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.

ALARMING NEWS

NHW has up to date information on Fire Safety in the home which sadly will not transfer to the web page. If you wish to see this document please get in touch and we shall be happy to forward it to you.

UNDESIRABLE TARGET

NCSC received one million scam email reports in just two months

Fake cryptocurrency investment lures comprised more than half of the reported email scams

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)'s Suspicious Email Reporting Service received more than one million reports of scam emails in just two months.

The NCSC reported that, out of the 16,500 emails it received every day, more than half were fake cryptocurrency investment lures, which typically scam victims by promising high returns in exchange for making purchases of digital currency, often Bitcoin.

Other recurring scams reported to the NCSC included fake online shops, which have increased in popularity over the coronavirus pandemic, as well as emails from cyber criminals posing as TV Licensing, HMRC, Gov.uk and the DVLA.

• Fake ransomware decryption tool double-encrypts user files

• Brand-impersonation and form-based attacks are rising

• Scammers leverage contact-tracing in hacking attempt

Overall, the one million reported scams contained 10,200 malicious URLs linking to 3,485 individual sites, which have since been removed by the NCSC.

According to the latest figures shared by the government agency, one in ten of the scams were removed within an hour of an email being reported, while 40% were taken down within a day of a report.

The Suspicious Email Reporting Service, which was launched in April after being co- developed with the City of London Police, allows the public to flag suspect emails linking to fraudulent websites by simply forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk.

NCSC CEO Ciaran Martin issued a statement thanking “everyone who has played their part in helping make the internet safer for all of us”.

“Reaching the milestone of one million suspicious emails reported is a fantastic achievement and testament to the vigilance of the British public,” he said.

Commenting on the NCSC’s announcement, Mimecast’s head of Threat Intelligence Analysis, Phillip Hay, urged security leaders to “invest in a strategy that builds resilience moving at the same pace as digital transformation”.

How enterprises are embracing cyber security challenges: Enterprises across Europe, the Middle East and Africa are undergoing a significant transformation

“This means organisations must apply a layered approach to email security, one that consists of attack prevention, security awareness training, roaming web security tied to email efficacy, brand exploitation protection, threat remediation and business continuity,” he added.

Hay also referred to Mimecast’s recent State of Email Security report, which revealed that “60% of organisations believe it’s inevitable or likely they will suffer from an email-borne attack in the coming year”.

“The same study found that 72% said phishing attacks remained flat or increased in the last 12 months. This is also exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, which has led to a real uptick in email-borne attacks. Our research found that detections were up a third during the first 100 days of the pandemic,”

ILLEGAL HUNTING

Red kites fly again! Bird of prey makes ‘triumphant comeback’ to Britain’s skies

Their distinctive silhouettes and forked tails were hailed by Shakespeare – and red kites can once again be spotted in Britain’s skies after making a ‘triumphant comeback’ from near-extinction. The almost-vanished bird of prey is soaring over the countryside, gardens and towns across swathes of England after a three-decade scheme to reintroduce the species. You will have read my reports of Harlow’s Red Kites, which regularly treat residents to a majestic display. Apparently, thirteen young red kites were brought from Spain and released into the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in what was described as a ‘radical’ scheme in 1990. Following further reintroductions in England and Scotland, at least 37 pairs were breeding in southern England by 1996. Since then, the species has grown to more than 10,000, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Media release: -
Bird of prey persecution crime wave during lockdown

• The RSPB has received a surge in reports of birds of prey being illegally killed since lockdown began

• The majority of incidents have been on or close to sporting estates managed for game bird shooting

• The public are being asked to stay vigilant and report crimes against birds of prey

  The RSPB’s Investigations Unit has been ‘overrun’ with reports of birds of prey being illegally killed in recent weeks. Police have been called out to
  investigate multiple cases involving the shooting, trapping and suspected poisoning of birds of prey following reports by the public. The RSPB is currently aware

  of many confirmed incidents involving the targeting of birds of prey involving hen harriers, peregrines, buzzards, red kites, goshawks and a barn owl in the last six weeks. Amongst the cases being dealt with by the police are a number of significant ongoing investigations on land managed for grouse shooting.

On 29 March a buzzard was found shot at Shipton, near York. Its wing was fractured in two places and an x-ray revealed several pieces of shot within the bird’s body. Thanks to the care of a local wildlife expert the buzzard recovered and was released.

Over the Easter Weekend, a red kite was found shot dead near Leeds. It had 12 shotgun pellets lodged in its body.

The following weekend, wildlife presenter Iolo Williams recovered a dead red kite in Powys, which had been shot. Reports also came in of a further two shot red kites in the area, which is managed for pheasant shooting. And in Scotland, the police are following up several raptor persecution cases and multiple reports of illegal trap use on grouse moors.

All birds of prey are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
To intentionally kill or injure one is a criminal offence and could result in an unlimited fine or up to six months in jail.

Mark Thomas, RSPB Head of Investigations UK, said: “Since lockdown
began, the RSPB has been overrun with reports of birds of prey being targeted. It is clear that criminals on some sporting estates both in the uplands and
lowlands, have used the wider closure of the countryside as an opportunity to ramp up their efforts to kill birds of prey.

“Spring is the time when birds of prey are most visible and therefore vulnerable, as they put on courtship displays, build nests and find food ready to breed. It is clear the criminal actions are targeted and malicious in nature, taking out birds before they have the opportunity to breed, often in areas where they have previously faced persecution.

“We welcome the fact that the public is remaining vigilant and encourage any suspicious incidents to be reported. But please observe government guidelines at all times.”

Superintendent Nick Lyall, head of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group, said: “Over recent weeks, I have been sickened by the number of raptor persecution cases that have come to my attention as chair of the
Raptor Persecution Delivery Group. I know that there are officers currently investigating a number of crimes against wild birds of prey which have occurred since lockdown began.

“Lockdown has been seen as a green light by those involved in raptor persecution offences to continue committing crimes, presumably in the belief that there are fewer people around to catch them doing so. “I remain grateful to everyone involved in investigating these crimes, and thankfully in the vast majority of the cases I am

aware of, it looks like some really good lines of enquiry are taking place which should lead to arrests and interviews.”

If you have any information about birds of prey being killed in your area, call the police on 101 or the RSPB’s confidential Raptor Crime Hotline: 0300 999 0101.

SECURITY MEASURES AFTER LOCKDOWN.

With ao many having been in the house non stop and not needing to think about locking doors and windows during lockdown, the following from the District Crime Prevention Tactical Advisor may be of help as a reminder now we are able to venture forth.

Venturing out from “Lock Down”

As the Covid19 restrictions are eased and we cautiously emerge from the security of our homes whilst not wishing to alarm we do need to remember to secure our property once again. Whether we are just going to the shops, going out for the day, or perhaps taking that well deserved break, make sure your home is secure and it looks like you are still there.

Just a few tips to remind you: -

• Ensure that windows, doors, outbuildings, and gates are closed and locked correctly, make sure all tools are put away too. Remember with PVCu and similar doors – when locking, Lift the handle, turn, and remove the key. If you have a night latch and a mortice lock, ensure that you lock both not just the night latch.

• No keys outside in hidey holes please, the thief will find them no matter how well you think they are hidden.

• Create the illusion of occupancy: A radio on, a chair that looks like you have just got up, book or magazine open with a pair of spectacles and a mug next to it, a vacuum cleaner with the lead trailing out of sight (not plugged in), the usual signs of habitation and don’t leave it too tidy.

• Consider a doorbell that you can answer remotely on your smartphone. A lot of these you can add further CCTV cameras that you listen and speak through too.

• Use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights on when it gets dark, also consider a “Fake TV” unit discretely hidden from view.

• If you have an intruder alarm, make sure that you set it before leaving and ensure that your neighbours know who the keyholders are.

• Keys to other cars; put them away and in a “faraday bag” if you have a keyless car.

  If you are away for a longer period: -

• Curtains open or curtains closed? – The worse thing is half open half closed, day or night the thief will know you are out. I go by the principle that some people do not close all curtains at night, but most are open during the day especially in those “lived in” rooms. So as long as you have evidence visible that looks like you are in the house somewhere then it makes sense to leave them open.

• Cancel any newspaper or milk deliveries, delay ordering online purchases before you go away or have them delivered to friends or family that are at home to hold until you return.

• Use the Royal Mail's 'Keepsafe' service - they keep your mail for up to 2 months while you're away. Mail sitting on your doorstep is a sign that you are away: https://www.royalmail.com/receiving/keepsafe

• Trusted neighbours may be able to help you by collecting your post, opening, and closing curtains and they could park their car on your driveway.

• Avoid discussing holiday plans on public social networking sites, watch what you are posting including photographs (they may be date stamped) while you are away too or you may find you are giving useful information that the burglar or fraudster may use.

  Don’t forget the car when you leave it unattended: -

  • Close the windows and lock it, verify it is looked by the sound, the flash of the lights or try the handle.

  • Leave nothing on show, remember to the thief even the empty bag or jacket is inviting, they don’t know what they may contain until your car has been damaged in the course of them breaking into your car.

  • Choose a safe place to park, with lots of visibility over it, if you can look for a “Parkmark” accredited car park http://www.parkmark.co.uk/car-park-finder

    Further advice can be found at www.essex.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/ or www.securedbydesign.com/

HOLIDAY SCAMS

For some the prospect of being able to escape the recent lockdown a bargain is not to be passed up. BEWARE, READ ON:-

New warning from UK Finance around Coronavirus holiday scams. Consumers are being urged to be on the lookout for holiday scams including fake caravan and motorhome listings, refund offers and travel deals, as criminals take advantage of uncertainty around coronavirus travel restrictions and cancellations to target their victims and commit fraud.With many people looking to book their summer breaks when lockdown ends, the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign has today published detailed guidance with information on common holiday scams and advice on how to stay safe from them.

Criminals are experts at impersonating trusted organisations such as airlines, travel agencies or banks. They will use a range of methods to approach their victims, including scam emails, telephone calls, fake websites and posts on social media and auction websites. Customers are therefore reminded to always follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign and take a moment to stop and think before parting with their money or information in case it’s a scam.

https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/

Katy Worobec, Managing Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance, commented:

Criminals will exploit the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on people’s holiday plans to commit fraud, whether it’s advertising fake listings for caravans or pretending to offer refunds for cancelled flights.

“The banking and finance industry is working closely with law enforcement to crack down on these cruel scams, but we need others to play their part too. It’s important that auction websites and social platforms take swift action to remove fraudulent posts and listings being used to promote holiday scams.

“We would urge customers to also be on the lookout for scams and follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign. Always be wary of any requests to pay by bank transfer when buying goods or services online and instead use the secure payment options recommended by reputable websites.

“It’s also important to question any emails, phone calls or social media posts offering refunds for cancelled holidays and not to click on links or attachments in case it’s a scam. Instead, contact organisations directly to confirm requests using a known email or phone number such as the one on their official website.”

Caravan scams: Criminals are taking advantage of growing demand for ‘staycations’ in the UK this summer, by advertising fake listings for caravans and motorhomes on auction sites and citing lockdown restrictions as the reason vehicles can’t be viewed in person. These vehicles are advertised at attractive prices to tempt people into believing they’re getting a good deal, when in reality they simply don’t exist or don’t arrive once paid for. Always remember: -

• Be suspicious of any “too good to be true” offers or prices – if it’s at a rock bottom price ask yourself why.

• Do your research before making any purchases and ask to see vehicles over video if you’re unable to see them in person.

• Use the secure payment methods recommended by reputable online retailers and auction sites and don’t accept requests to pay separately via a bank transfer.

• Where possible, use a credit card when making purchases over £100 and up to £30,000 as you receive protection under Section 75.

Fake refunds for cancellations: The current travel restrictions imposed due to coronavirus have meant thousands of customers have applied for refunds for cancelled flights or holidays. Criminals may exploit this situation to defraud people via phishing emails, ‘spoofed’ calls or social media posts and adverts claiming to be offering refunds from airlines, travel providers or banks. Often emails and posts will include links leading to fake websites used to steal personal and financial

information that can infect a victim’s device with malware. Always remember: Don’t click on links or attachments in social media posts or emails.

• Question uninvited approaches and contact organisations directly to confirm requests using a known email or phone number.

• Only give out your personal or financial information to services you have consented to and are expecting to be contacted by.

Cheap travel deal scams: Criminals will set up fake websites offering ‘cheap travel deals’ which are used to obtain your money and information. Websites may look similar to the genuine organisation’s but subtle changes in the URL can indicate that it’s fraudulent. These websites may also seem professional and convincing, using images of luxury villas and apartments that don’t exist to convince victims they’re trusted and genuine. These are offered for rent, often at discounted prices and require a deposit to be made which is never returned.

Always remember: Be suspicious of any “too good to be true” offers or prices – if it’s at a rock bottom price ask yourself why.

• Where possible, use a credit card when booking holidays over £100 and up to £30,000 as you receive protection under Section 75.

Use the secure payment options recommended by online travel providers and don’t accept requests to pay separately via a bank transfer. Read online reviews from reputable sources to check websites and bookings are legitimate. Access the website you’re purchasing from by typing it in to the web browser and avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails.

www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud

RAVING IN ESSEX

RAVING ESSEX

If any of you identify information relating to either an upcoming event or one occurring at the time, Essex Police would naturally appreciate the time taken by them to inform us.

The best way of getting the information to Essex Police could be any of thefollowing which suits the individual:- 

Dial 101 and report. (This obviously our non-emergency line, but one which will gladly log and submit the information to the relevant department).

1. Report online via the Essex Police website

2. Crimestoppers, either via phone or online. (0800 555 111 or online on their website). Should the individual wish to remain anonymous due to the location of the gathering, i.e. it might be near the informant’s Home Address then this could be a good method of allowing them to report, with the reassurance their details are withheld.

The information itself can be as simple as a gathering in a specific location, details of a potential gathering, vehicle details/indexes of vehicles associated to those at a gathering, what can be obtained.

Those who organise unlawful, unlicensed music events of cause environmental and noise pollution, disturb the peace, and upset local residents. They also attract those who sell, and, or indulge in smoking, snorting, or injecting illegal drugs, or who sell, and, or are taking illegal tablets.

The unlicensed sale or consumption of alcohol, adds to the problem, with police often having to deal with intoxicated youths and their resulting behaviour.

Anti-social behaviour, and a disregard for law and order is commonplace. Our police and other emergency service workers, are often targeted, and have missiles thrown at them, by some revellers, agitators, or thugs.

One common so called ‘party drug or Hippy Crack,’ is Nitrous Oxide inhaled from small cylinders.

“The frequent presence of silver canisters on our streets (even during the Covid-19 lockdown) is a visible mark of the increasing incidence of nitrous oxide (N2O) or laughing gas misuse,” warns a blogpost from pharmaceutical experts in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

You may have seen the discarded metal canisters on your way to work or when walking through the park. After a spell of good weather, you’ll spot them littered across beaches and strewn across beauty spots. These bullet-shaped vessels are the empty shells of laughing gas, the second most popular drug, after cannabis, among young people. Inhaling it from a balloon has surged since lockdown, but its benign name shelters deadly potential. This week experts have warned of the dangers of nitrous oxide, saying it is a harmful and potentially lethal substance, and should be better regulated.

It is extremely dangerous to inhale nitrous oxide directly from the canister and doing it in an enclosed space is also very dangerous.

Never place a plastic bag over your head. If you take too much nitrous oxide you risk falling unconscious and/or suffocating from the lack of oxygen. People have died this way. Other risks include: Dizziness, which might make you act carelessly or dangerously.

• Heavy regular use of nitrous oxide can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12 and to a form of anaemia. Severe B12 deficiency can lead to serious nerve damage, causing tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes. This can be very painful and make walking difficult.

• Regular use can stop you forming white blood cells properly.

• It can be hard to judge the amount to use safely. If you have too much you can end up fainting, having an accident or worse.

FIRE KILLS

The recent fire on Bournemouth Beach illustrates  how quickly an innocent fire can escalate into a highly dangerous situation, Fortunately the outcome was good but do bear in mind the responsibility you carry with you when out and about.

Safety advice from the Professionals: -

Countryside Safety

• Avoid open fires in the countryside. Always have them in safe, designated areas

• Put out cigarettes and other smoking materials properly before you leave your vehicle

• Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands. Sunlight shining through glass can start a fire. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin

• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately

• Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave

  the area as soon as possible

• Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows – they could start a fire and

  endanger lives.

  Bonfires

• Site the bonfire well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees, and shrubs

• Never leave the bonfire burning unattended

• Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side

• NEVER use flammable liquids - paraffin or petrol - to light the fire

• Don't burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint and bottles

• Keep everyone away from the fire - especially children, who must be

  supervised at all times

• Pour water on the embers before leaving

  Barbecues

• Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues. Never use a barbecue indoors

• Never leave a barbecue unattended

• Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs, or

  garden waste

• Keep children, pets, and garden games away from the cooking area

• After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it

• Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they’re

  hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire

• Store gas cylinders outside, away from direct sunlight and frost

• Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder

    • After cooking, turn the gas supply off first and then the barbecue control. This will                   stop any gas from leaking

Camping and Caravan

• Fit and regularly test a smoke alarm in your caravan

• To avoid a build up of poisonous gases make sure the caravan is ventilated,

  and never block air vents

• Never use candles in or near a tent – torches are safer

• Don’t smoke inside tents

• Never bring a barbeque inside a tent or caravan. They create deadly carbon

  monoxide gas which will soon fill an enclosed space suffocating all sleeping inside

Don’t become a victim Never Play With FIRE Read the advice

And stick to it!

FLY TIPPING

We all hate fly-tipping littering our roads and countryside in Essex. Unfortunately, illegal waste operators are targeting everyone from householders to big businesses with offers of cheap waste disposal. If this waste is then fly-tipped or dumped illegally, it ends up costing all of us to clean up the mess. If your waste is found fly- tipped, you could be held responsible. You could be contributing to fly-tipping without even knowing it! Burnt Navestock is amongst the many areas of Essex that have recently been yet again, blighted by fly-tippers, as well as burnt out vehicles. Nothing new. You might say, but even more unacceptable when most of us of striving to save our environment!

Who is responsible for fly-tipping in Essex?

It’s easy to find someone to collect your rubbish in Essex, from a general clear out and black bag waste to a mattress, sofa or building waste. However, if your waste is found fly-tipped, even if someone else has dumped the items, you could be responsible for the crime, potentially landing you with a criminal record and an unlimited fine – it’s a crime not to care!

Avoid leaving items out for others to take, if a rogue trader takes these items, they may remove the parts they want and illegally dump the rest. You can donate good quality items to your local furniture project, charity shop or give away to someone in your local community for free, using Freegle.

Protect against rogue trader’s fly-tipping your waste: If you cannot get rid of your own rubbish, either through your kerbside waste and recycling collection, at a recycling centre or using a skip hire company, you may choose to use a waste operator or man-in-a-van type trader. There are some easy checks you can make to ensure you’ve carried out your duty of care and that your waste does not end up fly- tipped.

Step 1: before handing your waste over to a trader, ask to see their waste carriers’ licence, otherwise known as their waste carriers’ registration number, and vehicle details. This is issued by the Environment Agency. Check a waste carriers' licence using the Environment Agency’s free waste carriers’ tool.

https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/index

Step 2: ask for a transfer notice or receipt before your waste is taken away by the trader. This way you can prove who collected and got rid of your rubbish. Keep hold of this for your records.

Step 3: find out where the trader is planning to dispose of your waste. If you are paying for someone to dispose of your waste, this is then classed as business waste and cannot be taken by the trader to a council recycling centre. Registered waste carriers’ can legally remove your rubbish, but you still need to check what is going to happen to your waste. Ask for paperwork that shows where they will be taking your rubbish.

If you carry out these three steps you will be ensuring your rubbish will not be fly- tipped and helping to reduce the supply of rubbish to illegal waste operators in Essex. Thanks for helping to keep our beautiful county of Essex, clean and green.

From  early childhood, we are taught never to deliberately drop litter, be it a small, sweet wrapper, to anything larger and have therefore grown up to despise and look down upon anyone who deliberately breaks the law through wilfully littering. There really is no excuse for littering!

People don’t seem to think about the danger posed by litter scattered on grass verges, and other areas that are dry and exposed to sunlight, and that is know many grassland and forest fires are started. Then there are inconsiderate smokers, who think its ok to discard cigarettes or butts, either when they are walking along or from a moving vehicle, without ensuring that they have been properly extinguished. Not only is this a serious fire risk, even if they do not start a fire, they certainly cause unsightly and unnecessary litter. Litter is also the cause of injury and sometimes, ultimately the death of many of our wildlife creatures. There is a a true saying, and one which focusses the mind: One Tree can make a million matches – One match can destroy a million trees. Matches, Cigarettes and careless barbecuing cause serious wildfires, here and abroad, every year!

COUNTRYSIDE CODE

In pre Covid times this would be the time for the general public to be out and about due to the Summer Holiday beginning, Today that is very different with more time all week plus weekends to use open spaces. This of course has lead to massive abuse of these lovely spots with mountains of litter being left behind for others to clear.It leads one to wonder what the living conditions are for those who litter.

A few guidelines to ponder:-

Countryside code - full online version

Statutory guidance from Gov.uk Updated 2 July 2020

1. Respect - Protect - Enjoy

Respect other people:

• consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors

• leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider

  access is available Protect the natural environment:

• leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home

• keep dogs under effective control

  Enjoy the outdoors:

• plan ahead and be prepared

• follow advice and local signs

  2. Respect other people: Please respect the local community and other people using the outdoors. Remember your actions can affect people’s lives and livelihoods.

2.1 Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors

Respect the needs of local people and visitors alike - for example, don’t block gateways, driveways, or other paths with your vehicle.

When riding a bike or driving a vehicle, slow down or stop for horses, walkers and farm animals and give them plenty of room. By law, cyclists must give way to walkers and horse- riders on bridleways.

Co-operate with people at work in the countryside. For example, keep out of the way when farm animals are being gathered or moved and follow directions from the farmer.

Busy traffic on small country roads can be unpleasant and dangerous to local people, visitors, and wildlife - so slow down and where possible, leave your vehicle at home, consider sharing lifts and use alternatives such as public transport or cycling. For public transport information, phone Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or visit www.traveline.info

2.2 Leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider access is available

A farmer will normally close gates to keep farm animals in but may sometimes leave them open so the animals can reach food and water. Leave gates as you find them or follow instructions on signs. When in a group, make sure the last person knows how to leave the gates.

Follow paths unless wider access is available, such as on open country or registered common land (known as ‘open access land’).

If you think a sign is illegal or misleading such as a ‘Private - No Entry’ sign on a public path, contact the local authority.

Leave machinery and farm animals alone - don’t interfere with animals even if you think they’re in distress. Try to alert the farmer instead.

Use gates, stiles, or gaps in field boundaries if you can - climbing over walls, hedges and fences can damage them and increase the risk of farm animals escaping.

Our heritage matters to all of us - be careful not to disturb ruins and historic sites.

3. Protect the natural environment: We all have a responsibility to protect the countryside now and for future generations, so make sure you don’t harm animals, birds, plants or trees and try to leave no trace of your visit. When out with your dog make sure it is not a danger or nuisance to farm animals, horses, wildlife, or other people.

3.1 Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home: Protecting the natural environment means taking special care not to damage, destroy or remove features

such as rocks, plants, and trees. They provide homes and food for wildlife and add to everybody’s enjoyment of the countryside.

Litter and leftover food doesn’t just spoil the beauty of the countryside, it can be dangerous to wildlife and farm animals - so take your litter home with you. Dropping litter and dumping rubbish are criminal offences.

Fires can be as devastating to wildlife and habitats as they are to people and property - so be careful with naked flames and cigarettes at any time of the year. Sometimes, controlled fires are used to manage vegetation, particularly on heaths and moors between 1 October and 15 April, but if a fire appears to be unattended then report it by calling 999.

3.2 Keep dogs under effective control: When you take your dog into the outdoors, always ensure it does not disturb wildlife, farm animals, horses, or other people by keeping it under effective control. This means that you:

• keep your dog on a lead, or

• keep it in sight at all times, be aware of what it’s doing and be confident it will

  return to you promptly on command

• ensure it does not stray off the path or area where you have a right of access

  Special dog rules may apply in particular situations, so always look out for local signs - for example:

• dogs may be banned from certain areas that people use, or there may be restrictions, byelaws or control orders limiting where they can go

• the access rights that normally apply to open country and registered common land (known as ‘open access’ land) require dogs to be kept on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July, to help protect ground nesting birds, and all year round near farm animals

• at the coast, there may also be some local restrictions to require dogs to be kept on a short lead during the bird breeding season, and to prevent disturbance to flocks of resting and feeding birds during other times of year

  It’s always good practice (and a legal requirement on ‘open access’ land) to keep your dog on a lead around farm animals and horses, for your own safety and for the welfare of the animals. A farmer may shoot a dog which is attacking or chasing farm animals without being liable to compensate the dog’s owner.

  However, if cattle or horses chase you and your dog, it is safer to let your dog off the lead - don’t risk getting hurt by trying to protect it. Your dog will be much safer if you let it run away from a farm animal in these circumstances and so will you.

  Everyone knows how unpleasant dog mess is and it can cause infections, so always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly - ‘bag it and bin it’. Make sure your dog is wormed regularly to protect it, other animals, and people.

4. Enjoy the outdoors: Even when going out locally, it’s best to get the latest information about where and when you can go. For example, your rights to go onto some areas of open access land and coastal land may be restricted in particular places at particular times. Find out as much as you can about where you are going, plan ahead and follow advice and local signs.

4.1 Plan ahead and be prepared: You’ll get more from your visit if you refer to up- to-date maps or guidebooks and websites before you go. Visit Natural England on GOV.UK or contact local information centres or libraries for a list of outdoor recreation groups offering advice on specialist activities.

You’re responsible for your own safety and for others in your care - especially children - so be prepared for natural hazards, changes in weather and other events. Wild animals, farm animals and horses can behave unpredictably if you get too close, especially if they’re with their young - so give them plenty of space.

Check weather forecasts before you leave. Conditions can change rapidly especially on mountains and along the coast, so don’t be afraid to turn back. When visiting the coast check for tide times on EasyTide - don’t risk getting cut off by rising tides and take care on slippery rocks and seaweed.

http://www.ukho.gov.uk/easytide/EasyTide/index.aspx

Part of the appeal of the countryside is that you can get away from it all. You may not see anyone for hours, and there are many places without clear mobile phone signals, so let someone else know where you’re going and when you expect to return.

4.2 Follow advice and local signs: England has about 190,000 km (118,000 miles) of public rights of way, providing many opportunities to enjoy the natural environment. Get to know the signs and symbols used in the countryside to show paths and open countryside. See the Countryside Code leaflet for some of the symbols you may come across.

5. Advice for land managers

5.1 Know your rights, responsibilities, and liabilities

People visiting the countryside provide important income for the local economy. Most like to follow a visible route, prefer using proper access points like gates, and generally want to do the right thing - but they need your help.

The Ordnance Survey’s 1:25,000 maps show public rights of way and access land. These maps are not ‘definitive’. If in doubt you can check the legal status of rights of way with your local authority. You can find out which areas of open access land are mapped under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 on the open access web pages.

For guidance on your rights, responsibilities, and liabilities, contact your local authority or National Park authority. The Country Land and Business Association on 020 7235 0511 and the National Farmers’ Union on 0870 845 8458 can also offer advice.

For specific queries about open access land, check the open access pages on GOV.UK or contact the open access contact centre, on 0300 060 2091.

By law, you must keep rights of way clear and not obstruct people’s entry onto access land - it’s a criminal offence to discourage rights of public access with misleading signs.

Trespassing is often unintentional - for advice on tackling trespass contact your local authority.

5.2 Make it easy for visitors to act responsibly

Most people who visit the countryside are keen to act responsibly and problems are normally due to a lack of understanding. There are a number of ways you can help them to realise their responsibilities:

• keeping paths clear and waymarks and signs in good order and up to date will help people stick to the right routes and access points. Contact your local authority or National Park Authority to find out what help is available

• where there is public access through a boundary feature, such as a fence or hedge, create a gap if you can - or use an accessible gate or, if absolutely necessary, a stile. When installing completely new gates and stiles, make sure you have the permission of the local authority

• encourage people to respect your wishes by giving clear, polite guidance where it’s needed. For example, telling visitors about your land management work helps them to avoid getting in your way.

• rubbish attracts other rubbish - by getting rid of items such as farm waste properly, you’ll discourage the illegal dumping of rubbish and encourage others to get rid of their rubbish responsibly

  5.3 Identify possible threats to visitors’ safety

  People come to the countryside to enjoy themselves. They have the first line of responsibility to keep themselves and their children safe while there, but you need to ensure that your activities do not knowingly put them at risk:

• consider possible man-made and natural hazards on your land and draw any ‘hidden’ risks to the public’s attention

• try to avoid using electric fencing or barbed wire where people may accidentally touch it, particularly alongside narrow paths, and bridleways

• if electric fencing is used, ensure warning signs are visible

• use and store any chemicals or poisonous substances responsibly on your

  land. They may kill wildlife or cause harm to people or pets. Any pest control you undertake must be planned with this risk in mind

• animals likely to attack visitors should not be allowed to roam freely where the public has access - you may be liable for any resulting harm

• your duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984 depends on the type of access right people have - so it’s important to know what rights, if any, apply to your land. By voluntarily dedicating land for permanent public access you may be able to reduce this liability.

DANGERS OF ABUSE OF NITROUS OXIDE

From: Essex Police:-

We are warning the public about the dangers of nitrous oxide following an increase in reports of people using the drug across the Braintree District.
Officers from Braintree Community Policing Team have recently received information about groups of people regularly gathering in parks where they are inhaling the gas.
We would like to advise people, that this seemingly harmless activity can actually cause serious damage to their health, or worse. It is important that we raise awareness of this potentially dangerous activity and we ask families to support us by talking to their children about the risks.
As part of our response to this issue, we are including this area on our patrol plans even more frequently and are working closely with local partners.
The use of nitrous oxide is not illegal, however selling or giving it away for recreational purposes is prohibited under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. Those who are found to be doing so can face a fine and a prison sentence of up to seven years.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) – also known as ‘laughing gas’, ‘Nos’, and ‘hippie crack’ – is often used as a cheap recreational drug, but many people may not be aware of the dangerous side effects.
While nitrous oxide is not a dangerous substance if used correctly, it can become addictive. The gas is usually used for medical purposes and is always given with oxygen or air under supervision.
But if taken incorrectly the user may risk injury, or even death, from lack of oxygen. This is because when it enters the lungs, the gas displaces the air and temporarily prevents as much – or in some cases, any – oxygen getting into the blood.
The act of ingesting the gas is called ‘ballooning’ as users often use a balloon to capture the nitrous oxide from the canister before inhaling. The drug’s effects can vary from person to person but the most common are dizziness, a feeling of euphoria, sounds becoming distorted and hallucinations.
However when used on a long-term basis, can lead to a number of health issues including incontinence and nerve damage.
For further information on nitrous oxide and its effects, you can visit the Talk to Frank website at http://orlo.uk/kK7G7

If you have any information about particular areas where you believe people may be using nitrous oxide, please contact police.
You can report this online at https://www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online/report-a-crime/ or call the non-emergency line 101.
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.