Crime Reports

PENSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

CRIME REPORTS

12th December 2011

Pensford

1. Between 2000 hours on Monday 5th and 0945 hours on Tuesday 6th December 2011, unknown person(s) gained entry to a garage at a property in Church Street, Pensford, and removed a motor cycle from within. The motor cycle was later found burnt out near Chew Magna.

2. Between 0600 and 1300 hours on Friday 9th December 2011, unknown person(s) damaged the bodywork of a motor vehicle whilst it was parked in Church Street, Pensford, by scratching the bonnet.

If you have any information regarding these incidents please contact the Police on 101. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 882.

28h November 2011

Chelwood

Between 1200 hours on Wednesday 23rd and 1400 hours on Saturday 26th November 2011, unknown person(s) removed items from the garden of a property in Chelwood.

If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 101. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 816.

24th November 2011

Keynsham

In the early hours of Wednesday 23rd November 2011 an occupant of Cherwell Road disturbed two men inside his motor vehicle. The two men ran off and the Police helicopter was used to track them in the fields nearby. Both men, who came from the Bristol area, were arrested and charged on suspicion of attempted theft from a motor vehicle.

24th October 2011

Stanton Drew

On Thursday 20th October 2011, it was discovered that unknown person(s) had removed property, including two pedal cycles, from a shed in the garden of a property in Stanton Drew.

Chew Magna

Between 1200 and 1400 hours on Saturday 22nd October 2011, unknown person(s) removed a lawn mower from the garden of a property in Knowle Hill, Chew Magna.

18th October 2011

Queen Charlton

Between 1245 and 1250 hours on Sunday 16th October 2011, unknown person(s) entered a secure motor vehicle parked in Queen Charlton Lane, by smashing a window and removed items from within. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 101. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 662.

27th September 2011

Stanton Drew

Between Wednesday 21st and 1135 hours on Thursday 22nd September 2011, unknown person(s) entered an insecure garage at a property in Stanton Drew.

Chelwood

At approximately 0020 hours on Monday 26th September 2011, unknown person(s) removed an insecure motor vehicle from the driveway of a property in Chelwood. The vehicle was recovered later that day.

5th September 2011

Chew Stoke

Between Saturday 27th August and Thursday 1st September 2011, unknown person(s) entered a shed in the rear garden of a property in The Street by removing a padlock securing the door. Items were removed from within. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 568.

9th August 2011

General rioting and disturbances

Avon and Somerset Police are prepared for the possibility of disorder following events in other parts of the country. Police will respond quickly and robustly to any potential disorder as we have demonstrated during our swift intervention in Bristol overnight. Residents in Bath and North East Somerset should not be unduly worried about disorder in their community. We know these acts are committed by a small criminal minority intent on causing trouble. The vast majority of the community do not support the action of these individuals and we ask that anyone aware of planned disorder reports it to us.

8th August 2011

Stanton Drew.

At approximately 0100 hours on Saturday 6th August 2011, unknown person(s) smashed the downstairs window of a property in Bromley Road. The occupants then heard a vehicle driving off. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 457.

1st August 2011

Chew Magna

Between 2130 hours on Friday 29th and 0800 hours on Saturday 30th July 2011, unknown person(s) removed lead from the roof of a property in Chew Hill. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 418.

28th July 2011

Chew Stoke

Between approximately 1600 and 1630 hours on Wednesday 27th July 2011, unknown person(s) entered a property in Pilgrims Way through an insecure front door and removed items from within.

Chew Magna

At 1600 hours on Tuesday 26th July 2011, it was discovered that unknown person(s) had removed property from an insecure motor vehicle parked on the driveway of a property near The Batch.

If you have any information regarding these incidents please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 407.

25th July 2011

Chew Magna

Between 2200 hours on Sunday 24th and 0200 hours on Monday 25th July 2011, unknown person(s) removed lead from the roof of a property in Chew Hill. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 389.

14th July 2011

Keynsham

Between approximately 1100 and 1130 hours on Wednesday 13th July 2011, the elderly occupant of a property in the northern area of Keynsham answered the door to two men who said they were working for a home improvement company. One of the men asked to use the toilet upstairs, whilst the other man remained with the occupant, on his return they both left. Items were later discovered missing. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 363.

12th July 2011

Publow Lane, Pensford

At approximately 0025 hours on Saturday 9th July 2011, an unknown person smashed glass in the door and a window at a property in Publow Lane, Pensford.

Silver Street, Chew Magna

At approximately 1610 hours on Saturday 9th July 2011, unknown person(s) gained entry to a motor vehicle parked off Silver Street, Chew Magna, by forcing open a door lock and removed items from within.

If you have any information regarding these incident please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 343.

7th July 2011

Hillcrest, Pensford

Between 0230 and 0630 hours on Tuesday 5th July 2011, unknown person(s) attempted to gain entry to a secure property towards the lower end of Hillcrest by trying to lever open rear ground floor windows. Entry was not gained. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 328.

30th June 2011

Knowle Hill, Chew Magna

Between 2330 hours on Tuesday 28th and 1000 hours on Wednesday 29th June 2011, unknown person(s) have entered a secure shed in the garden of a property by removing the hasp lock by unknown means. Items were removed from within. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 311.

22nd June 2011

Bogus Mail

There has been a recent spate in the BANES area of unsolicited letters being sent to unsuspecting victims claiming that they are from a bank normally overseas (Japan / Singapore etc). The letter goes on to explain that they are holding dormant accounts which may belong to a deceased relative of the recipient and the sums are in the £££ Millions plus interest!! On the surface it could appear that you are the potential beneficiary to a large sum of money.

PLEASE ignore these letters they are a scam, the letters are poorly worded and are asking for your cooperation in order to get the funds released. This will then be followed by further letters which would start asking you to part with money in order to secure you the windfall.

May I take this opportunity to remind people that if something looks to good to be true then it probably is!! Anything that comes to you either at the door, phone, letter or any other means that is unsolicited (i.e not instigated by you) then treat with caution!!

Any doubts please contact your local Neighbouhoor Policing team on 0845 456 7000.

Residents of the Chew Valley can contact me on 0845 456 7000 or by email - simon.glanfield@avonandsomerset.police.uk

22nd June 2011

“Please be aware – Council Tax Scam phone calls are happening again in this area.

Council Tax refunds - phone call scams: June 2011

It has been brought to our attention that telephone fraudsters are using bogus Council Tax refunds, to try and obtain sensitive financial information from residents in Bath & North East Somerset.

Several households have already been contacted by a person calling from an international telephone number claiming to be from the ‘British Council Tax Office’ saying they were in line for a refund on their Council Tax. The fraudster provides a reference number and asks householders to call back on a different number. On calling back the householder is asked to provide their bank details for the refund to be paid into.

The administration of Council Tax is carried out solely by the team here at the Council and we would never approach people in this way. We are not connected to anyone claiming to be from the ‘British Council Tax Office’.

We have also been advised of similar scams operating around the country where callers have claimed to be from either the 'Government Verification Department' or the local authority offering a substantial reward for prompt payment of their Council Tax. Householders are advised they can receive this reward by bank transfer, provided they are happy to pay and administrative fee of £95.00 over the telephone.

If you are suspicious about any caller claiming to be from Council Tax or Business Rates, terminate the call and do not give any personal information.

	If you would like to confirm whether one of our officers has contacted you, please call Revenues & Benefits on 01225 47 77 77.
	If you have received a suspicious phone call, but not given out any personal details - please report it to Consumer Direct on 08454 040 506.
	If you think you may have given out personal details and a fraud may be committed against you - call the Action Fraud Hotline on 0300 123 2040.”

20th June 2011

Theft of Charity Bags

Please be aware when putting charity bags out for collection outside your house that there have been several incidents recently in the Keynsham area when these bags have been collected by unlicensed collectors and are not reaching the charities they are meant for. These thefts are occurring in the morning before the authorised collectors attend. If you have any information regarding these incidents please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 262.

25th May 2011

Household security

There have been recent incidents in the Bath and North East Somerset area where persons have walked into homes and stolen items through closed, but not locked, rear doors and windows particularly patio doors. Please be advised to consider the security of your household, especially the rear doors and windows. With the run up to summer and the warmer weather burglars will use this as an opportunity to get in through an insecure door or window and that includes small windows such as skylights or bathroom fanlights. In fact a potential thief can get through any gap that is larger than a human head. In view of this and by taking a few simple steps, you can make summertime a hard time for these criminals.

	Check all ground floor doors and windows are locked before you go out or go to bed!
	Make sure your shed and garage are secure, mark your property and lock away your tools after gardening; they could be used to assist a potential opportunist thief.

If you have access to the Internet you can get useful advice at: www.crimereduction.gov.uk and also at the Police website: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

If you witness a crime in progress or you believe a crime has just occurred please ring 999.

If you have information about any crime, phone the police on 0845 456 7000 or you can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111. For general information about Neighbourhood Watch nationally see the www.ourwatch.org.uk website.

14th June 2011

Bishop Sutton

Between Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th June 2011, unknown person(s) entered a secure motor vehicle parked in Hillside Gardens by unknown means and removed property from within.

Between 0020 and 0835 hours on Thursday 9th June 2011, unknown person(s) entered a motor vehicle parked in Wick Road by unknown means and removed property from within.

Most car crime occurs outside the owner's house or on the driveway overnight. Clear your car of everything every time you leave it and ensure it is secure. It only takes seconds to steal what's on display.

24th May 2011

Theft of copper piping from trade vehicles

Due to the continued rise in the price of metal, particularly copper, we are still experiencing an increase in the theft of copper piping from trade related vans. There have been two incidents this week where copper piping has been removed from the roofs of vehicles. Our advice is to try to keep minimum supplies, if any, on the vehicles and to ensure that the tubing is locked with a good quality padlock. Park vehicles in well lit, overlooked places and position the vehicle, if possible, to make removal of property more difficult. If you have any information regarding these incidents please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 165.

2nd April 2011

High Street, Pensford

At approximately 2145 hours on Thursday 21st April 2011, unknown person(s) damaged the front door of a property, smashing the pane of glass. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 108

2nd March 2011

Pensford

At approximately 0745 hours on Tuesday 1st March 2011, unknown person(s) gained entry to a secure shed in the grounds of an isolated property, to the south of Pensford, by removing the padlock and forcing open the door. Items were removed from the shed, but were left outside it. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 786.

15th February 2011

Pensford

Between 1300 hours on Sunday 13th and 1820 hours on Monday 14th February 2011, unknown person(s) gained access to a property on the outskirts of Pensford by entering an insecure porch door and forcing open the main front door, activating the alarm. Items were removed from within. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 737.

30th January 2011

Norton Hawkfield

Between 1900 hours on Thursday 20th and 0900 hours on Friday 21st January 2011, unknown person(s) gained entry to a secure property by forcing open the rear door. Items were removed from within. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 673.

17th January 2011

AVON & SOMERSET POLICE WARNING OF BOGUS CALLERS

Police are warning people across the force to beware of bogus callers, as criminals take advantage of the increase in burst pipes and water mains caused by cold weather.

Over the last week, a number of offences have been reported to police across the force where bogus “Waterboard” and Dyno-rod officials have tricked their way into homes before stealing cash, purses and wallets.

Darren Taylor, acting sergeant on the Bristol Doorstep Crime Team consisting of police and Trading Standards officers, said: “Offenders have been knocking on doors, unfortunately targeting elderly and more vulnerable people, and claiming they are fixing water leaks and burst pipes in the road.

“A common theme in these offences is that victims are being told that there is blue dye in the water, and they need the victim to run the kitchen taps to check the system.

“If someone knocks on your door and you hear these things, alarm bells should start ringing.

“There is no longer a Waterboard – it is a term used only by bogus callers. Water companies also never put dye into the water.

“Since the formation of the Bristol Doorstep Crime Team and Avon and Somerset’s work to tackle doorstep crime with the national Operation Liberal, we have reduced distraction burglaries and rogue trading offences by around 60% in the city.

“In turn there has been a substantial increase in the number of crimes being detected with more offenders being identified and locked up than ever before.

“We want to further drive down these offences and warn people of what to look out for so that we stop people from becoming victims in the first place.”

The Bristol Doorstep Crime Team is a partnership between Bristol CID and Bristol City Council Trading Standards. This joint enterprise has been investigating distraction burglary and Rogue trading in the city for 18 months.

Acting Sergeant Taylor said: “If you are visited by someone requesting access and you have not reported a water leak then do not let anyone into your home.

“You do not need to run your taps.

“Be wary of unknown, unscheduled callers – just because they have a plastic id card and a boiler suit it does not make them genuine.

“A genuine official will understand and will happily make a future appointment or provide credentials to confirm their identity.”

If you believe that you have seen or been visited by these offenders then please report it to the police on 0845 456 7000. If you have any information that may help catch these offenders call 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Top tips for staying safe

	Always make sure visitors to your home are who they say they are by asking to see their identification.
	Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller, as they may be bogus. Always use a number from your utility bill or a phone book.
	'Water Boards' no longer exist, it is an obsolete phrase used only by bogus callers.
	Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, that you close the door behind them - distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you while another sneaks in through the insecure door.
	Always close and lock the back door before answering the front door.

LOCK: Keep your front and back doors locked, even when you are at home.

STOP: Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check that you have locked any back doors and taken the key out. Look through the spy hole or the window to see who it is.

CHAIN: If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first.

CHECK: If someone who looks official calls at your door, always ask for their identity card; do they look like the person on the card? If you do not have a chain, ask for ID to be put through the letterbox and remember there's no such thing as the water board.

Visit the Force website on www.avonandsomerset.police.uk where you can also sign up to receive local news and alerts, Crimestoppers appeals and job details, direct to your inbox – on http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/Interactive/

11th January 2011

CHEW VALLEY - Sheds and outbuildings.

Over the weekend there have been three incidents of theft or attempted theft from outbuildings in the Chew Valley area. Power tools have been taken and property damaged.

Suggested crime prevention advice:-

	Use good quality locks to secure your gates and doors.
	Tools from your shed could be used to break into your home. Do not leave ladders outside, but if you have to chain them up.
	Check that your household insurance covers theft from your garden and outbuildings.
	Mark your power tools etc with your post code and house number.
	Fit a battery operated alarm - these can cost less than you imagine.

If you see or hear anything unusual or if you have any information regarding these thefts, please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000 or email SSNKEYNSHAM@avonandsomerset.police.uk. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. However, if you believe a crime is taking place or it is an emergency, please ring 999. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 638.

9th December 2010

Station Approach, Pensford.

Between 1000 and 1900 hours on Tuesday 7th December 2010, unknown person(s) attempted to gain entry to a property, but the alarm was activated and no entry is believed to have been gained. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 596.

8th December 2010

Bishop Sutton

On Wednesday 1st December 2010 Keynsham Police Officers executed a Drugs Warrant at an address in Bishop Sutton. Numerous Cannabis plants were seized. If any member of the Community has any information regarding this, or any other incident, would you please contact Avon and Somerset Police on either 0845 456 7000 or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

25th November 2010

Publow Lane, Pensford.

At approximately 2200 hours on Tuesday 23rd November 2010, unknown person(s) removed a motor vehicle from a driveway by unknown means. The vehicle was later recovered. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 555.

23rd November 2010

Hillcrest, Pensford.

Between 1400 hours on Thursday 18th and 0900 hours on Friday 19th November 2010, unknown person(s) damaged the rear windscreen of a motor vehicle. No entry is believed to have been gained to the vehicle.

Between 2300 hours on Monday 22nd and 0650 hours on Tuesday 23rd November 2010, unknown person(s) entered the garden of a property and removed a moped.

10th November 2010

Hillcrest, Pensford.

Between 2200 hours on Tuesday 9th and 0820 hours on Wednesday 10th November 2010, unknown person(s) gained entry to a secure motor vehicle by smashing a window and removed items from within.

If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster Message Bath Number 503.

9th November 2010

VW Polo

Between Sunday 7th and Tuesday 9th November 2010, a set of registration plates and car keys for a VW Polo were stolen in separate incidents in Keynsham. If you own a VW Polo please be particularly vigilant and take extra precautions when securing your motor vehicle. If you do not have a garage, ensure the steering lock is engaged or use an additional security device.

17th July 2009

Station Approach, Pensford.

Between 11.30pm on Tuesday July the 14th and 6.35am the following morning, unknown person(s) have gained entry to an insecure motor vehicle parked on the driveway of a residence at Station Approach, Pensford. Property has been removed and the culprits) have then gone on to gain access to the residence. This was gained via an insecure front ground floor window and further items were removed. The garage was also entered. The Police want to remind residents to ensure that they leave nothing in their vehicles and to ensure that they are kept secure at all times. Also ensure that all unattended doors and windows to your homes are kept locked.

Priest Down, Publow

A motor vehicle was removed from the driveway of a residence at Priest Down, Publow. This occurred between 7.45 and 11.20pm on Thursday July the 9th. The car in question is a blue Vauxhall Corsa with the registration number R665EOB.

If you have any information regarding these incidents, please contact the Police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively you could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. It is important that you ask for the call to be tagged 'Neighbourhood Watch' and quote Ringmaster message Bath 3294.

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