URGENT MESSAGES FROM THE POLICE 
URGENT MESSAGES
09/03/2010
This is a general message going to all areas of South Worcestershire.
With the arrival of spring and the recent nicer weather, I thought it would be appropriate to remind you all about the importance of shed and garden security.
Although many people take steps to protect their homes and the property inside them, they leave valuable equipment in gardens and insecure sheds, providing easy pickings for opportunist thieves.
It is doubly important to secure sheds, not only to prevent the theft of valuable items such as power tools, garden tools, mowers, mountain bikes, golf clubs etc, but also because tools stolen from sheds are sometimes used to break into the house - SO YOUR HOME SECURITY STARTS WITH YOUR SHED.
* Keep your shed in good condition
* Fit a closed shackle padlock to the door. (Fittings should be bolted through the door and and screws concealed.)
* Fit grilles or mesh to the windows
* Invest in a shed alarm - available from (amongst other places) most police station front counters in South Worcestershire
* Security mark your property in your home AND your shed/outbuildings - for example using SmartWater.
* Ideally don't store expensive items in sheds, but where you have no alternative, keep large items such as bicycles chained together - it is much harder for a thief to carry a lot of large heavy items all at once.
* Make sure ladders are locked to a secure fixture in the shed/garage so they cannot be used to reach the top floor windows of your house.
It is also important to protect the boundary of your property - strong gates, fences and walls which are kept in good repair can deter intruders from getting to the back and sides of your property.
Also remember "defensive planting" - this is the use of prickly plants/bushes/shrubs to deter burglars, especially around vulnerable areas such as windows, fences, boundary walls and drainpipes. Examples of suitable plants include Berberis, Holly, Thorn and Pyracantha.
And don't forget the night time - well positioned external lighting is a good way to keep intruders at bay.
Finally, check your household insurance policy to ensure that they cover garden and shed equipment and whether or not any minimum security standards apply.
Please pass this advice of to your members, and lets make life harder for the criminal fraternity.
08/03/2010
Please make your members aware and report any information to the police call centre, via the switchboard on 0300 333 3000, quoting the Incident Ref number 679-S-060310.
01/03/2010
The following message is being circulated to Neighbourhood Watch and Business Watch in Worcester.
Please note that there was an attempted burglary at a commerial premises on Canada Way,
Worcester between 2000hrs Fri 26th Feb and 0834hrs on Sat 27th Feb. The rear door was kicked in but no entry was gained.
Please report any suspicious activity seen in the area to the police call centre, via the switchboard, on 0300 333 3000, quoting incident ref 246-S-270210.
26/02/2010
Please make your members aware, be mindful of car security (including removing valuables, especially overnight) and please report any suspicious activity (by contacting the Call Centre, via the switchboard on 0300 333 3000, or if a crime is in progress, by dialling 999).
24/02/2010
WARNING
PETROL THIEVES
IN THE EARLY HOURS OF THE 24th FEBRUARY SIX CARS IN HENWICK PARK AREA HAD PETROL SYPHONED OUT. THE THIEVES DRILLED HOLES IN THE PETROL TANK. ANYBODY WITH ANY INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE POLICE ON 0300 333 3000
or if a crime is in progress to 999).
We have seen similar incidents lately elsewhere in Worcester (including Warndon Villages).
IF YOU SEE ANYTHING SUSPICIOUS CALL THE POLICE RIGHT AWAY
22/02/2010
WANTED
FERN SHEWARD
PICTURE COURTESY OF WEST MERCIA POLICE
Worcester Police have issued 'wanted' leaflets for two men thought to be living in the Warndon area of the city who, when apprehended, are expected to be immediately returned to prison for breaching legal restrictions.
• Richard Fern (FERN), aged 37, was known to live at an address in Burford Close, prior to breaching a harassment restraining order on 14th December, 2009.
• Paul Sheward (SHEWARD), aged 22, of Windermere Drive, faces automatic prison recall for possible racial aggravation and criminal damage on 17th January, 2010.
Ch. Insp. Sharon Gibbons, head of operational policing in South Worcestershire, said: "Apprehending criminals who have breached restrictions imposed by the courts is part and parcel of day-to-day policing. Periodically, we call on the community to help us with this.
"Both of these convicted men are wanted by Worcester Police as they have breached legal restrictions in connection with unrelated offences - and upon arrest are both expected to be immediately returned to prison.
"We, however, never recommend that members of the public approach known or suspected criminals. Anyone, therefore, with information about the whereabouts of either - or both - Richard Fern and Paul Sheward, should call South Worcestershire police on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers - anonymously - on 0800 555 111. All calls to the police are always treated in the strictest confidence."
18/02/2010
£77,000 Cannabis Plant Find At Worcester House
Cannabis plants - with a street value of £77,000 - were seized when police officers carried out a search warrant at a Worcester address today (17th February).
Officers removed approximately 300 plants from number of rooms, including a cellar, at the terraced house in Washington Street in the Arboretum area of the city. No-one was arrested following the find and enquiries are on-going.
Since 1st January, however, 44 people have been apprehended in connection with either possessing and/or cultivating drugs illegally, 17 in January and 27 in February to date. They were all bailed to return to Worcester Police Station while enquiries continue - and included:
. 2nd February: Three men arrested at an address in Mill Lane, Drakes Broughton on suspicion of cannabis cultivation;
. 4th February: A man and a woman - and an unspecified amount of heroin found - at a Warndon address believed to be used for supplying drugs;
. 10th February: Two Stoke-on-Trent men - and their uninsured car seized for forensic investigation - near Whittington, suspected of possessing cocaine.
Inspector Janet Heritage, head of local policing in Worcester, said: "The detection and prosecution of users and suppliers of controlled drugs remains a high priority for our officers and these further arrests again demonstrate a pro-active approach to this challenge 24 hours per day.
"A substantial number of drugs-related arrests are made based partially or wholly on information received from members of the community and - on a number of occasions - with that information being fed through Local Policing Teams, including Community Support Officers. We also consistently act on concerns raised by local residents at PACT (Partners & Communities Together) meetings.
"We are always grateful to receive this type of information from individuals as it plays an important part in helping ensure that our operational policing maximises every opportunity to tackle the illicit supply and use of drugs in South Worcestershire," Insp. Heritage added.
Anyone with information regarding drugs - or any other crime - that they want to give to the police should ring 0300 333 3000, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, when they can provide information anonymously.
18/02/2010
Incidents took place in:
Marsh Ave - 0200-0230hrs 18th Feb, insecure car entered by two males aged 18-20 years, wearing dark clothing and balaclavas and riding mountain bikes. (Incident ref 43-S-180210.)
Bolton Ave - 2300hrs 17th - 0630hrs 18th Feb, possibly insecure car entered, Ipod and 2x sunglasses stolen.(Incident ref 83-S-180210.)
Middleton Gardens, Long Meadow - 2230hrs 17th-0800hrs 18th Feb - handbag stolen from insecure car. (Incident ref 97-S-180210.)
To those of you in Warndon Villages, please make your members aware of these incidents, and report any information to the Police call cantre, via the switchboard on 0300 333 3000, quoting the relevant incident ref number.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE that all of the above cars are believed to have been left insecure overnight - this is making life very easy for our criminal friends..... Please remind your members about the importance of LOCKING CARS OVERNIGHT / WHEN UNATTENDED and removing valuables.
15/02/2010
Worcester Police are appealing for witnesses after a man suffered life-threatening injuries when in collision with a black Range-Rover Discovery that was then driven off.
The incident occurred in Bull Ring, Worcester, near the Bush public house at approximately 6.31pm on Friday (12 February).
No-one else was hurt in the collision, after which the victim was taken by ambulance to the Accident & Emergency Department of Worcestershire Royal Hospital. His injuries are no longer considered to be life-threatening.
Anyone who saw anything of the incident is asked to call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 524S/120210. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
* A man arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and bailed to return to Worcester Police Station while enquiries continue.
13/02/2010
Attempt to break Turnpike close
Was discovered yesterday at about 1.30pm. 12th February 2010
Did you see anything strange in the area?
Please call the police on 03003333000
Incident No 354 S 120210
12/02/2010
The body was reported to South Worcestershire Police by a woman walking her dog.
The arrested man remains in custody at Worcester's Castle Street Police Station.
Officers are appealing for witnesses and information from anyone who may have seen - and/or-heard - anything suspicious in the Oldbury Road area between 1700 hours on 11th February and 0900 hours today (12th).
11/02/2010
Police Warning Over Meter Reading Scam
Be careful about disclosing card details over the phone. Police in Shropshire today reminded people never to issue their bank details over the phone if asked by callers.
The latest warning follows what may be a new scam to persuade people to provide their bank and other personal details.
It came to light following a report to police by a resident in Alveley, near Bridgnorth, who received an international telephone call yesterday asking her to provide readings from her gas and electricity meters.
However, her suspicions were raised as the meters had only recently been read and she refused to give the information. The caller, who said it took a while for the readings to get back, then hung up.
A police spokesperson said: "She then contacted Scottish Power, her gas and electric provider, who said they had received other similar calls from concerned customers and thought it might be some sort of scam.
"It may well have been an attempt to obtain credit card or bank details by asking for meter readings and then saying they are due a refund. They then ask for account details to make the refund."
The police spokesperson said the Alveley resident had done exactly the right thing by refusing to be drawn into giving any personal details.
"The absolute bottom line is that you should never give credit card or bank details over the phone to someone phoning you, whoever they claim to be or however plausible they sound.
"Utility companies, banks and other genuine people will never ask for this type of information. Always be on your guard - do not supply personal details regardless of how persuasive the caller may be."
08/02/2010
Two people have been arrested in Worcester in connection with a £300,000 heroin seizure.
A man, in his 20s, and a woman in her 50s, were arrested on suspicion of possessing heroin with intent to supply on Thursday, February 4 at Grenville Road.
West Mercia Police officers teamed up with the UK Border Agency to conduct a warrant in the Dines Green area.
The move came after the discovery of three kilos of heroin thought to be destined for the area.
Acting Det Insp of West Mercia's Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: "This was a good result and a great example how West Mercia works closely with other agencies to track down and stamp out drug related crime and its effects in our area."
The two have been released on police bail while enquiries continue.
03/02/2010
Please note that there has been a burglary this morning (3rd Feb) at the Sandwich Shop in St Johns, Worcester - money and a laptop computer stolen - incident ref 53-S-030210. Two days ago (1st Feb) there was also a bicycle stolen from outside the address (Incident ref 302-S-010210).
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 number.
03/02/2010
Stolen Phones And Games Alert
Anyone offered a mobile phone or computer game from an unusual source should be wary and report it, South Worcestershire Police said today.
The alert follows a burglary at Worcester Phone Zone in The Shambles, Worcester in which phones and equipment, together valued at nearly £250, were between 1730 hours on 2nd February and 0800 on 3rd February.
"If anyone is at all suspicious about what they are being offered, no matter how genuine the offer seems to be, then they should report it to us," said a police spokesman.
Officers can be contacted on 0300 333 3000, quoting 60S/030210. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The stolen items were:
. Nokia 7373 mobile phone, value £40;
. Samsung mobile phone - £32;
. Vegas flat mobile phone - £30;
. LG KP500 mobile phone - £42;
. Samsung mobile phone - £40;
. Nintendo DS game console - £64
03/02/2010
Nine Years For 'Callous And Un-Caring Career Church Burglar'
A career church burglar convicted of stealing cash from three churches in Worcestershire churches is now serving a nine-years prison sentence.
Christopher Coulthard was arrested at the Angel Hotel, Pershore on 29th September following the speedy reactions of two Community Support Officers - Alex Fogwill and Andrew Russell - who detained him until police officers arrived and arrested him.
CSOs Fogwill (Pershore Rural North) and Russell (Pershore Town) were at the town police station when information was received that Coulthard was in the area. Using the 'Shop-Watch' radio system they discovered that he had checked into the hotel.
Coulthard, who originates from Peterlee, County Durham, lived in bed-and-breakfast and hotel accommodation around the country while committing the church cash burglaries.
At Hereford Crown Court on 29th January he admitted burgling St Bartholomew's Church, Arley Kings, Stourport, St James' Church, Birlingham, Pershore and St Leonard,s Church, Bretforton, Evesham as well as stealing from St James's Church, Badsey and going equipped to commit burglary between 11th June and 29th September, 2009.
Det. Insp. Jim Fox, who headed the investigation, said: "Coulthard has caused great distress to worshippers at the local churches he targeted who felt violated that someone had forcibly taken what amounts to service collections meant for charities and other altruistic work.
"They will all be relieved to hear that this extremely callous and un-caring one-man crime-wave is now behind bars and will remain there for a long time to come.
"Having been prosecuted for similar crimes previously, when he asked for something like 500 offences to be taken into consideration, he has returned to his life-style as a career church burglar and has clearly continued living off the money from this particularly callous type of crime.
"We know from working with other forces on this investigation that Coulthard was active in a number of locations around the country.
"Detectives from outside the county were, therefore, particularly keen to interview him when South Worcestershire officers apprehended him through the quick actions and equally quick-thinking of the two CSOs," added Det, Insp. Fox
02/02/2010
Scam Warning Following Emails About Tax Overpayment
Police are warning people to be vigilant following reports of an email scam in the force area.
The scam claims to be from HM Revenues & Customs (HMRC) and says that the person receiving it has overpaid their tax. The email then asks for a range of personal information including mother's maiden name and bank and credit card details.
A police spokesman said: "Those targeted by this email realised it was likely to be a scam and so reported it rather than responding to it.
"We want to make people aware that such a scam is circulating and to encourage them to be extra vigilant themselves. Do not disclose any personal or banking details unless you are entirely confident that the request is genuine."
Police warn that scams of this nature could be in the form an email, letter or phone call so stay alert and encourage more vulnerable family members and friends to do likewise.
01/02/2010
Police are appealing for witnesses after a baby was injured during an attack on her Worcester home.
The incident took place at an address in Drake Avenue, Dines Green, between 19:00 and 19:08 on Friday, January 29.
A broken paving slab was thrown through the front, living room, window, just feet from the six-month-old who was sat in a baby chair.
The baby was covered in broken glass but thankfully was found to be uninjured when she was checked over by paramedics.
Local Policing Officer for the area, PC Julie Merry, said: "This was a terrible incident for the family but it could have been far worse as the baby could have been seriously injured.
"We would appeal for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area around the times given, or anyone who has information on the identity of this reckless offender or offenders, to contact police immediately."
The mother of the baby heard a car drive off immediately after the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 626/S/290110, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
31/01/2010
Please note the following burglaries in Worcester
2 x Burglaries Geneva Close 28/01/10
27/01/2010
Dear All
I would like to invite you to the next public meeting of the above group, which will be held on Tuesday 9th February 2010, at the Methodist Church Hall, Bromyard Road, Worcester WR2 5DL, commencing with coffee at 7.00pm. The meeting will start at 7.15pm.
26/01/2010
Police Warn Cashpoint Users To Keep Their Pin Numbers Safe
West Mercia Police are warning the public to watch out for tricksters who appear to be targeting people using cashpoints and Chip & PIN machines in supermarkets.
There have been 19 similar theft offences since the beginning of September 2009, including three this month.
The offences have taken place across the force area and offenders usually target women over the age of 60.
Detective Sergeant Andrea Furniss from the West Mercia Police Force Intelligence Bureau said: "Offenders have been known to watch people using ATM machines and memorising the PIN number used. They then engage them in conversation, distracting them by a variety of methods while an accomplice then steals their bank cards or purse.
These methods have included producing a map and asking for directions to another town or telling people they have dropped some money when they have not.
"We would remind anyone using cashpoint machines to cover the PIN number pad so offenders cannot see. If anyone appears to be acting suspiciously please let the police know. Always keep your bags and personal belongings with you and be on your guard for anyone who may try to distract you with the motive of stealing from you."
Police are studying CCTV from the crime locations and enquiries are ongoing to trace the offenders. Anyone who has information for officers about these type of offences can call 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
For more information about personal safety please visit the West Mercia Police website www.westmercia.police.uk
call the Worcestershire hub on 0845 6072005