Harwich United for Safety and Prosperity

24/12/2025

30/10/2025

❄️ Beware of Frost Jacking! ❄️

Cold mornings mean it’s tempting to leave your car running while you warm it up or scrape ice off the windows but thieves know this trick too. Leaving your car unattended with the keys inside is an open invitation for “frost jacking.” 🚗💨

Important: Many insurance policies do NOT cover theft if your car was left running and unlocked.

Stay safe this winter:
✅ Never leave your car running unattended.
✅ Always take your keys with you, even for a quick trip inside.
✅ Lock your doors and roll up your windows.
✅ Park in well-lit, populated areas whenever possible.

A few seconds of caution can prevent a stolen car and a denied insurance claim. 🛡️

29/10/2025

Here are the latest police reports for the Harwich & Manningtree Boundary in August 2025. These numbers come from the official Police.UK website and represent reports, not convictions or proven offences.

🔹 Violence & Sexual Offences – 117 reports (43.5%)
🔹 Shoplifting – 39 reports (14.5%)
🔹 Public Order – 22 reports (8.2%)
🔹 Anti-social Behaviour – 21 reports (7.8%)
🔹 Criminal Damage & Arson – 21 reports (7.8%)
🔹 Other Theft – 18 reports (6.7%)
🔹 Vehicle Crime – 12 reports (4.5%)
🔹 Burglary – 5 reports (1.9%)
🔹 Possession of Weapons – 4 reports (1.5%)
🔹 Theft from the Person – 4 reports (1.5%)
🔹 Other Crime – 4 reports (1.5%)
🔹 Robbery – 2 reports (0.7%)

📌 What stands out?
• Violence & Sexual Offences remain the most reported category, making up nearly half of all reports.
• Shoplifting continues to be a major issue in our community.
• Thankfully, Robbery and Weapons Possession remain low but even one report is too many.

✅ How we move forward together
You can help by:
• Reporting anything suspicious
• Looking out for vulnerable neighbours
• Securing homes, vehicles and personal belongings
• Speaking up if something doesn’t feel right

Every report helps build a clearer picture of what’s happening in our area. Your voice matters.

📎 Source: Official crime data from Police.UK for August 2025 (Harwich & Manningtree Boundary). Reports ≠ convictions.

09/03/2025

Don’t forget if you ever need to, ask for Angela

03/03/2025

🚗 Why Do Thieves Steal Number Plates? 🚗

It might seem odd that criminals target one of the cheapest parts of a vehicle, but number plate theft is a common crime with serious consequences. Stolen plates are often used to:

✅ Disguise stolen vehicles for resale
✅ Commit burglaries, ram-raids, or robberies
✅ Avoid paying for fuel at petrol stations
✅ Evade traffic laws, speeding fines, and toll charges

What Should You Do If Your Number Plates Are Stolen?

If you discover your plates have been taken, report it immediately to the police (101) and the DVLA. This helps prevent criminals from using your plates in illegal activities and protects you from potential fines or wrongful accusations.

If you have a personalised plate, you may also need to apply to retain your registration. The DVLA will require proof of the theft, such as a crime reference number.

🚫 Can You Drive Without Number Plates?

No – it is illegal to drive in the UK without both front and rear plates. Even if you’ve reported the theft, you must replace your plates before driving to avoid fines of up to £1,000.

🔄 Replacing Your Plates

To stay compliant with UK law, you’ll need a DVLA-registered provider to issue replacement plates. Proof of ID and entitlement to the registration (e.g. a logbook, V5C, or driving licence) is required.

🛡 How to Reduce the Risk of Theft

While no method guarantees complete protection, these steps can help deter thieves:

🔹 Park in a garage when possible
🔹 Use well-lit, busy parking areas with CCTV
🔹 Park near building entrances with high pedestrian traffic
🔹 Secure your plates with anti-theft screws to make them harder to remove

02/03/2025

🚗 Don’t Let Thieves Get an Easy Ride! 🚗

Car theft is on the rise, but you can reduce the risk by following these simple steps:

🔒 Lock Your Vehicle – Always lock your car, even on your driveway or at the petrol station. Check windows and the sunroof are closed. If your wing mirrors fold in when locked, make sure they’re tucked in—thieves look for mirrors left out as a sign of an unlocked car!

🔑 Keep Your Keys Safe – Store your keys away from doors and windows to prevent “fishing” thefts. If your car has keyless entry, keep keys in a Faraday pouch to block signals and prevent relay theft.

🚘 Be Aware of Carjackers – Lock your doors while driving, leave space in traffic to manoeuvre, and be cautious if you’re bumped from behind—it could be a setup! If threatened, prioritise your safety and call 999.

🅿 Park Responsibly – Choose well-lit, busy areas. Where possible, park in Park Mark accredited car parks with security patrols.

🚨 Watch for Illegal Tow Trucks – Thieves may use tow trucks to steal cars. If you see a suspicious crew without branding or uniforms, report it to the police.

🔐 Use Additional Security – Steering wheel locks, pedal boxes, and immobilisers make it harder for thieves to steal your car. Look for Sold Secure approved products.

📡 Check Your Electronic Locks – Thieves use signal jammers to stop key fobs from locking cars. Always check manually before walking away.

🆔 Beware of Cloning – When buying a used car, check the DVLA V5 document and ensure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the car.

🔌 Secure Your Diagnostic Port – Some modern cars have diagnostic ports that thieves use to start the car. Consider fitting a lockable cover.

For more security tips, visit:
✅ Secured by Design
✅ Sold Secure
✅ Thatcham Research

Stay alert and share to spread awareness! 🚘🔒

27/02/2025

Here’s a look at the reported crime data for Harwich and Manningtree in December 2024. This bar chart shows the number and types of crimes reported—not convictions—giving an overview of local crime trends for the month.

26/02/2025

✈️ Thinking About Your Next Holiday? Here’s How to Book Safely! 🌍

This is the time of year when many of us start planning our dream getaways—but before you book, make sure you’re doing it safely! Unfortunately, holiday scams are on the rise, and a great deal isn’t always what it seems. Here’s how to protect yourself and your money:

✅ ATOL Protection – Always book with a provider that offers ATOL protection, which ensures you’ll get a refund or be brought home if the company goes bust.

🔒 Use Secure Websites – Check for HTTPS and a padlock symbol in the web address to ensure the site is encrypted and safe for payments.

💳 Pay by Credit Card – Where possible, use a credit card for extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

🔍 Do Your Research – Read reviews, check the company’s official website, and verify that the travel agent or tour operator is legitimate.

📞 Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True – If something looks suspicious, contact the company directly using their official details before booking.

A little extra caution now can save you a lot of hassle later. Book smart, travel safe, and enjoy your holiday with peace of mind! 🌴

25/02/2025

page owners beware

These are scams and Facebook wouldd never message you, let alone from a personal account