Policing and Crime Prevention
Essex Police
Neighbourhood Policing
The Neighbourhood Constable responsible for the Birch and Layer Neighbourhood is PC David Hirst (Collar No 3649) who is based at Tiptree Fire Station. His contact details are as follows:
Telephone: 101 ext 432140 Mobile: 07966-197404
Email: david.hirst@essex.pnn.police.uk
The Neighbourhood Police Community Support Officer is PCSO John Howard (Collar No 71266). PS Robert Temme (Collar No 955) is the Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant for South Colchester.
More about Birch and Layer Neighbourhood Policing can be found on the Essex Police website at www.essex.police.uk.
A member of the Neighbourhood Policing Team normally attends meetings of Birch Parish Council to report on current local policing and crime prevention issues and to listen to local concerns.
Contacting the Police
You can use the national police non-emergency 101 telephone number -
• to contact Essex Police about any non-emergency crime issue,
• to contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team,
• to seek crime prevention or personal safety advice,
• to contact your nearest police station,
• to speak to the police about any other non-emergency issue.
(Calls to 101 are not free - there is a fixed charge of 15p for each call.)
You can speak to a member of your local Neighbourhood Policing team by telephoning 07966-197404. This is a mobile 'phone which is carried by officers when they are on duty. If the call is not answered straightaway, please leave a short message and someone will get back to you. The mobile number should only be used to discuss local issues, to pass on information or to obtain advice. To report a crime please use the 101 non-emergency number.
The '999' number should only be used to request assistance in cases of genuine emergency requiring an immediate police response.
Tiptree Police Station is now located in the Tiptree Fire Station but the Station is not open to the public. On Saturdays a police representative is in attendance at Tiptree Library between 11am and 1pm for anyone who wishes to discuss any concerns. The normal Neighbourhood Policing service continues and a member of the team can be contacted at other times by calling the duty officer's mobile number 07966-197404 (see above).
Police Beat Surgery
A Police Beat Surgery is held in Birch from time to time. Details are usually published in Parish News which is delivered monthly to every house in the parishes of Birch, Layer Breton and Layer Marney.
Police Beat Surgeries, with PCSO John Howard, are due to be held in Birch on the following dates:
Friday, 21st June 2013
11.30am to 1.00pm Birch Gallery & Tea Room, Birch Street.
Friday, 26th July 2013
11.30am to 1.00pm Birch Gallery & Tea Room, Birch Street.
Friday, 23rd August 2013
11.30am to 1.00pm Birch Gallery & Tea Room, Birch Street.
Friday, 27th September 2013
11.30am to 1.00pm Birch Gallery & Tea Room, Birch Street.
Local Policing News Item
Beware strangers apologising for the noise! and other random callers
On two occasions in April (2013) police received reports of a male knocking on properties in the Layer de la Haye and Heckfordbridge areas, apologising beforehand for noise they were going to make during work nearby.
On each occasion the occupants became suspicious as no work was being done or started.
If you are in any way suspicious of callers call the police on 101 and explain your concerns. If the callers say they are from a recognised agency or company they will have ID and numbers that you can ring to verify them.
Try to remember descriptions and vehicles, including registration numbers and unique features such as stickers or damage etc. Best practice is to make a quick note.
There is nothing more uncomfortable for someone up to no good than a cheery hello and a comment about the weather; it means they have been noticed!
Also, do not leave windows and doors open in unattended properties especially as it appears the sun has made an appearance after a long winter.
Anti-Social Behaviour Hotline
Colchester Borough Council and Essex Police have joined forces to provide a direct telephone line for reporting anti-social behaviour. You can now speak to a team of dedicated specialists who can talk through your problems and deal with your call more efficiently by assigning it to the correct agency.
The ASB hotline number is 01206-282731. The line is staffed from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Callers outside these times should leave a message.
Community Street Wardens
Colchester Borough Council operates a scheme of Community Street Wardens. The wardens are empowered by the Council to issue enforcement notices for littering, cycling on paths and dog fouling. They also have powers to confiscate alcohol and tobacco from young people.
Part of the Wardens' role is to develop links with local Neighbourhood Watch schemes and to build relationships with local communities by attending community events. Another aspect of their work is offering support to older people and the vulnerable. Helping these groups to feel safer can greatly improve their quality of life.
Wardens visit Birch on a regular basis and work with Birch Parish Council on local issues. The Parish's main point of contact for the Community Street Warden scheme is:
Mr Marc Salmon, Zone Manager Street Services
Colchester Borough Council, P.O.Box 331, Town Hall, Colchester CO1 1GL
Tel 01206 282838
Email: Marc.Salmon@colchester.gov.uk.