FARM WATCH MESSAGES
12/08/2008
Please note that there has been an apparent attempted theft of diesel from a farm in Prickley, between Great Witley and Martley. At some point, it would seem overnight last night (11th/12th August), unknown person(s) broke the padlock off a workshop and entered without taking anything and then unsuccessfully attempted to access some separate diesel tanks.
Please mention this to your members, and if either you or they have seen anything suspicious or possibly related to this incident, please call it through to the call centre, via the switchboard on 08457 444888 quoting the relevant incident ref number (211-S-120808).
11/07/2008
The following message is going to Neighbourhood Watch in Broadheath and surrounding areas, plus to Farm Watch across the wider area.
Please note that between 2000hrs on 5th July and 1600hrs on 7th July unknown person(s) stole two horse saddles plus various other items of tack from an insecure stables in the Lower Broadheath area.
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 (166-S-080708).
19/06/2008
Please note the following equine/rural crime update. There have been recent reports of three Ifor Williams trailers being stolen in recent days across the wider West Mercia force area. One (double axle, 1.8 ton, 8ft x 4ft, model TT85E) from Moreton on Lugg on 12th June (incident ref 58-S-120608), one containing trampolines stolen from the driveway of a house in the Shifnal area on 18th June (incident ref 39-S-180608) and one
(twin axle, 9ft x 5ft, value between £4000-5000) from the Pershore area (Incident ref 278-S-180608).Please report any suspicious sightings, or anything else that may be related, seen in those areas to the West Mercia police call centre, via the switchboard on 08457 444888, quoting the relevant incident reference number. Many thanks.
17/06/2008
Please note that there have been at least two incidents of sheep being shot and killed on a field in the Swinley Lane area of Corse Lawn. The first incident took place between 1800hrs on Fri 13th and 1500hrs on Sun 15th June, when 4 sheep were shot and killed (Incident ref 606-S-140608). The second incident took place between 1515hrs and 2000hrs on Monday 16th June, when 7 sheep were shot dead (Incident ref 763-S-160608).
Obviously this is a serious and distressing incident. 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 (either of the above).
Apparently there has been some confusion re the suspicious males reported taking photographs of horses, as previously relayed to yourselves - please note the below.
Thank you.
Dear All
Further to my email last night, it appears that word has started to get around about the suspicious Red Land Cruiser N253XAJ. I can confirm that this registration has appeared on different vehicles but always in the same circumstances (two males taking photographs of horses or acting suspiciously around equestrian locations). In addition to the N253XAJ number, vehicle registration B16RBB has also been noted in similar circumstances.
Unfortunately, the information about the horse thefts from Cannock does not appear to be accurate (I took this information from internet postings by other Horsewatch groups). Due to this, the on-line equestrian communities have become concerned these reports are a hoax. There appears to have been round-robin texting going on which has added to the ‘hoax’ theory. As far as I am aware, these vehicles and males have been travelling quite substantially across the UK (from Devon to Greater Manchester) hence the sheer volume of concerned text messages being sent to horse owners (probably instigated by various Horsewatch groups).
Although there has only been one confirmed horse theft linked to these circumstances (Greater Manchester crime reference 130643S/08), these various reports of ‘photograph taking’ appear to be genuine.
I would be grateful if a Horsewatch member/coordinator could perhaps complete an internet posting to confirm these reports are genuine (not an urban myth/hoax) and for members to remain vigilant but not alarmed by these recent reports.
Many thanks for your help,
Hollie
Hollie Phillips C8736
Intelligence Analyst
Life at Risk/Protecting Vulnerable People Desk
Force Intelligence Bureau
Tel: 01905 331991
Ext: 2991
Email: hollie.phillips@westmercia.pnn.police.uk
HORSEWATCH BRIEF
5th March – 3rd June 2008
Suspicious Males
Nationally there have been numerous sighting of 2 suspicious males taking photographs of horses. Vehicles linked to these incidents include:
· White Van bearing registration N253XAJ
· Black Peugeot bearing registration N253XAJ
· Red Toyota Landcruiser
There have been similar sightings around the West Mercia force area since the 21st May. Members are urged to make note of vehicle registration numbers (even if only part of a number is recorded) if suspicious vehicles or persons are causing concern.
21st May – Ross on Wye
Reported 2nd June following national Horsewatch alert - Livery yard owner noticed 2 males acting suspiciously on a footpath leading through horse’s field. Males described as Eastern European in appearance with white t-shorts, very dark hair and just under 6ft tall. No vehicles seen but gate removed off hinges.
23rd May - Pershore
Reported 3rd June following national Horsewatch alert – Horse owner noticed 2 males photographing his horses. Vehicle used was dark blue Renault Megane. Males described as Asian, both 6ft, dark hair, slim build and well dressed.
26th May 2008 – Tenbury Wells
Possible but unconfirmed attempt theft of coloured stallion. Following national Horsewatch alert believe a Red Toyota Landcruiser seen in the area bearing registration N253XAJ.
29th May 2008 – Ledbury
2 Eastern European Males driving a red vehicle seen taking photographs of horses at a field in Ledbury.
APPLEBY HORSE FAIR 2007 - 5th to 12th June 2008
This Annual event in Cumbria has been on going since the 1400’s and every year attracts a significant amount of people to buy and sell horses and harness race. All kinds of horses are bought and sold at the fair but the traditional Piebald/Skewbald heavy weight cobs predominate.
Appleby Tourist Information Centre
Moot Hall, Boroughgate
Appleby-in-Westmorland
Cumbria
CA16 6XE
Telephone 017683 51177
Fax 017683 51177
E-mail tic@applebytown.org.uk
Website www.applebytown.org.uk
During May/June 2006 three separate coloured cobs were stolen from the West Mercia force area. There have been recent thefts of coloured horses from our West Midland neighbours. In view of this, horse owners should be extra vigilant during the next few days leading up to the Fair.
This message is going to all areas in South Worcestershire.
Please note that there have been reports from all across central England of a small group of people taking photographs of horses on private land. It is suspected that the pictures are then advertised for sale, and when interest is shown, the horse is stolen to order.
Two vehicles are believed to be involved - a red Toyota Land Cruiser, and a white van. The registration B16 RBB has been seen on both vehicles.
Please report any suspicious sightings to the Call Centre, via the switchboard on 08457 444888 or 999 in an emergency.
01/05/2008 Please note that we are still experiencing the ongoing problem of fuel thefts. Recent incidents have included a diesel theft from a bowser at a building site in Eardiston on 22nd or 23rd April (incident ref 79-S-230408) and oil stolen from an oil tank at an address in Astley Burf in the days/weeks prior to 28th April (incident ref 193-S-280408). If you have a fuel tank on your premises, please be mindful of it's security (I am aware that it is easier said than done). Also, to those of you in the areas of the above incidents, please mention them 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 (as above).
DATE 18/04/2008
Please note the below message which originated from our colleagues in Gloucestershire Police regarding an incident at an industrial unit at a farm in Aston Magna, near Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
"At around 0200 hrs on 17/04/08 thieves broke into two adjoining industrial units on a farm at Aston Magna and stole a large quantity of heavy duty tools and power tools and a blue Audi coupe N180DWA that was stored in one of the buildings. Entry was gained by smashing through the corrugated asbestos outer walls of the buildings, during the course of which the alarm was activated on the second premises. Anyone with similar industrial units should take appropriate measures to further safeguard their premises and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately"
DATE 16/04/2008
Heddlu Dyfed Powys Police
Force Intelligence Bureau,
Police Headquarters,
P.O. Box 99
Llangunnor, Carmarthen
Carmarthenshire. SA31 2PF.
Tel: 08453302000 / Fax: 01267 226329
email: dppfibgroup@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk
Date: 15th April 2008 Bulletin no: 31
Offence – Theft of a horse box
CRIME- ATO/0915/28/03/2008/01/C
Sometime between Thursdays 27th March 2008 and Friday 28th March 2008 a blue and white Iveco Ford Livestock Horse Carrier Box Registration No. H779GTV valued at £10,000 was stolen from Esgair Fach
The Horsebox was formerly owned
by the Durham Constabulary
It is requested that this bulletin be circulated to horse watch co-ordinators to distribute amongst their members.
Any information regarding this theft please contact PC 915 Gibbard-Jones at Llandeilo Police Station or the Divisional Intelligence Unit at Llanelli, Tel No: 0845-330-2000 ext 726325
Authorising Officer: DI Shane Williams
DATE 27/03/2008
Please note that I have been advised that the latest craze within the ongoing nationwide metal thefts problem consists of stealing batteries from tractors etc. Apparently the thieves are desperate enough to be messing with the acid in them with a view to obtaining the lead lining inside. As far as I am aware, no such incidents have been reported in South Worcestershire at this time, but perhaps it's one to be aware of just in case this is a crime that comes our way....
Agricultural Equipment Taken
Police have issued a warning to farmers after £300 worth of agricultural equipment was stolen from a farm in Bretforton, near Evesham.
The three Ferguson ‘scufflers’ (used to turn over the ground) were taken from land belonging to the Honeybourne Road farm between around 13:00 on March 17 and 10:00 on March 19.
They are grey in colour and made from steel.
A police spokeswoman said: “The equipment could have been taken due to the current high value of metals but the items were around 50 years old and could also be considered collectors’ items within the agricultural fraternity.
“The items are very heavy and it most likely took more than one person to move them onto a van or an even larger vehicle.
“Officers would like to remind farmers to lock up valuable equipment in secure sheds or barns after use, wherever possible.”
Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area between the times given, or discovers items matching the description for sale, should contact police on 08457 444 888, quoting 446/S/190308. Information can also be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
46 'In-Lamb' Ewes Stolen - Leigh
Forty-six pregnant sheep - valued at more than £4,000 - have been stolen from a South Worcestershire farm.
Police believe a large lorry was used to take the 46 Suffolk black-faced ewes from Riverlands Farm, Teme Lane, Leigh, near Broadwas between 1300 and 1600 hours on 17th March.
Owner Charles Parry said: "They may well have already been slaughtered, irrespective of the fact that they are all due to give birth about now. The price of lamb is high and whoever took them may have cashed in already by moving them quickly to an abattoir."
South Worcestershire Police, however, are keeping an open mind as to where the sheep might be and are calling on farming and meat-producing communities to be vigilant following the day-light theft in which 12 rolls of pig-wire - valued at £360 - was also taken.
"Offering sheep that are in-lamb - and so advanced that they are probably about to give birth - could well raise suspicions and might lead to information reaching us that will greatly assist our enquiries," said a police spokesman.
Anyone with information - either about the whereabouts of the sheep now, or who saw anything at all suspicious in the Teme Lane area between the given times - is asked to contact police on 08457 444 888, quoting 275S/170308. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
DATE 25/01/2008
Gangs targeting farmers' tractors
Farmers in the Midlands are being targeted by thieves who steal their tractors and other farm equipment, the National Farmers
Insurance claims for stolen tractors in the
The thefts are believed to be partially fuelled by long waiting lists for the vehicles, which are no longer manufactured in the same numbers.
Stolen tractors have been found as far afield as
The union said organised gangs were now getting involved in stealing tractors, which are worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Farmers are being advised to etch registration numbers on windows to deter thieves from smuggling vehicles.
MARK ALL VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT WITH SMARTWATER