NHW NEWSLETTER - JAN 05

RETIREMENT OF FOUNDER MEMBER

For those of you who are unaware, Commander Robin Chapman, who was the Neighbourhood Watch Co-Ordinator for Corsley has retired from this post – one that he carried out actively and with gusto – and for my part, he will be sorely missed.

I’m sure you will join with me in wishing Robin all the best for the future, but now comes a request for someone else to take up the post.

If you know of anyone that is interested, please contact either myself or Mark Abbott at Melksham Police Station on 01225-703444 and we will provide you with advice and information on how to get started.

ALSO

There is to be a recruiting drive for the Special Constabulary over the weekend of Friday 25th to Sunday 27th February 2005. A Home Office inspired national publicity campaign, highlighting the efforts of the Special Constabulary will lead the campaign and Officers from the Special Constabulary will be on duty over that weekend to offer advice and support, should anyone wish to volunteer for this role.By joining the Special Constabulary, you can make a difference.


THEFT OF TACK - WESTBURY

On the 17th January 2005, an isolated stables in Coulston, near Westbury was subject of a burglary where tack and associated stable equipment was stolen. This serves as a timely reminder to all those involved in equine pursuits that tack is highly desirable, with a ready market for disposal.

Police would therefore ask stable owners to ensure that their security mechanisms are robust and in place.


DISTRACTION BURGLARIES

Again, there is a need to remind yourselves and the members of your scheme about the dangers of allowing strangers into your homes.

In early January 2005, two white males gained access to sheltered accommodation in Warminster. They informed the occupant that there was a fire in the rooms above, and asked where she kept her jewellery. They then entered a second flat via an internal door. They were disturbed whilst searching and left via a fire exit. The following property was discovered to be missing from the first flat: £80.00 cash; gold ring, value £300.00. Property stolen from the second flat is described as follows: carpet bag, value £3.00; black purse, value £5.00; cash £20.00; silver make-up compact, value £5.00. Descriptions of the two male intruders are given as both white, 5’9” tall with black hair, wearing black clothing.

All too often, I have to remind people to be on their guard against such types of offences and the frustrating thing is, they are preventable if the following steps are taken:

1. If you are not expecting an official to call at your house, ask for identification.

2. Contact the company they purport to be from, if they are genuine, they will not mind the wait.

3. Remember Call-A-Friend. This is a system that has received numerous recommendations over the years and simply, if you are unhappy with any callers, then Call-A-Friend to your address to deal with them.

4. If in any doubt at all, dial ‘999’, as we would rather respond to a genuine mistake than a burglary against the elderly.

5. Bear in mind that they only attack the elderly and infirm because they make the worst witnesses, and are easy to bully and confuse. It is our duty to protect those in our communities that are unable to defend themselves.

Help us to stop these unscrupulous offences and put these offenders behind bars where they belong.


BURGLARIES IN HORNINGSHAM

A recent increase in burglaries has taken place in Horningsham and with your help, we can put a stop to these and hopefully arrest the offenders.

Two burglaries have been reported in Cock Lane and two heavy wood burners have been stolen from the school.

We are appealing to the local community for assistance in detecting these offences, are they being committed by someone local? Do you have any suspicions at all?

Please remember you can leave any information anonymously on the CrimeStoppers number 0800-555-111.