URGENT MESSAGES FROM THE POLICE
URGENT MESSAGES FROM THE POLICE
URGENT MESSAGE
13/08/2008
Please note that in the last day or so we have had two reports of burglaries at vacant premises in which copper piping/wiring has been stolen, presumably for its scrap value.
Between 1200hrs on Weds 6th and 0930hrs on Mon 11th August there was a burglary at an address on Teme Road, Worcester. Copper piping and wiring was stripped from the address and stolen. (Incident ref 174-S-110808.)
Between 0700hrs on Mon 11th and 1400hrs on Tues 12th August there was a burglary at an address on Hawthorn Road, Worcester. Copper piping was stolen from the address, which went on to cause a flood at the address. (Incident ref 440-S-120808.)
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 (as above).
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).
08/08/2008
Firstly I would like to advise you that I am currently setting up a replacement system to send out our Neighbourhood Watch messages through, called “Ringmaster”. This new system will replace our current, separate, telephone and email systems, and once set up will greatly increase our message sending capacity, especially to co-ordinators who receive telephone messages. Apart from a slight change to the format of the messages, you should notice little other change at your end, once the new system is set up. I have been working on this system for a couple of weeks now, and will be doing so for another month approximately. There are over 1700 contacts I need to enter on to the system individually by hand, so this work is taking a lot of my time up currently. Consequently there has been (and will be for a few more weeks) quite a reduction in the number of messages going out to Neighbourhood Watch – apologies for this, but it will be worth it long term, so please bear with me.
Secondly, please note the below press release regarding SmartWater – many of you will already be aware of this, having attended some of the local meetings regarding SmartWater, but equally many areas have yet to have an introductory meeting, so the below will be new to some of you. If you are interested in further info regarding SmartWater, please get in touch with the appropriate contact for your area (as mentioned in the press release below). Many thanks. Press release as follows:
“
Thieves Beware – SmartWater Is Here!More and more homes across South Worcestershire are becoming protected by the revolutionary property marking system – SmartWater.
And news of the new weapon against thieves is spreading, including to the criminals themselves.
Hundreds of packs have already been distributed to those who have experienced crime and vulnerable people across the division and it is now widely available – at a discounted rate – to everyone.
SmartWater comes in two forms, as a unique, high-tech property marking system or as spray that activates and covers thieves in an irremovable liquid – both forms are being used in this area.
The liquid contained in each SmartWater property marking pack is unique and more accurate than DNA – it is the forensic link between you and your property.
PC John McLaren, SmartWater lead for South Worcestershire, said: “It is great news that more and more people are realising the great benefits of SmartWater and protecting themselves against would-be thieves.
“Although crime is low in South Worcestershire, we hope by people marking everything from a JCB to a diamond ring with the irremovable liquid, it will ensure it stays that way.
“It means that if any property is stolen and later recovered it can be traced directly back to its owner and simply using SmartWater can be enough to deter thieves altogether!”
Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators around South Worcestershire are distributing SmartWater and when 10 packs are purchased in a particular street or road, a free street sign warning thieves that the area is protected by SmartWater will be provided.
Chair of West Mercia Neighbourhood Watch Forum and Wychavon Neighbourhood Watch, Jeremy Thomas, said: “Neighbourhood Watch is thrilled to get behind SmartWater and work with police in ensuring as many people as possible know about it and use it.
“People can simply get in touch with your nominated contact (see below) to receive an order form and more advice on this fantastic product and how it works.”
A £20 SmartWater pack contains –
* A bottle of SmartWater, complete with applicator, which will mark up to 100 items.
*Several stickers which, when applied to windows and doors, will deter thieves from even considering your house.
*A key fob Ultra Violet light which will make it easy for you to identify property you have marked.
*Most importantly, the individual registration form regarding your unique batch.
To order your SmartWater pack or receive a leaflet call your local Neighbourhood watch Co-ordinator. To find out who represents your area contact -
* Malvern Hills
Neighbourhood Watch AssociationMr Paul Leopold – pleopold@toucansurf.com
*Northern Wychavon
Neighbourhood WatchMr Jeremy Thomas - jeremy.crowle@virgin.net
*Southern Wychavon
Neighbourhood WatchMiss Sharon Summers - epnwa@aol.com
*Worcester City
Neighbourhood WatchMr Peter Chance on 01905 22675
Your Local Policing Team on 08457 444 888
08/08/2008
Please note that we are interested in sightings of a vehicle seen in suspicious circumstances in the Broadway area recently, around farms/stables. It is a white, long wheel-base, Ford Transit van reg M797BEX. Please report any sightings to the Call Centre via the Switchboard on 08457 444888 quoting incident ref number 564-S-040808.
DATE 07/08/2008
Cash Machine Tampered With-Worcester
Police are appealing for witnesses after a cash machine was tampered with in Worcester.
The incident took place at Barclays Bank, Malvern Road, Worcester, between 17:05 and 17:30 on August 5.
CCTV images show two men apparently tampering with the ATM machine before leaving the scene only to return 30 minutes later and do the same. A third man is seen on camera the second time and appears to be watching the pair.
The machine was damaged and left out of service until staff discovered then incident at around 08:30 on August 6.
PC Kirsty-Ann Hickling, investigating, said: “This activity took place at an extremely busy time of day and we hope to hear from anyone who witnessed anything unusual around the ATM between the times given.
“We would also like to hear from anyone with any detail or descriptions of the men seen at the cash machine or had trouble using their card at any point after the incident.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 08457 444 888, quoting 315/S/060808, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
DATE 07/08/2008
I have recently been advised by a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator that they were aware of men in a flat bed van touting for scrap in Worcester – we have had a number of incidents of this type across the wider area, especially in the rural areas. In some cases previously, metal thefts/other thefts have also been linked to such callers. Please be mindful of this – this is an ongoing issue, with the worldwide steel shortage and consequent high steel prices.
CASE:
A GENTLEMAN IN ST JOHNS BROUGHT 2 METAL SUPPORTS FOR A TABLE HE TAKES ALONG TO SHOWS HE STORED THEM ALONG THE SIDE OF HIS HOUSE. THEY HAVE NOW BEEN STOLEN THERE WAS A FLAT BED VAN GOING ROUND LOOKING FOR SCRAPE METAL AT THE TIME .
DO NOT LEAVE ANY METAL ON SHOW THIS ALSO APPLIES TO BIKES KEEP EVERYTHING OUT OF SIGHT.
29/07/2008
Horse Equipment Stolen - Peopleton
Horse equipment has been stolen from a shed at a stables in Peopleton, near Pershore.
The incident took place at Stone Arrow Farm between 19:30 on July 25 and 10:00 on July 26.
Offender/s broke into the shed and took a £120 Weatherbeater horse rug, two head collars, stirrup leathers and irons and a number of body protectors and hats. A small plant generator worth £35 was also stolen.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious at the time of the incident or is offered such equipment under unusual circumstances is asked to contact police on 08457 444 888, quoting 322/S/260708, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.