Elmbridge Neighbourhood Watch Information
2 May 2009
Dear all
I would like to bring to your attention an old trick used in the commission of older persons crime but which has recently appeared in Elmbridge.
This is the marking of property usually to the front wall, gate post or footpath in front of the house. It can be piles of stones, coins or even a single shoe left on the driveway. It may be just a single chalked line on a gate post or sometimes something more elaborate such as the symbols below:
Please advise all your elderly or vulnerable neighbours that if they see any sign or symbol to the front of their home to remove or delete immediately and to notify Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222
Regards
Mark
Mark Howells PC 4198
Crime Reduction /Crime Prevention Design Advisor
Elmbridge Borough
Esher Police Station
01483 637044
07967 988005
howells4198@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Card Fraud in Elmbridge
13 April 2009
Surrey Police is investigating reports of a number of fraud incidents at the Shell Hinchley Wood garage on the Kingston bypass in Esher.
The latest incident took place on Sunday 29 March when two cards which were used at the petrol station were subsequently used in unauthorised withdrawals abroad.
The internal PIN card machine is believed to be the at the source of the alleged fraud. These incidents also involved debit and credit cards being illegally used to make cash withdrawals in countries including Canada and the Far East.
Detectives at Staines CID are also investigating allegations of fraud at the same location earlier this year between Sunday 11 January and Monday 26 January.
If you use this petrol station please ensure you check your credit card monthly bill to ensure you have not fallen to this crime type.
Surrey Police is appealing for anyone who has experienced any problems with illegal transactions on their credit or debit cards to contact Detective Constable Clive Muspratt at Staines CID on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference EL/09/2548.
Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Surrey Police has also issued the following safety advice and information to help members of the public avoid card fraud:
Always know who you’re dealing with:
If you receive a phone call, email or text message asking you for personal or financial information, treat it with caution – you may be giving a criminal your details
Never tell anyone your PIN:
When you receive a new PIN, memorise it straight away and destroy the slip
Never tell anyone your PIN – even close relatives, bank staff, or the Police. You are the only one that should ever know it
Destroy unwanted financial or personal papers:
Always shred or tear up papers such as bills, bank statements, and receipts before throwing them away. If you don’t do this, criminals can find out your name, address, and other details by going through your household rubbish
Check your statements:
Tell your bank immediately if you notice anything unusual on your statements
If you are expecting a statement in the post and it does not arrive then tell your bank
Using Cash Machines:
Cash machines are a convenient and safe way to withdraw money and get information about your account; however criminals do target cash machines
If you notice a suspicious device attached to a cash machine, do not remove it – either report to the bank or to the number which is displayed on the screen.
If someone looks suspicious or gets too close whilst you’re using the cash machine, cancel your transaction and go to another machine
Do not accept help from strangers and do not let anyone distract you
Stand close to the cash machine and do not let anyone see you enter your PIN
If the cash machine doesn’t return your card, report it immediately to your card issuer
Staying safe online:
Never disclose your pass word and online banking PIN
If you receive any suspicious emails contact your online banking provider and ask them to look into it for you
Warning Signs
Your normal mail can decrease or even stop.
You receive phone calls or letters regarding unknown credit enquiries.
Refusal of a credit application.
Regularly apply for a copy of your personal credit file (this should cost as little as £2) from a credit reference agency such as:
EQUIFAX
0870 010 0583
www.equifax.co.uk
EXPERIAN
0870 241 6212
www.experian.co.uk
CALLCREDIT
0870 060 1414
www.callcredit.plc.uk
If you think you are a victim of identity theft ACT IMMEDIATELY to ensure you are not liable for financial losses and reduce the opportunity for further repeat offences.
Consider contacting CIFAS (www.cifas.org.uk or 0870 070 2091) which is the UK’s fraud prevention service to apply for protective registration.
Once registered checks will be carried out when ever anyone including yourself applies for a financial service using your address.
Contact your bank and/or building society to cancel accounts immediately.
Report any crimes to the police and ask for a crime reference number.
For further advice and information please look at the following web sites:
www.apacs.org.uk
www.cardwatch.org.uk
www.identitytheft.org.uk
Regards
Mark
Mark Howells PC 4198
Crime Reduction /Crime Prevention Design Advisor
Elmbridge Borough
Esher Police Station
01483 637044
07967 988005
howells4198@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Lock Out Burglary Campaign reduces domestic burglary in Elmbridge by 34%
6 April 2009
Following the final initiative of the ‘Lock Out Burglary’ campaign in December, the Elmbridge Community Safety Partnership advised there has been a drop in domestic burglary in Elmbridge by 34%. During the 7 month campaign, the main aim was to get the message out to the public to keep their homes secure by locking windows and doors with initiatives being carried out to reinforce that message. PC Mark Howells the Crime Reduction Advisor for Elmbridge says, “The Lock Out Burglary campaign and other ongoing burglary initiatives run by Surrey Police assisted in reducing burglary in Elmbridge but we urge homeowners not to be complacent and continue to shut windows and doors when they go out”. He added, “As the warmer weather is approaching there is a tendency to leave homes insecure, but would be burglars will target your house first – simply locking doors and shutting windows can put them off”. The Community Safety Partnership also pointed out that residents in Neighbourhood Watch areas have (since April 2008) attracted 67% less burglary offences than residents in non NHW roads. For any further information, or if you would like to join Neighbourhood Watch please contact the Crime Reduction Advisor PC Mark Howells at Esher Police Station on 0845 125 2222. For any further general information please contact the Community Safety Team, by telephone on 01372 47 4393 / 4399 / 4398 or email communitysafety@elmbridge.gov.uk People with information about criminal activity who do not want to go to the police can call Crimestoppers twenty four hours a day, seven days a week to pass on what they know anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Elmbridge Neighbourhood Watch Information
25 March 2009
Dear all
Key holding database
Some of you may be aware that NHW members are now eligible for a reduced price to register with the SURPOL Key holder Database. The reduced rate is £5+VAT (previously £10+VAT).
To qualify for the reduced rate all a NHW member is required to do is fill in the registration form as normal but simply detail they are a member of NHW, along with the name of the watch scheme and registration number on the top left hand corner of the form. This registration number can be obtained from me if you are interested.
SURPOL key holder database is a confidential secure database that provides vital information directly to Surrey Police Control Centres. This can really help in an emergency with the information also made available to Surrey Fire Service, Surrey Ambulance Service and Environmental Health Officers.
Further information can be found at
www.surpol.co.uk
Remember £1 from every registration is donated to Surrey Neighbourhood Watch.
Bogus Callers
A recent incident highlighted the problem of criminals targeting vulnerable people and homes. Despite low in number the offence of distraction burglary is devastating. I believe just one crime is too many. The one aspect I would like to highlight is the practise of marking or signing sites.
The following methods have been used to identify potential future victims for crime.
Marks or lines painted, chalked or etched on the front wall, post or pavement.
Piles of stones or coins left in front of a property.
A single shoe left on the driveway.
I am sure there are more types or methods used but the ones listed above have been used in Elmbridge and across Surrey in the past.
If in passing you notice examples of any of the above remove it immediately and inform your safer neighbourhood team or Surrey Police direct using
0845 125 2222.
If you would like further information or advice feel free to send me an email.
Regards
Mark
Mark Howells PC 4198
Crime Reduction /Crime Prevention Design Advisor
Elmbridge Borough
Esher Police Station
01483 637044
07967 988005
howells4198@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service Information
21 March 2009
Elmbridge Borough Manager for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Kevin Noble introduces his team and explains how the community can work together to reduce the number of fire related incidents that affect the borough.
Click here
Elmbridge Neighbourhood Watch Information
21 March 2009
An emergence of this familiar scam
A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) or other names suggesting they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 09066611911.
DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER
If you call the telephone number and hear a recorded message you will have already been billed £15 for the call and it will only increase.
If you receive a card with these or similar details then contact Royal Mail Fraud Department on 0207 239 6656.
Regards
Mark
Mark Howells PC 4198
Crime Reduction /Crime Prevention Design Advisor
Elmbridge Borough
Esher Police Station
01483 637044
07967 988005
howells4198@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Elmbridge Neighbourhood Watch Information
21 December 2008
Dear all NHW across Elmbridge,
I recently attended the Crime Disorder Reduction Partnership Executive Board to report on NHW. The attached report is the one I presented to the group showing where we are now and achievements with future development plans.
It was very well received and the group was united in their praise and support for NHW.
The successes and achievements in 2008 were only possible due to continuing support and involvement by many of you across Elmbridge with the increasing support by your safer neighbourhood teams in particular the PCSO’s.
Roll on 2009.
I wish you all a safe Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Regards
Mark
Mark Howells PC 4198
Crime Reduction /Crime Prevention Design Advisor
Elmbridge Borough
Esher Police Station
01483 637044
07967 988005
howells4198@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Crime Warning
29 November 2008
Cycle Theft
There has been a marked increase in the number of pedal cycles being stolen from sheds, garages, colleges and stations. In the last three months (15/07/2008 – 15/10/2008) with 108 thefts of pedal cycles. These are split across 25 burglary offences, 1 x robbery and 80 x Theft & Handling. This compares to 93 offences in the same period last year which represents a 14% increase.
The key towns in which bike thefts are taking place are:
Walton – 32 offences, Weybridge – 22 offences, Thames Ditton – 16 offences, Esher – 11 offences, East Molesey – 10 offences, West Molesey – 9 offences
Locally in Thames Ditton repeat roads were Douglas Road, Summer Road and Weston Green Road (x 5). Locations of theft were Esher College, sheds and rear gardens as well as outside the Post Office. In Esher the only repeat road was High Street and the most frequent theft locations were bike racks outside shops/leisure facilities in the High Street.
It is clear that there is no distinct peak of time/days of the week regarding cycle thefts. Offences take place across all days of the week and all hours of the day/night.
The most common sites for pedal cycle theft are Railway Stations, colleges, shopping areas, leisure facilities, sheds and back/front gardens. They are also stolen from private car parks and communal bike racks of blocks of flats. As it is often the case that 2 or 3 bikes are stolen simultaneously from the same loser, it could be that offenders are working in teams and have a vehicle, probably a van to transport bikes away from the scene of the offence.
It is clear that an organised criminal network exists which covers both the theft, handling and onward sale of stolen pedal cycles.
Owing to the fact that (unlike vehicles) the serial numbers of bikes are seldom recorded, it is difficult to identify bikes when they are stolen. This may make bikes more attractive to offenders. Make a note of the cycle frame number today.
Last but not least residents are asked to consider property marking. Mark your post code followed by your house number or first three letters of your house name. Items can be registered free of charge on the ‘IMMOBILISE’ web site www.immobilise.com
Regards
Mark
Mark Howells PC 4198
Crime Reduction /Crime Prevention Design Advisor
Elmbridge Borough
Esher Police Station
01483 637044
07967 988005
howells4198@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Elmbridge Crime overview – April to October 2008
13 November 2008
Overall Total Notifiable Offences recorded in Elmbridge have fallen by 10.3 % compared to the same period last year. This equates to 493 less victims of crime.
Criminal Damage offences down 15.7% (-197 incidents). Residential Burglary down 13.2% (-37 incidents). Most Serious Violence against the Person down 40.9% (-9 incidents). Other Violence against the Person down 17% ( -154 incidents). Theft offences down 4.8% ( -41 incidents) Vehicle Crime down 22.7% (-147 incidents).
There are two areas where crime has increased
Burglary non residential which covers sheds, garages and of course business premises have risen by 14.2% (+37 incidents) compared to the same period last year. The other area of concern is Robbery from the person which is showing an increase of 28.1% ( +9 incidents). Whilst the increase looks alarming you will see that the figures are relatively low. The majority of these incidents are youth on youth. Please bear in mind that the percentage change can alter quite a lot when dealing with low numbers.
With figures going in the right direction which reflect the ground work put in place last year and all the hard work this year there is no room for complacency.
Burglary and theft offences against the elderly traditionally start to peak in November so extra vigilance is required. There has been in the last month a number of incidents in neighbouring boroughs involving offenders pretending to be police officers or from a utility company seeking to gain entry to houses and residents need to be vigilant not only for themselves but for their neighbours. Remember there are a lot of variations to the confidence trick No one should be allowed entry unless you are able to confirm their identify. There is also the problem with bogus builders carrying out poor work or making exorbitant charges. These despicable people have been known to even drive the elderly occupant to the bank or building society and wait for them outside. If you see any such activity and do not feel that you can actually check with the potential victim that all is well please take a note of the details of any vehicle they may be using and call the police immediately on 999.
Further advice can be sought from Surrey Trading Standards on 08454 040506 who offer a list of reputable tradesmen under their ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme
The number of pedal cycles stolen from sheds and garages continues to rise. Please ensure they are locked even in the garage when not in use. Take a photograph of your bike and record its frame number and other identifying features. Surrey Police recover a large number of bikes but are unable to link them to a looser as residents are unable to provide any identifiable frame number or security mark.
Property marking your possessions (your house number or first three letters of the house name followed by your post code) add some additional security to your sheds and garages and make sure you use it. As the amount of disposable income reduces due to the economic climate, theft offences is likely to increase with opportunists looking for items even of small value left unattended.
Remove the opportunity – Remove the crime
Regards
Mark
Mark Howells PC 4198
Crime Reduction /Crime Prevention Design Advisor
Elmbridge Borough
Esher Police Station
01483 637044
07967 988005
howells4198@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Property Marking Advice
13 October 2008
Crime Reduction Officer PC Mark Howells gives valuable advice on the benefits Property Marking and tips on how to mark your property.
For more details click here
Elmbridge Neighbourhood Watch Information
21 August 2008
Vehicle crime is showing a decline compared to the same period last year across the borough. However car crime is still the second largest problem after violence offences. The highest level of offences are in Walton, Thames Ditton and West Molesey.
Theft of tools is a particular problem with a significant number of incidents in Oxshott. Residents are asked to remind drivers who are working at their premises to take extra precautions. Satellite navigation units and number plates also feature as the items of choice. There is no commonly targeted type of vehicle and there is only a few incidents of them being used in further crimes. An easy method of prevention for vehicle which have screw fastenings on their number plates is to replace one of the screws with an anti tamper screw which are available free to residents from your local police stations.
Residents are still leaving equipment in their vehicles overnight. Please remove all items on display. A very simple crime prevention step would be to empty the glove box and leave it open.
Theft of actual vehicles has increased compared to the same period last year. This crime falls into two main categories. Some older vehicles or those which have broken down seem to have been removed as there is now a flourishing market in scrap metal. The other offences particularly target high value vehicles with many being stolen from driveways. Residents are reminded not to leave their car keys just inside their front door as a number of thefts have occurred when the thieves have burgled the house to recover the car keys or hooked the keys off of a side table through the letterbox or cat flap. All makes of vehicle are at risk with Audi, BMW and Mini Cooper thefts having recently taken place.
Violence offences continues to be the most significant category of crime by number even though the level is slightly lower than the same period last year. The majority of these incidents result in very minor or even no injury. Walton is the busiest area. In the majority of incidents the suspect and victim are known to each other. Alcohol plays a significant role in incidents.
Burglary offences are at similar levels as last year. Significant areas are Walton, Claygate and Weybridge for residential burglaries where jewellery and electrical equipment is targeted. Break ins to garages and sheds have occurred all of the towns across in Elmbridge with Walton and Cobham being the most prominent. Items stolen range from garden equipment to the contents of a wine cellar.
As we move toward September historically insecurity burglaries are expected to increase. These offences are preventable if residents get into a pattern of closing all windows before they leave the house, locking ladders even if they are stored within a shed or garage, returning garden equipment to safe storage and ensuring that locks and bolts are of a reasonable quality.
Last but not least residents are asked to consider property marking. The unique reference number for each household in the country is your post code followed by your house number or first three letters of your house name. It is not only for items such as your mobile phone or electrical equipment but can be used on garden tools and equipment. Items can be registered free of charge on the ‘IMMOBILISE’ web site www.immobilise.com
Regards
Mark
Mark Howells PC 4198
Crime Reduction /Crime Prevention Design Advisor
Elmbridge Borough
Esher Police Station
01483 637044
07967 988005
howells4198@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Current Crime Warnings
16 May 2008
Residential Burglary
Currently we are seeing a good reduction of the offence of burglary across Elmbridge. Despite lower levels of crime Walton is still the key hotspot. West Molesey has seen an emerging crime trend of computer thefts with the majority from industrial estates
One or two incidents of letter box burglary have occurred again. This is to steal vehicle keys then the car from the drive.
Easy to solve – just remove your car keys from sight of the front door!
Vehicle crime
Steady at the moment with a slight increase. The area suffering the highest number of incidents is Walton with Weybridge a close second.
Smashing windows continues to be the top MO for vehicle entry to steal valuables on show with unsecured vehicles offering an increasing opportunity.
Public violence and vandalism
This is one area of criminality that continues to rise across the borough with Walton showing the highest number of incidents.
Theft of Metal
Several incidents of metal theft have occurred from churches and other community buildings. In my mind a very despicable offence but it is a National issue due to the massive price increases of metal. Be mindful of this crime type and any strange activity out or hours please report to police.
Crime warning
3 April 2008
Theft from vehicles
Those areas suffering the most number of incidents are Walton, Cobham, Weybridge and West Molesey with the majority of offences in residential roads and even where vehicles are parked on private driveways.
Theft of number plates has started to reappear and you are reminded that free non return security screws are available from our local police stations which will prevent this type of theft.
Cash also seems to be the target so please remove the loose change often left on show ready for car parking fees.
Satellite navigation systems or simply the cradle continue to be left in vehicles, even the rubber suction marks on the window need to be cleaned off when you leave your car.
The methods of entry range from smashing side windows and on two occasions in the last month slashing the roof of convertibles. The cost of repairs in all cases far outweighs the amount stolen so please do not leave any property on display.
Residential Burglaries
Key hotspots are Walton, West Molesey Esher and Weybridge.
Most property stolen is small electrical items such as camera and Ipod’s and cash although a number have involved the theft of car keys which have occurred by the use of a rod / pole (bamboo or similar) through the letter box and hooking the keys out then stealing the vehicle from outside.
Do not leave your car keys by the front door. Remove all keys out of sight
Shed and garage security
Have you considered the value of the contents within your shed or garage; I am sure the thief has. It can run into the £1000’s, with power tools, lawnmowers, hand tools, cycles and golf clubs just some of the items stolen.
The burglar who may want to break into your home will use your garden tools if they are not securely put away. Remove the means to commit crime.
Follow these guidelines to help protect the contents of your shed or garage by making it more secure.
Make sure the door, door frame and walls are solid and replace any damaged or rotten areas with new sections.
Fit two closed shackle padlocks on strong padlock hasps, one third of the way up from the bottom of the door and one third of the way down from the top of the door
Screws can easily be pulled or forced from the wood so use threaded coach bolts with backing plates or large washers to prevent the bolt being pulled through the wood
If you never open the windows screw them permanently shut from the inside. Replace any broken panes with laminated glass or polycarbonate.
Fit wire mesh on the inside of the window frames
Install an anchor point and secure items such as bikes and ladders with a padlock and chain
Fit a simple shed/garage alarm
The up and over type garage door should be fitted with appropriate padlock with hasp and staple on each side of the door or use one of the modern security appliances available.
Double wooden garage doors should be fitted with a rim latch (Yale type) and an additional mortice deadlock. With strong internal bolts top and bottom on the door that closes first.
Install outside security lighting which automatically activate or use low energy lights fitted with dusk to dawn sensors
Security marking the property with your postcode followed by the number of your house will also put off the burglar and if stolen can be identified so returned to you. Ensure you use signage to promote security marking.
Join or set up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme within your area
Check that your household insurance policy covers theft from your garden and outbuildings
Improved security will reduce the risk of crime.
