Police are currently investigating two burglaries that occurred in Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth. On both occasions, the offender gained entry via the back of the property.

Crime number 41/41511/19 refers to a burglary in Elizabeth Road, Bishop’s Stortford, between 06:30 on the 05/05/19 and 12:00 on the 09/05/19.

Crime number 41/41994/19 refers to a burglary on Station Road, Sawbridgewoth, between 08:30 and 16:30 on the 10/05/19.

If you can help with their investigation, please contact the 101 non-emergency number quoting the above reference numbers.

Police Contact Advice

Telephone 999 in an emergency where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress. Telephone 101 for non-emergencies where police attendance is required, to report a crime or to report any other incidents. Calls to 101 have a fixed cost of 15p per call. Alternatively, visit www.herts.police.uk/contact to report a non-emergency crime online or chat to a police operator live via our web chat service. If you are calling about the above, please tell us that you are responding to a message from OWL Neighbourhood Watch.

We ask all residents of Leat Close to remain vigilant as there have been a couple of reports of burglaries in the near-by village of Allens Green which means thieves are active in the area.

A Burglary took place at a residential property in Allens Green (reported on 18 April 2019). Suspects have gained entry to the rear garden and have removed an electrical mower from the garden shed. Suspects have then left the area in an unknown direction and by means unknown.

An attempted burglary took place on Monday 22nd April 2019 at approx 23:55pm where Suspects have gained entry to the grounds of a farmhouse in Parsonage Lane, Allens Green and broke into the barn. Suspects were disturbed by the alarm at the property and made off empty handed in the direction of Perry Green.

A burglary has also occurred at an address in the High Street of Much Hadham between Friday 19th April at 8:30pm and Saturday 20th April at 1:00pm 2019. Suspects have removed valuable items from a poolhouse at the address and made off in an unknown direction and by means unknown.

Police Contact Advice

Telephone 999 in an emergency where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress. Telephone 101 for non-emergencies where police attendance is required, to report a crime or to report any other incidents. Calls to 101 have a fixed cost of 15p per call. Alternatively, visit www.herts.police.uk/contact to report a non-emergency crime online or chat to a police operator live via our web chat service. If you are calling about the above, please tell us that you are responding to a message from OWL Neighbourhood Watch.

An incident of vehicle interference has been reported which happened sometime between late evening and up to 10pm on Thursday 11th April 2019 in Lawrence Avenue. A van was parked on the road and had a back door handle broken off. Nothing has been reported as stolen from the vehicle. If you saw or heard anything which you think may help our enquiries, please ring 101 ref 41/33283/19.

We ask our residents to stay vigilante and report anything suspicious to the police.

Theft prevention starts before you even leave your vehicle

Smash-and-grab thieves typically aren’t criminal masterminds who craft clever schemes to swipe your stuff. Most are casual opportunists. They see something they like, so they break in and take it. So before you get out of your car, make sure your valuables are out of sight.

Discourage thieves with anti-theft measures

Thieves are also lazy. With car break-ins, they’re usually not looking for a huge payoff. What this type of thief wants is a quick thrill – or maybe a little extra revenue – for as little work as possible. By making your car a harder target for these people, you make it less desirable. So:

• Always lock your doors and roll up your windows when you park.
• Activate your security system if you have one.
• Consider window tinting (if permitted by local laws), since it makes casing your car more difficult.
• Use after-market measures, like mechanisms that lock the steering wheel to protect your car and alert thieves that you’ve taken extra security measures.
• Don’t use the console or glove box as mobile lock boxes. These are obvious to thieves, too.
• Don’t hand them the keys

Police Contact Advice

Telephone 999 in an emergency where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress. Telephone 101 for non-emergencies where police attendance is required, to report a crime or to report any other incidents. Calls to 101 have a fixed cost of 15p per call. Alternatively, visit www.herts.police.uk/contact to report a non-emergency crime online or chat to a police operator live via our web chat service. If you are calling about the above, please tell us that you are responding to a message from OWL Neighbourhood Watch.

This is an important message as I am aware there is a bogus company currently advertising for landscaping and garden services in the town. If you receive a leaflet/advertising card from Town & Country Tree & Landscaping Services please throw it in the bin. Do not engage in conversation about work. I am aware they have been delivered in the Oak Drive/Pishiobury Drive areas but I want you all to remain vigilant and look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

If anyone sees these around Town, please ring 101 at the time and say your local officer has asked you to report them for rogue trading.

Police Contact Advice

Telephone 999 in an emergency where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress. Telephone 101 for non-emergencies where police attendance is required, to report a crime or to report any other incidents. Calls to 101 have a fixed cost of 15p per call. Alternatively, visit www.herts.police.uk/contact to report a non-emergency crime online or chat to a police operator live via our web chat service. If you are calling about the above, please tell us that you are responding to a message from OWL Neighbourhood Watch.