News & Updates

  Stay Safe at Southchurch Park (posted 30 July 2010)

The annual Stay Safe event run by Turning Tides will be held on Thursday 26 August, 2010. For more details click here StaySafePoster

Reducing crime in Shoebury – bicycles and dogs microchipped at Community Safety Roadshow event (posted 29 July 2010)

Shoebury residents had their bicycles tagged and pets microchipped at a free crime reduction event.

Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership’s (CDRP) Community Safety Roadshow visited residents at Shoebury East Beach on Wednesday 28 July between 2pm and 5pm.

18 bicycles were fitted with electronic security tags and numerous personal attack alarms, UV marking kits and purse chains were handed out free of charge.

Five dogs were also microchipped in order to reduce the number of lost and stray animals in the borough.

Valerie Howells, Southend Council’s animal warden, said: “It was good to see residents bringing their dogs to be microchipped and to find out about this great service. We hope to see more at the next event as permanently identifying dogs ensures they can quickly be reunited with their owners, no matter where they are.”

Chris English, spokesman for Southend CDRP, said: “The roadshow is a great way for Southend’s key agencies to get together to tackle issues of crime and engage with residents on important issues such as personal safety.”

Representatives from Essex Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Southend Borough Council’s waste and recycling team were also on hand to offer information and advice to members of the public. For pictures click here

The next event will be at Shoebury Common Beach, near Uncle Tom’s Cabin, on Wednesday 11 August between 2pm and 5pm. Dog microchipping will be available at a cost of just £16 per animal which includes a photo ID pack.

For more information please contact Mick Holland on 01702 464199

Dog owners urged to fit microchips (posted 22 July 2010)

Dog owners are being urged to microchip their pets this summer in order to reduce the number of lost and stray animals in Southend.

The service is being provided by Southend Borough Council and Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership at a cost of £16 per animal which includes a photographic ID pack.

Valerie Howells, Southend Council’s animal warden, said: “We are encouraging dog owners to permanently identify their dogs with a microchip. This means that as long as your contact details are up to date on the central database then no matter where in the country your dog goes missing it can be traced back to you.

“The benefits to you and your dog is that you can be reunited with your pet much quicker and your dog does not have the stress of having to go to kennels.”

The microchipping process involves a tiny microchip, the size of a grain of rice, being inserted in a dog’s neck with each chip carrying a unique number that is logged onto a national database.

Against this number key information is stored about the dog and its owner including the animal’s name and the owner’s name and address.

If the canine companion ever goes missing and is discovered, then the animal can be returned safe and sound to its owner.

The service will be available at selected events this summer, starting at Shoebury East Beach on Wednesday 28 July between 2pm and 5pm; Shoebury Common on Wednesday 11 August between 2pm and 5pm; and Southchurch Park on Thursday 26 August between 10am and 3pm. For a picture go to gallery

For more information please contact 01702 464199

  How to save £185! (posted 21 July 2010)

We have been advised of a scam, which is based in Calcutta and is targeting UK computer users. The scam works as follows, the caller, invariably a male, telephones to say that the recipient’s Internet Service Provider has identified a fault with the recipient’s computer, which requires expert help to address – in other words the caller. The recipient is asked to log onto their computer and to access a file called ‘Windows Event Viewer.’ Anyone viewing this computer activity log will see a list, which contains the words ‘Warning’ or ‘Critical.’ On the face of it, the log sounds as though the computer has serious faults. In reality, the words cited are normal for that part of the programme and are nothing for the user to worry about.

The caller then advises that he will guide the recipient through a ‘step-by-step’ solution to the issue. This involves logging onto a website, downloading some software and effectively handing control of your computer over to the caller. At this point, the caller drops the bombshell that his fee is £185 – pay up or face the consequences of him being able to remotely access the recipient’s computer.

The standard advice form Trading Standards is not to follow the advice of cold callers of this nature. If you are concerned about someone calling you about a computer issue such as that described above, Google it to get some background before taking any further steps. Finally, do not download software from an unknown site at a total stranger’s behest. Anyone receiving such a call is asked to call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06

Southend Library Guide (posted 21 July 2010)

The new Southend Library Guide has been published. It can be downloaded at LibraryBrochureSummer2010(Electronic)

Leigh residents benefit from Allotment Watch event (posted 20 July 2010)

Members of an allotment site improved the security of their tools at a free crime prevention event on Sunday.

The Community Safety Roadshow, organised by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP), visited Manchester Drive Allotment Society in Leigh between 10am and 1pm.

36 lawn mowers, bicycles and other horticultural equipment were fitted with electronic security tags to make them less attractive to thieves and to help return them to their owners in the event of them being stolen.

Chris English, spokesman for Southend CDRP, said: “Today’s event offered reassurance to local residents and was a great example of the partnership’s continued effort to reduce instances of crime in Southend. The Roadshow was well received by members of the allotment society.”

Representatives from Essex Police’s Blenheim neighbourhood policing team and Southend Council’s waste and recycling team were also on hand to talk with local residents about any issues they had.

Miranda Valenzuela, Waste and Recycling Officer, said: “These events provide us with a key opportunity to engage with the community about recycling, waste prevention and home composting. We provide residents with reusable shopping bags, tea towels, recipe books and information so that we can work together to meet our 2015 recycling rate target of 60%.”

Numerous hand tools were also property stamped during the session and 55 UV property marking kits were handed out to members of the public.

The next Community Safety Roadshow event will be at Southchurch Park on Tuesday 27 July between 2pm and 5pm.

For more information please contact 01702 464199

Events for 13 to 19 year olds in Southend (posted 13 July 2010)

To find out more about the Connexions programme for the summer holidays go to the whats_on page

Love Parks Week (posted 12 July 2010)

Love Parks Week will be held at various parks across the Borough from week commencing Monday 26 July 2010. The schedule of events can be downloaded here LOVEPARKSWEEKPOSTER22010

New domestic abuse prevention worker for Southend (posted 9 July 2010)

Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership has introduced a specialist domestic abuse prevention worker to tackle the behaviour of abusive men in the borough.

Keelan Thomas has joined the partnership to initiate contact with men who have been arrested for domestic violence, prior to their release from police custody.

A first of its kind in the country, the role aims to support the man to change his behaviour and to improve the relationship he has with his partner and children in order to protect them from future harm.

It is hoped this new approach will improve understanding of negative effects of abusive behaviour and decrease the likelihood of men reoffending.

By working closely with Essex Police and other local agencies, Keelan will hold structured one to one sessions with the abuser as well as offering fully integrated support for their ex-partner and any children.

He said: “After working with the men I would expect them to understand the effects of their abusive behaviour, improve their ability to change their behaviour and to then be in a better position to have a loving and supportive relationship with a partner and any children who may be involved.”

DCI Lesley Ford of Essex Police’s Domestic Abuse and Hate Crime Unit, said: “I am very excited about this new initiative. This provides a real opportunity for engagement at the earliest opportunity, aiming to change behaviour of those arrested and reduce repeat offending.

“This is another example of the continuing excellent work by the partnership in our efforts to reduce the harm caused by domestic abuse in our community.”

The service will be for men over the age of 18 who have been arrested for abusive behaviour towards an adult partner.

Keelan is based at Southend Police Station and can be contacted on 01702 423192.

Southend Community Plan (posted 9 July 2010)

The Southend Community Plan, which is a vision for the future, has been published. A pdf version can be downloaded at Southend-on-SeaCommunityPlan

A Variation on a Scam (posted 7 July 2010)

The following has been received from the National Neighbourhood Watch Association via Essex Police Territorial Support. The scam detailed below has been tried in various parts of the country

A man claiming to represent ‘Neighbourhood Watch Support’ telephoned to say that a Neighbourhood Watch brochure was going out to all the local residents. The caller was encouraging local businesses to advertise in this brochure.

The resident agreed to place an advertisement and later received a further phone call from a company calling itself ‘Business Community Support Multimedia’. The caller took some details over the phone.

At a later date the resident received a letter with a ‘proof’ for the advertisement. Apart from the name of the business and the contact phone number, every detail was incorrect. The accompanying letter said that unless any amendments were received within five days (by phone, email or fax) they would assume that the details were correct and place the advert.

The resident tried several times to contact the company by email and phone but to no avail, finding his emails unanswered and his phone calls cut off. Luckily he had not yet paid any money for the advertisement.

We would like to make it clear that there is no such organisation as ‘Neighbourhood Watch Support’ and the Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network does not produce any such local brochures nor contract Business Community Support Multimedia to do so.

Anyone being contacted by persons claiming to be working for Neighbourhood Watch Support should terminate the call immediately without providing any details whatsoever and to report the call to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 as soon as is practicable

New names for neighbourhood policing teams (posted 5 July 2010)

Following consultation between Essex Police Authority and Chief Officers, the following changes will take place from Monday, June 28:

• Neighbourhood specialist officers (NSOs) will become neighbourhood constables
• Neighbourhood Policing sergeants will become neighbourhood sergeants
• Neighbourhood Policing inspectors will become neighbourhood inspectors
• Neighbourhood support teams will be changing their names to response teams

 

ACC Sue Harrison, responsible for Territorial Policing, says: "Listening to feedback from the public we believe these names are easier to understand and remember. I want to encourage all officers and staff to start using them now."

Essex Police Authority chairman Robert Chambers added: "By having this new title the public will be able to clearly recognise what their local officer is and what he or she does.

"We are going back to traditional methods, by using terms like constable we are cutting out phrases that the public may not know. We hope that this will make our neighbourhood policing even more successful."

Plot holders sow the seeds of security (posted 5 july 2010)

Plot holders at an allotment site benefited from a free crime prevention event at the weekend (26 June)

The Community Safety Roadshow, organised by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, visited Hamstel Road Allotments in Southend to fit electronic security tags to valuable equipment and offer crime prevention advice.

18 lawn mowers, cultivation machinery and bicycles were tagged and more than 20 UV property marking kits were handed out at the event on Saturday 26 June, between 2pm and 5pm.

Officers from Essex Police’s Southchurch neighbourhood policing team and Southend Borough Council’s waste and recycling team were also on hand to engage with members of the public.

Chris English, spokesman for Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, said: “The event provided a great opportunity for residents to improve the security of their tools and equipment by making them less attractive to thieves.

“The roadshow is an effective way for the partnership to engage with residents and is a proactive approach to reducing instances of crime in Southend.”

Residents also received recycling bags and advice on reducing household waste during the afternoon session.

Imran Kazalbash, Southend Council’s team leader for waste management, said: “We want to give everyone the opportunity to access our waste and recycling services. Engagement with residents is key to increasing recycling levels and protecting our environment for the future.”

The next Allotment Watch event will be at Manchester Drive Allotments on Sunday 18 July between 10am and 1pm.

For more information please contact 01702 464199

Safety roadshow visits community events (posted 21 June 2010)

Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership’s Community Safety Roadshow visited two special events at the weekend to reassure members of the public and offer crime prevention advice.

Over 30 bicycles were fitted with electronic security tags as part of the Southend Cycle Watch scheme and UV pens for marking personal property and purse chains were handed out free of charge to local residents.  

Shoebury Fair took place on Saturday 19 June at Shoeburyness High School and was attended by over 50 organisations from across the borough including Essex Police, Cycle Southend and the SOS Bus Project.

On Sunday 20 June, Community in Harmony was held at Southend High School for Boys, which aims to celebrate the diversity and culture of the local community and combat hate crime.

Chris English, spokesman for Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, said: “The partnership’s involvement in these events forms part of our ongoing effort to reassure members of the public and make Southend a safer place than it already is.” Photos of the Community in Harmony event can be viewed at gallery

This week (22 – 28 June) you can visit the Southend Library foyer where a display of services provided by the partnership will be available to view.

Bicycles tagged at cycle event (posted 15 June 2010)

Southend residents had their bicycles tagged at a free event at the weekend.

Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership worked together with Essex Police’s advanced cycle team to fit 40 electronic tags to bicycles, and provided advice on how to prevent theft.

The event was held on Saturday 12 June at Pier Hill and also marked the official launch of Essex Police’s first dedicated cycle team as part of Operation Velo.

Chris English, spokesman for Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, said: “Today’s event was a great opportunity for the partnership and the cycle team to engage with local residents as part of our ongoing effort to reduce cycle theft across the borough.”

The event also included a stunt show by Cycle Southend’s mountain bike aerial display team and a cycle fashion show hosted by South Essex College students. For images of the event go to gallery

Bicycle tagging will be available at two special events this weekend at Shoebury Fair, Shoeburyness High School, on Saturday 19 June between 12pm and 5pm; and Community in Harmony at Southend High School for Boys on Sunday 20 June between 1pm and 6pm.

Hospital Watch injects dose of security (posted 10 June 2010)

Staff and visitors at Southend Hospital received a boost to their personal safety thanks to a free crime reduction event.

Over 100 staff and members of the public received purse chains and personal attack alarms, UV pens for marking valuable property and had their bicycles fitted with electronic security tags.

The event, held on Monday 7 June, was organised by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Southend Hospital’s own security team, as part of the new Hospital Watch initiative launched earlier this year.

The scheme aims to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in and around the hospital and to help reassure staff, patients and visitors by improving security.

Chris English, spokesman for Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, said: “Today’s Hospital Watch event was a great success, offering real help and advice to both staff and members of the public.

“The strong partnership that exists between the police, council and hospital security team provides a robust approach to tackling instances of crime in the area.”

Caroline Hanghong, Travel Plan Co-ordinator at Southend Hospital, added: “The Roadshow ensures that staff and visitors are able to regularly access personal safety information and advice.”

Southend Borough Council’s waste and recycling team were also present to hand out re-usable shopping bags, recycling sacks and to offer tips on reducing household waste.

The next Hospital Watch event will be on Wednesday 1 September between 2pm and 4pm. For photograph of the event click here gallery

Cycle Tagging event at Pier Hill (posted 9 June 2010)

Cyclists looking to improve security can take advantage of a free bike tagging session this weekend.

The service is being provided by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and will be available between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 12 June.

Sgt Paul Bird of Essex Police’s dedicated cycle team, said: “This is a great initiative which aims to reduce instances of cycle theft across Southend. I would encourage all cyclists to take advantage of this free service.”

The event will form part of Cycle Southend and South Essex College students’ ‘Gear up for Fashion’ show, which includes stunts and tricks from professional bikers.

Bicycles tagged at Thorpedene Library (posted 7 June 2010)

Shoebury residents had their bicycles tagged and received crime prevention advice at a free event at the weekend.

40 bicycles were fitted with electronic security tags outside Thorpedene Library, Shoebury, on Saturday 5 June between 9.30am and 1pm.

The event was organised by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Southend Libraries, as part of the partnership’s popular Community Safety Roadshow which aims to reduce crime across the borough.

Representatives from Essex Police’s Shoebury neighbourhood policing team were on hand to discuss any issues with local residents, together with Southend Borough Council’s waste and recycling team who handed out recycling bags and tips on how to reduce household waste.

Chris English, spokesman for Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, said: “Today’s event offered reassurance to local residents and was a great example of the partnership’s continued effort to reduce instances of crime in Southend.”

UV pens for marking personal property, intruder alarms and other security devices were also handed out during the morning session. For pictures of the event click on gallery

The next Community Safety Roadshow event will be at Milton Road Gardens on Friday 11 June between 12noon and 4pm. Dog microchipping will be available at this event at a charge of £16 per dog.

Children’s bicycles tagged at community event (posted 3 June 2010)

Children from a Southend estate had their bicycles tagged as part of a fun-themed community event.

Twenty-one bicycles were fitted with electronic security devices at the Centre Place on the Woodgrange Estate on Wednesday 2 June between 2pm and 4pm.

The event was organised by PCSO Julie McFadden of Essex Police’s Southend neighbourhood policing team, and the tagging service was provided free of charge by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership’s Community Safety Roadshow.

PCSO Julie McFadden, said: “I can really feel reassured now that there are a lot more kids riding around with safer tagged cycles thanks to the excellent service.

“We had some really good feedback from many of the local residents, who were very impressed.”

Chris English, Southend CDRP spokesman, added: “The event was an excellent opportunity for the partnership to meet with local residents and to help reduce instances of cycle theft within Southend.”

UV pens for marking personal property and advice on personal and home security were also handed out to residents during the afternoon session. For a picture of the event go to gallery

The next bicycle tagging events will be at Thorpedene Library, Shoebury, on Saturday 5 June between 9.30am and 1pm; and Southend Hospital on Monday 7 June between 2pm and 4pm.

For more information please contact Mick Holland on 01702 464199 or visit www.southendcdrp.co.uk  

Library Watch scheme launches in Southend (Posted 27 May 2010) 

Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership have joined forces with Southend Libraries to set up a Library Watch scheme aimed at reducing crime in and around the borough’s libraries.

The scheme will keep staff informed of any crime and anti-social behaviour issues and provide reassurance by holding regular, free events as part of the partnership’s Community Safety Roadshow.

Staff and visitors will have the opportunity to get their valuables security tagged and will be handed personal attack alarms, UV marker pens and other security devices to prevent crime.

Signage will also be placed in and around the libraries, and staff will be kept informed via email and a dedicated e-newsletter.

Chris Hayes, Head of Information and Resources at Southend Libraries, said: “Southend Libraries are very pleased to be working with this initiative which builds on a long-standing and fruitful relationship with the partnership. The scheme has already introduced cycle-tagging events and police surgeries at all libraries and will help to reduce crime and increase the sense of security for both staff and customers.”

Mick Holland, Community Engagement Officer, said: “Library Watch is designed to increase awareness of library staff over matters of crime and other issues that could affect them and their working environment. We see it as a way of developing the already excellent relationship that we have with the Southend Library Service through our joint work with the Community Safety Roadshow. The scheme has come about as a direct result of library management eagerly embracing the new scheme.”

The Community Safety Roadshow will be visiting the borough’s libraries on the following dates:

• Thorpedene Library, Shoebury on Saturday 5 June between 9.30am and 1pm
• Southchurch Library, Saturday 11 September between 9.30am and 1pm
• Kent Elms Library, Saturday 23 October between 9.30am and 1pm

For more information please contact Mick Holland on 01702 464199 or visit www.southendcdrp.co.uk. For launch picture go to gallery

Young Readers Rewarded At Friars Library (posted 27 May 2010)

Visiting your library is a rewarding experience in more ways than one!
If you are aged between 5-16 years old the Read & Reward Scheme is for you…..

From 14th June 2010, Friars Library is piloting a Read & Reward Scheme which will offer young people aged between 5-16 the opportunity of participating in an easy-to-use scheme which encourages and rewards young people who use the library.

A Read & Reward card will be offered to young people aged between 5-16 at Friars Library. Every time they visit the library and also borrow an item, they will receive a date stamp in their card. When they have saved up enough date stamps, they will be able to swap them for a reward. After each swap, they can start saving afresh. If they save up to 30 date stamps, they will be able to claim a bigger reward before starting at the beginning.

Audience Development Librarian Greg Simmonds says that we are piloting this scheme at Friars Library initially but are hoping that it can be rolled out across all Southend Borough Libraries in the future. We are excited about this scheme as it will hopefully build on the hard work and success of the Libraries Big Summer Reading activity and encourage young people to continue to use their library service.

For more information contact Friars Library, The Renown, Shoeburyness, Essex, SS3 9UU. Telephone: 01702 294876 or Audience Development Librarian Greg Simmonds at Southend Central Library. Telephone: 01702 534100. Email: library@southend.gov.uk

HandyVan scheme available for referrals (posted 26 May 2010)

The Southend HandyVan scheme is looking for more residents to take advantage of its free home security service.

The Age UK HandyVan is a unique home security service where trained HandyVan fitters visit the homes of the over 60s. They carry out home safety checks and install equipment such as door locks, door chains and viewers, window locks and smoke detectors free of charge.

Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership spokesman, Chris English, said: “Proactively, the HandyVan scheme is helping to reduce the risk of burglary and bogus caller crime by giving people more confidence and peace of mind in the safety of their homes.

“If you think you would benefit from this scheme, or know a family member or friend who might, please get in touch.”

The HandyVan Scheme is funded and supported through a partnership between the charity Age UK, Essex Police and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

For more information please contact Mick Holland on 01702 464199

Road Safety - seat belts (posted 26 May 2010)

By way of an experiment, the Podcast page now features its first video clip click on podcasts to view it. Feedback on this new feature and indeed the use of video clips on the site would be appreciated, please, E-mail southendnhw@aol.com with comments

Spring edition of Newsline - the magazine of the Southend Children's Partnership. (posted 24 May 2010)

In this edition which can be downloaded by clicking on the following link NewslineSpring

• Southend's new three-year Children and Young People's Plan is launched.
  See the centre pages for an eight-page pullout guide to the Plan, its vision and the main priorities for children and young people in Southend.
  
• Safeguarding in Southend: strong leadership and a positive culture.
  The findings of an IDeA peer review into Safeguarding, and how we can all work to keep children safe. Newsline is published three times a year for everyone working with children and young people in Southend.  Please forward to colleagues who may not be on the mailing list - if you are not currently on the mailing list and would like to receive your copy by email, please send your details to newsline@southend.gov.uk   Please email comments, suggestions or contributions to newsline@southend.gov.uk

Southend Environmental Projects’ Update (posted 20 May 2010)

It has been a busy few months for all the Southend Projects – most excitingly is that we have started the Two Tree Island project, and there is good progress with Funding the Belfairs Park Woodland Resource Centre project. The full newsletter canbe downloaded here SouthendEnviroprojectsupdateMay2010

Warning to residents regarding ‘unclaimed prize’ letters (posted 20 May 2010)

Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership has been made aware of residents receiving letters claiming they have won a prize and prompting them to send payment. Residents have been asked to phone a premium rate number or to send a cheque payment by post, in order to claim a prize.

PCSO Julie McFadden of Essex Police’s Southend Central neighbourhood policing team, was handed the letters by a concerned resident and would like to warn others. She said: “Please don’t reply to these letters as you are unlikely to receive any prizes and will lose money. Report the incident to Consumer Direct.”

The letter is titled ‘unclaimed prize register’ and headed with a return address to a ‘PO Box’ number in Herefordshire. It contains the website www.mcintyreanddodd.com and states:

‘Do you recall filling in and mailing an entry coupon for a competition, prize promotion or special offer? As a result the promoter has selected your name for us. I am pleased to confirm that you are now eligible to receive a prize or award.’

The basic advice to recipients of such letters is to disregard them, not to call the premium rate numbers and under no circumstances at all to send any money. Recipients should report the matter to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06

Library Watch scheme launches in Southend (posted 20 May 2010)

Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership have joined forces with Southend Libraries to set up the Library Watch scheme aimed at reducing crime in and around the borough’s libraries.

The scheme will keep staff informed of any crime and anti-social behaviour issues and provide reassurance by holding regular, free events as part of the partnership’s Community Safety Roadshow.

Staff and visitors will have the opportunity to get their valuables security tagged and will be handed personal attack alarms, UV marker pens and other security devices to prevent crime.

Signage will also be placed in and around the libraries, and staff will be kept informed via email and a dedicated e-newsletter.

Chris Hayes, Head of Information and Resources at Southend Libraries, said: “Southend Libraries are very pleased to be working with this initiative which builds on a long-standing and fruitful relationship with the partnership. The scheme has already introduced cycle-tagging events and police surgeries at all libraries and will help to reduce crime and increase the sense of security for both staff and customers.”

Mick Holland, Community Engagement Officer, said: “Library Watch is designed to increase awareness of library staff over matters of crime and other issues that could affect them and their working environment. We see it as a way of developing the already excellent relationship that we have with the Southend Library Service through our joint work with the Community Safety Roadshow. The scheme has come about as a direct result of library management eagerly embracing the new scheme.”

The Community Safety Roadshow will be visiting the borough’s libraries on the following dates:

• Thorpedene Library, Shoebury on Saturday 5 June between 9.30am and 1pm
• Southchurch Library, Saturday 11 September between 9.30am and 1pm
• Kent Elms Library, Saturday 23 October between 9.30am and 1pm

Community safety at Warrior Square Gardens (posted 17 May 2010)

Residents learned how to keep themselves and their property safe at a free event aimed at reducing crime across the borough.

The Community Safety Roadshow, organised by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, visited members of the public at Warrior Square Gardens on Friday 14 May between 12pm and 4pm.

Six bicycles and a mobility scooter were fitted with electronic security tags under the Cycle Watch scheme and personal attack alarms, purse chains and UV pens for marking personal property were also handed out.

Representatives from Essex Police, Southend Borough Council’s waste and recycling team, NHS South East Essex, Southend’s Multi-Agency Anti-social behaviour Response Team (SMAART), Young Persons Drug and Alcohol team (YPDAT) and the Crime Reduction Initiative were all on hand to talk to residents throughout the afternoon session. For a picture of the Roadshow go to gallery

Simon Ford, partnership manager, said: “Today’s event once again showed the strength and success of Southend agencies working together to reassure members of the public and prevent crime.”

The next Community Safety Roadshow event will be at Burleigh Square, Barnstaple Road, on Tuesday 1 June between 2pm and 6pm.

Weeding out Allotment crime – members have their tools and equipment security tagged at Community Safety Roadshow event (posted 10 May 2010)

Members at a Westcliff Allotment site improved the security of their tools and equipment at a free event aimed at reducing crime across the borough.

The Community Safety Roadshow, organised by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, visited plot-holders at the Westcliff Land Cultivation Society in Springfield Drive to fit electronic security tags to equipment and offer advice on how to reduce theft.

Five lawnmowers, a cultivator, a strimmer, ten bicycles and numerous spades and garden tools were fitted with the devices and property marked at the event held on Sunday 9 May between 10am and 1pm.

Representatives from Essex Police’s Blenheim neighbourhood policing team and Southend Borough Council’s waste and recycling team were also on hand throughout the morning session.

Keith Baxter, allotment secretary, said: “We had a spate of break-ins last year so we thought this would be a great idea for people to protect their bits and pieces and to help reduce theft. The plot-holders here are very grateful of the service provided here today.”

Chris English, Southend CDRP spokesman, added: “The event offered peace of mind to allotment members and was a great example of the partnership’s continued effort to reduce crime across the borough.” For images of the event go to gallery

The next Roadshow events will be at ASDA, North Road, Shoebury on Wednesday 12 May between 2pm and 5pm; and Warrior Square Swimming Pool on Friday 14 May between 12pm and 4pm.

Community Safety Roadshow visits residents at Leigh Library (published 10 May 2010)

Residents in Leigh learned how to protect themselves and their property at a free event aimed at reducing crime across the borough.

The Community Safety Roadshow, organised by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Southend Libraries, visited residents outside Leigh Library on Saturday 8 May between 9.30am and 1pm.

Representatives from Essex Police’s Leigh neighbourhood policing team were also on hand throughout the morning session to talk with local residents about any issues they had.

Purse chains, personal attack alarms and UV pens for marking property were handed out free of charge.

21 bicycles were also fitted with electronic security tags under the Cycle Watch scheme in an effort to stop opportunist thieves. For images of the event go to gallery

Read all about it! Residents swot up on crime prevention at Library event (posted 4 May 2010)

Residents learned how to keep themselves and their belongings safe at a free event at the weekend.

The Community Safety Roadshow, organised by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, visited Southend Central Library’s ‘Big Book Sale’ on Saturday 1 May between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

120 UV pens for marking personal property and 100 purse chains were handed out to members of the public in an effort to improve security and reduce theft.

Chris English, Southend CDRP spokesman, said: “Once again collaborative working with the library service and other Southend agencies has proved itself to be an effective way to reassure local residents and prevent crime.”

The next Community Safety Roadshow events will be tomorrow, Wednesday 5 May at Cluny Square between 11am and 1pm; and Saturday 8 May at Leigh Library, Broadway West, between 9.30am and 1pm.

Every little helps at Community Safety Roadshow event (posted 30 April 2010)

Shoppers learned how to protect themselves and their property at a free event organised by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

The Community Safety Roadshow visited shoppers outside Tesco supermarket in Prince Avenue, Westcliff, to hand out personal security devices and offer advice at the event on Thursday 29 April between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

Representatives from Essex Police, South East Essex NHS, Young Persons Drug and Alcohol Team (YPDAT), Trading Standards, Connexions and In Touch Support, worked together to provide help and support to local residents.

Mick Holland, Community Engagement officer, said: “We had a highly successful session working together with our partners to engage with local residents over matters of crime reduction and personal safety. The Roadshow continues to demonstrate the importance of engaging with local people in a proactive and meaningful way.”

Ian Sparks, duty manager at Tesco, said: “We are pleased to be working with the partnership to improve security and reduce crime. The biggest issue is educating our customers so that they don’t become easy targets for preying thieves. The Roadshow helps us to achieve this and provides reassurance for our many customers.”

Tesco’s own hire wheelchairs were also fitted with electronic security tags to make them less attractive to thieves.

Pictures of the event at TESCO can be viewed by clicking on the following link gallery

The next Community Safety Roadshow event will take place this Saturday at Southend Central Library between 10.30am and 12.30pm - please note bicycle tagging will not be available at this event.

School children’s bicycles tagged at West Leigh Junior School (posted 28 April 2010)

School children had their bicycles tagged as part of a borough-wide effort to improve security and reduce cycle theft.

Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership visited West Leigh Junior School on Wednesday 28 April to fit electronic security tags to 32 bicycles under the Cycle Watch scheme.

Children had already provided their details so that their bicycles could be tagged while they were in class.

Representatives from Essex Police’s schools liaison team and Leigh neighbourhood policing team were also on hand during the afternoon session.

Richard Queenborough, deputy head at West Leigh Junior School, said: “This year we have had a huge push to get our Year 6 children cycling to school.  Working in partnership with the CDRP has really helped us in the process of encouraging cycling as a healthy and safe lifestyle.”

Mick Holland, Community Engagement Officer, said: “We are offering the service to local schools as part of our ongoing effort to reduce cycle theft across the borough. Working with local schools is another great example of how the partnership is pre-empting the activities of would be thieves.”

A picture of the event can be viewed at gallery

Five other primary schools have already signed up to the scheme including Westborough, Prince Avenue, Chalkwell, Earls Hall and Heycroft.

For more information please contact Mick Holland on 01702 464199 or visit www.southendcdrp.co.uk

Hospital Watch launches with first crime prevention event (posted 28 April 2010)

Southend’s new Hospital Watch scheme held its first crime prevention event to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in and around the hospital.

Members of staff, patients and visitors were handed free personal attack alarms, purse chains, intruder alarms and advice at the Community Safety Roadshow event on Tuesday 27 April between 2pm and 4pm, outside Southend Hospital.

Through Hospital Watch, Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Southend Hospital will share information and intelligence about people involved in crime and anti-social behaviour and about crime incidents that happen in the area.

Mick Holland, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, said: “We are pleased to have this opportunity to establish a Hospital Watch scheme at Southend Hospital, working in partnership with its local security management specialist and the security team. The scheme will work towards raising security awareness issues with the staff at the hospital, and in so doing, reduce the opportunity for crime.

“For patients and visitors to the hospital, the scheme is designed to demonstrate the work that Neighbourhood Watch and the hospital security team are undertaking towards reducing the incidence of crime and anti-social behaviour in and around the hospital, making it an even safer place than it already is.”

Greg Harris, Southend University Hospital’s head of security and local security manager specialist, said: “We are extremely proud to be the first hospital in the country to be launching such a pro-security initiative and look forward to working closely with our colleagues to ensure that anyone coming onto our premises feels safe and protected. We hope that this kind of venture will be taken up by hospitals throughout the country.”

Pictures of the launch can be viewed at Hospital watch launch

The next Community Safety Roadshow events will be at Tesco, Prince Avenue on Thursday 29 April between 9.30am and 1pm; Southend Central Library on Saturday 1 May between 10.30am and 12.30pm and Cluny Square on Wednesday 5 May between 11am and 1pm.

For more information please contact Mick Holland on 01702 464199 or visit www.southendcdrp.co.uk

Burglar Alarms (posted 23 April 2010)

We have just been notified of a variation on the cold calling firm offering burlgar alarms following an an unsolicited telephone call from an organisation claiming to be the 'National Crime Research Group'.
They claim to be running a campaign in this area and that the recipient's house was selected by virtue of a postcode lottery. They claim to be a semi-government body working on crime prevention and
offering a free wireless monitored fire and intrusion alarm system.

Googling the group revealed that the 'National Crime Research Group' and 'SAS Home Security' are synonymous. Anyone receiving a call from either company is asked to terminate the call and advise Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 as soon as practicable.

Recipients are strongly advised not to sign up to any deal with such callers and NOT to arrange an appointment for a salesman to call

Door to Door Fundraising Donations (posted 23 April 2010)

We have received reports of households in some parts of the Borough receiving leaflets asking for donations for a campaign. Whilst this is not illegal the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership in association with Trading Standards ask residents to be circumspect when responding to such requests. Residents are especially asked to be completeley clear in their mind as to the purpose of the request for donations. Also, people should not obligated to donate to a cause unless they feel absolutely happ to do so

Shoppers bag crime prevention goodies at Community Safety Roadshow event (posted 23 April 2010)

Shoppers bagged themselves free security devices and learned how to protect themselves and their homes at a free event organised by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

The event was held at Waitrose supermarket in Fossetts Way on Wednesday 21 April between 12pm and 2pm.

Representatives from Essex Police’s Southchurch neighbourhood policing team, Southend Borough Council’s waste and recycling team and the NHS South East Essex health trainer service were present throughout the afternoon to chat to local residents about any issues they had.

Pc Victoria Bax, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer (NSO) for St. Lukes Ward, said: “We hold regular drop-in surgeries here once a month, so to be joined by our partnership agencies ensures that we can all work together to tackle any issues affecting our local residents.”

Mick Holland, Community Engagement Officer, said: “Today’s Roadshow event once again showed the strength and success of the partnership by continuing to reassure members of the public and preventing crime.”

Pictures of the event can be viewed at gallery

The next Community Safety Roadshow events will be outside Southend Hospital on Tuesday 27 April between 2pm and 4pm to coincide with our Hospital Watch launch; and at Tesco, Prince Avenue on Thursday 29 April between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

Hospital Watch launches in Southend (posted 21 April 2010)

Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) and Southend University Hospital have joined forces to launch ‘Hospital Watch’ – a new scheme to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in and around the hospital.

Through Hospital Watch, both organisations will share information and intelligence about people involved in crime and anti-social behaviour and about crime incidents that happen in the area.

The scheme will be co-ordinated by the hospital’s own local security manager specialist (LSMS), Greg Harris, with representatives from various departments including security, parking and cleaning acting as points of contact.

The Hospital Watch scheme has the following objectives: 

• To reduce crime in and around the hospital;
• To provide reassurance to, and lower the fear of crime for staff, patients and visitors;
• To deter criminals through use of signage and other material;
• To keep staff informed of any crime or anti-social behaviour issues;  
• To encourage personal and property safety by handing out personal attack alarms, UV marker pens and other devices through the Community Safety Roadshow. Scheduled event dates include – Tuesday 27 April, 2-4pm, Monday 7 June, 2-4pm and Wednesday 1 September, 2-4pm.

A dedicated online newsletter will also be launched aimed at keeping staff informed of any crime-related issues.

Mick Holland, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, said: “We are pleased to have this opportunity to establish a Hospital Watch scheme at Southend University Hospital, working in partnership with its local security management specialist and the security team. The scheme will work towards raising security awareness issues with the staff at the hospital, and in so doing, reduce the opportunity for crime.

“For patients and visitors to the hospital, the scheme is designed to demonstrate the work that Neighbourhood Watch and the hospital security team are undertaking towards reducing the incidence of crime and anti-social behaviour in and around the hospital, making it an even safer place than it already is.”

Greg Harris, Southend University Hospital’s head of security and local security manager specialist, said: “We are extremely proud to be the first hospital in the country to be launching such a pro-security initiative and look forward to working closely with our colleagues to ensure that anyone coming onto our premises feels safe and protected. We hope that this kind of venture will be taken up by hospitals throughout the country.”

The scheme will be officially launched during National Walk to Work Week at a Southend CDRP Community Safety Roadshow event from 2pm to 4pm on Tuesday 27 April, in a gazebo outside the old main entrance.

Children have their cycles tagged at Community Safety Roadshow event (posted 21 April 2010)

Children benefited from a free security tagging session at Bournes Green Park, Southchurch, on Monday as the Community Safety Roadshow visited the area.

24 bicycles, mostly belonging to children and teenagers on their way home from school, were fitted with electronic security tags at the event, organised by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, on Monday 19 April between 2pm and 5pm.

Essex Police’s Southchurch Neighbourhood Policing Team were present throughout the day, together with representatives from South Essex Homes' anti-social behaviour team and Southend Borough Council’s Street Scene Team.

Pc Gary Jackets, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer (NSO) for Southchurch, said: “Today’s event was a great way for us to engage with the local community and to show that we are here to listen to any issues they may have. The positive response we get from local residents makes it worthwile.”

Personal attack alarms, purse chains, burglar alarms and UV pens for marking property were also given to residents to improve their personal and home security.

Mick Holland, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, said: “This was another great opportunity to show that Southend CDRP is working hard to reduce crime and reassure the public by working together with the police and Council.”

MINIMUM STANDARDS IN RESPECT OF

ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR (posted 21 April 2010)

Southend Crime and Disorder Partnership is committed to working together to ensure Southend continues to be one of the safest places in the country to live and work.  As part of our commitment to address anti social behaviour and the perception of anti social behaviour in Southend, in partnership, we will:-

• Work to ensure reporting anti social behaviour is as easy as possible

• Take all reports of anti social behaviour seriously, by recording and investigating cases and maintaining contact with victims to inform them of action.

• Ensure that all victims and witnesses are treated fairly, with dignity and respect

• Ensure victims, particularly those who are vulnerable are provided with support and assistance, where appropriate

• Share and analyse information and intelligence around anti social behaviour to identify repeat victims, known perpetrators, emerging hotspot areas and respond to this intelligence effectively

• Ensure our communities are informed of what action we are taking to tackle anti social behaviour 

• Encourage and increase our residents confidence to enable them  to become involved in tackling anti social behaviour

• Use preventative and early intervention methods to prevent anti social behaviour occurring or escalating

• Respond effectively to reports of breaches of anti social behaviour enforcement action

Traffic Cones (posted 16 April)

Residents in various parts of the Borough frquently use orange and white traffic cones to preserve parking spaces outside houses etc whilst they are out, thus reducing the number of parking spaces in roads where such spaces are at a premium. There have been a number of occasions recently where the police have been called to remove such cones - something that any member of the public can do as long as the cones are not preserving a space for a funeral etc.

Tagged safe! Cyclists have their bikes tagged as the Community Safety Roadshow visits Eastwood Police Office (posted 15 April 2010)

Cyclists improved the security of their bicycles and received tips on how to prevent crime at a free roadshow event aimed at reducing crime across the borough.

32 bicycles were tagged as the Community Safety Roadshow, organised by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, visited residents at Eastwood Police Office on Wednesday 14 April between 2pm and 5pm.

Officers from Essex Police’s Eastwood neighbourhood policing team were on hand to assist with tagging bicycles and supplying residents with personal attack alarms, purse chains and UV pens for property marking their valuables.

PCSO Louise Tate said: “Today was a great opportunity for us to meet with local residents and to show that we are here to listen to any issues they may have. We are pleased to be supporting the roadshow and the great service it provides.”

Under the Cycle Watch scheme bicycles are fitted with a small electronic tag, either inside the seat post or on the frame, with a warning sticker alerting potential thieves of the new security device.

The owner is also given their own unique ‘cycle passport’ which includes a photo of their bicycle, advice on how to make it unattractive to thieves and what to do in the event of it being stolen.

Mick Holland, Community Engagement Officer, said: “Once again the roadshow has proved itself to be a great way of helping residents to stay safe and secure. I am delighted to be working with the officers at Eastwood again as we continue to make the town a safer place to live.” Go to gallery to see pictures of the event

The next Community Safety Roadshow event will be at Bournes Green Park, Whittingham Avenue on Monday 19 April between 2pm and 5pm.

The Nottingham Knockers are back in town! (posted 14 April 2010)

The Nottingham Knockers - young men calling door to door selling dusters, tea towels and similar mechandise were spotted in the Thorpe Bay and Shoebury areas last night just before dusk. These teams arrive in the Borough from time to time, are invariably out of work persons often with criminal convictions. They norrmally produce a form of identity that they try to pass off as a pedlar's certificate.

Householders are strongly advised not to purchase from them regardless of any hard luck story the sellers tell or how persausive they are. In the past outbreaks of minor crime have been known to coincide with the arrival of the Nottingham Knockers

Shoebury residents benefit as the Community Safety Roadshow comes to town (posted 12 April 2010)

Residents in Shoebury benefited from a free bicycle tagging event aimed at preventing theft and providing crime prevention advice. Go to gallery for pictures of the event

The popular Community Safety Roadshow, organised by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Southend Libraries, visited residents outside Friars Library in Shoebury on Saturday 10 April between 9.30am and 1pm.

64 bicycles were fitted with electronic security tags as residents literally formed a queue for the free service. Personal attack alarms, purse chains and UV pens for marking property were also handed out. 

Pc Paul Hanson and Pc Paul Ledger of Essex Police’s Shoebury Neighbourhood Policing Team were present throughout the day to assist with the bicycle tagging and to talk with residents about any issues they had.

Mick Holland, Community Engagement Officer, said: “I was pleased to see so many people queuing up to improve the security of their bikes. By working together with Southend Libraries and Essex Police we are able to provide this great service and I would urge all residents to come visit us in the future.”

The next Community Safety Roadshow events will be at Eastwood Police Station on Wednesday 14 April between 2pm and 5pm; and Bournes Green Park on Monday 19 April between 2pm and 5pm.

Pressure Selling in more ways than one (posted 9 April 2010)

Reports were received this morning of a couple of incidents where older residents in Rayleigh were cold called by a roofing repair company who used pressure selling techniques to persuade householders to have the roofs of their houses pressure washed.

Recent pan European legislation has outlawed pressure selling techniques where people are browbeaten into signing up to a product or service that they would not necessarily want. Whilst there is no indication that the firm in question has targeted any residents in Southend Borough, a bit of timely advice on cold calling salesmen would seem to be apropriate. If you are cold called by a salesman

• Never agree to accept any goods or service at the time that the salesman calls
• If his (or her) call prompts you to think that you might like the service that is being offered, shop around and get a nunber of quotations from different companies
• Do not be sucked in by statements such as you have been specifically chosen etc - no you haven't - its a sales ploy
• Do not pay a deposit until you have had time to consider the offer in the cold light of day, read the small print etc

If you are visited by a cold calling sales person who will not take NO for an answer, or tries to pressure you into signing an agreement for services, goods etc, report the incident to Consumer Direct on telephone number 08454 04 05 06

Slamming (posted 6 April 2010)

Slamming is the term applied to telecoms company call centre operatives who attempt to entice telephone subscribers away from their current provider to one that the call centre operative is employed by. Tactics vary but recipients of such slamming calls can be led to believe that their current contract is about to expire and that they can get preferential rates with the new provider.

Care should always be exercised when dealing with cold calling of this nature. Never sign up to something without having first seen the offer in hard copy format. If you are tempted to change provider, you are strongly advised to shop around before committing. Finally, if you believe that you have received a slamming call, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06

Yet another scam variation (posted 6 April 2010)

Last year we had a spate of incidents where con artists were trying to defraud local churches with a range of sob stories. Today we have been notified of a variation on the theme, this time via e-mail spamming. The basic gist is that the originator has been mugged at gunpoint having flown in from the United States of America. He is unable to raise the fare home and needs about £2,500 to get back. Details of where to send your credit card donation are provided.

It is highly unlikely that any of our readers would be sucked in by such a scam. The purpose of this item is to give you warning of the latest attempt to redistribute your wealth!

New strategy launched to help victims of domestic abuse in Southend (posted 1 April)

Southend Domestic Abuse Forum held a special event to launch its new strategy aimed at reducing the harm caused by domestic abuse across the borough.

The conference, held on Wednesday 31 March at the Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff, provided an opportunity for local agencies to showcase their services and discuss a united approach to tackling domestic abuse.

The event also saw the launch of the first Southend Together Partnership Domestic Abuse Strategy which aims to support, co-ordinate and drive forward the partnership response to domestic abuse by ensuring that all agencies share the same vision and strategic aims.

Althea Cribb, Domestic Abuse Partnership Officer, said: “Today was an opportunity to showcase local services who work with domestic abuse victims, perpetrators and families. It is vital that we all work together as one to combat domestic abuse effectively. The Domestic Abuse Strategy sets out our collective aims for the future and will help us to reduce the harm caused by domestic abuse in Southend.”

The conference was attended by over 100 delegates from a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community organisations including Essex Police’s Domestic Abuse and Hate Crime Unit, South East Essex Primary Care Trust, Southend Borough Council, specialist domestic abuse support agencies from the voluntary sector, and other local charities and agencies.

DCI Lesley Ford of Essex Police’s Domestic Abuse and Hate Crime Unit, said: “A lot more emphasis has been given to the Domestic Abuse and Hate Crime Unit over recent years. Our officers provide real, relevant support to victims and liaise with partner agencies to determine what care they will need to overcome their issues. We couldn’t do what we do without the support from all of our partner agencies.”

Delegates had the opportunity to hear from two inspirational speakers: Laura Richards, who advises the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Home Office on violent crime; and Davina James-Hanman, the Director of the Greater London Domestic Abuse Violence Project.

For more information on the support available for domestic abuse victims in Southend, please contact Althea Cribb on 07825 273838, Email domesticabuseforum@southend.gov.uk

For pictures of the conference go to DA Conference

Eastwood residents benefit from Community Safety Roadshow (posted 27 March 2010)

The Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership’s Community Safety Roadshow visited residents in Eastwood to fit electronic security tags to bicycles and mobility scooters and to offer crime prevention advice.

11 bicycles and a mobility scooter were fitted with electronic security tags at the free event held on Saturday 27 March at Morrisons supermarket, Western Approaches, between 9.30am and 1pm.

Personal attack alarms, purse chains, intruder alarms and UV pens for marking personal property, were also handed out.

Essex Police’s Eastwood neighbourhood policing team, Southend Borough Council’s Young Persons Drug and Alcohol Team, Connexions, South East Essex Primary Care Trust and Neighbourhood Watch representatives were all on hand to talk to members of the public during the event.

Pc Sharon Polkinghorn, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer for Eastwood, said: “The Roadshow is a great way for us to engage with the local community and to ascertain any issues residents may have. By working together with our partner agencies we are able to provide relevant crime prevention advice and material.”

Mick Holland, Community Engagement Officer, said: “The Roadshow continues to demonstrate the importance of taking the partnership to the people in a practical and proactive way.  

“It also gives the various agencies involved a good opportunity to engage with a number of local residents over matters of crime reduction and personal safety.”

The next Community Safety Roadshow event will be at Friars Library, The Renown, Shoebury on Saturday 10 April 9.30am to 1pm.

For more information please contact Mick Holland on 01702 464199 or Email southendnhw@aol.com

Community Safety Roadshow recruits Neighbourhood Watch volunteers in Coleman Street (posted 24 March 2010)

The Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership’s Community Safety Roadshow visited the Malvern, Chiltern and Pennine tower block flats in Coleman Street, Southend to recruit neighbourhood watch volunteers, fit security tags to residents’ bicycles and hand out free security devices.

Ten residents stepped forward to set up their own local neighbourhood watch scheme at the event on Tuesday 23 March, between 12noon and 3pm. 20 home security devices were also handed out under the Burglary Watch initiative, and four bicycles were fitted with electronic security tags.

Mick Holland, Community Engagement Officer for Southend, said: “I am delighted by the number of residents who offered their services as Neighbourhood Watch volunteers for the area. The Roadshow was well supported by partner agencies, all of whom contributed to making the event the success that it was. Neighbourhood Watch recruitment is part of a rolling programme designed to increase the number of groups across the borough.”

Essex Police’s Southend Central neighbourhood policing team were on hand to talk with local residents, together with representatives from Turning Tides, Southend Borough Council’s Street Scene Team, SMAART, South Essex Homes and the Crime Reduction Initiative.

The next Community Safety Roadshow event will be at Morrisons, Western Approaches on Saturday 27 March, 9.30am to 1pm.

Cold Callers (posted 12 March 2010)

We have received reports of the Nottingham Knockers being back in town. These are young men, often offenders, who call door to door trying to sell dusters and other household goods. The quality is invariably shoddy and the prices inflated. These young people are paid on a commission only basis and the goods that they offer for sale are sold to them by the company. Accordingly, they will be on the lookout for other income sources, so to speak.The last sighting was in St Luke's Ward yesterday, but they could be operating anywhere in the Borough.

We have also received reports of a variation on the I have a load of tarmac left over from a job, going cheap con except this time, the vendor is trying to offload memory foam beds cheaply. He claims to have one left over from a job at a residential care home! We have no description of the man except that he was driving a white panel van.

The standard advice is, don't buy at the door from unsolicited callers - the chances are that you will be ripped off!

British Transport Police - Passenger Forum (posted 19 February 2010)

The latest forum newsletter can be downloaded at Forumnewsletterfebruary

Southend Environmental Projects Update (posted 19 February 2010)

The latest environmental projects update for the Borough has been published. It can be downloaded via the following link SouthendEnviroprojectsupdateFeb2010 Comments or queries should be addressed to the Community Engagement Officer in the first instance on 01702 464199 or e-mail southendnhw@aol.com

A Feather in Our Cap (posted 11 February 2010)

The Southend Community Safety Roadshow has been flagged as best practice by the Home Office in the latest edition of GO EAST News, a quarterly publication that is circulated to councils and CDRPs across East Anglia. The article, entitled Changing Perceptions of Crime and raising confidence, can be dowloaded at GOEastarticle-Winter2010

Third party reporting sites for victims of hate crime (posted 8 February 2010)

Southend CDRP is launching a new campaign to help those affected by hate crime in the Southend area.

By improving awareness of third-party reporting sites, we aim to support and encourage more people to come forward and to stop them from suffering in silence.

Third-party reporting sites offer an alternative way of reporting hate incidents and hate crimes. Those who, for whatever reason, choose not to involve the police can contact one of the sites listed below where their issue will be dealt with in confidence.

The under-reporting of hate crime has been identified by the Government as a nationwide issue. We aim to get a truer picture of what issues are affecting people living in Southend. This will enable us to respond to any particular problems that are affecting a specific area or group of people.

Simon Ford, Partnership Manager Community Safety, said: “Key agencies in Southend have worked in partnershipover the last twelve months to introduce new ways for victims of hate crime to report incidents. Our aim is to strengthen the support they receive, and encourage people who may be victims of hate crime, to come forward and speak to us.”

Victims of hate crime can contact the following sites –

Southend Citizens Advice Bureau: Southend CAB

Southend Victim Support: 0845 456 5995

Southend Police Hate Crime Unit: 01702 423 151

Southend Borough Council: 01702 215 000

Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

In an emergency always dial: 999

Cold Calling Security Firms (posted 13 January 2010)

We have received reports of a couple of security companies cold calling by telephone on the Eastern side of the Borough and offering householders camera systems, alarm systems etc at greatly reduced costs. The general advice with regards to unsolicited callers whether they be calling in person or by telephone is the same. NEVER sign up to such deals without obtaining quotations from other companies that you have sourced yourselves.

In the case of security equipment, alarms, CCTV systems and the like, the advice is to only purchase equipment that is either Secured by Design or carries an NSI mark

Mobile Library calls at Centre Place Family Centre (posted 11 January 2010)

From Wednesday 13th January the mobile library will stop at Centre Place Family Centre, Prospect Close, on the Woodgrange Drive Estate in Southend to encourage local families to share books with young children.Families with children under 5 years old can catch the mobile every 3 weeks from Wednesday 13th January 10.45 – 11.15am

Staff employed by Estuary Housing Association at Centre Place Nursery are involved with the Every Child a Talker (ECaT) project which aims to develop children’s language. By sharing books and rhymes, parents can help their child develop good language and listening skills. It’s never too soon to start sharing the delights of picture books with children to develop a lifelong love of books. A “Bookstart” is the best start any child can have and any parent can give it.

A few minutes a day sharing a book helps children develop their language, concentration and skills that will make learning easy. Children who have been introduced to books do better when they get to school – and it works because it’s fun.

Janet Kempson, Nursery Manager says, “We’re very pleased we’re getting the mobile library as it will be of benefit to the families, help the children’s language and encourage the enjoyment of books and reading.”

Sharon Dodson, Centre Place Children’s Centre Manager says, “ Working in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Libraries has proved very fruitful and having the mobile library service will be very positive for local families”.

Lynsey Weston, Early Language Consultant for ECaT in Southend says "I am delighted that Centre Place have been given this opportunity. It is a well known fact that by far the most important ingredient in supporting children’s language and communication skills is the interaction that takes place between children and adults as they share experiences together. Book sharing can be one of these magical experiences. It is not only a time to show a child that reading is important, but it is also a time to show a child that they are important. I wish Centre Place and the mobile library every success.”

Twitter and Facebook (posted 8 January 2010

Southend CDRP passed another communications milestone today when our Facebook page was launched together with our new look Twitter page. To view both visit the Useful Websites page and click on the links

Bicycle Recycling Scheme (posted 7 January 2010)

The bike recycle project is an exciting opportunity that makes use of unwanted bikes and returns them recycled to people in the community that most need them.  To facilitate this we need your help!  If you have any unwanted bikes that are collecting dust and could be given a new home please bring them to Unit 2 Brunel Road, Eastwood, Essex, SS9 5JL on;

Tuesday            9:00 to 3:00

Wednesday       9:00 to 3:00

Thursday           4:00 to 8:00

Friday               9:00 to 12:30

Saturday           9:00 to 12:30

Your bike will be recycled by volunteers under the guidance of Cytech trained bike mechanics and then sold at nominal cost to cover the parts.

Book in for your Message in a Bottle (posted 7 January 2010)

All the town’s libraries are teaming up with the Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) to offer the free ‘Message in a Bottle’ scheme at branches across the borough.

The Message in a Bottle scheme is aimed at older and vulnerable people living alone and has already proved a great success in Essex. The “bottle" is a small plastic container, which is kept in the fridge and holds  details of the person’s Carer or next of kin, medical condition and GP etc. This information can be easily found in an emergency and acts as a simple but effective lifesaver.

To date this voluntary scheme has saved the lives of 120 people living in Essex. Bottles are also available through Police Stations, local Neighbourhood Watch schemes and the Turning Tides (SAVS) Neighbourhood Management project.

Mick Holland, Southend Community Engagement Officer said:

“The real attractiveness of the Message in a Bottle scheme is its simplicity. Evidence shows that it has helped people to get quicker access to appropriate treatment in an emergency and provides peace of mind for people living alone."

For more information about the Message in a Bottle Scheme contact: Mick Holland, on southendnhw@aol.com or 01702 464199

Computer Virus Scam (posted 7 January 2010)

We have been advised of a possible scam where a householder received an unsolicited telephone call from a person claiming to be from their Internet Service provider security team. The caller advised the householder that a virus had been detected on the householder's broadband connection and tried to provide a telephone helpline number in order that the problem could be addressed.

The householder declined to provide any information to the caller and terminated the call. A 1471 check revealed number withheld. It is currently unclear how this scam would have developed. It is feasible that the help number offered would have been a premium rate number.

The standard advice on unsolicited calls is not to provide any details to the callers (personal or otherwise); to be wary of calling telephone numbers offered by such callers, and to terminate the call as soon as possible.

British Transport Police London North Passenger Forum - December newsletter (posted 23 December 2009)

The latest issue of the BTP newsletter can be downloaded here Forumnewsletterdecember

The Community Safety Roadshow - a review of 2009 (posted 22 December 2009)

Monday 21 December saw the last Community Safety Roadshow for 2009 at the highly successful Christmas event, run by the Thorpe Ward Neighbourhood Action Panel, in Broadway, Since January the team has run thirty-five Roadshows at various locations across the Borough. In that time, we have tagged six hundred and thirty-five bikes; handed out 450 purse chains and 150 personal attack alarms. The breakdown by month can be seen in the chart below

We were joined for one session by the Borough Animal Warden who fitted dogs with electronic tags whilst we did the same to bikes. The Essex Fire and Rescue Service, Crime Reduction Initiative outreach workers, Turning Tides Wardens and Youth Offending Service workers attended a number of the events.

Details of next year's Roadshow events can be found on 'What's On' page of the site. The basic timetable is currrently displayed, but be sure to revisit it regularly to see additional events and locations as they are added.