Police Updates

Hello All,

Please note that the messages below are not meant to worry anyone, but the local policing team have given us details of issues happening very close to us and how householders can take steps to protect their property.

Firstly – following the computer scam message earlier this week we have had reports from Northleach residents and a household in Cold Aston that they have been targeted. Never give computer or bank information to a cold caller on the phone.

Secondly – following a message earlier this month about an increase in burglaries and vehicle crime, homes in Willersey, Church Westcote, Andoversford and Stow on the Wold were targeted and both private and commercial vehicles in Moreton in Marsh, Nether Westcote, Chipping Campden, Blockley were attacked.

Police are advising the following:

• Lock all windows and doors and remove the keys from the locks.
• Lock internal doors if possible so that if entry is gained then movement is restricted.
• If there is an alarm, get it serviced and remember to set it, regardless of how long you will be out of the house.
• Buy a safe for your jewellery and cash.
• Overnight remove all valuables, such as sat navs and tools from cars and vans. If you are not able to do this, park your vehicle in a garage if you have one.
• Do not leave hand bags, sat navs, mobiles or laptops in your vehicle at any time, regardless of how long you will be away from it. Do not try and hide these items under seats or in the boot.
• Look out for unusual callers at neighbours homes, especially if you know the occupants are usually out at work.
• Report all suspicious vehicles.

This message comes to you from the Gloucestershire Constabulary. Our telephone number for non-emergencies is 101 and calls cost 15p each. Visit the Constabulary website at www.gloucestershire.police.uk.

This is a message from the North Cotswold Local Policing Team.

Kind regards,
Cat Crompton

Clerk
Northleach with Eastington Town Council

Burglaries.
This message comes to you from the Gloucestershire Constabulary. The telephone number for non-emergencies is 101 and calls cost 15p each.
In the last two weeks we have had five dwelling burglaries in the North Cotswolds
area. All the victims were elderly and with the exception of one were in or around the property at the time the burglary occurred. On each occasion jewellery was taken. The offender did not appear concerned that he would be seen, although posed no threat, and was described as being a white male approx mid 30’s, short dark hair and wearing a dark tracksuit style top.
The burglaries occurred in the following locations; Inc 435 15/07/13 Back Lane, Mickleton; Inc 223 18/07/13 Station Road, Bourton-On-The-Water; Inc 286 18/07/13 Evesham Road, Stow-On- The-Wold; 291 18/07/13 University Farm, Moreton-In-The-Marsh; Inc 57 22/07/13 Temple Guiting. If any of your readers has any information or sees anything suspicious then please encourage them to call Gloucestershire police using the 101 telephone number quoting the relevant incident number.

Bogus Caller.
About 4.30 pm on Wednesday 24th July 2013, a man called at an address in Compton Abdale asking to read the electric meter. He showed an ID card in the name of ‘Walter Bain’ and which also said ‘British Gas’ on it. He was described as a white man, aged about 45
years, plump, unfit looking and not much hair. After reading the meter he left in an old battered grey car, possibly a Peugeot or Vauxhall. The householder became suspicious as she normally submits her readings on-line and upon checking with her supplier, they confirmed that they did not have anyone in the area. It does not appear that anything was stolen. Please advise your members that if they should encounter such a person then to fully check their credentials before admitting them to their home. If there is any doubt then they should contact the police straight away. If anyone has any information regarding this person then please ring Gloucestershire police on 101 quoting incident reference 404 24/7/2013. Thank you.

Catalytic Converter Thefts.
Most vehicles made since 1992 are fitted with catalytic converters which often contain small amounts of precious metals, making them a target for metal thieves. They are also valuable to scrap metal dealers who can easily sell them. Thieves will often target
vans and 4×4’s that have a higher ground clearance, making the converters more easily accessible. The chances of getting your converter stolen can be reduced if you follow one or more of theses crime prevention tips:

• Keep your vehicle in a garage when possible.
• Park in a well lit, busy area.
• Look out for people working under cars and who are acting suspiciously.
• Fit a catalytic converter clamp or security cage.
• Security mark and register the metal shell of the converter so if it is stolen and recovered, it will be easier to trace it back to your vehicle.
• Weld the converter fixing brackets or bolts in place making removal more difficult.

Contact: 101 in a non emergency, or 999 in an emergency or Gloucestershire Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 to provide information anonymously.

Lost camera. Help please!
A tourist visiting Northleach lost her Lumix camera near a bus stop in Northleach. We think it was the Market Place bus stop but it could be at one of the others. If you find it please let me know so we can reunite it with the owner. Cat Crompton, Town Clerk, 01451 861499.

Police in the North Cotswolds are urging residents to think back over the last 48 hours and call them if they recollect any unusual behaviour or anything out of the ordinary. The request follows reports of eight burglaries overnight in the area.

The burglaries happened at two public houses, two hotels and four private homes.

Inspector for the area, Brian Clifford, said: “We believe these burglaries are connected and they are each being thoroughly investigated so that the offenders can be brought to justice.

“We’re particularly eager to hear from local residents who may have seen any suspicious or unusual activity in the areas where the burglaries happened. No matter how small or insignificant you think the information may be it could turn out to be vital to our investigation, so please make sure you contact us.”

http://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/Latest%20News/Press%20Releases/2010/September/item18189.html

April 22 2010
Crime in Gloucestershire is down and confidence that the Constabulary and councils are dealing with local issues is up, according to the latest British Crime Survey and Home Office figures.
The statistics, released today (April 22), show that in the 12 months to December 2009, crime across Gloucestershire fell by 11 per cent.
This was the biggest percentage reduction in crime for the entire South West of England and only five police force areas in England and Wales recorded larger decreases……….read more

Police in the Cotswold’s and Stroud are continuing to remind quad bike owners to pay attention to the security of their vehicle following the theft of four quad bikes across the division in the last few weeks.

On March 12 two quad bikes and a trailer were stolen from the Bourton on the Water area. A quad bike, trailer and pressure washer were stolen from Compton Abdale on March 16. A fourth quad bike, a red Honda, was reported as stolen from a tool shed in Berkeley on March 27.

PC Mark Godsland, Divisional Crime Prevention Design Advisor for the area said; “Quad bikes are not only used for recreation but also as a valuable part of modern day farming. However, they can be a valuable commodity for thieves and it’s therefore very important that owners make sure that they are secured properly. We are carrying out general patrols in these and other areas and carrying out proactive stop checks when appropriate to deter, disrupt and detect criminal activity.”
“A number of different products are available to secure quad bikes, including a drive on clamp ramp and various padlocks and chains. However, these items should be used in addition to simple crime prevention methods such as making sure the ignition key is removed and ensuring that the garage or shed it’s in is kept locked.”

More information about crime prevention methods is available on the crime reduction pages of the Gloucestershire Constabulary website, or you can contact your local Crime Reduction Officer on 0845 090 1234.