LEDBURY TOWN & RURAL
CRIME INFORMATION
&
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
BULLETIN
**** 1st
January to 10th February 2012 ****
BISHOPS FROME
A shed used for
storing equipment in a field had been entered overnight 23rd/24th January. The offenders entered the locked field by
lifting the gate at the entrance, up off its hinges, and then proceeded to
break the padlock off the shed from which they removed Youngman treble metal
extension ladders, Richardson metal extensions for a trailer, an electric
extension cable and 2 x terracotta pots. OIS:
0040-N-240112
A suspicious silver
Ford Transit Van – Reg: CA0-GZG was seen in unexplained circumstances
around The Frogend at approx 1230 hrs on 29th January. OIS: 140-N-290112
BOSBURY
A residence situated
at the rear of a farm in the Harbour
Hill area, received a visit from two suspicious males in their early 20’s
who turned up on 24th January stating they wanted to talk about the
Bible, whilst clearly having a good look about.
Unfortunately for them they were encountered by the resident and also
seen by the farmer who lived nearby. The males turned up in a sports car on
three different occasions and obviously did not want to be seen as they firstly
tried to hide the vehicle behind a farm building, then took off at speed when
the farmer spotted them. OIS:
444-S-240112. One to keep an eye out for – we
need the Reg No if you can get it.
An elderly resident
in Forge Bank was caused much distress
when she received a bogus call asking for her address to send a cheque for a
large sum of money because she had overpaid the Bank. When the lady refused to give any bank
details and threatened to call the Police, the Asian sounding female caller
said if she did so, she would forfeit the money. They then said someone would be arriving at
the house to deliver the cheque. At this
point the Police became involved and we are happy to say that there has been no
further contact. OIS: 092-N-090112. Scammers can be very persistent and cause a
great deal of distress. Put the phone
down and report to Police or Consumer Direct.
CANON FROME
A red Toyota Hi Lux Pickup – N132ARX was
stolen from a farm overnight on 20th December. Nothing was seen or heard but the farm had
been visited several times over previous months asking if the vehicle was for
sale.
OIS: 294-S-211212
COLWALL
An elderly resident
received a phone call from a male stating he was calling from British Gas
saying she hadn’t paid her bill asking her how she was going to pay it. On two occasions he asked her for her bank
details but the lady sensibly put the phone down. Enquiries were made to British Gas who
confirmed they had not been in contact and that her bill was actually in the
Post. OIS: 361-S-310112. As
ever, and I know we keep saying it, NEVER give your bank details over the phone
to unsolicited callers, as these are always a good indication of a SCAM. Well done to that lady for her presence of
mind.
Three residents in The Crescent found their vehicle had
sustained damage by persons unknown who had slashed the tyres while they had
been parked overnight of 30th/31st December. Nothing was seen or heard. OIS: 96-N-311211
UPPER COLWALL
Thefts from
vehicles parked in the Car Parks along Jubilee Drive on the Malvern Hills
continue but thankfully not so frequently. The most recent was 13th
January when thieves smashed a near side front window to gain access to a
handbag with a large amount of cash and personal items inside. OIS: 239-S-130112
CRADLEY
On January 6th,
residents in an isolated part of Cradley and their neighbours received a
leaflet asking if they had any old iron. Because of the isolation, it bothered
both sets of residents especially when the same males arrived in a transit van
at 9.30 pm the following night, sitting outside one property for some
considerable time. They eventually moved
when their dog started barking. This is not an area for passing traffic so
suspicions were naturally aroused. We have tried the mobile number on the
leaflet left but have been unable to get a response. If anyone is able to gain further information
about this vehicle i.e. a Reg No. we would be interested to speak to the
individuals involved.
Three a car batteries connected to electric
fencing was stolen from fields with stock enclosed on and around 19th
January. Nothing was seen or heard. OIS: 458-S-190112
Two RSJ steel
girders were stolen from a building site on a farm in Tanhouse Lane between
17th
December and 14th January, and the electrical wiring stripped from
the entire building. Nothing was seen or heard.
OIS: 233-S-140112
EASTNOR
A suspicious white
Van – No Reg. was seen in the area in unexplained circumstances at 2030 hrs on
11th and 1530 hrs on 12th January. Fortunately no further
reports were received to indicate offences were committed. OIS:
212-S-120112 Similarly a dark blue
Audi Estate was seen parked outside the Church at 1800 hrs on the same night in
unexplained circumstances. OIS:
467-S-120112. Keep the reports coming in folks and if at all possible get the Reg No.
EVESBATCH
A resident in the
area reported 3 unknown males in an unidentified white transit low loader with
a distinctive red and yellow tow bar on the back, seen leaving at speed a barn
in a remote location in what is believed to be an attempted burglary at 0645
hrs on 29th January. OIS: 230S-290112
FROMES HILL
A man Flatbed lorry
– N688WKE was removed from a yard opposite the Wheatsheaf Pub where it had been
stored over the previous 6 months.
Despite needing a battery and keys the vehicle was removed between
October and 18th January when it was noticed missing. OIS: 466-S-180112
KYNASTON
Person unknown
stole a floodlight and fittings from a dressage arena in the area between 24th
and 26th January, and appear to have also made an attempt to steal
another. The light is described as being similar to that on a football
pitch. Nothing was seen or heard.
OIS: 119-S-260112
LEDBURY
A vehicle was
damaged while parked in the Swimming
Pool Car Park overnight of 10th and 11th February. Persons unknown ripped off a wing mirror to a
Ford Focus. OIS: 236-S-110212
A male was arrested
on 28th January following Police pursuit. Residents in John
Lee and Prince
Rupert Road were extremely helpful by ringing in sightings of a strange male on
the driveway of their property and in their back gardens. Thank you to all concerned.
A locked metal
container on a concrete base stored on a farm near Little Verzons Fruit Farm,
was broken into between 22nd and 26th January and approx
5 plastic drums of diesel emptied. In
addition a number of hand tools were removed.
A breeze block mini shed was also forced open but nothing was removed. OIS: 527-S-260112
Thieves attempted
to steal a Toyota Hilux Pickup overnight of 18th/19th
January while parked roadside in Homend
Cres. Offenders attempted to gain
entry by forcing the lock using a sharp implement. Nothing was seen or heard. OIS: 059-N-190112
A resident in The Homend reported criminal damage to
perimeter fencing overnight of 15th January, when persons unknown
appear to have kicked in and damaged
wooden fencing panels and pulled over builder’s fencing nearby. OIS: 165-S-150112
The route from New
St to Biddulph Way, along Oakland Drive and Elmsdale Rd crops up now and again
for anti social behaviour with young people passing through from Town to the
Deer Park Estate. We have recently had
good results with recent incidents of stone throwing at houses and general
misbehaviour. The seven young people
involved who live locally, were all identified and dealt with accordingly. OIS:
419-S-081112
LITTLE MARCLE
Burglars stole a
BCS 730 2 x wheeled power unit with a rotivator unit attachment two sets of
harness from a barn in the Falcon Lane area on 27th January, and removed a sum
of cash from a Farm Shop nearby. OIS:
130S-270112
LOWER EGGLETON
A white transit van
with red and yellow chevrons at the rear, with a Reg similar to MR51RVW
was seen builder undertaking work at a cottage on site of The Homend Estate when they approached, asking
for scrap on 10th February. OIS: 410-S-090212. Renovation/ building work always draws some
attention from individuals looking for scrap copper etc. so please be vigilant
and report suspicious sightings to the Police and to your local NHW
co-ordinator for the information to be passed down the line.
A vigilant
neighbourhood watcher reported suspicious activity on the Leighton Court Estate on 1st January, when 3 males with
rifles and a large light were seen on site at approx 2200 hrs. Police arrived to confront the males, all
from MerthyrTydfll, who claimed they had permission to be on the land. However, subsequent enquiries proved this to
be untrue and the males were all arrested for poaching, and their firearms
seized. OIS: 867-S-010112. Well done Mr Barber.
PARKWAY
A quad bike was
removed from a locked garage between 1800 and 1900 hrs on 30th
January, when offenders
forced 2 x locks from the outer wooden double doors of the out building and a
further two locks on the inner metal door. Chains securing the quad bike to a
metal peg which was concreted into the ground within the outbuilding, were then
cut and the Quad bike removed from the premises. OIS:
512-S-300112. A white transit van was
seen in close proximity to the premises at 1700 hrs but unfortunately the Reg
No. was not taken.
PUTLEY
Putley is
experiencing repeated problems with unknown vehicles driving through fields and
orchards at will, leaving the area by driving straight through fences and farm
gates. The tyre marks indicate the
offending vehicles are 4 x 4 or larger, and the occupants have no respect for
stock or crops. We have had reports but
unfortunately these are after the event and we have no clues as to the
offenders. It may well be lampers but we
would welcome any intelligence which may lead to the individuals concerned.
UPPER EGGLETON
A resident reported
that on 28th January they received a call from a male with a
Liverpudlian accent stating he was calling from British Gas asking them to turn
the Gas off and stand 50 yards from the house.
Two calls were made to the property during which the male was shouting
“Quick this is an emergency, you must stay outside your house”. Fortunately the resident rang the Police who
attended owing to the potential for a distraction burglary. OIS: 308-S-280112. This
is a new one on us folks but please be aware of what is apparently another ruse
to get you out of the house while someone else enters to help themselves to
your property, and let us know if there are any other incidents of a similar
nature.
WEST MALVERN
A Freelander
Kalahari Land Rover was damaged when thieves removed the catalytic convertor
from the vehicle while it was parked overnight in a private car park. Nothing was seen or heard. OIS:
123-N-010112
STORRIDGE
A green 2 door Mini
Cooper – Reg: RPB74R was towed off the drive of a property on the Hereford Road
between 1300 and 1800 hrs on 26th January. Enquiries are ongoing.
OIS: 527-S-2690112
Herefordshire
Community Messaging (Ringmaster)
Herefordshire
Community Messaging Service is a computerised communications system which is
run by Herefordshire TPU and is funded by Herefordshire Neighbourhood
Watch. The service offers residents,
businesses, schools and local partnerships useful information and alerts about
crimes, incidents and events in their area.
Alerts such as suspicious vehicles, bogus callers, rogue traders and
missing persons can be sent out using this service. Local Policing Team Newsletter can be viewed
online as well as useful home security information and advice.
The
majority of the information is sent via email, however, short or urgent
messages can be sent to mobile phones. The
Herefordshire Community Messaging System, or Ringmaster as it is sometimes
known, is free. If you would like more information please contact Dee Naylor on
ext 4535 or visit the website:
www.herefordshire-community-messaging.org
Arrests Made As Police Clamp Down On Metal
Thefts
Five
people have been arrested as part of a national day of action (Wednesday, 14 December)
to tackle metal thefts. Officers visited
30 scrap metal dealers across the West Mercia force area as part of the
initiative, as well as carrying out pre-planned arrests and executing warrants
at properties believed to be used by thieves.
Three men were arrested separately in Droitwich,
Telford and Ludlow on suspicion of theft after being found in possession of
metal which was believed to have been stolen.
A further two men were arrested in Whitchurch
on suspicion of handling stolen goods and for going equipped after being found
with metal on them and tools thought to be involved in the theft of metal. All five have been released on police bail.
Following visits to scrap metal dealers in Herefordshire and Telford &
Wrekin, two tonnes of stolen electrical cable, stolen optical fibre, property
belonging to Network Rail and Western Power, and items that had been coated in
Smartwater were all seized.
Detective Sergeant Dave Clews from the Force Intelligence Bureau was in charge
of the operation. He said: "Together with a variety of partner agencies,
West Mercia Police officers visited scrap metal dealers to give further
guidance on book keeping and what to look out for when people bring metal into
their yards.
Some dealers have shown administration improvements since previous visits, but
there are still a minority of metal recyclers who knowingly operate outside the
law.
As part of the day we also executed a warrant at a property in the Malvern area
and found a quantity of stolen cable and also seized a vehicle which had been
used in criminality.
"Metal thieves cause misery for countless thousands of people across the
country, whether through stolen lead from roofs, stolen railway cable resulting
in delays and cancellations or stolen power cable causing widespread power
loss. Metal theft is not a victimless
crime and has a negative impact upon the communities in which we live.
I hope this operation sends a clear message to anyone involved in this type of
crime that we will act on the information we receive and come after you if we
suspect you are involved in the theft of metal." Anyone
with information about metal thefts can contact West Mercia Police directly on
101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Sat Nav Thefts - 4 days of Car Crime
in Leominster
During
the 5/6 and 8/9 January there have been 17 incidents of car crime in
Leominster. Vehicles that have been targeted have been parked both in
residential areas and in car parks. The main reason for these crimes has been
to steal property located inside the vehicle; mainly Sat Nav's. If you have
been offered any kind of Sat Nav system from a dubious source please contact
West Mercia Police on 101.
It might sound obvious, but make sure you lock the doors and shut the windows
and sunroof whenever you leave your vehicle unattended.
* Remove your Sat Nav and its holder, and wipe away any suction marks as these
could suggest to a potential thief that a Sat Nav is stored in your vehicle.
* Never leave any valuables in your vehicle - not even in the glove-box or boot
- and keep ALL other possessions out of sight.
* Use an approved steering lock or gear clamp, and remember to set your
immobiliser and alarm if you have them.
* Register your stereo, laptop, Sat Nav and any other property on a free online
property database such as www.immobilise.com. It only takes a few minutes and
could help police trace your property if it's lost or stolen.
If you would like any more advice, or a 'STOP - ALL VALUABLES HAVE BEEN REMOVED'
card to leave in your unattended car please contact your Local Policing Team. Reply using our website
Beware of Scam letter from Hong Kong
A SCAM letter was
received over Christmas by a resident in Ledbury.
The letter advises the potential victim that someone from abroad has a
significant amount in cash that they want to bring to the UK, but need a bank
account to do it. It also says that a sum of money needs to be in the account
before the money can be transferred into it, and the letter asks for the
details of this bank account.
These sorts of letters will usually say it is because of a recent death of a
person abroad where there has been no next of kin and that the same surname is
shared.
Letter scams sound too good to be true. Don't be tempted by scams to make easy
money
Police are reminding everyone not to send money to unknown individuals to
release further funds, however believable the story sounds. Never give out bank details in response to a
letter or email like this. Anyone who
has given out bank details in a situation like this should contact their bank
immediately. Those who have lost money to any scam like this should report it
to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040.
Dee
Ringmaster Administrator
FURTHER SCAMS
· An email purportedly
from HM Revenue and Customs stating
you are to receive a tax refund and requesting you download the document
attached to the email to confirm your identity.
They also state you will need to provide a valid bank account in which
the funds would be paid. The refund will
be delayed if you submit invalid records after the 5-7 day deadline. Well
we’ve heard it all before but some still get taken in.
· NOT SO NEW BUT STILL PERSISTENT
Losterias del Estado – Spanish Lottery
Subscribers Award Winning Notice promising a huge sum of money from AXA
Subscribers Company and Express Statement Concerning Unclaimed
Cash – generated from the Netherlands promising at least £11,500 but
you must claim within 7 days asking for £25 for admin costs. … and there are
many, many more.