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.

THERE IS HOPE ON THE HORIZON

The Daily Mail has allowed the following article to be shared on Social Media: -

Phone companies to stop hackers who pose as banks by hijacking message threads between them and customers

• A new 'anti-spoofing' system should stop fraudulent texts in message chains

• Text message threads can be hijacked by fraudsters trying to trick customers

• Telecoms giants are trialling a new system to help combat rising banking fraud

  Telecoms giants are trialling a system to block scam text messages in a bid to combat rising banking fraud.

  In a victory for ‘MoneyMail’s Stop the Bank Scammers campaign,’ the new ‘anti- spoofing’ system should stop fraudulent texts appearing in the same chain as genuine messages from their banks.

  This is a common tactic used by fraudsters to convince victims that the scam message is legitimate.

  If victims call the number included in the text or follow a link, scammers are waiting to trick them into handing over personal details or transfer money.

  Telecoms companies are trialling a system to block scam text messages to combat banking fraud.

  All banks are expected to register their ‘sender ID’ on a database early next year (stock image)

Once the new system – SMS PhishGard – is in place, fraudsters will no longer be able to hijack text message threads.

All banks are expected to register their ‘sender ID’ on a database early next year. If anyone tries to use the same ID – known as ‘spoofing’ – the text will be blocked.

Which? Money welcomed the move and urged retailers to consider signing up too. But a spokesman from the National Cyber Security Tactical Advice team said the registry would not filter out all scam texts.

IS BREAD FATTENING?‘

‘GIVE US THIS DAY, OUR DAILY BREAD’

Following numerous press stories about banning feeding bread to swans the latest advice contradicts that message saying there is no harm doing this and is in-fact starving them if not done.
With so many ponds and lakes around, there is nothing more regal than seeing plenty of swans majestically cruising back and forth, particularly if they are with their young.

For years people have gone, sometimes with family, to feed them and for years it has always been bread.

Recently though there have been a lot of stories talking about how bad bread is for them and how people should avoid it as it can cause a whole list of troubles.

But now it seems all of that, ‘is actually wrong,’ and the fact that so many people heeded the words about banning feeding them bread, has meant many are, ‘actually starving,’ which, in turn is making them take drastic action such as cross main roads to find food. Now a statement from The Queen’s Swan Marker, David Barber MVO which has been endorsed by Professor Christopher Perrins of Oxford University has come out and confirms what The Swan Sanctuary has always said.

The statement reads:

“There has been a great deal of press coverage in recent months regarding the ‘Ban the Bread’ campaign which is confusing many members of the public who like to feed swans.
Supporters of the campaign claim that bread should not be fed to swans on the grounds that it is bad for them. This is not correct. Swans have been fed bread for many hundreds of years without causing any ill effects. While bread may not be the best dietary option for swans compared to their natural food such as river weed, it has become a very important source of energy for them, supplementing their natural diet and helping them to survive the cold winter months when vegetation is very scarce.

There is no good reason not to feed bread to swans, provided it is not mouldy. Most households have surplus bread and children have always enjoyed feeding swans with their parents. The ‘Ban the Bread’ campaign, is already having a deleterious impact, upon the swan population; I am receiving reports of underweight cygnets and adult birds, and a number of swans, from large flocks, have begun to wander into roads in search of food. This poses the further risk of swans being hit by vehicles. Malnutrition also increases their vulnerability to fatal diseases like avian- flu, which has caused the deaths of many mute swans and other waterfowl in the past.

Furthermore, there have been statements made in the media claiming that feeding bread causes angel-wing in swans. Angel-wing is a condition where a cygnet develops a deformed wing. Professor Christopher Perrins, LVO, FRS of the Department of Zoology at Oxford University stated, ‘There is no evidence of a connection between feeding bread and angel-wing; at least some cygnets develop this condition without ever having seen any bread’. I therefore encourage members of the public to continue feeding swans to help improve their chances of survival, especially through the winter.” The Swan Sanctuary, in Crawley has also published a couple of explanatory images that also establish what is right and wrong: www.theswansanctuary.org.uk/

PRIME TIME FOR CREDIT CARD FRAUD

Millions of us rely on credit cards, perhaps for major purchases we can’t afford to pay for outright, or just to manage our money and make ends meet each month. In the vast majority, of cases, things run smoothly, and we don’t encounter any problems.
However, fraudsters are always trying to find ways to con us out of our cash, so it’s a good idea to swot up on the different scams they use so you can avoid being caught out.

Stolen or lost cards: If you lose your credit card or have it stolen, call your card issuer as soon as possible so it can be ‘stopped’ – that is, no more transactions permitted. If you don’t, the card could be used fraudulently.

Phishing: One of the fraudsters’ main tactics is to contact you by email, phone or post, pretending to be your bank or building society, and ask you to reveal security information, such as your PIN. This is known as ‘phishing’.
Your bank will never do this, and neither will the police or any other legitimate organisation, so never give out your PIN to anyone.

Try to avoid using family birthdays as your PIN, it can be easy for fraudsters to track down these dates and work out what your PIN is.

Skimming: Scammers are always finding new ways to clone or copy your credit card and then use it fraudulently. They may use an electronic device to ‘skim’ card details from victims, often when you are using it in shops, restaurants and bars. Your bank will be in touch if they spot any unusual, or potentially fraudulent, transactions and will cancel your card after verifying with you if the transactions were yours.

ID Fraud: Criminals can also use your personal details, such as your name, address and PIN number so that they can pose as you and set up new credit card accounts or take out loans in your name. The lenders may then try and chase you for the debt.

Always take care when disposing of correspondence and documentation – don’t put bank statements or similar items in the rubbish without shredding or destroying them first.

How to protect yourself against scams: -

1. Don’t give out your PIN or write it down. If you do you could be accused of negligence by your bank or lender and that means if you are defrauded that you won’t be able to get your money back.
NEVER share your PIN. If you’re asked for personal information, such as your PIN over the phone, via email or in person, do not share it. A legit company will never ask you to provide this information.

2. Be cautious around emails asking for personal information. If you receive an email asking you to verify personal or card details, play it safe and delete it. Never click on a link within an email as this may give the scammers access to information stored on your computer.

3. Use public Wi-Fi sensibly. Beware of carrying out financial transactions or logging onto your online banking on a laptop, tablet or mobile phone using a public Wi-Fi network as criminals might try to intercept your communications.

4. Dispose of confidential documents appropriately. Shred documents which contain personal information that could be used by fraudsters.

5. Don’t choose an obvious PIN. Try to avoid using family birthdays as your PIN, as fraudsters might track down these dates and work out what your PIN is.

Don’t forget to check your credit history: As well as making sure you always check your card statements carefully to see if your details have been used without your knowledge, it’s a good idea to regularly check your credit file. You can get hold of this from one of the main credit reference agencies, Experian, CallCredit and Equifax. It will show if anyone has opened any credit card accounts in your name, or has made other credit applications, for example, for a personal loan.

What to do if you’re a victim of credit fraud

If you fall victim to credit card fraud, or you are suspicious of an email or phone call, contact your card provider immediately. You should also report it to ActionFraud.

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud

ACTION FRAUD: 0300 123 2040     Calls cost 35p per minute

BIRD WATCH

If you live in a rural area, or travel past farms and smallholdings, please keep a look out for suspicious activity by Fowl rustlers, out to steal someone’s Christmas dinner. Poachers will also be about in the countryside, after pheasants, partridges, ducks and rabbits. Trout farms are also vulnerable, and some people from other cultures, will even go after carp.

Deer are also more at risk from poachers during the build up to the festive season. Please report anything suspicious to the Police, using 999 to report a crime in progress, or 101 for passing on information relating to crime.

Information can also be reported online at: -

https://www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online/report-a-crime

or by reporting to:-

Crimestoppers (all information is treated in confidence and the informant remains anonymous)

0800 555 111

ESSEX POLICE DRINK/DRUG DRIVE CAMPAIGN

If you drink or drug drive you could kill yourself or someone else – that’s the message as we start our Christmas anti-drink and drug driving campaign.
The campaign is running throughout the month of December and will focus on the experiences of Essex Police officers and #howitfeels to attend serious collisions.
Inspector Rob Brettell, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is stupid, reckless and irresponsible.
“Drink and drugs effect your ability to react while behind the wheel. Sadly we’re still seeing people taking the risk.
“In particular, we’ve seen the number of people we’re catching drug drive really increase in recent months. In fact we’re seeing almost as many drug driving arrests and drink driving arrests.
“Part of that is down to the fact that we’ve got more equipment to test drivers but it also shows the extent to which people think it’s OK to drive under the influence of drugs.
“It’s not ok. It risks lives and could lead to someone being seriously injured or killed.
“My officers attend and investigate the most serious collisions on our roads and it’s our job to tell families that their loved ones aren’t coming home.
“We know first-hand how it feels to deal with the worst crashes and we don’t want anyone else to have that experience.
“My message this Christmas is #drivesafedrivesober.”

ESSEX POLICE DRINK/DRUG/DRIVE CAMPAIGN

If you drink or drug drive you could kill yourself or someone else – that’s the message as we start our Christmas anti-drink and drug driving campaign.
The campaign is running throughout the month of December and will focus on the experiences of Essex Police officers and #howitfeels to attend serious collisions.
Inspector Rob Brettell, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is stupid, reckless and irresponsible.
“Drink and drugs effect your ability to react while behind the wheel. Sadly we’re still seeing people taking the risk.
“In particular, we’ve seen the number of people we’re catching drug drive really increase in recent months. In fact we’re seeing almost as many drug driving arrests and drink driving arrests.
“Part of that is down to the fact that we’ve got more equipment to test drivers but it also shows the extent to which people think it’s OK to drive under the influence of drugs.
“It’s not ok. It risks lives and could lead to someone being seriously injured or killed.
“My officers attend and investigate the most serious collisions on our roads and it’s our job to tell families that their loved ones aren’t coming home.
“We know first-hand how it feels to deal with the worst crashes and we don’t want anyone else to have that experience.
“My message this Christmas is #drivesafedrivesober.”
Read more on our website:

MORE GENERAL ADVICE

CRIME PREVENTION

We are urging the public to vigilant about rogue traders or bogus callers.

An Officer from Essex Police’s Crime Prevention Unit, said: “We have noticed an increase in rogue traders and bogus callers recently, who call at your door claiming to be qualified tradespeople offering to do work on your home.

“These people may call and claim you need services like repairs to your roof, lawn or fences, your driveways power washed or repaired or replaced, garden services, or waste clearance.
“
They may seem friendly and persuasive but too often they target vulnerable, elderly people.

“They may also claim to know your neighbours and say they’ve done work for them but often they promise to do work which didn’t need doing in the first place.
“Rogue traders and bogus callers will also travel around the county trying to trick and con people out of their money so I’d urge the public to be vigilant and call us if they see or hear anything suspicious.”

Take a look at our advice to help protect yourself against rogue traders and bogus callers.

A genuine trader won’t:
Call without an appointment;
Ask you to go to a bank to withdraw cash or make a money transfer;
Offer to take you to the bank to withdraw cash for payment;
Insist that you make a decision about work they’re offering to do on the spot;
Bully or scare you into doing the work.
If you do think you need some work doing:
Contact a Buy With Confidence accredited trader;
Get a number of quotes;
Get a written estimate detailing exactly what work will be carried out, how much it will cost and what the terms of payment are;
Take your time to make sure you’re happy with what you’re undertaking – ask a trusted friend/relative for advice or ring the Buy with Confidence number 08454 040506.

There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself:
Ask for ID: A genuine caller or trader won’t mind you asking them for identification. Don’t be afraid to ask them to come back another time and don’t let them into your home if you don’t want them there;
Take Control: you ask the questions and try to remember that it is a business situation.
Be aware that doorstep sellers are not your friends: watch out for clever sales techniques where you may be made to feel like you have lots in common.
Don’t sign on the spot: even if it means that you could lose a ‘special discount’. Take time to reflect, think about your purchase and shop around.
You have a right to cancel: If you do purchase something for more than £35 from doorstep sales people you have 7 days to change your mind. This information should be given to you in writing by the sales person.

If in doubt, ask the person to leave: phone Consumer Direct or Essex County Council Trading Standards on 08454 040 506 for further advice.

If you think you've been taken in by a rogue trader, please let us know by calling 101, contact Trading Standards - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/report-to-trading-standards/
If you feel threatened by a sales person in your home, call 101.

LAY DOWN YOUR ARMS

Chief Constable BJ Harrington has warned criminals using airsoft weapons or BB guns to commit crime in Essex that armed police officers called to incidents will be treating them as a ‘genuine threat’.

The warning comes as Essex Police begins a two-week firearm surrender across the county to get guns off the streets and ensure they do not fall into the wrong hands.

It is taking place between Monday, December 3 and Friday, December 14 and firearms and ammunition can be handed in to one of eight police stations around the county.

Last year there were nearly 550 offences involving firearms across the county and 1,764 firearms were handed in or seized.

Chief Constable Harrington said: “Clearly real guns on our streets is the highest priority we face but those weapons are extraordinarily hard for criminals to get hold of.

“I am increasingly concerned that realistic-looking airsoft weapons and BB guns are being used to intimidate and commit crime.

“Those guns look real to victims of crime and my message to people using them for crime is that from a distance they will look real to an armed police officer too.”

“Nearly a quarter of all firearms offences in the last year involved an imitation gun or air weapon. When we’re called to an incident because someone’s reported a gun being seen, we will assume it’s real and will treat it as a genuine threat to life. Believe me, you do not want to put yourself in that position.”

Chief Constable Harrington also called on responsible ‘air soft’ weapons owners and retailers to make sure the guns don’t fall into the wrong hands, adding: “I can’t for the life of me think why someone would need to buy one, but the law says you must be over 18 and be a member of a licensed air-soft club to buy a realistic BB gun.

“If you’re not a member of a club you can only buy a BB gun that is not designed to look like a real weapon.

“My concern is that a secondary market in BB guns that are no longer wanted could be exploited by criminals.

"If you have realistic looking weapons you no longer need, I need you to hand them in as part of our surrender.”

During the surrender held in 2017, 184 firearms were handed in as well around 9,000 rounds of ammunition.

If you hand in a firearm during the surrender you will not be prosecuted for possessing it illegally and you can also choose to remain anonymous when handing items in.

The history of each firearm will be checked to see if it has been used in crime and, if you were involved in that offence you could face prosecution for it.

You can hand in any firearms or ammunition to police stations in Basildon, Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester, Harlow, Grays, and Southend between 9am and 5pm.

You are advised to call ahead on 101 so they can be advised on how best to transport the item. In exceptional circumstances, they can be collected by pre-arranged appointment from members of the public.

If you wish to bring a firearm to a police station it is very important to ensure any ammunition is been removed first. If you are unfamiliar with how to do this then you should not attempt to try it, we will come to your home, assess the weapon and make sure that any bullets are removed and there is no danger to anyone.

Essex Police

Chief Constable BJ Harrington has warned criminals using airsoft weapons or BB guns to commit crime in Essex that armed police officers called to incidents will be treating them as a ‘genuine threat’.
The warning comes as Essex Police prepares to start a two-week firearm surrender across the county to get guns off the streets and ensure they do not fall into the wrong hands.
It is taking place between Monday, December 3 and Friday, December 14 and firearms and ammunition can be handed in to one of eight police stations around the county.
Last year there were nearly 550 offences involving firearms across the county and 1,764 firearms were handed in or seized.
Chief Constable Harrington said: “Clearly real guns on our streets is the highest priority we face but those weapons are extraordinarily hard for criminals to get hold of.
“I am increasingly concerned that realistic-looking airsoft weapons and BB guns are being used to intimidate and commit crime.
“Those guns look real to victims of crime and my message to people using them for crime is that from a distance they will look real to an armed police officer too.”
“Nearly a quarter of all firearms offences in the last year involved an imitation gun or air weapon. When we’re called to an incident because someone’s reported a gun being seen, we will assume it’s real and will treat it as a genuine threat to life. Believe me, you do not want to put yourself in that position.”
Chief Constable Harrington also called on responsible ‘air soft’ weapons owners and retailers to make sure the guns don’t fall into the wrong hands, adding: “I can’t for the life of me think why someone would need to buy one, but the law says you must be over 18 and be a member of a licensed air-soft club to buy a realistic BB gun.
“If you’re not a member of a club you can only buy a BB gun that is not designed to look like a real weapon.
“My concern is that a secondary market in BB guns that are no longer wanted could be exploited by criminals.
"If you have realistic looking weapons you no longer need, I need you to hand them in as part of our surrender.”
Read more about the surrender on our website:

HELPFUL ADVICE FROM ESSEX POLICE

As Christmas approaches, we’re providing you with some personal safety and home security advice. Going Christmas shopping? Don’t leave valuables and gifts on display in your car.

• Secure your gates. Putting locks on all gates which access your garden will help make your property more secure.

• Register your items on Immobilise. It is FREE and lets you create a private and secure log of all your personal property. To find out more, visit: www.immobilise.com

• Don’t leave your car or van unlocked, unattended or with the engine running whilst you de-ice your car in the mornings. This is not secure, and your car insurance will be invalid if it was stolen.

• Attending a Christmas party? Keep your drink safe and remember if you do drink alcohol, know your limits.
  For more information on personal safety, see the Suzy Lamplugh Trust advice printed on the next page.

  As Christmas approaches, we’re providing you with some personal safety and home security advice: -

• Going Christmas shopping? Don’t leave valuables and gifts on display in your car.

• Secure your gates. Putting locks on all gates which access your garden will help make your property more secure.

• Register your items on Immobilise. It is FREE and lets you create a private and secure log of all your personal property. To find out more, visit: www.immobilise.com

• Don’t leave your car or van unlocked, unattended or with the engine running whilst you de-ice your car in the mornings. This is not secure, and your car insurance will be invalid if it was stolen.

• Attending a Christmas party? Keep your drink safe and remember if you do drink alcohol, know your limits. For more information on personal safety, see the Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s advice below.

• Attending a Christmas party? Make sure you consider how you are getting home in advance. Don’t use unlicensed taxis. For more information on personal safety, visit the Suzy Lamplugh Trust advice pages.

• Don’t leave presents or valuables in view of a window.

• Your recycling and rubbish can tell thieves what new presents you have. Do not advertise to thieves. Fold your present packaging inside out or put them in other plain boxes.

• Treat your shed to an alarm. Ensure that all new and old presents stored in your outbuildings are locked away securely.

• If you’re out for the evening or Christmas shopping, keep your bags, phone and other valuables safe. Busy places make it easier for thieves. For more information, visit: www.essex.police.uk/advice

• Treat yourself to a TV simulator. It gives the impression you’re at home when you’re not. For more information on how to secure your home this winter, visit: www.essex.police.uk/secure. 

• Finally, please make sure that you look after your wallet or purse, and always make sure that they are kept in a zipped coat pocket or bag, and never in a trouser or other back pocket. Don’t give thieves the opportunity to have a merry Christmas at your expense!
   

ADVICE FROM THE SUZY LAMPLUGH TRUST

Yes we have heard it all before but it is still surprising how many forget and find themselves in a tricky situation, therefore a gentle reminder.

HERE IS THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR ADVICE FROM THE SUZY LAMPLUGH TRUST: - 
Christmas is a time to relax and have fun, but it can also be very busy and stressful. You may be out and about more than usual – for that essential Christmas shopping and to festive parties and other social events – and the last thing you need is to become a victim of crime. To help avoid this, consider some of the following advice: 

Christmas Shopping 

Don’t get loaded down with too many bags. Try to keep one hand free Try and avoid taking young children into busy shopping areas. If it is unavoidable make sure they know what to do if they lose you, e.g. tell the nearest counter assistant they are lost, and NEVER leave a shop without you. Agree a meeting point with older children in case you get separated. Be careful where you park your car, 
especially if you will be returning to it after dark. If parking in a multi- storey car park, choose a well-lit space as close to the exit as possible and away from pillars. Reverse into position. Keep car doors locked whilst driving in built-up areas, especially if you’ve got bags of presents in the car. Don’t leave presents on show in a parked car, as they could tempt thieves. Keep alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in busy shops and crowded streets where thieves and pickpockets may well be operating. Keep a close watch on your valuables and try not to keep them all in one place.
Christmas Parties
Most of us like a drink or two but remember that alcohol will affect your judgment – don’t let it endanger your personal safety. Remember, the most common date rape drug is alcohol, with victims being given drinks with a far higher alcohol content than they think. Watch your drinks and food to ensure that nothing is added to them.
Never leave your drink unattended, even if you are going to dance or to the toilet. If your drink has been left unattended, don't drink any more of it. If something tastes or looks odd, don't eat/drink any more of it. Be If someone you don't know, or trust, offers to buy you a drink either decline or accompany them to the bar and watch that nothing is added. Know your own limit. If you meet someone new at a party, avoid going home with them or inviting them back to your home/accepting a lift from them. It's far safer to arrange a second date in a public place to get to know the person better. If you do find yourself alone with someone you don't know well, make sure that someone knows where you are and who you're with. Pay attention to your instincts. If you feel uneasy about someone, there may be a reason. Carry your keys, mobile phone and some money in your pocket on the way home, so you can give up your handbag or wallet and escape quickly if necessary.
Transport
The party’s over and you need to get home. You are likely to be tired and slightly the worse for wear so you need to be careful. The ideal plan is to book your cab or taxi in advance or call a licensed cab company from the party and arrange for them to pick you up right outside the venue. Never accept a lift from a minicab touting for trade on the street. They are illegal and can be very dangerous. Always sit in the back of a cab/taxi and if you get chatting to the driver, do not give away personal details. If you feel uneasy with the driver, ask him to stop at a busy familiar place and get out. If using public transport, have your ticket, pass or change ready in your hand so that your wallet or purse is out of sight. Always wait for the bus or train in a well-lit place near other people if possible and try and arrange for someone to meet you at the bus stop or station. Take note of where the emergency alarms are and try to sit near them. If a bus is empty or it is after dark, you may feel safer on the lower deck as near as possible to the driver.On trains, avoid empty compartments or compartments that have no access to corridors or other parts of the train. If you feel threatened on any public transport press the alarm and/or make as much noise as possible to attract attention of your fellow passengers or the driver or guard.