News 3 April to 9 April
 Billericay: Two arrests following fire at community hub
Officers investigating a suspected arson attack on a well-used community hub in Billericay have made two arrests.
We were alerted to a fire in a storage area to the rear of Chantry House, in High Street, at around 3pm on Thursday 4 April.
Colleagues with Essex Fire and Rescue Service attended and declared the circumstances suspicious.
The fire cause substantial damage to the property, which is used to facilitate a number of community support groups and projects.
We swiftly launched an investigation and following a number of enquiries made two arrests.
CCTV images were circulated and a PCSO on patrol in the area spotted the suspects.
On Friday 5 April, two 13-year-old boys, from Billericay, were arrested on suspicion of arson.
They have since been bailed while our investigation continues.
Inspector Steve Parry, of Basildon Community Policing Team, said: “We know there has been significant and understandable concern since this fire, which has caused damage to a vital community resource used by many in the area.
“I would like to reassure the community in Billericay we are carrying out an in-depth investigation into the circumstances around this fire.
“Anyone with any information, or concerns, following this incident should of course reach out to us.”
Charges follow two investigations into drug lines
Our team working to bring down drug dealers has been carrying out targeted work against two drug lines operating in Basildon.
On Thursday 28 March officers executed warrants at two addresses, in Basildon and London, making two arrests.
At the London address, officers also seized wraps of suspected Class A drugs and mobile phones, while at the Basildon address around £2,200 in cash was uncovered, alongside further drugs wraps, cannabis and mobile phones.
Charges were authorised against Naishe Mandaza, 21, of no fixed address, and Bradley Tegunde, 20, of Cambridge Park Road, London.
 Lets Talk Event at Miracle House Wickford
Wickford Community Policing Team held a "Lets Talk" event at Miracle House on The Wick last week.
We hold various events across the district and invite local residents to pop along and share their concerns about their communities. Miracle House is one of our most popular and successful locations with a relaxed friendly atmosphere.
For more dates please click on the Read More button or keep an eye on our Facebook page.
Essex Police request footage regarding damaged Tesla
Officers investigating damage to a Tesla car in the Basildon Sporting Village, Cranes Farm Road, on 4 March, are no longer looking to identify a woman they wanted to speak to.
Our enquiries continue but if you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.
Please quote the crime reference number 42/35291/24.
You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.
To find out more about our website reporting services please click on the Read More button. If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111..
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Wednesday 10 April 11am to 12pm
Sainsbury's, Cricketers Retail Park, Cricketers Way, Basildon, Essex. SS131SA
Saturday 13 April 9:30am to 10:30am
Billericay Library 143 High Street, Billericay CM12 9AB
Tuesday 16 April 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Miracle House, Silver island Way, Wickford, SS12 9NR
Monday 22 April 10am to 11am
Billericay Community Hub, High Street, Billericay CM12 9BQ
Monday 22 April 11am to 12pm
Eastgate Food Court, Southernhay, Basildon SS14 1EB
Friday 26 April 10am to 11am
Alton Garden Centre, Arterial Road, Wickford SS12 9JG
Tuesday 30 April 11am to 12:10pm
Miracle House, Silver island Way, Wickford, SS12 9NR
Tuesday 30 April 11am to 12pm
Towngate Theatre, St. Martins Square, Basildon SS14 1DL
 Protect your bike from theft
If you’ve ever had your bicycle stolen, you’ll know how upsetting it can be. Our practical tips will help keep your bike safe and out of the hands of thieves – and also advise on how to get it back if it is stolen.
The most important thing to remember is, double lock your bike and register the frame number.
Be fraud smart
New text message and phone scams in circulation claiming to be from your bank
How does the scam happen?
You may receive a phone call and/or text message which creates a sense of urgency in relation to a ‘suspicious payment’ from your account or other security issue.
A text message may ask you to click on a link, call a number or even expect a call from their security team using a landline or private ID.
If you do click the link you may find yourself on a fraudulent online banking login page that mimics the real bank login page.
In some cases you may receive an authorisation code and be asked to input it on screen to ‘reactivate your account’ or ‘cancel a fraudulent payment’ – however this actually gives the fraudster access to your account.
If you receive a fraudulent call the number may mimic the genuine number of the bank. If you find yourself on a suspicious call, the fraudster will try to get personal, financial and security information.
The fraudster may imply that if you don’t act immediately, it will have negative consequences, for example, that money will be lost from your account.
The fraudster may even advise you to delete your mobile banking app or ask you not to log into your bank accounts for a period of time. In order to make you believe this instruction is genuine you may receive multiple calls advising there is a delay in receiving your ‘new’ online banking log in details to keep you away from your account.
 Question
Can you tell me about the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as Clare's Law?
Answer
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme gives members of the public a formal mechanism to make enquires about an individual who they are in a relationship with or who is in a relationship with someone they know where there is a concern that the individual may be violent towards their partner. This information may be disclosed via a request from a member of the public (Right to Ask) or be initiated by the police where a proactive decision is made to disclose information in order to protect a potential victim (Right to Know).
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