NHW Newsletter - April 05
DISTRACTION BURGLARY, WESTBURYYet again, I have to report that an elderly couple were subject of a distraction burglary in Eden Vale Road, Westbury, on Tuesday 26th April 2005 at about 1.00 p.m. that lunchtime. A male called at the address stating he was working next-door and just wanted to check the couple’s property to ensure that he wasn’t causing any damage. Whilst in the back garden, he could be seen using his mobile phone; the occupier of the house returned indoors to find another male going through her property. Both males made off in a red vehicle and a large amount of cash was stolen. It seems that yet again, we need to inform our neighbours and the vulnerable in our communities NOT TO ALLOW ANYONE INSIDE THEIR PROPERTY, UNLESS BY A PRE-ARRANGED APPOINTMENT. Tell them to wait, if they are genuine, they will; if not, they will leave. In any case, contact the Police and don’t forget, we still, it would appear, have to promote the Call-A-Friend system. These types of offence are preventable, it just seems that we need to reinforce the message at each and every opportunity, as our advice does not seem to be heeded.
FORGED £20 NOTES Please be aware that two identified teams of criminals from the London/Kent area are coming into Warminster and Westbury and passing fraudulently produced £20.00 notes. Their M.O. is to purchase an item of low value and then obtain in excess of £19.00 in change. One of the teams was arrested in Warminster and another was arrested in Dover. That doesn’t mean they won’t return, so please be on the lookout, even though they will predominantly target business premises. If you have any information, please contact Dc Trevor Abbott at Warminster Police Station.
THEFT FROM HANDBAGS
During the months of March and April 2005, it is apparent that Warminster and Westbury have been targeted by a group of two or three people of Eastern European extraction, who steal purses, etc. from handbags. Their M.O. is to engage, usually elderly females, in supermarkets and discuss either food items or directions around the supermarket. Whilst talking to you, another person, usually a male, will steal your purse from your handbag, and then go straight to the cashpoint and use your credit cards to withdraw upwards of £300-£500. Please do not leave your PIN numbers with your cards, as this makes it all too easy for the thieves to withdraw the money from your bank accounts. C.C.T.V. footage of the offenders has been circulated in the press, but to date, no-one has been identified and arrested, so be aware that these offenders are still out there.
BURGLARY IN CODFORD On the 17th April 2005, a burglary occurred in the High Street, Codford, whereby the offender climbed in through a side window and stole a laptop computer. Does anyone remember seeing any suspicious on the day in question? Is there someone living in the village you are not happy about it? If so, please contact your local Police or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.
CRIMINAL DAMAGE
Recently, there has been a series of damages committed in the Alcock Crest and Daniell Crest areas of Warminster. These offences include smashed windows and damage to hedgerows and plants.
As a result of enquiries and information from the public in the local area, one youth has been arrested and other arrests are to follow.
If anyone in the area is suffering similar offences, please report the matter to the Police or CrimeStoppers and hopefully further arrests can be made, and order restored to the area. |
