Neighbourhood Watch

Friday 27th 11.03
Good morning,

Please note that between 2030hrs and 2056hrs on Weds 25th June there was a theft of diesel at a commercial premises in Martley.

Unknown person(s) entered the yard of the premises, broke off two padlocks from a bulk diesel fuel tank and filled 6 large cans. These cans have then been carried across Pudford Lane to a vehicle parked on the opposite side of the road. Their vehicle was then loaded with the stolen diesel and driven away.

If you have seen anything suspicious or possibly related, please call it through to the call centre, via the switchboard on 08457 444888, quoting the incident reference number (710-S-250608)

For any of you who store fuel on your premises, please be mindful of security and take any reasonable measures to secure your fuel (easier said than done, I know..).

Thank you.

Friday 27th 11.50am
Good morning,

Many of you will be aware that in a large proportion of Bogus Caller / Distraction Burglary type offences, the offenders often claim to be from "the Water Board". Firstly, there are no longer any "Water Boards" and haven't been any since 1989 (so anyone using the phrase "Water Board" should be viewed with suspicion).

The purpose of this message is to make you aware of a telephone number that can be used in the area covered by Severn Trent - 0800 783 4444 - this number can be used by the public to check the identity of any "water company" doorstep caller. Please share this with your members, especially the more elderly or vulnerable ones who often get targeted by these people, and encourage them to use this service if called by such a person.

Tuesday 08th April 11.35

The following message is circulated to all areas within South Worcestershire, as the below vehicles may turn up anywhere within South Worcestershire (and beyond).

Please note that there have recently been a number of thefts of Catalytic Converters from cars, mainly from garage forecourts. It is believed they are stolen for their metal content. We have had reports from elsewhere in the country of car batteries being stolen, again possibly for their metal content. We have had some batteries stolen, which may tie in with this.

Possibly in connection with the above (and other incidents of interest)
we would be interested in any sightings of the following vehicles:

White and green Isuzu drop side lorry reg S873UNM -
seen possibly touting for scrap in the Uckinghall area.

White Fiat panel van reg W594WDF -
occupants of this vehicle seen removing used car batteries from
Startin Honda garage, Bransford Road, Worcester.

White Transit van reg P984XFT -
seen hanging around a garage in Droitwich.

If there are any sighting of the above, please call them in to the Call Centre, via the switchboard on 08457 444888, preferably with description(s) of any occupant(s). In an emergency, (e.g. if these vehicles occupants are seen committing a criminal act) dial 999.

Monday 1st April 2008 11.35        

POLICE APPEAL AFTER METAL THEFT IN DROITWICH
Police are appealing for information after copper piping was stolen from a building site in Droitwich on Sunday night (30^th March) or in the early hours of Monday morning (31^st March).

The break in at the new health centre site in Saltway was discovered at about 8am yesterday. Officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the location or saw anyone taking metal from the site. The offenders may have used a vehicle to transport the haul..  West Mercia Constabulary launched Project Livewire last summer to tackle the growing trend of metal theft across the region. The global price increase of certain metals such as copper and lead means criminals are trying to find more varied ways to get their hands on it. Thieves have been taking road signs, lead flashing from schools and churches, and even drain covers. 

A total of 80 arrests have been made since the start of Project Livewire and police are continuing to work with neighbouring forces and other agencies to stop the metal thefts. Part of the initiative involves officers visiting scrapyards and checking records, as well as encouraging businesses to be licensed.   

Acting Detective Inspector Mark Stringer, from West Mercia Constabulary’s Force Intelligence Bureau, said: “Metal thefts only account for about one per cent of total crime for the force, however it is a problem which is on the rise and a large theft from a company premises could put them out of business and mean the loss of jobs and livelihoods".

“We want the public to call us with information if they see metal being stolen or have information about someone trying to sell metal in suspicious circumstances. This is not only a problem in the West Mercia area but across the country. Some of the larger thefts are carried out by organised criminal groups operating at a national level, although we have recorded a number of opportunistic crimes".

“We are determined to arrest and prosecute offenders who handle stolen metal and those who appear before the courts can also expect to have their assets seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.” 

Anyone with information about the Droitwich break in can call 08457 444888 and quote ref 0077S310308.  If you wish to make an anonymous call about metal theft please ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Wednesday 5th March 15.30

Theft from Motorvehicle - crime prevention advice
A timely reminder from a Co-ordinator who was aware that there was some crime in his area. A Peugeot 407 in Bredon had the rear window smashed and a laptop stolen. The simple message is DON'T LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR. Possibly linked to this is a attempt at a house in Brasenose Road, Bredon when some beading was removed from a double glazed window in an effort to gain entry. Time to review house security I think - back gates sheds etc.

Worcester Armed Robbery - ois 238-S-050308
At around 12:30pm on Wednesday 5th March 2008 at Barclays Bank, Malvern Road, Worcester Police attended following reports of a robbery. The offender was described as a white male 6' with a black long sleeved jacket and ill fitting blue jeans. There will be police doing enquiries in the area over the next few days but for those who live around Bedwardine and St Johns area of Worcester did anyone see anything or anyone. Was there a car or motorcyle around the area.

Suspect Vehicle ois 232-S-050308
Please look out for a red LDV tipper registration number R48DVM seen around Droitwich and Pershore and up to no good. Seen especially in the more rural locations perhaps picking up scrap metal. Would be lovely to find where it is.

If you know anything call 08457 444888

Monday 03rd February 14.12

Distraction Burglaries - Wychavon

South Worcestershire Police have issued a warning after two distraction burglaries in the Wychavon area.
.In both incidents the offender posed a ‘Water Board’ officials.

The first incident took place in Apple Tree Walk, Ombersley, at around 1200 on February 29.Two men knocked at the door of the address and said that the house next door had a blockage and they needed to turn the water off.  The victim - an elderly woman - was then asked to turn the taps on in the kitchen. One of the men waited in the kitchen while the other went upstairs. The pair then left the house and the victim discovered she had had watches and other jewellery stolen. The offenders were both described as white and are thought to have left in a vehicle.

The second incident took place at around 1425 at an address in Rynall Place, Evesham, on the same day.Two men came to the back of the house, through the back garden. One of the men then knocked at the door and said they were from the ‘Water Board’ and had to turn off the water to do repairs to next door.The man then entered the kitchen and ran the kitchen tap, also looking under the sink, pretending to turn the water off. The elderly female victim asked the man to leave but it is unsure if the other man entered the house at any time. Nothing was taken during the incident.

A police spokeswoman said: “In both cases these callous criminals preyed on vulnerable, elderly people on their own.

“Officers would like to warn people that there is no such thing as the Water Board - a common trick used by these type of offenders - and if callers work for a water company it will have a specific name and all this information will be on their identity card.

“People should never be afraid to ask callers for identification and check with the company concerned if they are not convinced the caller is genuine. If you are in any doubt don’t let them into your home.  A legitimate caller will not mind waiting outside while you check their identification out properly.”

West Mercia Police are working hard to raise awareness about distraction burglaries and how people can protect themselves through its Knock Knock campaign.
Neighbours, friends and relatives are also asked to keep an eye on those they think may be at risk and advise them on how to stay safe.

Anyone with any information that may help police track down these offenders should call
08457 444 888, quoting 627/S/290208 for the Ombersley incident and 376/S/290208 for the Evesham offence.

Monday 29th February 15.15

White Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van X536UTU  - we need to find this van

The above vehicle was responsible for a make off at Pershore Motors, High Street, Pershore between 10:00 hrs and 10:15 hrs on 28 Feb 08. Offenders have filled up containers in the back of the vehicle with diesel to the value of £114. (They are filling up drums in the van)
CCTV shows a short figure going to the sliding side door, enquiries with staff suggest the offenders are black males x2.

Prior to the above, the vehicle went to three other locations, as follows.

[1] 09:11hrs 28th ois £107.19p litres diesel, Tolladine Service Station.
[2] 09:42hrs, 28th, ois £128.66p of diesel, BP Garage, Whittington Road.
[3] 09:50hrs 28th, ois  £99.85p of diesel, Tesco Express, London Road.
This vehicle was also involved in a make off at:

[1] Sheffield Service Station, Lichfield Road, Walsall,
[2] Millfields Service Station, Wolverhampton
[3] Somerfield Essentials, Wolverhampton
Now thats a lot of diesel!!

Monday 25th February 12.03

Distraction Burglary  - sponsorship - it could happen anywhere
Church Street, Malvern.
At 16.30hrs on Wednesday 20.02.08 a 90yr old female victim answered the door to a male requesting sponsorship for a swim in aid of Epilepsy. She agreed to sponsor him and invited him into the dining room and gave him a £10 note to which he has given her £5 change in £1 coins.

She has then completed the sponsorship form and he has asked her for a drink. She has left him alone in the dining room with her bag whilst going to the kitchen and fetched him a glass of water. He drank the water, thanked her for her time and left the property. Victim then started putting her shopping away and has noticed that her purse was missing.

Possibly linked to.....
Worcester Rd, Malvern.
At 18.45hrs on Tuesday 19.02.08 an elderly female was approached at her home address by a smartly dressed male requesting sponsorship for a swim. The victim invited the male inside. That same male told a neighbour that he was the victim's grandson.

Theft of metal - where is the van
Between 11:00 hrs and 11:10 hrs on 20 February 20008 an unknown person has entered a yard in. Kidderminster Road, Droitwich while open to the public. He drove his vehicle into a part of the warehouse to which he did not have access having entered that part he then loaded a number of rolls of the lead onto his van.The suspect has then driven away in the vehicle without paying.

The vehicle was:White Transit short wheel base type van with no sign writing, no glass in the back doors, old looking like an original Transit bearing the vrm V884FAH  This registration number is believed to be false and from a different vehicle.

FARMERS
Rise in the number of diesel thefts being reported across the southern County please be warned.

Martley Police Surgery

Voice your concerns on the issues that matter to you, in your community. Your opinions will help formulate our priorities for Martley and the way we work in co-ordination with partner organisations for resolving community issues.  Police surgeries are held every fourth Monday of the month (Jan 28th, Feb 28^th & Mar 24^th) 3:00 to 5:00pm at Martley weighbridge.  Alternatively, you can email Martley’s new policing team of PC Andy HOOD and CSO Matt SMITH at martley.lpt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk.

THE MALVERN HILLS POLICE & COMMUNITY CONSULTATIVE GROUP

INVITE YOU TO A PUBLIC MEETING at THE MALVERN ST JAMES COLLEGE
(On Avenue Rd opposite Great Malvern Railway Station)

WEDNESDAY 26th March 2008     Coffee at 7p.m.

MEETING 7.30pm to 9.30pm

If you value the opportunity to participate in frank and open discussion with your local police team this is it. The Police Authority is seeking to make radical changes which if implemented will reduce the opportunity for such face to face discussion about law and order where you live or work. Come along and let them know what you think – use it or lose it!

Monday 03/12/2007 10:32
Good morning,

Please note that there have been a number of burglaries reported over the weekend on Malvern Hills.

There were two, presumably related, burglaries reported at two separate addresses on Westmere, Hanley Swan. The first - incident ref 638-S-021207 - was between 1245hrs and 1915hrs on 2nd December. Jewellery and ornaments were stolen.
The second - incident ref 681-S-021207 - was between 1430hrs and 2030hrs on 2nd December. Jewellery was stolen.

In Martley there was a burglary between 2330hrs on Fri 30th Nov and 1100hrs on Sun 2nd Dec at an address off Church Lane. Electronic items and jewellery were stolen. Incident ref 273-S-021207.

Finally in Malvern there was a burglary at an address in Yates Hay Road, between 0100hrs and 0915hrs on 2nd December, but nothing seems to have been stolen from the address.

If you or your neighbours have seen anything suspicious or possibly related, please call it through to the call centre, via the switchboard on 08457 444888, quoting the incident reference number (see above)

Wednesday 07/11/2007 08.43
Good morning,

Four Vehicles Used In Group 4 Securicor Burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after four vehicles - all believed to be stolen - were used in a burglary at a Group 4 Securicor (G4S) depot on Berry Hill Industrial Estate, Droitwich on Guy Fawkes Night.
CCTV shows as many as seven hooded people were involved in the incident, after which they drove off in two dark-coloured Audi high-performance cars with a substantial, but as yet unknown, amount of money. No-one was threatened or injured in the incident.
South Worcestershire detectives want to hear from anyone who saw the four vehicles - a green Land-Rover Discovery, a silver Mitsubishi Shogun and the two Audi high-performance cars - at, or near, the estate before or after the burglary, which occurred at approximately 2039 hours on 5^th November.

"We know that the two 4x4s were stolen from the Redditch area and believe that the two Audi vehicles will also have been taken illegally," said Det. Ch. Insp. Jerry Reakes-Williams, who is leading the investigation.
The green Land-Rover Discovery - bearing a registration number from Harrogate, North Yorkshire - was taken from Pratts Lane, Mappleborough Green, Redditch between 2330 and 2359 hours on 4^th November and the Shogun from The Slough, near Redditch between 1700 hours on 27^th October and 0700 hours on 28^th October.

"It is likely that both of these Worcestershire-based vehicles will have been kept somewhere in the local area after being stolen. If anyone believes they have information about where they have been - or may have been - we would like to hear from them," added DCI Reakes-Williams.

Officers are trying to determine where the two dark-coloured Audi vehicles originate from. The number-plate of one - believed to be an RS4 Quattro estate - shows the registration details of a vehicle that was in Bromley, Kent at the time, while the second vehicle's number- plate was not seen on CCTV.

DCI Reakes-Williams added: "The four vehicles arrived at the G4S premises within a few second of each other, so could have been seen travelling in convoy or parked up near-by in readiness. We are hopeful that someone will have noticed them at some point and may have information useful to the enquiry."

Anyone with information - no matter how un-important they think it might be - should call police on 08457 444 888, quoting 702S/051107. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Tuesday 30/10/2007 12.47
Good morning,

Please note the press release below. This may be of special interest to Land Rover owners and farmers.

Land-Rovers And Tractor Stolen In £15,000 Thefts

Two Land-Rovers and a tractor - worth a total of £15,000 - were stolen in three separate incidents in South Worcestershire between 26^th and 28^th October.  Police are not directly linking the thefts, but officers are keeping an open mind that there could ultimately be a connection. Taken were:

"None of these offences appear to be random thefts and each of the vehicles could have been chosen to order," said a police spokesman.

"It is comparatively rare for these types of vehicles to be targeted, so there could be some direct connection. At this point, however, we are keeping our options open as they could be coincidental."

Thursday 25/10/2007 10.25
Good morning,

Please note that we are interested in sightings of a suspicious vehicle seen in the Martley area attending addresses/farms looking for scrap. The vehicle in question is a burgundy coloured Ford Transit van, reg W802XDA with an orange beacon on the top. The driver was male (no description available) and on this occasion had a female passenger (described as aged mid 20's and with blond hair). Please mention this to your members and if any sightings of this vehicle are made, please call it in to the call centre, via the switchboard on 08457 444888 (obviously in an emergency, e.g. a crime in progress, dial 999).

Monday 15/10/.2007 15.44
Good afternoon,

Please note that there have been reports of a distraction burglary and a "sneak in" burglary in the Teme Valley area in the last week.

On 11th October, there were incidents at both an address in Berrington Road, Tenbury Wells (white male, mid 20's wearing jeans, light coloured jacket and gloves, talked his way in on the pretext of a "flood in the area" and stole cash from the house -- incident ref 384-S-111007) and an address in St Peters Drive, Martley (where person or persons unknown have sneaked in while the resident was asleep between 1200 and 1300hrs and stolen cash and a pension card - incident ref 697-S-111007).

Please mention this to your members and if you or they have seen anything suspicious or possibly related, please call it through to the call centre, via the switchboard on 08457 444888, quoting the incident reference number (see above).

Once again, please remind your members about the importance of not letting people into their houses without checking ID, and to not allow themselves to be rushed into letting people in on the pretext of some emergency (flood/bust pipe/gas leak etc).

Monday 12.00 15/10/2007
Good morning,

I have been away on leave for the last two weeks, but please note that in my absence a suspicious vehicle has been seen in the Teme Valley area - please note it is a blue Ford Transit panel van, reg Y709BHP.  If you make any sightings please report it to the call centre, via the switchboard on 08457 444888.
Also, separate to the above, please note the press release below.
Adrian Symonds
Neighbourhood Watch Administrator

Bogus 'Deaf-And-Dumb' Callers Alert

South Worcestershire Police have warned residents to be wary of door-step approaches from a man and woman of Eastern European origin both pretending to be 'deaf and dumb' - either begging for cash or trying to sell pictures.
The alert comes after officers have dealt with calls from occupants of four addresses in the Tenbury Wells area.
Two involved a lone fair-haired woman at Rochford at 1301 hours on 9^th September and Stockton-on-Teme at 1924 hours on 4^th October. The other two involved a man, both in Mamble, one at 2144 hours on 4^th October and one at 0006 hours 5^th October.

"We have spoken to the individuals concerned and ascertained that they are not 'deaf-and dumb' as they claim," said a police spokesman.  "They have been given suitable advice about what they were doing, but could choose to ignore it and return, or do the same thing elsewhere. We strongly urge residents not to be taken in by their disability claims."

If anyone is approached, they should call police on 08457 444 888, quoting 523-s-090907. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Mon 17/09/2007 14:32
Good afternoon,

This message is going to all areas of South Worcestershire, as many of the below incidents may be linked, and are spread area-wide.

Please note that a relatively high number of burglaries (including "distraction burglaries") and attempted burglaries have taken place across South Worcestershire over the weekend. They are in differing locations and have employed differing Modus Operandi, so they are not all linked to each other, although many of the below may well be linked to several others below. One of the distractions is of an especially serious nature - see the Nunnery Ave, Droitwich incident below.

Firstly, on a slightly different theme (although, again, possibly related to some of the below) all areas should be aware of a suspicious van that has been seen in various areas (and reported by Neighbourhood Watch in those areas - thank you to those NW schemes involved). The van has been seen acting suspiciously, especially around premises where horses are stabled. The vehicle is a white Ford Transit van, reg 01M05554. If you have any sighting of this vehicle (suspicious or otherwise), please  call it through to the call centre, via the switchboard, on 08457 444888. (Obviously, if a crime is in progress dial 999 instead.)

Burglaries etc:

Worcester

Between 1845-2100hrs on 16th Sept there was an attempted burglary at an address on Droitwich Road, Worcester (Incident ref 821-S-160907).

Between 1330-1940hrs on 15th Sept there was a burglary at an address on Blackpole Road, Worcester (Incident ref 744-S-150907).

At approx 2245hrs on 14th Sept there was an attempted burglary at an address on Saddlers Walk, Worcester (Incident ref 239-S-150907).

Between 1800hrs and 2000hrs on 14th Sept there was a distraction burglary at an address on Foley Road, St Johns, Worcester. (Two males claiming to be from the "Water Board" and the Council gained entry to the premises. They showed - presumably false - Identification. One kept the victim talking while the other presumably stole items from within the house. After they left it was discovered that £2000 cash had been stolen. No descriptions of the males is available. Incident ref 694-S-140907.)

Malvern Hills

There was a distraction burglary at an address on Madresfield Rd, Malvern between 1700-1730hrs on 14th Sept. Again the men claimed to be from the "Water Board" and gained entry. The victim became suspicious and asked the men to leave, which they did, but it seems they still managed to make off with a quantity of cash. Descriptions - first male, white, teenaged, "scruffy", black clothes, Irish accent, black hair and second male late 20's, "taller and smarter" than first male casual wear.(Incident ref 546-S-140907.)

Between 1900hrs on 13th and 1300hrs on 16th Sept there was a burglary at a vacant address in Holt Heath. Nothing was taken. (Incident ref 396-S-160907.)

Between 1945-2030hrs on 14th Sept there was a burglary at an address in Apple Orchard Close, Malvern - a push bike was stolen. (Incident ref 706-S-140907.)

Wychavon

Between 1330-1915hrs on 16th Sept there was a burglary at an address on Hanbury Road, Droitwich. Jewellery was stolen. (Incident ref 714-S-160907.)

Between 1530-1630hrs on 15th Sept there was a burglary at an address in Waresley Court Road, Hartlebury. A purse and a wallet containing cash were stolen. (Incident ref 636-S-150907.)

Between 0800-2020hrs on 15th Sept there was a burglary at an address on De Wyche Road, Wychbold. Jewellery was taken. (Incident ref 759-S-150907.)

At approx 2040hrs on 14th Sept there was a burglary at an address in Miller Street, Droitwich. The victim was asleep in the bedroom and was awoken by a male (described as white, in his 20's, approximately, 5'8" tall, fair short hair, wearing navy clothing with his sleeves rolled up) who entered the bedroom. He grabbed her handbag and made off. (Incident ref 722-S-140907.)

At approx 1600hrs on 15th Sept there was a distraction burglary at an address on Nunnery Ave, Droitwich. (The victim was at home alone when a male knocked at the door. He showed some identity and stated that he needed to make an inspection as there had been an explosion. The victim told him to go away and slammed the door. Minutes later the same male appeared in the lounge having levered open a locked UPVC kitchen window. He was told to leave but he proceeded to physically restrain the victim to prevent the victim leaving the room. Two other males then appeared from the kitchen and went upstairs. A short while later all three males left. They had also unplugged the telephone to prevent the victim from calling the police. £700 cash was stolen. (Incident ref 593-S-150907.)

Between 1830-2215hrs on 14th Sept there was a burglary at an address on Hillside Close, Upton Snodsbury. It is unclear if anything was stolen at this time. (Incident ref 823-S-140907.)

Between 1930-1955 on 14th Sept there was an attempted burglary at an address in Harvington near Evesham. The resident confronted two males in the garden. They were told to leave and did - no entry was gained. (Incident ref 680-S-140907.)

Apologies for the long message, but in light of the potential links between these incidents from across the area, I thought it appropriate to broadcast all of these incidents together to all areas in the form of one message.

One reminder for you to pass to your members, with regard to the "distraction burglaries", as is often the case the above incidents involve criminals claiming to be from the "Water Board" - please remember that there has been no "Water Board" since 1989 (it is now Severn Trent etc). Also, as the above seemed to involve fake ID cards, please remind your members to check out the ID of a caller by contacting the organisation the caller claims to be from, but to make sure they get the telephone number from the phone book/directory enquiries etc, and not from the callers ID card (as in the past, fake ID has included a fake telephone number that just puts you through to an accomplice...)

Wednesday 5th September 10.18am
Good morning,

This is a message to raise awareness about a series of metal thefts that have started to occur in all areas.  Due to the high value of metal (driven by the booming Chinese economy and resultant steel shortage) there has been an ongoing problem of metal thefts nationwide (including this area) for a year or two now. This has resulted in everything from manhole covers to vehicles being stolen for their metal content.  However, within this there have been a number of metal thefts in our area recently, many of which seem to be linked.  A Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator in Severn Stoke has contacted me this morning to say that two males had visited contractors working on the church there (fitting a new lead roof) asking if they had any scrap - this seems suspicious, especially as there have been large lead thefts in the Hallow area recently, and the two males may have been canvassing the church with a view to going back and stealing some of the lead.  If you happen to have large quantities of metal on your premises please take any reasonable measures to keep it secure. If you see anything suspicious, or witness people enquiring about scrap metal etc, please note the descriptions of the people concerned (sex, age, height, hair colour/length, clothing) and their vehicles (make/model, colour, registration number and direction of travel).  Noting the registration number of suspicious vehicles is critical.

Below are three messages - the first regarding metal theft in Evesham, the second is a copy of a message I put out to Neighbourhood Watch in the Hallow area a few days ago and the third is regarding aluminium/copper thefts in Worcester  - these messages are intended to give you a flavour of the situation.

1) 
Copper and Lead Pipe Stolen From Evesham Home

Scrap copper and lead pipe and roof flashing were stolen from an address in Evesham sometime between August 15^th and 25^th.
The amount of scrap taken and its value is unknown.  Two sets of aluminium builders’ ladders worth £250 were also taken during the incident at Rynal Place.

West Mercia Constabulary have launched Project Livewire to tackle metal thefts across the force area.  A significant increase in global demand for non-ferrous metals has been reflected in significant increases in price and scrap values. This has led to an increase in the number of thefts and criminals are targeting building sites, farms, churches, schools, HGVs and a variety of other sources to steal metal such as copper, aluminium and steel. Items such as pipes, road drain covers and even road signs are being taken.   
Acting Detective Inspector Mark Stringer, from West Mercia Constabulary’s Force Intelligence Bureau, said: “Metal thefts only account for about one per cent of total crime for the force, however it is a problem which is on the rise.  “We want the public to call us with information if they see metal being stolen or have information about someone trying to sell metal in suspicious circumstances. This is not only a problem in the West Mercia area but across the country.”

Anyone with information on the Rynal Place theft should call police on 08457 444 888, quoting 398/S/280807, or Crimestoppers - anonymously - on 0800 555 111.

2
Please note that there have recently been two "metal thefts" from a yard of a roofing contractors in Hallow. The yard in question is opposite Hallow Church, on the main road through Hallow.
The first incident took place between 2115hrs on Weds 22nd Aug and 0800hrs on Thurs 23rd Aug. Person(s) unknown entered the premises causing a considerable amount of damage. They made off with £12000 worth of lead flashing rolls and £1100 worth of both copper and stainless steel nails. The weight of stolen materials would indicate that a vehicle would have been used, and would presumably have been parked in the adjacent field. A yellow and white Ford Transit van (no reg number available) was seen acting suspiciously in the area at the time, and may have been involved. (The reference number for this incident is 117-S-230807.)

The second incident took place between 2115hrs on Tues 28th and 0800hrs on Weds 29th Aug. Again person(s) unknown entered the premises causing damage, and on this occasion made off with £3500 worth of lead. (Incident ref 107-S-290807.)

3
Fork-Lift Truck Used To Steal £5,000 Cable

Thieves used a fork-lift truck to steal £5,000 worth of newly-delivered aluminium and copper cable from a Worcester construction site.  The roll was moved to a secluded part of the Brickfields Road site using the fork-lift before the cable was un-wound and taken away in an un-known vehicle some time between 0001 hours on 30^th August and 0600 hours on 31^st August.
Police, who want to hear from anyone who saw anything at all suspicious at the site between the given times, can be contacted on 08457 444 888, quoting 185S/310807. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Saturday 25th August
Good Morning to you all.

For those of you that I haven't had the pleasure of meeting, my name is Gary Jones.
I am the Local Police Officer for your area, a role I have been carrying out since September 2006.

I cover the areas of Martley, Grimley, Hallow, Holt, Holt Heath, Shrawley, Astley, Dunley, Martley, Wichenford, Kenswick, Abberley, Little Witley, Great Witley, Hill Hampton and Pensax.  Working with me I have Nicholas Prosser who is my CSO and we work within the Malvern Local Policing team, we are working hard to engage the community in all the areas we cover at various levels.  With the new set up in Local Policing we work closely with other partnership agencies to make your lives better.  They include Parish Councils, District Council, County Council, Housing Associations, Highways etc, etc.

In response to feed back from the communities a number of Local Police officers including myself are now trained in the use of the PRO Laser 3 speed detection device which is a very good piece of equipment and readily available should you wish me to attend your area to tackle issues with speeding.

On the area we have a Pub Watch scheme in place which I hope in the next few months will become stronger and more effective and also we have the Farm Watch scheme which has been running for some time and appears to be working well.

On the various areas we have in place PACT (partners and community together) boxes which are located in prominent positions at the following places.  Lady go Stores, Hallow.  Holt Post Office.  Dunley Service Station.  Martley Stores.  Abberley Stores and Great Witley Post Office.

These PACT boxes are an ideal tool for the community to pass on their issues to the Partnership agencies named above, with the boxes we have feed back forms which are collected on a regular basis. The information is collated and then put before a PACT panel to discuss and sort out the best course of action to rectify the situations that arise.  At this time the most regularly used PACT box is the one at Hallow and I would love to see the boxes on the other areas used more frequently, I am sure that people aren't using them because they either don't understand the process or are not comfortable in using them. I would please encourage the community to use the PACT process more frequently as it does work and it has helped us to gain a lot of intelligence and information about the areas we serve.

The Local Policing teams within West Mercia are now more accessible than they have ever been and we can be contacted by phone, in person, via the PACT process and via two email addresses.

Please let me know about any issues you have in your areas and please keep up the good work with passing on any information you have.  Neighbourhood Watch is a two way process and together, hopefully we can all keep the Teme valley safe and happy.

Regards.  Gary Jones.  PC 340.
Local Police Officer.  Martley Parish.
Malvern Police Stn.
Tel. 08457 444888.
Ext. 4324.

POLICE WARN RESIDENTS TO BE ON THEIR GUARD AGAINST BOGUS CALLERS

Worcester Police are investigating a house burglary and an offence of vehicle crime, which may be linked.
Uniform belonging to BT workers was stolen in both incidents.

The burglary at an address in Warndon, Worcester, took place on the night of Tuesday 14^th August or early hours of Wednesday 15^th August. A fleece BT jacket and work ID passes were stolen. The following night between 10pm on Wednesday 15^th August and 6am on Thursday 16^th August, a BT works van had its passenger window smashed. Two BT jackets, one coat and a pair of works trousers were taken from the vehicle which was parked in the area of Blanquettes estate, Worcester.

A police spokesperson said: “We would like to hear from anyone who has information about either of these incidents and would also warn residents who have a visit from someone purporting to be from BT to check ID thoroughly and not let an unexpected callers into your home. Genuine callers will not mind waiting while you verify their credentials.”

West Mercia Constabulary’s Knock Knock campaign has been developed to reduce the number of distraction burglaries committed in the force area. An information leaflet has been produced to provide guidance for individuals on how they can best protect themselves and the more vulnerable members of their community, against distraction crimes.

Distraction burglaries involve criminals posing as genuine callers - they often claim to be from a utility company - who use their skills to gain entry into a person’s home. Once inside, one of the callers distracts the homeowner, while another searches for money and valuable items to steal.

Anyone who has information about the incidents of burglary or vehicle crime or has information about bogus callers in their area should call the Worcester proactive CID team on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.

Many of you will be aware of the ongoing national issue of metal thefts, driven by a worldwide steel shortage, fuelled in turn by the booming Chinese economy.

Within this there have been a series of "manhole" cover thefts. These can be particularly dangerous, often leaving large holes on roads/pavements. We have had a report through Neighbourhood Watch of thefts of manhole covers from "Burnthorn Lane", near Dunley (between Dunley and Stourport, north of the main road). This is believed to have happened at approx 2pm on 13th August, and involved a pair of males in their 20's and a white Fort Transit pickup (possibly "H" Reg) with a silver rear.

We have also had a report yesterday of a similar manhole cover theft from Crossway Green (near the Mitre Oak Public House).

Please remain vigilant and report any similar suspicious incidents to the police (by calling 08457 444888 for anything that you note after the event, or by dialling 999 for any incidents you see in progress).

As an aside, this is also a good example of Neighbourhood Watch in action, alerting the police to something that had otherwise gone unreported - many thanks to those involved for bringing this to our attention.

British Red Cross Warning

Please be aware that there has been an incident in the division where a telephone call has been received supposedly from the British Red Cross. They spoke to the householder and asked if she would like to donate and when she replied yes asked for her bank details. The householder did not give her details ended the call and then phoned the British Red Cross at their head office. The British Red Cross have details of all householders they are in the process of calling and therefore could advise that this incident was an unauthorised call. If you are unsure about a telephone call purporting to be from the British Red Cross please do not give out any bank details and end the call immediately, you can then call the British Red Cross on their supporter care team number which is 0870 170 7999 to ascertain whether the call was genuine or not.

This message brought to you from the Gloucestershire Constabulary.
Our number for non-emergencies 0845 090 1234 - and it is charged at local rate.
Visit the Constabulary website at www.gloucestershire.police.uk

Tuesday 07 August 2007
Good morning,

Please note the press release below.

Search For Blue Transit Van

South Worcestershire Police are searching for a blue Transit van after vehicles matching the description were involved in three incidents in the area.  The van, captured on film by a neighbour’s CCTV, was at Shoulton Farm, Shoulton, Hallow, at around 2110 on 1^st August.  Plastic barrels (between six and eight), and approximately 1,500 gallons of diesel worth £200 were stolen from the site, the barrels were used to store and carry the diesel.

A blue Transit van was also captured on CCTV after an attempted burglary at William Prossers, Hylton Road, Worcester.  The van was seen on the footage at 2038 and 2054 on 1^st August. 

A 10ft piece of steel worth £40 to £50 was taken from an address in Hallow after neighbours reported a blue Transit van on the victim’s drive at around 10am on 31^st July. The theft was discovered when the homeowner returned home at lunchtime.
A police spokeswoman said: “We would like to hear from anyone who saw a blue transit van in any of the areas given around the times of the incidents.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 08457 444 888, quoting 247S/020807 for the first incident, 781S010807 for the second and 630S010807 for the third. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

Monday 06th August 2007
Good morning,

The press release below is from the North Worcestershire Division of West Mercia Police. However, the same people may advertise in South Worcestershire, hence this message coming to you. Please note the message below

Babysitting warning

Detective Sergeant Vikki Reay from North Worcestershire’s Public Protection Unit explains,
“We’ve had calls from several local residents concerned that leaflets delivered through their doors advertising gardening, car washing and domestic work are also advertising babysitting services.
"We know that many working parents struggle with their child care arrangements over the long summer holidays and may be tempted to contact those advertising their services in this way.
“Our advice is to think carefully about who you entrust to look after your children. Ask for help from family or friends you know well or use professionals that you know will have passed the required security checks for caring for children.
“The Family Information Service (Tel: 01905 790560) will also be able to provide full information on how to contact registered child minders etc.”

DS Reay adds, “While we’d encourage anyone with concerns relating to child care issues and general child safety to pass these on to us or social services, we want to reassure parents that there is absolutely no cause for alarm here. We simply want to encourage them to think twice about the safety of their children and alerting parents to the risks of using unqualified carers without CRB checks can only help to protect children better.”

Three Quad-Bikes Stolen - Clifton-on-Teme

Police have warned quad-bike enthusiasts to take extra security measures after three machines - valued at a total of nearly £12,000 - were taken from one location.A red and black £9,000 Polaris ATV800 EFI adult bike and two camouflaged Apache ATV100 'quads' - each valued at £1,400 - were taken from an address in Clifton-on-Teme between 1730 and 2258 hours on 6^th July."These high-value quad-bikes are a prime target for opportunist thieves who are not deterred by the size and shape of what they are stealing and come equipped with vehicles to carry them off and make a speedy exit," said a police spokesman."We urge all quad-bike owners to take another look at where and how they store their machines and up-grade if they believe it necessary. Thieves are extremely resourceful, especially where items such as this are concerned."He also warned the community to be extremely wary of offers of stolen quad-bikes."If anyone is offered one from an unusual source they should be highly suspicious and be very sure it is legitimate before going ahead. If they are in any doubt at all they should call us immediately," he added.
Police can be contacted on 08457 444 888, quoting 888S/060707. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Friday 29th June  09.43
Good morning,

Please note two separate incidents for the Teme Valley area.

Firstly, at approx 1500hrs yesterday (28th June) there was an attempted theft of a ride on lawn mower at an address on Bank Road, Little Witley. The mower was unattended on the front lawn of the address.  A neighbour witnessed what they described as "three scruffy, gypsy type males" trying to roll it down the drive to their white pick up truck (no make/model/reg details recorded unfortunately). The neighbour confronted them and they made off in the direction of the A443. (Incident ref number 364-S-280607.)

Secondly, there was a suspicious incident at an address in Wichenford. On the night of 26th June, there was a "lad" peering over the hedge of the address (presumably stood on something/someone's shoulders as the hedge was high) appearing to be taking photos on a mobile telephone of the address. (There is no incident ref number for this incident.)

Please share the above with your members, and if either you or they have seen anything suspicious, or that may be connected to either of the above, please call it through to the call centre, via the switchboard, on 08457 444888, (for the first incident quoting the relevant incident reference number, 364-S-280607).

Monday 25th June 09.12
Good morning,

Please note that a car has been stolen from an address in Holt Heath overnight last night. Between 1830hrs on 24th and 0620hrs this morning (25th June) a grey Subaru Legacy reg L445YWD was stolen from outside the address on The Heath, Holt Heath.

Please share the above with your members, and if either you or they have seen anything suspicious, or that may be connected to the above, please call it through to the call centre, via the switchboard, on 08457 444888, quoting the relevant incident reference number (107-S-250607)