CogNW

Welcome to Coggeshall Neighbourhood Watch! We're a local community group working in close partnership with Essex Police to help make our village a safer and better place to live.

The UK's first Neighbourhood Watch was set up in Mollington in Cheshire in 1982 following the success of a similar scheme in Chicago in the United States. Many more schemes followed throughout the UK, and 10 million people are now thought to be members.

We'll publish the latest information about crime in the village on this site. So if, for example, there's a sudden increase in burglaries or a door-to-door- scam running, we'll make sure you know about it straight away.

You can also email us with any questions. And, of course, we'd love you to be involved too. Take a look at how you can support the Scheme in lots of practical ways.

ANOTHER PHONE SCAM

Essex Trading Standards

🚨 Scam Alert 🚨

Reports of scammers telephoning pretending to be from ‘Southern Electric’ offering £5000 credit ‘to help people through the Coronavirus crisis’ if they can collect a £520 cash payment.

The caller goes on to advise that they will visit the property of the resident to collect the payment, and then the credit will be added to their account.

Protect Yourself!

Be suspicious of unexpected calls, especially if you’re asked to make an up-front payment or to give your bank account details.

The safest thing to do is hang up.

Avoid making a payment to a company or person that contacts you out of the blue, especially if you’re asked to purchase a voucher, pay directly into a bank account, use a money transfer company, or to pay a courier.

If you think you have been approached by scammers, you should report it to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

If you think you might have been scammed, stop sending money to the company and individuals involved straight away.

If you have given them your bank account details, tell your bank immediately.

REPORT IT

There is a difference between entrepreneurial  activity and outright profiteering. read on:-

Essex Trading Standards
20 March at 10:51 ·

We have received a number of queries about individuals and businesses exploiting the current Covid-19 situation and selling products at very high prices. Although this does not breach any regulations that Trading Standards cover, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) are keen to receive reports.
The CMA wants to ensure that traders do not exploit the current situation to take advantage of people.
We urge retailers to behave responsibly throughout the coronavirus outbreak and not to make misleading claims or charge vastly inflated prices. We also remind members of the public that these obligations may apply to them too if they resell goods, for example on online marketplaces.
To report a retailer or individual, you can do so by emailing general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk with the following information:
- your contact details
- the business/individual you have concerns about and a description of the issue along with any supporting evidence.

NOT THE RED CROSS

Essex Trading Standards are advising as follows:-

There have been reports across the region (Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk) of people pretending to be from the British Red Cross, knocking on the doors of elderly and vulnerable individuals, taking their money to do shopping – and then not returning.
There have also been reports that cards are being put through doors with the British Red Cross branding, offering help.
British Red Cross are NOT utilising a postcard system currently in connection to Covid-19 and any distribution of these cards locally needs to be reported to us via 0808 223 1133.
Please share and make sure your neighbours and any elderly/vulnerable relatives are aware.

CORONAVIRUS SCAMMERS

This HAS been approved by Essex Police and they have asked that Neighbourhood Watch send it out to as many of our members as possible in Essex.

To all Essex County Neighbourhood Watch Association Members

We are aware of a number of scams relating to Coronavirus across the country .

If you are in any doubt of the legitimacy of a telephone call then hang up

or a visit by anyone whom you are not expecting then do NOT open the door

and make contact YOURSELF to Essex Police.

One of the scams is people calling at houses and offering testing for Coronavirus .

This is a scam , those claiming they can a carry out the test on your doorstep are lying.

Do not let them into your home and do not pay them any money.

Please call Essex Police on 101 or if an emergency 999

FROM THE HEART

Author to remain anon.

At 2am in the morning I’m lying here awake and thinking about all the things I need to do at this time and contemplating what more I can do in these uncertain times.

My job is to manage Emergency Care at Colchester Hospital, a role that is mind-blowingly challenging at the best of times and incredibly humbling at the worst. 😬

I’ve worked in healthcare for nearly 20 years. I’ve planned for the worst case scenario so many times including writing the plan and simulating a mass casualty response across our whole healthcare system in North East Essex. I thought that would be the worst scenario I could think off but it seems it’s not.

A pandemic is far, far worse. It’s like a mass casualty event in slow motion and you can see it coming. Playing out in the other countries first - just as it could here.

This isn’t a post to scare you or make you feel bad. The NHS is preparing. We are planning for the worst, while in our hearts sill hoping for the best.

The team at the front door of the hospital are ready to adapt to a whole new way of working. Everyone single one of us will play a part in that. We have a plan. A good one.

I can’t tell you how proud I am to be working with them at this time. The courage of the clinical team is inspirational, they are feeling the fear but doing their job regardless.

So this brings me to the point of my post.........

A plea to follow the social isolating / distancing guidelines and make a dramatic difference to the upward curve and slow down speed of this disease spreading. 🙏🙏🙏

You have the opportunity to be part of the solution and protect each other and your family. It is vital for us to be able to manage the volume of those who get very unwell and not have so many we can’t deal with it.

Guys - this is in your hands 🤲 (which are obviously washed with soap for 2x happy birthday frequently 😀).

We’ve got your back - now please have ours and everybody elses. 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

#socialvaccine #proudtobeNHS #youarethesolution #stayhomesavelives

Oh - and stop panic buying. It’s totally unnecessary and causing a problem we just don’t need right now! 🤣🤓😆

This post can be shared! 👍

SAINSBURYS SCAM ALERT

If you receive a Survey purporting to come from Sainsbury’s, it is a scam so DO NOT OPEN IT
If you know anyone using WhatsApp, please pass on this message:
An IT expert has advised that a video comes out tomorrow (20th) from WhatsApp called ‘martinelli’ DO NOT OPEN IT. It hacks your phone and nothing will fix it. If you receive a message from WhatsApp Gold DO NOT CLICK ONTO IT !
Although many people are coming up with different and well meaning schemes to help older and vulnerable people, during these difficult times, we need to remain alert and suspicious of any new initiatives, until they can be checked out or are known to be bonafide scheme or service.
Most of all, please take care of yourselves, play your part in keeping an eye on the elderly and vulnerable people in your community, but, don’t to yourselves at risk.
Those who continue to panic buy essential products, are putting many others at risk through their selfish actions, and hindering the efforts of shops to provide goods for everyone. Sensible purchasing helps the supermarket and shops facilitate an efficient supply chain, so that wherever possible, most peoples needs are met.
Many of us, will now be committed to helping look after children and grandchildren for many weeks to come. exhausted!
That will either keep us young, or, more probably,

CORONA VIRUS ADVICE

Overview - Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Stay at home advice
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.
Stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms
Stay at home if you have either: -
a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature
a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do. If you cannot access Help online PHONE 111
How long to stay at home if you have symptoms of coronavirus, you'll need to stay at home for 7 days
• if you live with someone who has symptoms, you'll need to stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person in the home started having symptoms 
If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days. 
If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible. Further advice available on the NHS 111 website 

How to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus (social distancing) 
Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading. It is particularly important for people who:
• are 70 or over
• have a long-term condition
• are pregnant
• have a weakened immune system
Do
wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
always wash your hands when you get home or into work
use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus
only travel on public transport if you need to
work from home, if you can
avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas
avoid events with large groups of people
use phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services
Don't
do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family

If you're at high risk
The NHS will contact you from Monday 23 March 2020 if you are at particularly high risk of getting seriously ill with coronavirus. You'll be given specific advice about what to do.
Do not contact your GP or healthcare team at this stage – wait to be contacted.
Who is at risk?
How coronavirus is spread
Because it's a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person.
Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.
It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food. Pregnancy advice
If you're pregnant and worried about coronavirus, you can get advice about coronavirus and pregnancy from the Royal College of Obstretricians and Gynaecologists: website: coronavirus and pregnancy from the Royal College of Obstretricians and Gynaecologists.
Travel advice
There are some countries and areas where there's a higher chance of coming into contact with someone with coronavirus.
If you're planning to travel abroad and are concerned about coronavirus, see advice for travellers on GOV.UK.
Treatment for coronavirus
There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.
Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses.
Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.
You'll need to stay in isolation, away from other people, until you have recovered.
Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus.
Some news from American is that their authorities have jointly issued warning letters to seven sellers of unapproved and misbranded products, claiming they can treat or prevent the Coronavirus. The companies’ products include teas, essential oils, and colloidal silver.
Their FTC says the companies have no evidence to back up their claims — as required by law. The FDA says there are no approved vaccines, drugs or investigational products currently available to treat or prevent the virus. Read more about the warning letters.
Avoid Coronavirus Scams
Here are some tips to help you keep the scammers at bay: -
• Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
• Watch for scam emails claiming to be from experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the official NHS and UK Government sites.
• Ignore online offers for vaccinations. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — online or in stores.
• Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.

THEFT OF TOOLS = THEFT OF LIVELIHOOD

Theft of tools

The theft of tools is not only ‘theft of those tools’; it is also the damage the thief causes in getting to them. This can prevent you from carrying out an intended task(s), and to a trader it is your livelihood, a necessity to carry out your work.

Recent Direct Line Insurance statistics relation to tool thefts state:
• £83 million stolen England and Wales since 2017 mainly from Tradesmen
• Only 3% recovered
• 217,000 tools
• 28% from vehicles
• 20% Private Residences
• 10% work sites & businesses

Invariably tools are kept in vehicles, sheds, garages and other outbuildings, all with a level of apparent vulnerability that a thief will seek to exploit.

There are similarities in security advice for both sheds, outbuildings and vans:
Is there a more secure location with greater protection where your tools can safely be stored?

With regards to where your sheds, outbuildings and vans are positioned, where possible each wants to be where it can be seen and under lighting.
Shed windows, as with the rear windows of a van, need to be such that the contents cannot be seen through and each can have a weld mesh grille over the inside to deter access. *

Consider supplementing the existing locks with accreditation body tested products to the risk commensurate standard to protect your property i.e. Secured by Design or Sold

Secure (gold or diamond standard). When fitting such consider the strength what you are fitting it to and whether that too needs to be enhanced. **

Consider further security within such as strong boxes or in sheds and outbuildings ground anchors to lock the item by chain to. **

Consider an alarm, there are those out there that notify you on your Smart Device of an intrusion and allow you to view the cause of the activation. *

Property marking and asset recording will make your tools harder for the criminal to dispose of and so less desirable. Methods could be visibly marking i.e. engraving, die stamping, painting an awful colour, indelible ink or paint marker and/or a forensic marker with labelling to show that it is marked also asset recording of its serial number and description on a secure accreditation body approved database. *

There are fogging and intruder tagging sprays available that when activated fill the van or shed with a fog that you cannot see the hand in front of your face, or the tagging spray that coats the intruder with a unique UV visible spray.

Products that are fit for purpose can found by looking for the "Secured by Design” or "Sold Secure" logos, or on their websites http://www.securedbydesign.com/ or http://www.soldsecure.com/ 

• SBD *
• or
• both **

For further crime prevention advice see www.essex.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/ or www.thecrimepreventionwebsite.com .

61016 text service
The introduction of our 61016 text number in March 2013 was highly successful, with 1,185 incidents reported within the first six months of the service.

The service offers the travelling public and rail staff a means to contact us directly in an anonymous and subtle way, in order to report non-emergency crime.

The relaunch aims to increase awareness of the service and subsequently increase the level of reporting.

When to use the text service:

Text 61016 (or call 0800 40 50 40) when you want to contact us about an issue that doesn't require an emergency response. For example, you can text when:

You want to tell about an incident that has already happened
You want to tell us about issues affecting your rail journey or your local station
You have a general police enquiry
If your enquiry concerns buses or roads, you can contact local police anywhere in the country by dialling 101.

Reporting a Sexual Offence

When to call 999

Always dial 999 when you need an urgent police response:

A crime is happening
Someone suspected of a crime is nearby
Someone is injured, being threatened or in danger
Your mobile service provider may issue a small charge to text 61016. The exact cost will depend on your network and tariff. Advice on when to call 999.

This is good to know that any woman travelling alone on trains is just a text away from help. You may also wish to consider carrying a personal attack alarm to activate if in need and other passengers are nearby to react to your situation.

NOTTINGHAM KNOCKERS AGAIN

NHW received this message yesterday from a member and this appears to link with messages posted on facebook regarding 'GentleMen Callers' in the area of St Peters Road.

Please keep in mind that door knockers such as this may claim to be on a government rehab scheme. Alas no such scheme exists, and in any event ex crims would not be granted a Licence to Peddle door to door. Yes doorstep traders need a Pedlars Licence to operate. The quality of goods is quite often poor and overpriced.

You have been warned!

"Around 5 pm I saw two young men with large bags of wares, and very northern accents obviously trying the door to door selling lark we have had in Coggeshall before. They commented to each other they had sold nothing. One went up Church Street ahead of me, disappeared near Buntings down an alley and was discreetly peeing as I passed.....

Around 7 pm one with a very heavy accent saying he'd been a soldier knocked very loudly on our front door. Unfortunately my husband went to open it before I had a chance to warn him. About 3/4 hour ago there was a thunderous knocking on our front door and I could hear two of them laughing. We did not open! One feels very sorry for them touting useless wares in the cold, but there is something aggressive and menacing about them. This is the first time I have seen them in a year or so. Can't think what they are called ? jeggers? peggers?!!

Just to let you know!

Best wishes"