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.

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"

PHISHING

From Trading Standards

📞 Amazon Scam Calls ⚠️📞
Beware of telephone calls being made by fraudster pretending to be from Amazon.
We’ve had reports of calls being made from individuals claiming your Amazon Prime subscription is due to expire, and will be automatically taken from your account. The recorded message asks you to press 1 to cancel or to speak to customer services. The call then goes through to an individual who “requires” your personal details.
Another scam call claims that your Amazon Prime account is being cancelled and that bank details are required to refund this.
If you receive such a call, HANG UP!
Do not provide any personal information, your Amazon log in details, banking details or credit/debit card information.
Report any such calls to Trading Standards via 03454 040506.

FAKE PAYPAL

Action Fraud is warning people selling items online to be on the lookout for fraudsters sending fake PayPal emails.
- Between October 2019 and December 2019, 3,059 crime reports were made to Action Fraud about fake PayPal emails.
- Victims reported losing a total of £1,121,446 during this time.
- Those targeted include people selling electronics, vehicles, phones and household furniture via online marketplaces
How the scam works
Fraudsters will send the victim an email purporting to be from PayPal in attempt to trick them into believing they have received payment for an item.
The fraudster will then send a follow-up email requesting a tracking number in the hope that the victim will be rushed into shipping the item before they have had a chance to verify the payment.
What you need to do?
Sellers beware: If you’re selling items on an online marketplace, such as eBay, be aware of the warning signs that your buyer is a scammer. Don’t be persuaded into sending anything until you can verify you’ve received the payment.
Scam messages: Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details.
Listen to your instincts: If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it.
Remember, if you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR

Advice from Essex Trading Standards

In the wake of storm Ciara, please check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours, family and friends. Check for damage to their property and remind them to be cautious of traders going door-to-door offering to undertake garden and building maintenance,
Rogue traders time their approaches in line with significant weather related events. They can be quite persuasive in convincing people into paying very high prices for unnecessary or shoddy work on their homes.
To avoid becoming a victim of rogue traders, follow these simple steps:
Never agree to have work done by somebody who is just passing or take their word that it needs to be done at all
Never pay for work before it is completed
Always ensure you have a quote before the work begins
Be wary if the price starts to creep up
Do not accept any offer from them to drive you to the bank to withdraw money
If you need work done, obtain recommendations from friends or family, or visit Buy With Confidence Trading Standards Approved.
Residents concerned about doorstep callers operating in their area or worried about elderly or vulnerable neighbours being targeted can contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506.

LICENCE SCAM

Some members of the public are receiving emails such as this. It can be alarmism for some vulnerable people. Do not be taken in by it, do not click on any requested boxes and delete from your computer.

Note Americazed spelling of Licence!

Image of TV Licensing logo
Dear ...............

We are sorry to let you know that the TV License could not be automatically renewed.

Something's gone wrong with your payments As we couldn't take the latest payment from your bank account, this amount will also need to be paid when you set up your new Direct Debit.

Setup Direct Debit Now

Remember, if you don't keep up with your payments, we may be forced to cancel your license or pass your details to a debt collection agency. To change your payment method, have a look at all your options. So, all you need to do is make sure there's enough money in your account. Or , if you prefer to pay the missed amount now, you can sign in online and pay using your debit or credit card. While you're signed in, please make sure we have your correct bank details. Regards, TV Licensing
© 2020 TV Licensing

MALWARE

MALWARE (Malicious Software)

Malware is still a very popular method used by fraudsters to obtain customers details, and, is sometimes, used in combination with phishing emails.

Malware includes computer viruses that can be installed

on a computer without the user’s knowledge, typically by clicking on a link in an unsolicited email, or by downloading infected software.

Malware is capable of inserting, bogus web pages, logging keystrokes and performing unauthorised actions on your computer, in an attempt. to capture passwords, financial information and other personal details.

Make sure that your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed. Consider using browser security software. Download the latest security updates, known as patches, for your browser and for your computer’s operating system (e.g. Microsoft Windows).

BUT most of all:-

BE careful

BE cautious

BE suspicious

SEASONAL GREETINGS

We in NHW wish all our viewers a very Happy and Safe Christmas.

Our thanks to for those who take time to look at our items and hopefully gain from the information posted.

 

You are welcome to make contact to find out more about us or actively get involved; we shall be delighted to hear from you when you have time. The more members who sign up for the official National NHW the better. The more alert eyes and ears we have the better.

 

OVER THE LIMIT BUT NOT DRUNK?

AN EXTRACT FROM ESSEX POLICE:-

Alongside their Drink Drive campaign, a NEW drug driving campaign has already been launched to try and teach motorists that illegal substances stay in their system longer than they might anticipate.

Essex Police are now more likely to catch drug drivers than ever before and have launched the new initiative alongside the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP).

The force want to highlight that drugs are still in the system even if users do not feel stoned and could still show up in a roadside test and have produced amusing videos and graphics to attract attention but ram home the devastating consequences of drug driving. Their promotional video shows a man spending the day with a human-size cannabis leaf after smoking the drug one evening before being arrested for drug driving the next day. Check out the video at: -

https://www.essex.police.uk/police-forces/essex-police/areas/essex- police/campaigns/campaigns/20192/drug-driving-is-the-high-worth-the-low/

Head of roads policing Adam Pipe said: “By the end of this year we’ll have seen as many

drug-drive arrests in 2019 as in 2017 and 2018 combined. “Drug drivers tell my officers they don’t think they’ll get caught. "The reality is we’ve more than 600 officers trained to use drug wipes so you’re actually more likely to get caught than ever before. “Drug drivers also tell us that taking drugs is part of their lifestyle, part of their daily routine. "What they don’t realise is that drugs stick around in your system. “Even if you don’t look or feel stoned you could still be over the drug driving limit, and if you’re stopped and drug wiped you’ll be arrested. “Drugs are illegal so you shouldn’t be taking them anyway, but if you are going to please don’t get behind the wheel.” “We’ve talked a lot about drug driving in the last 18 months but it seems the message isn’t getting through so we’ve decided to take a different and radical approach to raising awareness to the issue. “We’re using humour to attract attention to it but that in no way means we’re downplaying the seriousness of it or how devastating the consequences can be. “Drug driving shatters lives. It’s a factor in a round a quarter of all the serious or fatal collisions we investigate. It is unacceptable and it is completely avoidable. “The way we’ve been talking about drug driving obviously hasn’t been working so we have to approach it in a different way. “If you’re convicted of drug driving you’ll lose your licence for at least a year. That could impact on your ability to work and pay your bills meaning you could also lose your job and your home. “Worse than that, if you drug drive you could kill yourself or someone else. “Is the high worth the low?” The campaign is being run during the traditional Christmas anti-drink and driving period but is not specifically festive related.

More people have been arrested on suspicion of drug driving in Essex in 2019 than drink driving, and around a quarter of all the serious or fatal collisions police investigate have a drugs element.

SERP chairman Nicola Foster added: “The number of arrests for drug driving is both shocking and saddening.

“Taking drugs and then driving are two things that simply don’t mix well. You might feel fine but if you are over the drug drive limit, you are risking your life as well as the lives of others.

“1,500 drivers arrested in Essex this year thought they wouldn’t get caught, or weren’t aware of the limit.

“Please don’t let your choices hurt someone else.”

Remember too, some prescribed drugs can also send you over the legal limit, have you read the instructions and warnings that come with your prescribed drugs? Don’t take chances with your life and the lives of others!

CARE STILL NEEDED

Once Christmas has gone and we are into the new year, although the days begin to get longer we still need to make our houses look occupied when we are not in and do what we can to protect our property.
Create the “Illusion of Occupancy”, when its dark make your home look like you are in. Leave lights on or put them on timers or daylight sensors to come when it gets dark. Remember though no one lives in the hall or on the landing so if you leave these lights on supplement these with lights on in rooms that you would normally occupy at that time of day i.e. lounge and kitchen. A carefully placed imitation TV or “Fake TV” can further add to that illusion of occupancy by making it look like the television is on. Some burglars may also listen at windows or letterboxes for sign of activity, so consider leaving a radio on within your home.
Don’t forget the outside of your property too, if burglars see that it is lit they are less likely to approach for fear of being seen.
Leave lights on, with energy efficient bulbs it costs very little now days and yet may save you lots!
A remotely monitored doorbell can let you know who is at your door and let you talk to them making it appear that you are in, there are number of these available now such as “Ring” and “Nest”.
Your Property: Be it a cycle, electrical goods, garden equipment or mobile phone it may have a serial , make sure that you keep a record of it, and there are a number of property marking products available like indelible pens, SelectaDNA, SmartWater, CRE mark by CRE products to name but a few to make your property less attractive to thieves.
With jewellery and antiques don’t forget to take photographs of it, include an “Object ID card” or ruler in a photograph to give it a scale. Some of these property marking products may also be suitable.
Mobile phone and personal music devices: Don’t forget to make a note of the IME number of a mobile phone, to find it key in *#06#, with this if it’s stolen you can block it. You can download an “App” on mobile phones to find your phone and more importantly wipe that data stored on it, check your “App store” or mobile phone provider. Many TV’s, mobile phones, computers and other electronics come pre-loaded with security and/or tracking software, make sure that it is activated. If you are storing valuable college work or other on that nice new laptop don’t forget to back up your work elsewhere just in case you lose the laptop.
A number of accredited property marking and security products can be found on the Secured by Design webpage www.securedbydesign.com .

KEEPING SAFE WHEN OUT AND ABOUT

OUT AND ABOUT AFTER DARK: Poor visibility and quiet roads exacerbate safety risks after dark. There are lots of things that you can do to avoid the attention of opportunists so take a moment to read our after-dark safety guide. Think safe – and avoid becoming a target.

Money and Cards: Assess where you are keeping your valuables when you’re out after dark. Choose a zipped or buckled bag (open bags are tempting for pickpockets), roomy enough to hold everything at once, with a secret compartment for high-value items. If you have more than one bag it can be easy to forget or drop one (or more!).

When you’re in a foreign city or out very late, it’s a good idea to keep spare cash (including change for a telephone box) in a different pocket. If the worst happens and you’re relieved of your wallet, you will have enough to get home. If you’re concerned, you could use a money belt – worn inside your clothing, it provides a safe and discreet home for your cards and money. Openly using an MP3, camera or mobile phone can make you a target; these items are the most commonly stolen, so tuck them away when you are walking after dark.

Choosing your Route: Use roads that are well-lit, avoiding dark alleyways and parks. Before leaving the house, store taxi and route finder numbers on your mobile phone. Walk confidently and purposefully, looking around – most crimes are opportunistic, so don’t give anyone cause to target you.

If you’re often walking at night, or you live near a busy road, it’s a good idea to buy reflective clothing. You needn’t be dressed from head to toe in bright yellow gear: you can buy shoes with reflective stripes, reflective wristbands, or reflective tape, which can be stuck onto your jacket or trousers. For joggers and walkers, reflective outer vests are great for making you visible to drivers and other people. Walk on the right side of the road, so that you are facing oncoming cars.

Walking and Using Public Transport: If you are getting home on foot, don’t use a mobile phone or MP3 player – you can be too distracted to notice things happening around you. Walk calmly and confidently; if you’re in a crowd, keep your bag tucked under one arm, and don’t try to push in the opposite direction. If you should get lost on your way home, there are now telephone directions services – for a monthly subscription, you have access to a local-rate number where operators are available to identify your location and talk you through your route home (or elsewhere). Public transport is another option. On a bus, sit close to the driver, and ask to get off if anyone makes you feel uncomfortable.

Women Travelling Alone: Women are particularly vulnerable to additional threats at night. Quiet streets, unlicensed taxi drivers and busy drinking venues can all pose threats. In bars or restaurants, don’t let your drink or food out of your sight, and don’t accept cigarettes from strangers either – they could be soaked in chemicals that inhibit your system. If you catch a taxi on your own, call it directly from your phone and make sure the taxi driver has your name. Don’t jump into the first taxi that pulls up – unlicensed cabs are increasingly common, with ten women being attacked every month in the capital

Safety Equipment: From personal alarms to reflective clothes and numbers on your phone book, a little forward-thinking means you will be well equipped to deal with an emergency. Before you leave, check for all the essentials, and add useful numbers to your mobile phone – local taxi firms, friends, local police and hospitals. You might also include a ‘Directions’ service if you subscribe to one. Personal alarms are cheaply available and give you extra moral support if you’re nervous about walking alone. The very best safety equipment you can take out with you after dark, a good friend to watch your back.