Canvey councillor left shaken as thug attacks family home

2:10pm Thursday 22nd November 2012 in Local News

Unprovoked attack - boarded up windows at Ray Howard's home. Unprovoked attack - boarded up windows at Ray Howard's home.

A VETERAN Canvey councillor has spoken up for police after he became the latest victim of crime on the island.

Ray Howard praised Essex Police for their swift response after a "crazed maniac" launched bricks through his windows last Sunday evening.

Mr Howard, who is a county, borough and town councillor, was left severely shaken up after a thug smashed the windows in his lounge, porch, kitchen and front door, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Armed police officers, who happened to be attending a robbery at Canvey Amusements, in Furtherwick Road at the time, were on the scene in minutes to apprehend the man in question.

Mr Howard said: “I was working in my office on Sunday evening and heard these loud bangs, but just assumed it was my neighbour carrying out work.

“So I went outside and this raving lunatic was throwing great big bricks through my windows. I am still really shaken up about it, but fortunately the police were tremendous and were there in seconds. I am grateful to them for their efforts and to my friends and family for their support.

“But if I hadn’t have been home he could have completely demolished my home. It is frustrating that people keep claiming we are one of the safest places to live and crime is going down when everything I hear and learn about suggests otherwise.”

Comments (18)

2:36pm Thu 22 Nov 12

InTheKnowOk says...

Thousands of pounds? ... The glass needs replacing not the whole windows.
Thousands of pounds? ... The glass needs replacing not the whole windows. InTheKnowOk

3:30pm Thu 22 Nov 12

AndyBSG says...

InTheKnowOk wrote:
Thousands of pounds? ... The glass needs replacing not the whole windows.
You've obviously not tried to get the glass replaced in double glazed windows lately.

That big glass front door in the picture will cost a couple of hundred quid alone.

report doesn't actually say whether they caught the person responsible, only that they were on the scene quickly.
[quote][p][bold]InTheKnowOk[/bold] wrote: Thousands of pounds? ... The glass needs replacing not the whole windows.[/p][/quote]You've obviously not tried to get the glass replaced in double glazed windows lately. That big glass front door in the picture will cost a couple of hundred quid alone. report doesn't actually say whether they caught the person responsible, only that they were on the scene quickly. AndyBSG

4:06pm Thu 22 Nov 12

Curbishly says...

"report doesn't actually say whether they caught the person responsible, only that they were on the scene quickly".

Read the article again.

It states;- "were on the scene in minutes to apprehend the man in question".
"report doesn't actually say whether they caught the person responsible, only that they were on the scene quickly". Read the article again. It states;- "were on the scene in minutes to apprehend the man in question". Curbishly

4:42pm Thu 22 Nov 12

Eric Whim says...

something might get done about it now it's affected a councillor...
something might get done about it now it's affected a councillor... Eric Whim

4:55pm Thu 22 Nov 12

Brunning999 says...

Well done Essex Police BUT we need preventative Policing NOT fire brigade policing.

Ray Howard should be shouting more about Police Budget cuts of 20% and the consequences of having NO preventative Policing.
Well done Essex Police BUT we need preventative Policing NOT fire brigade policing. Ray Howard should be shouting more about Police Budget cuts of 20% and the consequences of having NO preventative Policing. Brunning999

4:55pm Thu 22 Nov 12

upset says...

marshman wrote:
'throwing great big bricks through my windows'

Sounds like something we'd all love to do.
Just about your limit Marshman, come on tell us all on here what Ray has done to you for this type of comment?

Are you related to the lunatic who was throwing the bricks?
[quote][p][bold]marshman[/bold] wrote: 'throwing great big bricks through my windows' Sounds like something we'd all love to do.[/p][/quote]Just about your limit Marshman, come on tell us all on here what Ray has done to you for this type of comment? Are you related to the lunatic who was throwing the bricks? upset

5:06pm Thu 22 Nov 12

Mixed Pickles says...

Eric Whim wrote:
something might get done about it now it's affected a councillor...
As loath as I am to say so, you are probably right.
[quote][p][bold]Eric Whim[/bold] wrote: something might get done about it now it's affected a councillor...[/p][/quote]As loath as I am to say so, you are probably right. Mixed Pickles

5:10pm Thu 22 Nov 12

marshman says...

upset wrote:
marshman wrote: 'throwing great big bricks through my windows' Sounds like something we'd all love to do.
Just about your limit Marshman, come on tell us all on here what Ray has done to you for this type of comment? Are you related to the lunatic who was throwing the bricks?
Why call him a lunatic?

But I don't mean Ray deserves it and it's not the sort of action I would encourage. Truth is we go back more years than I care to remember and I've always gotten on with him.

It's just that politicians at all levels and from all parties sooner or later make everyone feel like throwing things (and if they don't you're not being honest with yourself). When someone does give vent to their frustration they're labelled a lunatic and hauled away by an armed response unit.

Come the revolution tovarich ...
[quote][p][bold]upset[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]marshman[/bold] wrote: 'throwing great big bricks through my windows' Sounds like something we'd all love to do.[/p][/quote]Just about your limit Marshman, come on tell us all on here what Ray has done to you for this type of comment? Are you related to the lunatic who was throwing the bricks?[/p][/quote]Why call him a lunatic? But I don't mean Ray deserves it and it's not the sort of action I would encourage. Truth is we go back more years than I care to remember and I've always gotten on with him. It's just that politicians at all levels and from all parties sooner or later make everyone feel like throwing things (and if they don't you're not being honest with yourself). When someone does give vent to their frustration they're labelled a lunatic and hauled away by an armed response unit. Come the revolution tovarich ... marshman

6:29pm Thu 22 Nov 12

leslog says...

forget the flippant comments this kind of thing must be dealt with strongly everyone would be in shock if it happened to them no matter who they are
forget the flippant comments this kind of thing must be dealt with strongly everyone would be in shock if it happened to them no matter who they are leslog

6:34pm Thu 22 Nov 12

John T Pharro says...

marshman wrote:
upset wrote:
marshman wrote: 'throwing great big bricks through my windows' Sounds like something we'd all love to do.
Just about your limit Marshman, come on tell us all on here what Ray has done to you for this type of comment? Are you related to the lunatic who was throwing the bricks?
Why call him a lunatic?

But I don't mean Ray deserves it and it's not the sort of action I would encourage. Truth is we go back more years than I care to remember and I've always gotten on with him.

It's just that politicians at all levels and from all parties sooner or later make everyone feel like throwing things (and if they don't you're not being honest with yourself). When someone does give vent to their frustration they're labelled a lunatic and hauled away by an armed response unit.

Come the revolution tovarich ...
This will upset you "upset" have already sent Councillor Howard an email offering sympathy as this is not acceptable.
However, he was lucky the armed police were on Canvet and apparently arrested someone.
There is actually a meeting tomorrow with the incoming Police Commissioner (source Councillor Howard's replying email). As I have already asked our MP and the Police Commissioner to meet him she has not expressed support and he has not replied.
Now I thought the whole point of having a Police Commisioner was to engage the public it looks like it will be just a political input. I don't care who goes as a member of the public, but surely if any member of the public offered their help don't you think one should be there?
[quote][p][bold]marshman[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]upset[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]marshman[/bold] wrote: 'throwing great big bricks through my windows' Sounds like something we'd all love to do.[/p][/quote]Just about your limit Marshman, come on tell us all on here what Ray has done to you for this type of comment? Are you related to the lunatic who was throwing the bricks?[/p][/quote]Why call him a lunatic? But I don't mean Ray deserves it and it's not the sort of action I would encourage. Truth is we go back more years than I care to remember and I've always gotten on with him. It's just that politicians at all levels and from all parties sooner or later make everyone feel like throwing things (and if they don't you're not being honest with yourself). When someone does give vent to their frustration they're labelled a lunatic and hauled away by an armed response unit. Come the revolution tovarich ...[/p][/quote]This will upset you "upset" have already sent Councillor Howard an email offering sympathy as this is not acceptable. However, he was lucky the armed police were on Canvet and apparently arrested someone. There is actually a meeting tomorrow with the incoming Police Commissioner (source Councillor Howard's replying email). As I have already asked our MP and the Police Commissioner to meet him she has not expressed support and he has not replied. Now I thought the whole point of having a Police Commisioner was to engage the public it looks like it will be just a political input. I don't care who goes as a member of the public, but surely if any member of the public offered their help don't you think one should be there? John T Pharro

6:42pm Thu 22 Nov 12

upset says...

John T Pharro wrote:
marshman wrote:
upset wrote:
marshman wrote: 'throwing great big bricks through my windows' Sounds like something we'd all love to do.
Just about your limit Marshman, come on tell us all on here what Ray has done to you for this type of comment? Are you related to the lunatic who was throwing the bricks?
Why call him a lunatic?

But I don't mean Ray deserves it and it's not the sort of action I would encourage. Truth is we go back more years than I care to remember and I've always gotten on with him.

It's just that politicians at all levels and from all parties sooner or later make everyone feel like throwing things (and if they don't you're not being honest with yourself). When someone does give vent to their frustration they're labelled a lunatic and hauled away by an armed response unit.

Come the revolution tovarich ...
This will upset you "upset" have already sent Councillor Howard an email offering sympathy as this is not acceptable.
However, he was lucky the armed police were on Canvet and apparently arrested someone.
There is actually a meeting tomorrow with the incoming Police Commissioner (source Councillor Howard's replying email). As I have already asked our MP and the Police Commissioner to meet him she has not expressed support and he has not replied.
Now I thought the whole point of having a Police Commisioner was to engage the public it looks like it will be just a political input. I don't care who goes as a member of the public, but surely if any member of the public offered their help don't you think one should be there?
Hang on John people will think we are friends if we keep agreeing like this.
[quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]marshman[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]upset[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]marshman[/bold] wrote: 'throwing great big bricks through my windows' Sounds like something we'd all love to do.[/p][/quote]Just about your limit Marshman, come on tell us all on here what Ray has done to you for this type of comment? Are you related to the lunatic who was throwing the bricks?[/p][/quote]Why call him a lunatic? But I don't mean Ray deserves it and it's not the sort of action I would encourage. Truth is we go back more years than I care to remember and I've always gotten on with him. It's just that politicians at all levels and from all parties sooner or later make everyone feel like throwing things (and if they don't you're not being honest with yourself). When someone does give vent to their frustration they're labelled a lunatic and hauled away by an armed response unit. Come the revolution tovarich ...[/p][/quote]This will upset you "upset" have already sent Councillor Howard an email offering sympathy as this is not acceptable. However, he was lucky the armed police were on Canvet and apparently arrested someone. There is actually a meeting tomorrow with the incoming Police Commissioner (source Councillor Howard's replying email). As I have already asked our MP and the Police Commissioner to meet him she has not expressed support and he has not replied. Now I thought the whole point of having a Police Commisioner was to engage the public it looks like it will be just a political input. I don't care who goes as a member of the public, but surely if any member of the public offered their help don't you think one should be there?[/p][/quote]Hang on John people will think we are friends if we keep agreeing like this. upset

6:57pm Thu 22 Nov 12

John T Pharro says...

Worse you might have to change your opninion of me. Oh let's not get silly. The out of hand crime on Canvey is far too important.
Worse you might have to change your opninion of me. Oh let's not get silly. The out of hand crime on Canvey is far too important. John T Pharro

7:04pm Thu 22 Nov 12

EssexPerson says...

"Armed police on scene within minutes" wow.....lucky him, when I had my windows smashed it took 2 months for an Officer to turn up and then it was a PCSO who was only armed with a pen and paper, who said "I've asked the neighbours and took a look around but have no information". Guess I'm not as important as a councillor.
:(
"Armed police on scene within minutes" wow.....lucky him, when I had my windows smashed it took 2 months for an Officer to turn up and then it was a PCSO who was only armed with a pen and paper, who said "I've asked the neighbours and took a look around but have no information". Guess I'm not as important as a councillor. :( EssexPerson

8:46pm Thu 22 Nov 12

Olivia2847 says...

A reality check as to what is happening all around you Councillor .....
A reality check as to what is happening all around you Councillor ..... Olivia2847

6:38am Fri 23 Nov 12

upset says...

John T Pharro wrote:
Worse you might have to change your opninion of me. Oh let's not get silly. The out of hand crime on Canvey is far too important.
And you of me!!!!
[quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: Worse you might have to change your opninion of me. Oh let's not get silly. The out of hand crime on Canvey is far too important.[/p][/quote]And you of me!!!! upset

8:47am Fri 23 Nov 12

AndyBSG says...

Curbishly wrote:
"report doesn't actually say whether they caught the person responsible, only that they were on the scene quickly".

Read the article again.

It states;- "were on the scene in minutes to apprehend the man in question".
Yes, it says they were on the scene to apprehend the man... It doesn't say anywhere if they succeeded or that anyone was arrested.
[quote][p][bold]Curbishly[/bold] wrote: "report doesn't actually say whether they caught the person responsible, only that they were on the scene quickly". Read the article again. It states;- "were on the scene in minutes to apprehend the man in question".[/p][/quote]Yes, it says they were on the scene to apprehend the man... It doesn't say anywhere if they succeeded or that anyone was arrested. AndyBSG

5:45pm Fri 23 Nov 12

John T Pharro says...

upset wrote:
John T Pharro wrote:
Worse you might have to change your opninion of me. Oh let's not get silly. The out of hand crime on Canvey is far too important.
And you of me!!!!
And guess what? Still no reply to my emails to the Police Commissioner. So no member of the public at the meeting.
Councillor David Blackwell wasn't invited either and be is leader of the opposition and has the majority of Councillors on Canvey. Only Councillor Howard, as far as I am aware was invited.
Sounds very political to me and just to rub it in the photo in the "Echo" of the Police Commissioner was taken two weeks ago when he was canvassing for votes. Not as implied Thursday.
[quote][p][bold]upset[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: Worse you might have to change your opninion of me. Oh let's not get silly. The out of hand crime on Canvey is far too important.[/p][/quote]And you of me!!!![/p][/quote]And guess what? Still no reply to my emails to the Police Commissioner. So no member of the public at the meeting. Councillor David Blackwell wasn't invited either and be is leader of the opposition and has the majority of Councillors on Canvey. Only Councillor Howard, as far as I am aware was invited. Sounds very political to me and just to rub it in the photo in the "Echo" of the Police Commissioner was taken two weeks ago when he was canvassing for votes. Not as implied Thursday. John T Pharro

4:31pm Wed 28 Nov 12

runwellian says...

Canvey is one of the the safest place to live ... what planet does this plonker live on?

Doesn't Mr Howard read the news ... even on this page alone there is concern about break in, theft etc.

Ray Howard will go anywhere for a picture / report opportunity but what has he actually done to reduce crime rates on Canvey .... and why because he is a councillor does he feel he should be exempt from the low life around him?
Canvey is one of the the safest place to live ... what planet does this plonker live on? Doesn't Mr Howard read the news ... even on this page alone there is concern about break in, theft etc. Ray Howard will go anywhere for a picture / report opportunity but what has he actually done to reduce crime rates on Canvey .... and why because he is a councillor does he feel he should be exempt from the low life around him? runwellian

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