimes
10/5 18.30 hrs Stapler’s Heath. Suspicious person asked female her name & address and if she wanted to get into his car.
16/5 Two suspicious males entered Gt Totham Store. One tried to get money out from a credit card, the other paid a lot of attention to the store. Left in a white Sherpa van with “School Bus” written on it. 15 minutes later the van drove past again, but didn’t stop when a police vehicle was parked outside. 2 black males in mid 30s, one wearing a baseball cap.
18/5 Mill Rd. Sus person stopped outside a house, asking resident directions to Harwich. Then locked resident out of his house, demanding money from resident’s wife for 2 Gucci coats to get to Harwich. They told him to go and he sped off in his vehicle. This has happened before in Mill Rd.
Ray Stannard, Crime Reduction Officer warns that the police are implementing powers to seize motor vehicles which are on the road with no insurance, on the spot, leaving the occupants with a long walk home.
Heather’s report for May 06
Great Totham02/05 - Road Traffic Collision, Gt.Braxted Road, 1630 hrs. 2 vehicles, non-injury.
10/05 - Suspicious person asked female her name and address, and whether she wanted to get into his car, 1830 hrs, Stapler' Heath.
12/05 - RTC, Braxted Road junction with Grove Farm Road, 0800 hrs. 3 vehicles, 2 minor injuries.
14/05 - Robbery committed towards male, Broad Street Green, 1830 hrs. 35 yr old male pulled alongside aggrieved in a black mini and said he would punch the aggrieved if he didn't hand over money.
16/05 - 2 suspicious people entered Gt.Totham Store, one tried to get money out from a credit card, the other paid a lot of attention to the store. Left in a white Sherpa Van with 'school bus' written on it. 15 minutes later the van drove past again but didn't stop when a police vehicle was parked outside.2 black males in their mid thirties, one wearing a baseball cap.
18/05 - Mill Road, 1130 hrs, Suspicious person stopped outside a house, asked for directions to Harwich. Resident went to go inside to ask his wife, but the suspicious male locked him out, and then demanded £50 from the residents' wife, to get to Harwich in return for 2 Gucci coats. They told him to get out of their house, and he then sped off in his vehicle. This is not the first time this specific offence has happened in Mill Road.
19/05 - 2000 hrs, blue Ford Escort seen doing circuits of Stapler' Heath, driver warned of driving behaviour.
26/05 - At 3.50pm, along Catchpole Lane, a suspicious male was seen to be looking into peoples' gardens. Before the informant spoke to the male, he tried to jump in front of a bus. Possible mental health issues. The male then disappeared, so possibly lives in the area. Mid 40ties, with dark hair, blue trousers, blue collar shirt and long sleeved zip fleece.
26/05 - Distraction burglary committed whereby 3 males called at the address, 1 spoke to the aggrieved about 'smelly drains' whilst the others stole money.
Wickham Bishops
05/05 - Possible theft of 2 bin bags full of clothes from front of home. Great Ormond St Hospital were doing a collection of old clothes but aggrieved had left her own clothes for the ironing lady to collect. Great Ormond Steet collectors were adamant that they would not pick up black bin bags when their collection bags are white and clearly marked for G.O.S.H.
13/05 - Drunk male seen in informant's front garden at 0230 hrs, unable to walk.
22/05 - Actual Bodily Harm committed to youth at the Tennis Club, 2030 hrs.
28/05 - 1830 hrs, Local youth arrested for being in possession of an air rifle, that may have caused damage to window.
Little Braxted
10/05 - Local youth given reprimand for public order incident that happened earlier in year.
10/05 - Local youth given reprimand for criminal damage offence that happened earlier in the year.
10/05 - Local man given a caution for a public order incident that happened earlier in the year.
09/05 - Yellow tip -up van caught fly tipping down Witham Road. Maldon Council are dealing with prosecution.
26/05 - Road Traffic Collision, Braxted Road, by the war memorial at 1845 hrs. 2 vehicles, non-injury.
Heather’s Crime Report for April 06
Great Totham
28/04 - Actual Bodily Harm to local resident, offender got out of a dark silver BMW and hit aggrieved in the face. Offender was a white male, 5ft 10", with blonde spiky hair, wearing blue jeans and beige jumper, and wore a gold coloured buckle ring on right hand.
27/04 - Suspicious person seen loitering outside a property, Prince of Wales Rd at 8pm. Person looked approximately 25 years old, tall and slim, had dark hair and wore a white shirt. It looked like he was looking at informant's new car, even opened informant's garden gates to get into yard.
26/04 - Scrambler motorbike nearly hit passing resident on Hall Road, 7.45 pm. The motorbike rider wore a red jacket, and a white helmet with a stripe.
22/04 - Theft of silver Ford Focus from Forrester's Golf Park, between 9am and 6.30 pm.
13/04 - Robbery to local youth, Broad Street Green at 0030 hrs. 2 males in hoodies with London accents committed the robbery, stole mobile phone.
Wickham Bishops
29/04 - Theft of Nokia mobile phone from The Chequers. Phone left on bar.
16/04 - 6 cars full of youths trespassed onto property, 2340 hrs, possibly believed to be ravers trying to find place to party.
16/04 – Fly tipping reported down Langford Road.
15/04 - Theft of dog from back garden kennel, Station Road. Repeat victim, believed knows offender.
15/04 - RTC with injuries, Arbour Lane, 2 cars.
02/04 - Criminal damage to car, Kelvedon Rd, between 7.30 pm on 1st and 8am on 2nd April. 2 small holes in rear windscreen.
Great Braxted
30/04 - RTC, Braxted Rd at 5.10 am. 1 vehicle near bridge crashed into telegraph pole.
24/04 - Member of the public impersonated a police officer after a driving dispute with informant, acted in an intimidating manner. Braxted Road.
23/04 - RTC with minor injuries, Braxted Rd. 2 vehicles collided at 1135 hrs.
29/03 - Fire to Porter's Barn - 3 local youths arrested, 1 charged.
