URGENT
MESSAGES FROM THE POLICE 
URGENT MESSAGES
Supermarket car park distraction theft scam
In additions to recently circulated messages regarding the car park distractions where handbags were stolen at supermarkets, we have now had similar reports from a supermarket in Malvern, so these incidents are spreading across the area. Please be mindful of this and remind your members.
As a recap, what normally happens is that shoppers, usually ladies, are being approached by a male whilst packing their shopping into their car. The male asks for directions to somewhere distant (e.g. Stoke-on-Trent in one of the Worcester incidents) and gets the victim to look at a map with him. Whilst this is occurring, presumably an accomplice enters the car and removes the victim's handbag. It is worth noting that often these handbags are not left on view by the victim, handbags have been taken from the car boot and when "hidden" behind the seat, so despite the victims' efforts at securing the handbags to a certain extent, the handbags are still being taken.
Charity clothes collection bags scam
In addition to a recently circulated a message to warn about a scam involving false Acorns charity clothes collection bags. A Malvern Neighbourhood Watch co ordinator has contacted us today concerned about another collection bag left in the last 24 hours (not Acorns) and the possibility it is again a scam. This has yet to be confirmed, but in the meantime, please note the following advice from Trading Standards:
Worcestershire Regulatory Services, Trading Standards team are advising residents to follow some simple steps before giving to charity collections.
The vast majority of charity bags arrive through letter-boxes from legitimate charities, however Trading Standards officers say they receive approximately a report a week from residents in Worcestershire who claim to have been conned by bogus collections.Officers say by following simple advice, those bogus collectors, which cost genuine charities millions each year across the country, can be stopped.
Advice includes:
Be aware – treat with caution
Anonymous 'bogus' collectors may try to exploit generosity for their own gain. They may also steal donations left for collection for genuine charities. These bogus collections cost charities at least £2million a year nationwide
Be careful – don't be misled
Don't be taken in. Read the small print and know where your donation is going. Check contact details as they may be false. Are they clear? Is the charity specified? As a rule of thumb, if there is no legitimate telephone number, the people who put the leaflet through the door don't want you to call.
Check before you give
If you have any doubts about the leaflets asking for donations, check them out.
• Ring the Charity Commission helpline – 0845 300 0218 – or visit their online register of charities – http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/ – to see whether the name or number given belongs to a legitimate registered charity.
• Call Consumer Direct for further advice – 08454 04 05 06 – or visit the 'Watch Out!' section of their website – http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/.
Don't stop giving to charities and those in need
Donating clothing and other goods to genuine charities helps to raise vital funds. Taking care when making donations means you can be sure your help goes to those who really need it.
Car park dsitraction thefts in Worcester
Web recently circulated a message about incidents, across the wider West Midlands area, of handbag thefts at supermarkets, involving victims being distracted whilst loading their car in the carpark. The message was circulated for your advise in case this crime came into our area.
Please note that unfortunately this has now happened, and so far approx half a dozen such incidents have been reported at supermarket carparks in Worcester.
What normally happens is that shoppers, usually ladies, are being approached by a male whilst packing their shopping into their car. The male asks for directions to somewhere distant (e.g. Stoke-on-Trent in one of the Worcester incidents) and gets the victim to look at a map with him. Whilst this is occurring, presumably an accomplice enters the car and removes the victim's handbag. It is worth noting that often these handbags are not left on view by the victim, handbags have been taken from the car boot and when "hidden" behind the seat, so despite the victims efforts at securing the handbags to a certain extent, the handbags are still being taken.
Please make your members aware and should you / they be approached in the above way at a supermarket, please be mindful of security and call the police if you are suspicious.
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
"Please note the following incident in Shrewsbury. As there have been other similar incidents across the West Midlands, I am circulating this to all areas of South Worcestershire for your attention:
On Wednesday 30 June at around 10.40am, a shopper was loading shopping into her car in a Shrewsbury supermarket car park when approached by a stranger carrying a map who asked for directions. While the shopper was indicating locations on the map placed on the bonnet of a car nearby, another offender stole a handbag and cash from the front seat of her car. Later, an attempt was made to use a stolen cash card.
Similar incidents have been reported in other West Midland towns. Be vigilant and do not leave vehicles unlocked or unprotected. Please report suspicious incidents or approaches to the police call centre, via the switchboard, on 0300 333 3000, or obviously dial 999 if a crime is in progress."
Reply using the South Worcs Commuity website
Witness Appeal After St John's Robbery
Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery in the St John's area of Worcester.
The incident took place between 23:00 and 23:45 on Sunday (July 18) near to Temple Laugherne Farm, Oldbury Road.
A man and a woman were in a grey Skoda Octavia, parked in the junction with the farm when a group of males approached them along Oldbury Road, from the direction of St John's.
They opened the doors of the vehicle and assaulted both the woman and the man before stealing the woman's handbag. The handbag contained a mobile phone and various personal documents.
The car was also damaged during the incident, before the couple managed to drive away.
Det Con Zoey Carter said:
"This is a serious incident in which both of the victims are left very shocked and shaken but thankfully with only minor injuries.
"We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about the identities of any of the group of offenders."
The group was made up of at least four, white youths.
Anyone with information should call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 806/S/180710, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Reply using the South Worcs Community Messaging website
Fraudulent Emails message from from Chubb Insurance - 15-Jul-2010
We've been notified once again that scam emails are being circulated, supposedly from Chubb Insurance. The emails are part of an advanced fee fraud. There are two types of email:
One asks for money to be sent to Chubb in return for an insurance bond certificate.
In the other, the recipient is told Chubb has selected them to be the beneficiary of an insurance policy belonging to a victim of 9/11. This is issued under the name of our worldwide head of personal lines, Andy McElwee.
Obviously these are not emails generated by Chubb Insurance, and the quality of the writing would instantly inform the reader that it's not credible. But we're naturally alarmed that the creators are using the Chubb name and address. We are particularly horrified that the creators should use the 9/11 attacks to attempt to defraud victims.
We(Chubb Insurance) take our responsibilities in combating financial crime seriously. We have reported these fraudulent emails to the Financial Services Authority and the appropriate law enforcement agencies. If you receive such an email, it would help us if you could forward the email to:
masterpiece-contact@chubb.com Your assistance is greatly appreciated."
Have a Safe and Secure Summer - 13-Jul-2010
West Mercia is a safe place to live and burglary figures remain low. In fact, less than one per cent of homes are burgled each year and your local policing team is working hard to reduce this figure even further.
With the summer holiday season now upon us, West Mercia Police is reminding residents to be vigilant and follow a few simple steps to help keep your home safe and secure while you’re away on holiday:
- Let a neighbour or friend know that you’re going away.
- Arrange for them to check on your house – collect mail, open / close curtains.
- Remember to cancel your milk and newspapers.
- Encourage a neighbour to park on your drive.
- Use timer switches to turn lights on during the evenings.
- Don’t forget your garden! Effective garden security will help to keep your home secure.
Asking for Directions - distraction theives - 13-Jul-2010h2>
Please note the following incident in Shrewsbury. As there have been other similar incidents across the West Midlands, We are circulating this to all areas of South Worcestershire for your attention:30 June at around 10.40am, a shopper was loading shopping into her car in a Shrewsbury supermarket car park when approached by a stranger carrying a map who asked for directions. While the shopper was indicating locations on the map placed on the bonnet of a car nearby, another offender stole a handbag and cash from the front seat of her car. Later, an attempt was made to use a stolen cash card.
Similar incidents have been reported in other West Midland towns. Be vigilant and do not leave vehicles unlocked or unprotected. Please report suspicious incidents or approaches to the police call centre, via the switchboard, on 0300 333 3000, or obviously dial 999 if a crime is in progress.
Or reply using the South Worcester Community Messaging Website
Car Key Burglaries - 12-Jul-2010
Between 1530hrs Fri 9th and 0645hrs Sat 10th July, there was a car key burglary in Kerry Hill, Worcester. A black Mitsubishi L200 Warrior LWP reg R1MCW was stolen. Incident ref 226-S-100710.
Between midnight and 0800hrs on Sat 10th there was a car key burglary in Heron Place, Droitwich. Unknown persons removed keys, possibly by using an unknown implement to "hook" the keys through the letterbox (so remind members not to leave keys anywhere near their letterbox). A grey BMW 520 reg VE56CFU was stolen. Incident ref 235-S-100710.
Please make your members aware and report any information to the police call centre, via the switchboard, on 0300 333 3000, quoting the relevant incident ref.
Or reply using the South Worcester Community Messaging Website
Trading Standards - Doorstep Callers - 9-Jul-2010
Worcestershire Regulatory services (Trading Standards) has in the last few days received reports of uninvited doorstep callers offering to carryout household repairs, including roofing work, fascia boards and electrical works. The callers do not provide the required cancellation rights and request cash for works. There are also reports of aggressive tactics towards householders when payment is due. The reports have come from the Wychavon District of Worcestershire.
Worcestershire residents should be on their guard when they do receive unwanted callers, a can cellation notice should be provided by the trader when a contract is agreed in a consumers home. The notice should specify that there is a seven day cooling off period and state how the contract should be cancelled. If this information is not provided the trader commits an offence and the contract cannot be enforced against the householder (the householder does not have to pay). Householders should also be aware that it is unlikely that they would be able to get redress from itinerant callers if they did encounter problems with works further down the line. Always get at least three quotes and ensure that you are dealing with a local, reputable trader.
If anyone has been approached by doorstep callers or have concerns about their rights they can contact consumer direct on 08454 04 05 06.
For local traders please contact Worcestershire Hub on 01905 765394 or search the Worcestershire Trader Register at www.traderregister.org.uk
Or Reply using the Community Messaging website
Distraction Burglaries Alert - 7-Jul-2010
Friends, relatives and neighbours of the elderly and vulnerable have been urged by police to emphasise the importance of home security after two elderly women were yesterday (5th July) targeted by 'distraction' burglars' pretending to be from utility organisations.
"Clearly the elderly and vulnerable are at the greatest risk from opportunist criminals who gain entry by pretending to be workmen carrying out a legitimate role," said a South Worcestershire Police spokesman.
"It is vital, therefore, that friends, relatives and neighbours continue to emphasise to those elderly and/or vulnerable people just how important it is for them to be sure who they are letting into their homes - and to keep their doors secure so that they can check callers' credentials before letting them in.
"In many cases it is necessary to continuously remind those at risk to be mindful of their security and what they can do to ensure it is not breached. That is a fact of life, but we urge everyone to be patient and play their part in helping to ensure people at risk are kept safe from predatory, opportunist criminals."
The spokesman said that nothing was taken after two men gained entry to an address in Oakfield Road, Ombersley between 1400 and 1430 hours on 5th July.
The first man is described as white, in his 20s, 6ft tall, of thin build and clean-shaven and wearing a black beanie hat, a buttoned-up long-sleeved black shirt, black trousers and black gloves. The second was also white, in his 20s, 6ft tall and of slim build, but with mousey brown hair, a 'happy type' round face, a buttoned-up, long-sleeved black shirt, black trousers and gloves.
In the second incident, in Medway Road, Worcester between 1500 and 1530 hours, approximately £100 was taken from a woman's handbag by a lone man described as white, in his early 20s, 5ft 7ins tall, of medium build, clean-shaven and wearing dark clothes and a white baseball cap.
If anyone has any information regarding the Ombersley incident they are asked to call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 536S/050710. For the Worcester incident they should call the same number quoting 583S/050710. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Reply using the Community Messaging website
Man Arrested After Taxi Incident
A man in his 40s has been arrested in connection with an incident in which a man died following a taxi ride.
The man was travelling with a friend in a taxi from a rank in Worcester city centre to an address in Worcester when the incident, which police are treating as a road traffic collision, took place late on June 9 into the following morning.
The man suffered life-threatening injuries at around midnight at Northwick Road, near to the East Bank Drive and Pinkett Street junctions.
The passenger injured in the incident was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital by ambulance. He was later transferred to Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry where he died on Friday (June 11).
The man arrested was released on police bail on Saturday (June 12) while enquiries continue.
Press Release 11-Jun-2010 Police Appeal for Witnesses to Taxi Incident
Police are appealing for witnesses to an incident in which a man was seriously injured and later died./p>
The man was travelling with a friend in a taxi from a rank in Worcester city centre to an address in Worcester when the incident, which police are treating as a road traffic collision, took place late Wednesday night (June 9) into Thursday morning.
The man suffered life-threatening injuries at around midnight at Northwick Road, near to the East Bank Drive and Pinkett Street junctions.
Police are also trying to trace the driver of the taxi involved.
Inspector Phil Worthington said: "We need to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident and also the driver of this taxi. We would ask witnesses and the taxi driver to contact us urgently so that we can continue to investigate this incident fully.
"It would, therefore, be inappropriate to comment further at this time."
The passenger injured in the incident was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital by ambulance. He was later transferred to Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry where he died today (Friday).
No-one else was injured in the incident.
Anyone with information can contact Inspector Worthington on 0300 333 3000, quoting 5/S/100610, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Press Release 11-Jun-2010 Police Warning After 3.a.m Cross-Severn swim
South Worcestershire Police today (10th June) urged and advised the public not to try and emulate a man who swam - possibly naked and in response to a bet - across the River Severn in Worcester at approximately 3am on 8th June.
Passers-by saw him complete the crossing - starting from the Hylton Road bank near the Sabrina Bridge - before being driven off in a small silver family saloon, the same size as Renault Clio but with rear lights resembling a Fiat Punto.
The man is believed by one passer-by to have made the swim in response to a bet/ challenge from the driver when the car was on the Hylton Road bank, before being driven across the main road to pick up the swimmer on the opposite side.
"Both men are believed to have been intoxicated and both have acted extremely irresponsibly, putting one of them at great personal risk in the cold water and dangerously strong under-currents and both of them and members of the public - as the driver's judgment will almost certainly have been impaired," said Ch. Insp. Sharon Gibbons, head of operational policing in South Worcestershire.
"The man in the water is extremely fortunate not to have lost his life or been seriously injured in the incident - which could have also put emergency service personnel at risk if a rescue and/or recovery had been necessary.
"Drunk, or sober, and at any time of day or night, the River Severn is never the place to go for an impromptu swim. We strongly urge anyone considering it not to do so and not to encourage, persuade, bully or challenge anyone else to do so. The consequences next time could well be tragic."
Officers want to speak to both men and urge them to come forward. Additionally, anyone who believes that they know them - the swimmer is believed to be white, aged around 20, 6ft-6ft 2ins tall, with dark hair and the driver also white, aged around 20 and with brown hair - should contact police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 50S/080610. Information can also be given, anonymously, to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please contact us with any information or click the following link: http://www.southworcscommunitymessaging.org/rmwebportal/replytomesg.aspx?mesg_id=83aa2101-bfa0-4924-b82a-1f1a2d36eef4&email=-1&web=-1
Press Release - 11-Jun-2010 Witness Appeal after damaged cars
Police are appealing for witnesses after a group of males damaged a number of cars in Worcester./p>
The incident took place between around 22:30 and 22:44 on Wednesday (June 9) and began in Canterbury Road.
The group made their way from here into Liverpool Road, then to Prestwich Avenue and into Devon Road where members damaged a taxi.
They continued down through Redfern Avenue and into Lark Hill where at least two further cars' wing mirrors were damaged and a number of objects were thrown.
Two men were arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail while enquiries continue.
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0300 333 3000 quoting 770/S/090610, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Please contact us with any information or click the following link: http://www.southworcscommunitymessaging.org/rmwebportal/replytomesg.aspx?mesg_id=32ab96bf-8738-47c0-8ed8-8a036c3fa7db&email=-1&web=-1
11-Jun-2010 - Three Charged After 'Detectives' Distraction Burglaries
Three men have been charged with conspiracy to burgle four addresses in South Worcestershire - and a number of others in the Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Thames Valley and Warwickshire police areas around the same time.
The four incidents in South Worcestershire - on 2nd June - involved three men pretending to be detectives to gain entry to the homes of elderly people.
Addresses in Old Hallow, Aston Drive and Sherrards Green Road, Malvern and Ryall Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn were targeted - between approximately 07:30 hours and 12:15 hours - using a blue Vauxhall VXR with false number-plates.
Det. Insp. Jim Fox, of South Worcestershire CID, said: "The arrests of three men suspected of a substantial number of highly distressful crimes against the elderly and vulnerable follows an intense operation involving officers from around the country - including the Metropolitan Police - working closely together to identify and trace them."
Please contact us with any information or click the following link: http://www.southworcscommunitymessaging.org/rmwebportal/replytomesg.aspx?mesg_id=ddc1f927-cfb8-4c6f-ba73-78aa80ad8d31&email=-1&web=-1
Press release 9-Jun-2010 Five Burglary Suspects Arrested
Five burglary suspects - four men and a woman - were arrested by South Worcestershire Police in Evesham, Malvern and Worcester in a 30-hours period.
The arrests are in connection with un-related burglaries at residential and commercial premises in Malvern Hills, Worcester City and Wychavon.
Three men were arrested independently in Westminster Road, Worcester, Rectory Road, Malvern and Evesham Police Station on 8th June. On the previous day, a woman burglary suspect was taken into custody at Worcester Police Station and a man arrested in the city's Broad Street.
A man appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on 8th June charged with resisting his arrest in Westminster Road earlier the same day and two offences of burglary at two commercial addresses in Sherriff Street on 25th and 26th April.
The man arrested in Rectory Road, Malvern, suspected of committing two burglaries at addresses in Albert Road South, Malvern on 20th May, was bailed to return to Worcester Police Station while enquiries continue.
Also bailed to return there was the man arrested in Broad Street, Worcester, on suspicion of burgling Positive Steps Gym, Charles Street Worcester on 7th June - and who was already on bail on suspicion of burglary at Blackpole Trading Estate West on 4th June.
The male and female suspects seized at Evesham and Worcester Police Stations respectively are also due to return on bail to the South Worcestershire Divisional headquarters in Castle Street, Worcester.
**During the six months from 1st December to 31st May, South Worcestershire officers arrested a total of 243 people suspected of burglary, handling property stolen in burglaries, going equipped to burgle and/or being found on enclosed premises with an unlawful purpose. Please contact us with any information or click the following link: http://www.southworcscommunitymessaging.org/rmwebportal/replytomesg.aspx?mesg_id=9bad10df-7d58-4f46-bba8-ff2b7127f0d1&email=-1&web=-1