Crime
We are working towards making the Basildon District a safer place in which to live, work and visit. |  |
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Why not visit www.crimereduction.gov.uk  - for information and advice to help to reduce crime in your area.
Reporting a Crime
If you think a crime is:-
Non emergency incidents can be reported on-line at online police If you are suspicious but need further advice call Basildon Police Station on (01268) 532212. If you have further information about a crime call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or on-line at Crimestoppers.
Personal Safety
Violent crime is still quite rare, but you can reduce the small risk of being attacked by taking sensible precautions.
- Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inward - if someone grabs your bag let it go.
- Carry your house keys in your pocket.
- Don't take shortcuts through dark alleys, parks or waste ground.
- Walk facing the traffic - so cars cannot pull up behind you unnoticed.
- Cover up expensive looking jewellery.
Remember your safety is more important than your property.
Shrill Alarms are available from the Cash Office the Basildon Centre through out the Basildon District, to all residents at a cost of £4.00.
Domestic Violence is a serious problem which can affect people from all areas of the community. Domestic violence can include all kinds of abuse within a relationship, and can begin at anytime. Help is available - never be afraid to ask.
Household Safety
Unfortunately far too many households are burgled! Just a few simple measures can help deter thieves from targeting your home.
| Walls and Fences | |
| High Fences are hard to climb, but they give a burglar cover once he's over. So keep them low, The best fence have a trellis on top which make it much more difficult to climb.
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| Outside Lighting | |
| An outdoor light with a sensor will show when someone's around.
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| Inside Lighting | |
| Plug in timers for lamps give the impression that you are in, but don't just light up the hall, you can fool a burglar by lighting a bathroom, bedroom or living room, varying the times each light comes on for help give the impression that you are at home.
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| Sounds | |
| Use a plug in timer for a radio, - a talk station will sound as though there are people at home having conversations. Radio 4 offers "chat" all night long.
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| Curtains | |
| Get a trusted neighbour to shut the curtains if you are away - maybe you could return the favour when they are away!
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| Mortice Locks | |
| Fit a five lever mortice lock to your front and back outside doors. Make sure its British Safety Standard BS3621
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| Window Locks | |
| The best type for wooden frames does not involve any of the window catches, it will pull the window onto the frame with a key. Fit two locks to any large windows.
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| Double Glazing | |
| The safest double glazing has bolts that shoot into the frame for extra security. Laminated glass is better than toughened because it stays in place when its smashed - slowing a burglar down. It is also safer for children as toughened glass shatters into tiny bits.
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| Patio Doors | |
| Make these safer with purpose made locks or security bars.
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| French Windows | |
| If both parts of the french windows open, and you only fit a lock to one - the other door is a weak point. You should consider Mortice bolts for the top and bottom of each door, and fit them to the frame and not the other door.
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| Keys | |
| Keep spare keys with a neighbour, friend or relative - someone you trust, but not in the house and never leave keys in the door.
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| Dogs | |
| Don't rely on just a dog to protect your home... But they may help as a deterrent
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| House Alarms | |
| When alarms sound, most burglars will just grab what they can and run for it. But whatever type of alarm you choose ensure it is fitted correctly.
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| Door Views/Chains | |
| Always ask who is at the door before you open it. If you front door doesn't have glass, fit a spyhole, or get into the habit of looking through a window near the door to see who is calling. If you need to open the door to make further checks, use a door chain or similar device.
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Some criminals won't go to the trouble of breaking into your home if they can just knock and be invited in. But don't get it out of proportion - you've probably had many genuine callers at your front door and not one trickster. Bogus callers come in all shapes and sizes: young kids, pregnant women, and men - from the overalled to the uniformed to the suited. Always ask for ID and telephone to check it. If the ID can not be confirmed then telephone the police.
Water board officials never need to come into your home to test water pressure or repair leaks - even in emergencies. If they ever do need to get in they must send you a letter first making an appointment. Gas and electricity meter readers want you to check their identity before you let them in. If in doubt, ring up and check. Genuine callers don't mind this in the least. Keep the phone numbers handy. Shut the door while you're checking - genuine callers don't mind! You could always join the password scheme so the meter reader gives you an arranged password when they call.
Neighbourhood Watch is a popular way to get involved in preventing crime in the community. Schemes generally start with people sharing crime prevention advice and activities, keeping an eye on each others’ property, improving home security and building two way communication with the police.
To find out if your area has a Neighbourhood Watch scheme simply contact Basildon Police Station, if there's not - why not set one up?
Abandoned vehicles are a major and increasing problem. They encourage crime and make the area look run down and squalid. Very often it is clear that a vehicle has been abandoned, signs such as broken windows, weeds growing under the car along with no or expired tax.
Abandoned Vehicles can be reported on line by clicking here or by telephoning 01268 294949
After the crime has been committed - life must go on - there are people and groups that offer support and advice to help through difficult and unsettling times.
Court Services - Going to court can be a confusing and intimidating experience. The Court Service aims to help you understand what is happening and what you can expect.
Victim Support - The national charity for people affected by crime. It is a completely independent organisation, offering a free and confidential service, irrespective of whether or not a crime has been reported.
Basildon has two courts - a combined County and Crown Court and also a Magistrates Court.
Basildon Combined Court
The Gore,
Basildon
Essex SS14 2UE Tel 01268 458000
Basildon Magistrates Court
The Court House,
Great Oaks
Basildon
Essex SS14 1EH Tel 01268 363400
To find out information about a legal problem, or to find a local legal adviser the website justask maybe able to help.
Free Legal advice may be obtained from solicitors under the advice and assistance scheme. If in doubt as to how to find legal advices services contact Citizens Advice Bureau.
If you are on a low income Legal Aid may pay for your solicitor, look for the Legal Aid symbol under solicitors in Yellow Pages or in the local press.
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