4th January 2009

I hope you all had a safe and happy Christmas. This Christmas our daughter received some cycle lights and we had fun fitting them on and going for our first night ride and found the lights were really bright and effective. I can report having seen more youngsters, including paper delivery boys and girls, with lights on their cycles, which is really encouraging and our thanks go to the Trading Post for helping with this campaign. Whilst on the subject, if your child or yourself has had a new bike for Christmas do consider getting some lights fitted, as even in the late afternoon, say coming back from school, it can be dark enough for headlights. For security do take a photograph of your bike and consider asking Neighbourhood Watch to postcode your cycle for you. We have a postcoding kit available and for more details contact us, 385700. 

Unfortunately the Police have informed us of a spate of criminal damage to motor vehicles just before Christmas when at least six vehicles were damaged. As I write early in the New Year, a group of youngsters have been helping the Police with their enquiries. Can I encourage people to report any criminal damage promptly, however minor it seems, as these incidents all need to be recorded by the Police. Police mobile 07966 197265 with an ansaphone service for non-urgent calls, or 0300 333 4444 to speak to Police Control. 

By the time this article is printed, the Mersea NAP on 7 January 2009 will have taken place, but here are the next dates for Mersea Island NAP's to put in your diaries: Wednesday, 4 March @ 9.30 am, Wednesday, 6 May @ 7.30 pm, Wednesday, 1 July @ 9.30 am, Wednesday, 2 September @ 7.30 pm and Wednesday, 4 November @ 9.30 am. 

Our next NW Co-ordinators Meeting is planned for Wednesday, 21 January 2009 at 7.30 pm at the Town Council Offices and it would be good if as many Co-ordinators as possible could attend and anyone who might be interested in getting involved in their neighbourhood.

Peter Rudlin385700

14th December 2008
Here are some handy tips to 'beat the burglar' which we found in our house insurance leaflet. There have been a few more house burglaries recently on Mersea and most household burglaries are opportunist crimes which could be prevented by simple, inexpensive security precautions.

 Don't leave doors unlocked or windows open - however short a time you are going to be away.

 Don't leave keys in locks, under doormats or on strings behind letter boxes. Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour.

 Don't leave garden sheds or garages unlocked since they often contain tools and ladders useful to the housebreaker. Chain or padlock ladders if stored outside.

 Don't fail to check the credentials of all callers. Before opening your door fully, ask to see their identity card if they claim to be officials. Don't be fooled by a uniform. Telephone their head office if in any doubt. A door viewer or door chain will help you see who is at the door without opening it fully.

 Don't forget to cancel newspapers, milk, etc. when you are on holiday. Ask a neighbour, friend or relative to keep an eye on your home, taking in any packages or pushing through any letters that are on view.

Don't forget to leave a light on in a room (not the hall) and to close the curtains when you go out at night. Alternatively, fit timer switches to table lamps around the house. Also leaving a radio on is a very good idea as the house sounds lived in and as if someone is at home.

Just a note on the Christmas Cracker Concert which made a total of £1,066 for the Parachute Regiment Welfare Fund which was fantastic. Thanks to all those who came along and supported the evening.

As I write this article, it is two weeks before Christmas, and talking to PC Parker and PCSO Adam Ryder the island has had few incidents recently and it is good to be able to end this year on a positive note and we hope for a quiet Christmas and a safe and peaceful 2009. My thanks go to all the NW Committee and Co-ordinators and Mayor Alan Mogridge and the Town Council who have supported and encouraged me over the year and hopefully we have got some things right. My thanks too to the Police and PCSO's who have been very supportive and helpful and Water Baliff John Welham who I have been able to work closely with during the year. Also thanks to the Courier staff who have been so helpful to work with and often provided photographs to go with my article. To be effective we all need to work together and I feel that this has been achieved in a very positive way this past year. Have a very happy New Year!

Best wishes

 Peter Rudlin 385700

Police mobile 07966 197265 or 0300 333 4444

7th December 2008

The Christmas Cracker Concert held on Saturday, 6 December at Charter Hall was a resounding success with a packed auditorium and an excellent show by the Essex Police Band and the Band of the Parachute Regiment. They really excelled themselves and some Islanders felt it was one of the best performances we have seen. There were individual band songs, combined bands with Christmas carols where the audience stood and sang and very exciting big band tunes. The Compere was our award winning Colchester Town Crier, Mr Robert Needham who made a great job of entertaining us and introducing the music! We had a half hour refreshment break with an open bar and tea and coffee also available and lots of Colchester's PCSO's helped the Mersea NW team to sell raffle tickets. We had been donated fifteen prizes from Colchester businesses and hope to have raised around £1,000 for the Parachute Regiment Welfare Fund. We saw a number of familiar faces from Mersea and would heartily recommend you join us next year, date to be advised.

The next Mersea Island NAP (Neighbourhood Action Panel) is on Wednesday, 7 January 2009 at 7.30 pm at West Mersea Town Council Offices. For those of us who work during the daytime, this is an ideal opportunity to have your say and air your concerns. As I write on 7 December the crime rate has kept down, after a spate of vandalism, and hopefully this will continue throughout Christmas and the New Year. As you will have read in The Courier of 5 December, the Police are trying to reunite owners with their stolen property, particularly jewellery. Once more I would encourage you to photograph your precious items and postcode household property. Our household insurance policy gives the following advice: List your valuable items with serial numbers and a short description. Take photographs or videos of items such as jewellery and keep them with your policy. You will have a better chance of getting your property back after a burglary. Mark your property with a property marking kit and use your postcode and the number of your house. This will help the Police return your property to you.

 Our next Co-ordinators Meeting is due to be held on Wednesday, 21 January 2009 at 7.30 pm at the Town Council Offices in Melrose Road and if you are interested in helping out in your street or would like Neighbourhood Watch leaflets and information, please feel free to join us or contact me prior to the meeting on 385700. Please do use the Police mobile number (07966 197265) or the Police on 0300 333 4444 and give our PCSO's as much information as possible to target hot spots of anti-social behaviour.

 I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and help this year and wish you all a Safe and Happy Christmas and an even safer 2009.

 Peter Rudlin

23rd November

In my last article I talked about the recent spate of opportunist burglaries from properties and I am pleased to report from the Police that two people are helping them with their enquiries in this matter. 

Our last Mersea Island Neighbourhood Action Panel MINAP, was held on Wednesday, 12 November and it was reported that recently there had been disruptive behaviour and drinking along the Esplanade for the last four weekends. There had also been youths drinking and smashing bottles in the gardens near the Glebe. The Police said they would continue to patrol these areas and explained that if the youths were under 14 years old and drunk, they would take them home. For older teenagers they would take details of anti-social behaviour and a letter would be sent to the parents asking them to keep them in at home after a certain time. If they are over 17 years they are not classed as minors and the parents don't have to be told. The MINAP felt that anti-social behaviour came in waves and cropped up in different areas over the Island from time to time. It was reported that Fireworks night was the quietest ever for the Police and this is possibly because a lot of people attend the large organised Firework parties. At the first part of the MINAP there were only a few members of the public, which seemed to be a good sign of less trouble around the Island. However, this past weekend has been a difficult one for residents on the Esplanade (I am writing on 23 November) and again these issues are being addressed. Around fifteen youths were detained and their details taken down and 48 hour dispersal orders were issued. The PSCO's reported that they keep a log of dates and times when they patrol and visit the area daily. The next MINAP is on Wednesday, 7 January 2009 at 7.30 pm at West Mersea Town Council. 

Further to my last article about cyclists without lights, the Police have informed me that they will be stopping anyone not having lights at night and giving the appropriate warning. 

As you are around town doing your Christmas shopping, remember to guard your bags, wallets and mobile phones. Never let your handbag out of your sight, especially in public places. On public transport, keep hold of it, with the clasp or zip shut so a thief cannot steal your purse. Cash if a favourite target for thieves, so try to avoid carrying large amounts. Keep your purse safe at all times and don't leave it in your shopping basket, on tables, or shop counters. Be careful to conceal any purchases in your parked cars and don't display presents where they can be seen from front windows at home. 

Peter Rudlin 385700

9th November 2008

HOME SECURITY

Recently I have heard about three house burglaries which all happened during the day and two showed no signs of forced entry. Cash and jewellery were the only items taken, with larger items being left untouched. Please be aware that there have been opportunist thieves in our area and take extra care with your home security. These have probably been very quick in and out burglaries after a property has maybe been watched to check the owners are out. A few tips to help you protect your home include having a visible burglar alarm fitted and remembering to set it even when popping out for a short while. Be careful about leaving large quantities of cash laying around and keep jewellery locked up if possible. Report any suspicious behaviour and vehicles to the Police and encourage your neighbours to do the same. In some cases garden implements have been used to force an entry so make sure tools are locked in a shed or garage securely. Be careful not to leave a spare key in a hiding place like under a doormat, in a flowerpot or inside the letterbox - a thief will look there first.
Another concern around the island in the dark early mornings and evenings is the number of cyclists, including paperboys and girls, who have no bicycle lights making it very difficult for motorists and pedestrians to see them as often they ride on pavements, apart from the fact that it is illegal to have no lights in the dark. Adults too are just as often seen without lights. I have spoken to our local Police and our Newsagent, both of whom are very supportive about encouraging offenders to get kitted out with bicycle lights. I have also spoken to Mr Paul Davis at the Bike Shop and he sells a set of front and back lights for about £12.00. Surely this amount of money is a small price to pay for protecting someone who might otherwise not be seen by a driver and could be the victim of an accident. BE SAFE, BE SEEN. I often see cyclists on the road to Colchester wearing reflective clothing and high visibility lights which make a huge difference to drivers coming up to them, especially in bad driving conditions such as fog and rain.
One final reminder about the Christmas Cracker Concert at Colchester Charter Hall on Saturday, 6 December at 7.30 pm, tickets from Charter Hall are £5.00 each, for Co-ordinators through Carole Dennis,
Tel: 513333, £3.50. I would recommend it as it is always a really good musical evening and very enjoyable.

 Police 0300 333 4444 or Mobile 07967 197265

Peter Rudlin

385700

26th October 2008

The next Neighbourhood Action Panel (NAP) is on Wednesday, 12 November at West Mersea Town Council Offices, Melrose Road, from 9.30 to 10.00 am. This first half hour is for the public to discuss problems they may be experiencing such as anti-social behaviour, speeding vehicles, inappropriately parked cars, youth nuisance, litter, vandalism or graffiti. After the public part of the meeting, the panel then address the issues raised and have an ongoing action plan. Previous meetings have been well attended and reflect the good community spirit we have in Mersea, so let's keep it up and help Mersea stay safe. The Mersea NAP is seen as one of the most successful NAP's in the Colchester Borough area as solutions to problems are being sought.

 The Christmas Cracker Concert is being held this year on Saturday, 6 December 2008, commencing at 7.30 pm at The Charter Hall, Leisureworld, Cowdray Avenue, Colchester. Essex Police Eastern Division, Colchester District, in association with Colchester Borough Council, Colchester Neighbourhood Watch and Colchester Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership every year stage a Concert of Christmas music with the Essex Police Band and other local musical partners will provide a wide range of music for the evening's entertainment, both festive and traditional. It is always a really enjoyable and quality evening of music and singing, with a big raffle to raise money for charity. 

The purpose of the concert is to celebrate the good relations between the Police, Borough Council, Traders and Neighbourhood Watch in Colchester. The aim of the concert is to raise money for local charities. It is named "The Christmas Cracker Concert" as this reflects the name of an annual initiative run in Colchester at Christmas by Essex Police, Neighbourhood Watch and Colchester Borough Council to make Colchester a safer place to live and shop, especially over the busy Christmas period. Tickets are now available, and are at a discounted price of £3.50 for Co-ordinators who should have received details already, but you can order tickets from Mrs Carole Dennis on 01206 513333, Colchester Borough Neighbourhood Watch.

9th October 2008

We have been advised by the local Police to warn residents, particularly the elderly, that there have been con men cold calling at houses in this area offering to carry out gardening jobs and then doing very little work for highly inflated prices. The Police recommend that you only use gardeners who are recommended to you or known individuals or companies.

If you or your family are cyclists, please make sure you have lights on your bike in the hours of darkness, both mornings and evenings. Often youngsters are blamed for not having cycle lights, but only recently I saw adult cyclists wearing dark clothing and having no lights making them very difficult to see in the dark. As a motorist and cyclist myself, I am often horrified at how little overtaking space is allowed for bicycles and only recently have witnessed and heard of a number of accounts of motorists giving no thought to cyclists' safety. PLEASE THINK BIKE! From time to time bikes are handed in to the Police Station in East Road having been abandoned, possibly stolen. If you have lost a bike it is worth checking to see if they have a record of it. They are kept in Mersea for a short time and then taken to Colchester Police Station and checked into Lost Property. If you have a cycle it is worth taking a photograph of it and having it post-coded and serial numbers recorded as this will make it much easier to identify and maybe retrieve if stolen. Always remember to lock your bike when you leave it, for however short a time. Neighbourhood Watch offer a post-coding service, please ring me for details - 385700.

Another reminder that the next Neighbourhood Action Panel (NAP) Meeting is on Wednesdsay, 12 November 2008 at 9.30 am at the Council Offices in Melrose Road. The first half hour of the meeting is open to the public to air their views and then the panel discuss and address any problems.

We now have another PCSO Jason Keyte and a new PC Alex Nellist. PC Phil Molloy has been moved back to Colchester Police Station.

Peter Rudlin

29th September 2008

We held our Coordinators' Annual General Meeting on 17 September and thanks to all those who attended. The Neighbourhood Watch Committee was elected with a new Treasurer and another new Committee member and it was good to see some new faces attending. We are always keen to welcome new members and anyone who feels that their road might not be covered, particularly where new developments have been built, please do contact me for information. Tel: 385700. Our particular thanks go to our Mayor, Mr Alan Mogridge, who supported the meeting, Councillor Mrs Mary Hargreaves, and Mr Peter Inson, who gave a brief outline about some of his ideas for community solutions to antisocial behaviour. We were pleased to welcome PC Parker and PCSO Ryder who gave us a positive update for West Mersea, including the fact that crime rates have dropped in the last year and criminal damage has gone down, especially around the beach huts. They did however report that there had been a spate of dwelling burglaries, although as I write there have been none recorded for the past month in the Mersea area. In view of this the Police had arranged to hold an Awareness Day outside the MICA on Monday, 22 September with the Mobile Police Office and Neighbourhood Watch volunteers to hand out stickers and leaflets and inform the public to be extra vigilant. My thanks to the PCSO's and to those who were able to attend and chat to passers-by.

The Police also reported to be aware of door-to-door salesmen and pedlars, because although they have ID cards which look valid, these should in fact be signed by the Essex Police Chief Constable, and usually they are not and so are not licensed. The Police are keen to keep them off the Island so please do notify them if you are called on at home and they will check them out.

It was also reported at the Meeting that dog fouling is still a problem, particularly in the Glebe area with vehicles regularly arriving in the morning and evening and just letting their dogs out to run on the field and not clearing up after them. The registrations of these vehicle are being noted and passed on to the Council for appropriate action.

One important item that the Police brought up at the AGM was the problem of nuisance speeding and noisy motorbikes and vehicles around the island. The public were urged to give registration numbers and descriptions to the Police as then letters will be sent to their address as a Section 59 warning, and this could culminate in the vehicles seized and crushed in due course if they persist. Police mobile 07966 197265 or 0300 333 4444.

The next NAP meeting is on Wednesday, 12 November at 9.30 am in the Town Council Offices, Melrose Road.

Peter Rudlin 385700

14.09.08

BURGLARIES

 Living as we do in one of the safest counties in Britain (a statistic obtained from the Police) it is always a shock to hear of local burglaries as even our local Police Officers report that there are hardly any house burglaries in Mersea. At present, however, there have been a number of break-ins at various locations around West Mersea. In most cases cash and jewellery have been stolen in tidy searches of houses. The Police have been doing extra patrols around West Mersea and it is possible that the thief may be on foot as the property being stolen can be easily concealed. I have been asked by the Police to encourage people to report any suspicious activity in their area as these burglaries are often happening in the daytime. Some properties have been left insecure and I would urge householders again to make sure they lock windows, doors, garages and sheds every time they leave home. In view of this we all need to tighten up on our home security on the Island and I have several leaflets available giving advice if required.

Also available for sale I have personal security alarms which can be useful for reassurance when out alone, and I also have security marking ultra-violet pens and message in a bottle packs, which are useful for those living alone and elderly people. You write a list of your medication and health problems and put the bottle in the fridge, with a sticker on the front door notifying emergency services if necessary.

On 10 September I attended the Police and Community Consultative Group Public Meeting at the Moot Hall, Colchester with two members of my Committee. This is attended by Police Officers, Fire Officers, Councillors, Neighbourhood Watch and members   of the Colchester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CCDRP). This is an annual meeting which is open to members of the public and is an excellent opportunity to put questions to the agencies involved. One interesting subject that was mentioned by the Police were that they were piloting a restorative justice scheme whereby for instance criminals have to clean off graffiti they have painted, or repair damage to someone's property. There's food for thought!

Peter Rudlin 385700

17.08.08
Having just returned from a relaxing holiday, it was a relief to find our home and animals safe and well-looked after by a kind friend, which also gave us peace of mind while we were away knowing that someone was calling at the house every day. When I was away on holiday in Devon, still thinking about Neighbourhood Watch issues in Mersea, (can't switch off!), I was interested to note along the sea frdnt signs which stated that this was an alcohol-free area and drinking alcohol in public was prohibited within a specified area. I wonder how long it will be before Mersea will need something similiar to try and curb the small group of young people who are making it unpleasant at night and in the early hours of the morning for many residents. The regular meeting place of the Spar for the group seems to have moved along Barfield Road and is now often outside the new Tesco store. Recently, the Police were called, who attended with three vehicles sent from Colchester very promptly, there was a lot of shouting, swearing, arguing and drunkenness by a crowd of around 20 people, and smashed bottles and cans littered the road and Tesco's car park. During the scuffle a Policeman was attacked and arrests were made. I have spoken with some local residents, one of whom is moving away because of the troubles in this area because they do not feel safe at night. I was also horrified to hear about the smashed windows at the Dry Cleaners in Church Road, a mindless attack with bottles thrown through the shop windows leaving glass shattered in the shop and the street. In the Monkey Beach area residents cleared up thirty or forty cans and bottles a few weekends ago and a friend also reported loads of broken glass all around the skateboard park behind the school gardens, when her son cut his foot. Please be careful to check the grass if your children are playing in this area, and don't have bare feet. Just to remind you the 24 hour non-emergency number for Essex Police is 0300 333 4444 - why not put this in your mobile phone just in case you are out and about and see some trouble. The local Police mobile number is 07966 197265.

The next NAP (Neighbourhood Action Panel) is on Wednesday, 3 September at 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm, the first half hour is for the public to air their views, at the Council Offices in Melrose Road. If you have been affected recently by anti-social behaviour such as we have described above, then please do attend and inform the meeting.

Peter Rudlin 385700

20.07.08
Over the past few weeks there has been continued vandalism to brick walls along the Victoria Esplanade causing much concern,  inconvenience and expense for home owners. The same is true of damage to fences where one home owner has had to repair his fence on 28 occasions over the past 18  months! The damage seems to be carried out in the early hours over  weekends usually and it is difficult to know how we can prevent this happening. Please do report as soon as possible to the local Police personally once you  realise you have been a victim, because this helps them to build up a picture  of anti-social behaviour on Mersea and identify the times it is happening. When you report an incident to the Police do ask for an Incident Number  which will be required by your Insurance Company if you make a claim for  damage. The Incident Number is usually given only to the actual victim of the crime, which means it is better to report it yourself, rather than  going through Neighbourhood Watch, but please don't stop contacting us as it is helpful to aware of incidents on the Island.  On the national news over this past week it was reported that crime is down, but obviously this is  REPORTED crime.
However trivial incidents of damage to property or vehicles please do notify the Police. The old Colchester Police Station number of 752212 is now not in use.The24 hour non-emergency number for Essex  Police is 0300 333 4444 and the local Police mobile number is 07966 197265.
Having been in contact with the Police moments before writing this article, I have been asked to urge parents to be aware of where their youngsters are and what they may be up to in the early hours of the  morning. There are large groups of young people often seen around the Island in the early hours and the Police have asked that parents do take  responsibility for their teenagers' behaviour - as the Police have reminded us at the  Neighbourhood Action Panel, antisocial behaviour and vandalism are community problems and we need to work together to solve them.

Peter Rudlin
385700

07.07.08
The Mersea Island Neighbourhood Action Panel met on Wednesday, 2 July and it was very well supported again by the public, many of whom have been affected by recent incidents. Sergeant Butcher felt that a community solution was needed for the anti-social behaviour and vandalism and to try to get the Mersea youngsters together and work with them with all parts of the community, including victims of crime and the majority of teenagers who don't cause trouble. He explained that Operation Fakenham by the Police had had an impact but that this level of Policing, with a dozen officers on Mersea at the weekends, could not be continued long-term but has had an impact, including some arrests.

Recently there have been some more house burglaries on Mersea and the Police warn residents to keep being vigilant about locking and securing your property and vehicles Stolen goods include laptops and computers, mobile phones, jewellery and handbags.

A number of bikes have been stolen and two have been recovered and are at Mersea Police Station as I write, but will be taken to Colchester Police Station shortly If you want to claim lost property, contact Colchester Police Station on 762212 and give a description.

We have received another mobile phone scam to watch out for - if you receive a phone call on your mobile from any person, saying that he or she is a company engineer, or telling you that they're checking your mobile line, and you have to press #90 or #09 or any other number, end this call immediately without pressing any numbers There is a fraud company using a device that once you press #90 or #09 they can access your 'SIM' card and make calls at your expense. You have been warned!!

Don't forget for contacting the local Police their mobile number is 07966 197265 or 0300 333 4444.

.Peter Rudlin
385700

09.06.08
One of our Co-ordinators recently passed a letter to me which may be of relevance to owners of vehicles, particularly 4 x 4's and other high ground clearance vehicles. In the Braintree area of one motor dealership they are warning customers of a huge demand for scrap metal which has resulted in many thefts of catalytic convertors from vehicles on display in their garage. They had also heard of the same thing happening to customers whilst their vehicles were parked on their drives! The company were offering a service of welding catalytic convertors so that theft was more difficult, and this may be something for owners to be aware of and consider for their own vehicles. A Crime Reduction Officer for Essex Police has welcomed this positive action from a local dealership and said, "Although it is not a guaranteed solution, it will raise the degree of difficulty." Our Mersea Police have also stated that it is amazing how many vehicles are left insecure around the Island and it is an offence to leave your engine running whilst you go into a shop, etc. As the summer months continue, please be aware of car security and do not leave yours unlocked.

For those of you with burglar alarm systems fitted to your homes, do remember to activate them as opportunist thieves are about and some properties have been burgled locally in the space of half an hour when the owner went out briefly in broad daylight.Always lock your doors when you go out, for however short a space of time. Do report anyone acting suspiciously in your area.

As I write at the beginning of June, things seem to have quietened down with the wet weather, although there still seems to be a core of youngsters causing trouble. Other problems reported to me include noisy neighbours and I would just encourage people to be considerate of their neighbours when having barbeques or parties in the garden and keep the noise down.

As Neighbourhood Watch in Mersea, we will continue to try and assist with crime related problems, and we are a voice at the end of the telephone if you need to ask advice. We work closely together with the Council and Police and the community on your behalf.Please don't forget the next NAP meeting on Wednesday, 2 July at 9.30 am at the Council Offices.
Peter Rudlin
385700

25.05.08

As I write this article on the May Bank Holiday weekend, Mersea has had a bad time for crime with burglaries to homes and licensed premises, criminal damage to properties, businesses and beach huts and a serious case of arson on the beach. The fire happened on the evening of Friday, 23 May between the houseboats and the boardwalk at Besom Creek when a rowboat and a Dory were deliberately burnt on the beach, causing £4,000 worth of damage as the boats were reduced to ashes.  The rowboat  was in good condition, was used as a tender on a regular basis and was all ready for use at the Cobmarsh rowing race and the Regatta races.  At present the owner of the Dory has not yet been established, so if you keep a tender on that part of the beach, it would be worth checking regularly to see that your property has not suffered any damage.  Drinking and fires on the beach now seems to be a regular occurrence in the Monkey Beach area, with litter and vandalism to adjacent properties and yet to quote the Colchester and Mersea Island Seashore Byelaws:-

"Fires 6. (1) No person shall on the seashore light a fire or place, throw or let fall a lighted match or any other thing so as to be likely to cause a fire."

One property near to Monkey Beach has been repeatedly damaged causing distress to the family and again huge expense and lots of time spent making the house secure.  In the past week five beach huts according to our Water Baliff have suffered criminal damage.  In Mersea generally we do not have many domestic burglaries but have had a spate of burglaries in one of the Avenues and in Firs Road.  Even if you are only leaving your property for a short time, do remember to close windows and lock up securely.  Obviously there are thieves watching and they can take advantage in a matter of minutes.
One final warning on the marine front is that a number of outboards have been stolen recently in the Blackwater Estuary and the Marine Police have advised where possible to lock your engine in a cabin out of sight, or use hardened padlocks and chain if your outboard has to be left in view.  They can be postcoded, ring me for details.  The Police believe an Eastern European gang are targetting this area so if you see anything suspicious do report it to the Marine Police at Burnham-on-Crouch 0300 333 4444 Extension 480404/05.
Just a reminder the Mersea Police Team mobile number is 07966 197265.

Peter Rudlin 385700

11.05.08
First of all my thanks to all the local residents who attended the Neighbourhood Action Panel meeting on Wednesday, 7 May. There was barely enough seating for all the people who came and it was encouraging to see such a good turnout of people who wanted to air their views. The main concern appears to be anti-social behaviour and vandalism in four main hot spots on the Island. A number of residents complained about problems in the White Hart area, particularly at weekends, with loud music and people talking outside. As I write this article, (two weeks before publication), two private dwellings have had windows smashed overnight and one has had a greenhouse glass panels smashed. On one weekend recently when climbing up from Monkey Beach, my family and I saw smashed bottles all over the path and steps where people, children and dogs regularly walk. There was evidence of fires on the beach above the water-line which is against the bye-laws. In the High Street and Yorick Road we saw more smashed glass on the road and footpaths from alcohol bottles which we and other residents have swept up. I am sure there are a number of us doing this regularly. There were more appeals at the NAP meeting for more Police presence, particularly in the evenings and at weekends and this is being addressed. If you do see large groups of people drinking around the streets do report it to the Police.

PHONE NUMBERS: MERSEA POLICE MOBILE 07966 197265

24 HOUR NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR ESSEX POLICE 0300 333 4444

Colchester Borough Neighbourhood Watch 01206 513333

Neighbourhood Watch Mersea 385700

Our PCSO's Adam and Sarah need our support with information about incidents and concerns, do speak to them regularly by phone or in person and arrange to meet if necessary. Please do keep them informed so they can take appropriate action. One matter that was raised by them was that the numbering on beach huts is still not clear enough. Please remove your old numbers from the old numbering system as this is leading to confusion with old and new numbers, and display your new numbers clearly as this helps with prompt reporting when incidents occur.

Peter Rudlin

P.S. Don't forget to lock up your sheds!

NEXT MERSEA NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTION PANEL

The next NAP Meeting is due to be held on Wednesday, 7 May 2008 at 6.30 pm in the Council Offices, Melrose Road, West Mersea. The public are invited to air their views and concerns during the first open half hour discussion of the meeting, and then the panel address the issues raised and any on-going matters. Also you will have recently received the West Mersea Village Appraisal Group Questionnaire and a number of questions relate to safety and crime on Mersea. I would encourage all of us to complete and return the surveys by the 8 May, as this too I think it will provide useful feedback to the Council.
We have been away for the Easter holidays and it was good to come back and find that Mersea had had little trouble. However, since then, in the early hours of Saturday, 12 April a window was smashed in the Art Cafe when a rubbish bin was deliberately thrown through, and a group of young girls were seen around The White Hart area at that time. Also a number of trees, three young oaks and one ash, have been sawn through and destroyed in the Glebe which happened around 11.00 am to 12.00 midday on Sunday, 13 April. At this time people were playing football and using the car park - did you see anyone causing this damage? A week previous to this two trees were also destroyed along the Esplanade and have since been removed by the Council. If you have any information regarding any of these incidents, please do report it to the Police on 07966 197265 or in confidence Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
It was encouraging recently to have a resident telephone me and arrange to have their bicycles post-coded by security stamping. We do offer this service and please do contact me or your street co-ordinator. This service can also be useful for outboard motors, lawnmowers, and scooters. Please do consider taking time to mark your valuable items, there are other methods available apart from stamping such as infra-red marking for electrical household goods, ie. computers, DVD players, etc. For further information contact me - Peter Rudlin, 385700.

27.03.08
I was very sorry to hear of the death of Mr Douglas Stoker, former Mayor of Mersea, and a great supporter of Neighbourhood Watch both as a Councillor and as Water Baliff. He was always good to me personally in supporting our work and very helpful when discussing issues that affected the Island. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with Wendy and the family.
As I was visiting the new Tesco convenience store on its opening night I met the local Police and as we were talking, they were called to attend the Spar shop where a large group of youths were causing a nuisance.& People regularly tell me of incidents at the Co-op entrance, mainly in the evenings, of similar trouble with youths being abusive to customers. I shall be interested to see how Tesco manages this kind of situation, as even before the store was opened there were scooters being driven around the car park and youngsters sitting on the railings and sculpture. Many residents, and particularly the elderly, feel intimidated when they see a group outside a supermarket and hesitate to go past them. There have been reports of foul language and offensive behaviour and the advice from the Police is always don't get involved but call the Police, ideally on the mobile number 07966 197265. Please don't suffer in silence but do report it. This will be discussed again at our next Neighbourhood Action Panel on Wednesday, 7 May at 6.30 pm. There is a real need for the public to come and air their views at the NAP and the first half hour is devoted to listening to residents' problems, which are then discussed privately by the Panel and appropriate action decided upon.

Peter Rudlin
01206 385700

16.03.08
We held our quarterly NW Co-ordinators' Meeting on Wednesday, 12 March and our thanks to those who were able to attend.  We had an informative talk from our PCSO's Adam Ryder and Sarah Duke, updating us on how things were on Mersea, especially since  several Acceptable Behaviour Contracts had been given out and they were pleased to report that the culprits were abiding by them and there had been less trouble.  There is a small group that do cause problems but they are known to Police and being carefully monitored.  The PCSO's said that they expected more visitors on the Island over Easter when the caravan parks open for the season and the possibility of more drinking and more youngsters on the streets.  Recently there have been fewer youngsters drinking outside around the town and the Police continue to be vigilant in removing alcohol from under-age drinkers.  If you experience any intimidating behaviour or foul language from people hanging around on the streets, the Police warned not to tackle them or get involved but to let the Police know and obviously descriptions would be helpful.
PCSO Ryder also encouraged people to report vehicles speeding and driving in an anti-social manner by getting their registration numbers as they compile reports and when there has been sufficient evidence collected, a Section 59 can be issued which involves a fine and confiscation of the vehicle.

A number of people have approached me about the bright floodlights in the Peldon Rose car park, which can dazzle drivers coming to the junction from Peldon and down the Mersea Road.  This is being investigated and the lights are hopefully to be re-adjusted, but if drivers are still finding the lights a problem, I would be grateful if you would report it to me or Councillor John Bouckley.

You may have read in the press about the new Police non-emergency telephone number for Essex Police which is 0300 333 4444.  This is a 24 hour, seven-day-a-week service which will connect the county's residents to the force switchboard at Chelmsford where all calls are now directed. However, do please continue to use as well the Mersea Police mobile number, 07966 197265, which will be answered if the Officers are on duty and not driving a vehicle or arresting someone!

Have a safe and happy Easter!

Peter Rudlin
01206 385700

HOW TO AVOID A SCAM

How to recognise a scam - is it too good to be true?  A scam is when people con you out of your cash.  They can catch you unawares, contacting you, without you asking them to, by phone, email, post or sometimes in person.
There are hundreds of types of scams that come by post or phone and include fake lotteries, prize draws, schemes to make money quickly, fake investment plans, bogus psychic predictions, 'miracle' health cures, and work from home schemes. The people who run these schemes are clever and sophisticated and they know how to persuade us to part with our cash.  Most scams have some things in common - this check list will help you to be on guard against a possible scam:

Never reply straight away to an offer.  Speak to a relative, friend,
neighbour or your carer before you do anything.
Never send money to anyone who says you've won the lottery or a big prize -
you'll never see your promised winnings.
Never give your bank account details or other personal information to people you don't know.
Never ring an 090 number (all UK premimum rate numbers start with 090)unless you're certain how much the call will cost and know what you are likely to receive.
Never send money off in response to bogus psychic mailings.  Identical
letter predicting good or bad luck are sent to thousands of people.

Other things to look out for:
They may ask you to send money straight way.
They may give you a PO box number as their address.
They may ask you not to tell anyone about the deal.

Stop, think and think again - tell your friends and family.  If you think
you have been the victim of a scam, or your suspect a scam, call Consumer Direct for clear practical consumer advice on 0845 04 05 06 or visit
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Keep alert and protect yourself against scams.

Peter Rudlin
01206 385700

MEETING DATES

The next Mersea Neighbourhood Action Panel (NAP) is meeting on Wednesday, 5 March at 2 pm.  The previous meeting in January was at 9.30 am and the following one is 7 May at 6 pm.  The times are varied to hopefully allow members of the public to attend which meeting best suits them.  If you have any issues you would like discussed by the Panel and are unable to attend in person, then a letter can be addressed to the Chairman, Mr Alan Mogridge, at the Town Council Offices.  We would like to see all ages represented at these meetings and would particularly encourage young people to come and have their say about what concerns them in Mersea.  Unfortunately I will be unable to attend this meeting due to work commitments, but would encourage other Co-ordinators to represent Neighbourhood Watch if possible.  If you are affected by any of the following issues - anti-social behaviour, graffiti, youth nuisance, litter, parking issues, vandalism or speeding vehicles, this is your chance to air your views and have the Panel address these issues. The first half hour is allocated for members of the public to speak to the Panel and the rest of the meeting is spent discussing solutions and action plans to be carried out by either the Police, Borough or Town Councils. Look for posters up around the village.

We are also planning a Co-ordinators' Meeting for Wednesday, 12 March at 7.30 pm at the Council Offices in Melrose Road.  We would warmly invite all Co-ordinators, who may like to bring along a neighbour or friend who may be interested too.  It will be a chance to talk about any problems in your areas and also share news of what has been happening.  We look forward to seeing as many of you as can attend and our PCSO's are hoping to update us.

Peter Rudlin
385700

The Neighbourhood Action Panel (NAP) was held on Wednesday, 9 January and was well supported by members of the public and our thanks to those who attended.  The main topic of discussion during the public session from residents was the anti-social behaviour which had been causing problems around West Mersea in recent months, and the Police reported that extra cover had been deployed particularly over weekends and this would continue and also there had been a noticeable reduction in crime since the group of arrests and the issue of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts.  It was also reported that the Mersea NAP is one of the most successful in the area and hopefully this will continue to help us protect and improve our community.

Recently the public toilets near Willoughby car park were vandalised on at least two occasions in the same week and the Town Council are working towards getting them locked up earlier in the evening.  If you see anything suspicious in this area, please report it immediately as we need to catch these vandals. Police Mobile 07966 197265.
Also a couple of beach huts have been damaged in the area as well.

There was recently an article in the local press advertising a new campaign by Age Concern Colchester to warn the elderly about the dangers of bogus callers.  There were some interesting statistics published that found there were more than 26,500 pensioners in the borough of Colchester of which nearly 9,000 lived alone.  Unfortunately bogus callers seem to target elderly women who live alone.  Age Concern are producing information folders with precautions for homeowners to help prevent them from becoming victims
of bogus callers, which will be distributed in the next few months in local
areas including Mersea.

Remember:

LOCK:  Keep your front and back doors locked, even when at home.
STOP: Think if you are expecting anyone.  Look through the spy-hole or the window to see who it is.
CHAIN: If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first.
CHECK: Ask for and take the time to check their identity card.  Call the
company they say they are from using the phone directory.  Don't call the number on the ID card as it may be fake.

Neighbourhood Watch still have cards for the Nominated Neighbour scheme so do contact us for details.

Peter Rudlin
385700
20 January 2008

If you have any ideas for improving this Newsletter, please send them to Neighbourhood Watch c/o 22a Northgate street, Colchester CO1 1EZ.

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS WEST MERSEA NEWSLETTER