including Woodford High Road from Chelmsford Road up to Empress Ave.

and Working in conjunction with local businesses

Latest Crime Reports Updates 

CASH POINT MACHINES OR ATM's

As well as the more traditional method of stealing cards at cash points with a device that traps the card we have seen a new method.

Basically a strip of Plastic is fixed in place covering the cash outlet slot. The piece of plastic has very sticky mastic on the rear.  Along comes  a member of the public, noticing nothing wrong with the card slot, the card is entered and the PIN tapped in.  The machine dispenses the cash but to the member of public it appears that it hasn't as it is trapped in the mastic on the rear of the device.

The machine user leaves and the villain simply unclips the device and pockets the cash stuck to the back.

Have you double locked your front and back door. 

Night time Burglaries through UPVC Doors.

We have received information that there have been several night time burglaries where the method of entry has been gained through UPVC doors. 

UPVC doors at night time should be locked in the following way:

1) Interior handle lifted up, engaging the locking system into the framework 

2) The door should then be locked with the key, preventing the locking system from being disengaged from the outside of the house 

3) Keys should be removed from the lock and left where persons looking throught the letterbox

4) To prevent the keys being stolen through the letterbox, a letterbox guard should be fitted to the door. 

To help prevent night time burglaries any suspicious activity during the night should be reported to the Police via the 999 system. 

************************************************************************

Using ATM or Cash Machines

When withdrawing money at cash point's great care should be taken to ensure your PIN is not seen and that your money cannot be snatched. 

Follow the advice below to minimise the risk of becoming a victime of this kind of crime.

• Where possible, withdraw cash during the day rather than during hours of darkness when there may be poor lighting and the area is quieter.

• Check the machine has not been tampered with and check the slot for a plastic sleeve which thieves sometimes insert to retain your card.

• Once you have received your money place it into your purse, wallet or pocket straight away, keeping your purse or wallet close to you at all times.  Avoid waling away from the machine with the money still in your hand.

• When standing at the cash point ensure that those around you cannot see your hand as you type in your PIN.  If you are at all suspicious of anyone in the vicinity, go to another cash point or try later.

• Never keep your PIN with your bank card.

• Never ask other people to withdraw cash on your behalf and never give your bank card/PIN or details of your bank account to anyone.

  This information has been supplied to us by the Church End Ward Safer Neighbourhoods Team based at Woodford Police Station.

  *******************************************************************************