NHW NEWSLETTER - FEB 06

DWELLING BURGLARIES
Now that the good weather is approaching, it is a timely reminder for us all to be aware of the vulnerability of our premises, especially if the windows and doors are left insecure. In order to reinforce this message, two premises, one in Sherrington and one in Tytherington, were subject of the attention of undesirables; one premises was actually broken into and a significant amount of property stolen.
Police would have struggled to progress the enquiries had it not been for the vigilance of a neighbour who, upon seeing two suspicious characters, recorded the registration of the vehicle and a description of the occupants, before passing it to the Police. The details were circulated and the suspects’ vehicle located in Southampton, where upon checking the vehicle, Hampshire Police Officers found ski masks and jemmies. The two males were arrested on suspicion of going equipped to commit an indictable offence.
This just goes to reinforce how impactive upon crime Neighbourhood Watch can be and why we, as a Force, place so much importance upon it. Keep up the good work.

THEFT OF SCRAP METALS
Recently, Warminster Officers arrested three males in Frome in possession of a large quantity of stolen scrap metal. The arrests are directly attributable, once again, to the actions of a vigilant member of the public who took the time to inform local Officers of his suspicions. The three males are at present on Police bail whilst investigations continue.
What is apparent is that all three are known to local Officers and are suspected of all forms of thefts, including scrap metal and garden ornaments. Again, please remain vigilant and report your suspicions.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH VOLUNTEER
We are at present looking to secure the services of a Neighbourhood Watch member to assist in the production of the NHW Newsletter. Due to the administrative post at Warminster being relocated to the Divisional Headquarters, it will be difficult for us to sustain the newsletter without the support of a volunteer.
Whilst we are committed to working with Neighbourhood Watch and producing the newsletter, we are keen to hone the newsletter towards specific local issues. With this in mind, can you please advise me of any specific concerns and/or issues that you feel should be covered in the next NHW Newsletter.

SHOPWATCH
In partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and the Town Council, as well as a number of shop premises in the town centre, we have managed to relaunch the Shopwatch Radio Scheme. This allows store staff to speak directly to C.C.T.V. operators, as well as town centre Police Officers. It is anticipated that this will assist us in impacting upon thefts and other acquisitive offences that occur in the town centre, and also contribute to furthering enhancing Warminster and making it a safer place for us all.


PURSE DIPPING
While strictly not a Neighbourhood Watch issue, I feel it is important to raise awareness of this reoccurring crime series as the victims are invariably the elderly. We have now, for a period of months, had a number of Eastern Europeans target shops in Warminster where they engage elderly shoppers in conversation on the pretext of seeking advice. Whilst one of the team speaks to the victim, another one is fishing around in the handbag or shopping bag, and will steal the victim’s purse. Make no mistake, these offenders are very skilled and invariably operate on dates when pensions have been drawn. In the majority of cases victims have lost significant amounts of money and it has been very distressing as well as financially impactive. I cannot reinforce our concerns strongly enough and would ask you to repeat this message to all your friends to ensure that there is a higher level of awareness.
If you are concerned in relation to this, the Enquiry Office at Warminster Police Station has a number of chains available which will enable you to clip your purse or wallet firmly inside your handbag or shopping bag. These are free and available on request.