Winter burglary advice

Dear All,
Warwickshire Police are working to keep you safe as the darker nights draw in.
People across the Southam area can pick up security and crime prevention advice from one of the members of the Southam Safer Neighbourhood Team about the importance of not leaving their house in the dark.
Your Safer Neighbourhood team will also be patrolling in burglary hot spot areas, if no light is on in your home, curtains are not drawn, and no car is in the drive, it’s an obvious sign to an opportunist burglar that no-one is in. At this time of the year more than any other it pays to secure your home.
There are a number of simple and free ways to do this, all of which will help reduce the chance of your home becoming the next target.

• Visit a local retailer to pick up a 24 hour segment timer for under £5. The timer can be used with a lamp, radio or TV to give the impression that someone’s home. Remember to use an energy efficient light bulb
• Mark your property with SMART WATER, allowing your items to be traced back to yourself should they be stolen.
• Keep valuables out of sight
• Look your doors and windows, if you have a UPVC door make sure you have double locked it
• If you are away, ask a neighbour to open and close the curtains and remove any post from the front door daily

Remember it is these small and simple steps that can help reduce crime in the area.

For any further information please contact the team on the details below.

Kind Regards,

Claire Murray
PCSO 6247
on behalf of . . .
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH & NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk or southam.snt@warwickshire.police.uk

Secure your shed

Sheds and outbuildings are difficult to secure and following the recent spate of break-ins you might be interested in the following alarms that are available via Amazon: click on to this link:-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_5?url=search-alias%3Ddiy&field-keywords=shed+alarm&sprefix=shed+

Also I have received a detailed analysis from the Home Office about the disorder/riots that occurred in August, this can be viewed at: 

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research-statistics/research-statistics/crime-research/overview-disorder-aug2011/

Kineton Neighbourhood Watch

Beware Dognappers

Dear All,
For information:


A VW Golf Silver in colour V6 4 motion LM02 HFR is suspected to be involved in dog thefts within the Thames Valley area.
This car comes prepared with cages in the rear of the vehicle.
Thefts taking places from dogs left unattended in dog runs and gardens.


If this vehicle is seen please call Warwickshire Police on the following:
101 if the vehicle is simply in transit with no sign of any animals
999 if this vehicle has been seen to attempt to or remove a dog from a property or with dogs on board.
Provide a clear description of what has / is happening, who is on-board, is there any sign off or is there a dog on board.
Also the vehicle registration! and direction of travel.


Kind Regards,
Claire Murray
PCSO 6247
on behalf of . . .
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH & NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk or southam.snt@warwickshire.police.uk

Recent incidents

Dear All,
Please be aware of the below incidents between 12/10/2011 and 24/10/2011.

WK-20111022-0226
Windmill Lane, Ladbroke. Between 3:30pm 21/10 and 3:15pm 22/10, unknown offenders have attempted to break into Container.

WK-20111021-0281
Glebe Rd, Southam. Between 17/10 and 21/10 unknown offenders have entered secure shed and taken nothing

WK-20111021-0227
Tomlow Rd, Stockton. Between 20/10 and 21/10 unknown offenders have entered a secure Garage and taken nothing

WK-20111021-0179
Glebe Rd, Southam. Between 11pm 20/10 and 10am 21/10 unknown offenders have entered a secure shed and taken nothing

WK-20111021-0167
Hodnell Drive, Southam. Between 11am and 1pm unknown offenders have entered a secure shed and taken nothing

WK-20111021-0149
Glebe Rd, Southam. Between 5pm 20/10 and 10:30am 21/10 unknown offenders have entered 2 secure sheds and removed fishing tackle.

WK-20111021-0112
Glebe Rd, Southam. Between 11pm 20/10 and 10:30am 21/10 unknown offenders have entered a secure shed and taken nothing

WK-20111021-0101
Holywell Rd, Southam. Overnight unknown offenders have entered a secure shed and taken nothing

WK-20111021-0077
Hackwell St, Napton. Between 3am and 8:45am unknown offenders have entered a secure shed and taken nothing,
a suspicious vehicle with 2 unknown males was seen in the area at the time. A Blue / Dark Colour BMW with registration
similar to Y774 DZF or DZW.

WK-20111021-0061
Holywell Rd, Southam. Between 10:30pm 20/10 and 8am 21/10 unknown offenders have entered a secure garage and taken nothing.

WK-20111021-0055
Holywell Rd, Southam. Between 11pm 20/10 and 7am 21/10 unknown offenders have entered a secure shed and removed fishing tackle and numerous gardening tools
make and models unknown.

WK-20111019-0094
Tomlow Rd, Stockton. Between 4:30pm 18/10 and 8am 19/10 unknown offenders have entered a secure shed and polytunnel and have removed 4 jars of honey.

WK-20111021-0051
Glebe Rd, Southam. Between 1:30am and 2:30am unknown offenders have been seen making off from the scene. Pack of cigarettes and lighter have been stolen from secure shed.

WK-20111018-0031
Old Rd, Southam. Overnight, unknown offenders have entered secure property and stolen 2 x Vehicles and a wallet.
The first vehicle is registration BF07 HHE - Black Mitsubishi Pick Up
The Second vehicle is registration BV60 GZB - Black Saloon

WK-20111022-0082
Springs Crescent, Southam. Between 11pm 21/10 and 8am 22/10 unknown offenders have thrown paint at property.

WK-20111021-0376
Godsons Lane, Napton. Between 6am 20/10 and 8:45pm 21/10 unknown offenders have entered secure box trailer and taken nothing.

WK-20111021-0096
Glebe Rd, Southam. Overnight, unknown offenders have broken a padlock of a rear gate.

WK-20111024-0085
Welsh Rd West, Southam. Between 21/10 and 24/10 unknown offenders and stolen 500 litres of diesel.

WK-20111018-0119
Frances Rd, Harbury. Between 8:30pm - 10:30pm, unknown offenders have removed 2 x secure bicycles from front of property.

WK-20111012-0122
Folly Lane, Napton. Overnight unknown offenders have gained entry to 6 x secure containers and taken nothing.

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
If anyone has seen or heard anything suspicious please contact Stratford Crime Desk quoting the incident number above and give details.
Any information for any of the above incidents, needs to be past onto Crime Desk on 01926 415000 and ask to be put through to Crime Desk and quote the incident number above the incident.
As well as these messages being sent out, the team here at Southam also rely on the vigilant members of our community to keep us informed of any information that is not reported to the Police.
We encourage all members of our Community to report incidents no matter how big or little they are.
This message if possible needs to be past onto all co-ordinators for your areas. I really appreciate your help, your continued support and look forward to working with you all.
Please report all crimes and/or incidents on the new non-emergency reporting number 101.
All emergencies on 999
Kind Regards,
Claire Murray
PCSO 6247

on behalf of . . .
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH & NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk or southam.snt@warwickshire.police.uk

Lock your doors

Forgetting to do so can be very expensive!
A SALUTARY LESSON

Trading Standards Update - 19/10/2011 Loan Scam

Warwickshire Trading Standards is warning consumers seeking loans to beware of unexpected/unsolicited approaches from 'businesses' offering these sorts of services.
A consumer who was looking for a loan on-line received a phone call unexpectedly from someone who claimed he was eligible for a loan of £1500.

The 'trader' requested that the consumer first send a payment of £155 via a voucher payment system to cover the first month's repayment. This the consumer did, but was subsequently asked for a further £450 in several payments over a short period of time, all of which the consumer again sent, using the voucher system.

The trader then claimed that the vouchers were invalid and that the consumer's credit history was not good. The consumer was then asked form a further £170 which he refused to send.

At no time did the consumer receive his £1500 loan.

This is an increasingly widespread scam, largely perpetrated by criminal gangs and often from abroad.

Consumers, however difficult they may be finding it to obtain a loan, should never agree to such approaches or send money. This is a scam and no loans are ever provided.

Advice on credit and debt is available from:
National Debtline - www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/
Citizens Advice Bureau - www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_money/money_management_index_ew.htm
Financial Services Authority - www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/yourmoney/

For more information on scams visit our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams

SNT Newsletter Wellesbourne 14OCT11

LINK

Tips for dealing with antisocial behaviour
Tips for improving garden security

Trading Standards Update - Drive carefully and Check that bag!

Rogue Traders Follow Genuine Contractors Warning

Rogue door to door traders offering poor quality tarmac work are following genuine Warwickshire County Council contractors, the county’s Trading Standards Service is warning.

Genuine County Council contractors carrying out legitimate road repair work have reported being trailed by rogue tarmac gangs, who then go on to door knock householders and claim to be working for the Council. These rogue gangs usually claim the tarmac is ‘left over’ and offer the resident or business the opportunity to have their driveway re-surfaced.

These rogue traders are very friendly and plausible, but work is generally carried out to a very poor standard. “Left over” tarmac has usually started to set, so trying to lay it at this stage will give a dry and crumbly finish. All too often householders report their drive surface has started to crumble or crack and weeds begun to appear within a couple of weeks.

Although initially seeming like a cheap way of getting a driveway improved, the final price is often higher than the householder was quoted. The rogues generally demand cash payment as soon as the work is finished with no proper receipt or guarantee being given.

To report a rogue trader phone 08454 04 05 06 and for more information visit: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams

 Can You Help Us to Clamp Down on Bogus Charity Bags?

Warwickshire Trading Standards Service is launching a bid to clamp down on bogus charity clothing collections (bags) – and they need your help.

Trading Standards Officers are concerned that some householders may be duped in to donating their unwanted clothing and bric-a-brac to private traders when they thought they were giving to a registered charity. Many private traders now collect unwanted items using collection bags left on the doorstep. These items are then sold for profit either in the UK or abroad.

Whilst some traders clearly state they are private businesses, Trading Standards Officers are concerned that many private trader bags blur the distinction between what is ‘for profit’ and what is for charity.

This is because some traders claim that your donations will benefit ‘good causes’, but it is never clear to what extent, if at all, this is. Some bags also carry bogus ‘business numbers’ which some consumers mistake for genuine registered charity numbers.

Warwickshire Trading Standards Officers want to investigate these types of bags and are calling on Warwickshire residents to help.

Householders can either post their bags (or flyers) to us, or scan them in and email them (in both cases, please inform us where they were delivered)

Warwickshire residents:

Post: Freepost CV1898 Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards Service, Old Budbrooke Road, Warwick CV35 7BR or email: tradingstandards@warwickshire.gov.uk

For more advice visit: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams

Trading Standards Officers advise that if you want to ensure that your donation will benefit a charitable organisation, either give directly to a charity shop, consider using a charity clothing bank or similar, or donate via a charity shop collection sack. These should make clear reference to the charity registration number and many will also carry the Association of Charity Shops Kitemark. Consumers are further advised to read flyers carefully so as not to mistake a business registration number (often printed on these sorts of flyers), for a charity number.

If a householder has any doubts about a leaflet asking for donations, they can contact the Charity Commission helpline on 0845 3000 218 to check whether the collection is for, or on behalf of, a registered charity, or visit their website www.charity-commission.gov.u

Missed the forum? - Read the summary

MORE

READ ONLINE (Ignore reference in heading to June)

Local incidents - Are you vulnerable?

Dear All,
Please be aware of the below incidents.
WK-20111010-0199
Overnight 09/10 unknown offenders have gained access to a insecure garage. Electric Saw and Hoover has been stolen, make and models unknown. Mayfield Rd, Southam
WK-20111009-0221
Overnight 08/10 unknown offenders have entered a insecure shed and stolen Fish bait alarms and petrol powered B&Q Chainsaw. Coventry St, Southam
WK-20111010-0066
Between 7pm 08/10 and 8am 09/10 unknown offenders have entered a secure shed and made an untidy search but nothing taken. Coventry St, Southam
WK-20111010-0035
Between 7pm 09/10 and 6am 10/10 unknown offenders have entered a secure summerhouse and stolen a Carrerra Male Bicycle, Bosch Dishwasher, Tins of Paint, Crates of Beers & Sprits and a remote control car. As well as 3 Black suitcases, and full set of Ping Golf Clubs in a Blue Ping
Golf Bag and Tile Cutter. Old Rd, Southam
WK-20111010-0049
Between 5pm 09/10 and 7:30am 10/10 unknown offenders have entered a secure yard of the Old Gated Rd, Chesterton and stolen diesel from a digger and tractor in the same barn.
WK-20111010-0310
Between 8:30am & 6:30pm 10/10 unknown offenders have entered a secure shed and numerous items removed into the field surrounding. Unknown if anything taken. Vicarage Rd, Napton
WK-20111010-0256
Between Midnight and 3am 09/10 unknown offenders have entered 4 secure containers and stolen Nintendo Wii Fit Boards and Computer Screens. Westfield Rd, Kineton Ind. Est, Southam
WK-20111010-0024
Between 11pm 09/10 and 5:30am 10/10 unknown offenders have entered a secure garage and stolen a Mini Motorbike, Chain Saw, Alloy Wheels for VW. Unknown Offenders have also broken into a Caravan and stolen a TV. Make's and Models unknown at this time. St. Lawrence Close, Napton
WK-20111009-0322
Between 2pm 07/10 and 8am 08/10 unknown offenders have gained entry to rear garden via fence and have entered a secure shed.They have stolen Rake, Vehicle Jack, Hedge Trimmer and Chainsaw Springs Crescent, Southam
WK-20111009-253
Between 3:30pm 08/10 and 3:30pm 09/10 unknown offenders have entered an insecure garage and stolen 10 x Packs of Sausages. Linely Rd, Southam
WK-20111009-0124
Between 7pm 08/10 and 10:15am 09/10 unknown offenders have approached a secure Fiesta and smashed a hole in the rear windscreen. Nothing taken. Hillyard Rd, Southam
WK-20111011-0094
Overnight 09/10 unknown offenders have entered yard and stolen a battery from a Massey Ferguson Tractor, a battery from an electric fence, a wheelbarrow and a fence post knocker. Calias Lane / Rugby Rd, Stockton
WK-20111010-0099
Between 5pm 09/10 and 7am 10/10 unknown offenders have stolen electric fencing of approx 400 poles and tape to the value of £800+ Farm Premises, Stockton Rd, Stockton

************************************************************************************************************************************************
If anyone has seen or heard anything suspicious please contact Stratford Crime Desk quoting the incident number above and give details.
Any information for any of the above incidents, needs to be past onto Crime Desk on 01926 415000 and ask to be put through to Crime Desk and quote the incident number above the incident.
As well as these messages being sent out, the team here at Southam also rely on the vigilant members of our community to keep us informed of any information that is not reported to the Police.
We encourage all members of our Community to report incidents no matter how big or little they are.
This message if possible needs to be past onto all co-ordinators for your areas. I really appreciate your help, your continued support and look forward to working with you all.
Kind Regards,
Claire Murray
PCSO 6247
Southam Safer Neighbourhood Team

Beware of strangers with maps asking directions

Read more HERE

Are you an ipad or iphone owner? Could you locate it if lost or stolen?

The story with a happy ending! All because the owner fitted FREE software.  Why not do it today.

‘Mobile Me’ Is no longer available but new Macs have built in software to help you find a lost machine, why not check it out? http://www.apple.com/icloud/features/find-my.html It's almost a good enough reason to change to Apple.

The whole story

A 34 year old man has had his stolen ipad returned to him after tracking it using the free software installed on it.   The ipad was stolen from an address in Loughborough.  The victim had downloaded free software called, ‘Mobile Me’ and an application called 'Find my ipad' which he activated and used to trace his ipad to a specific area in Birstall. 

He then contacted the police to report the theft.  Officers from the Charnwood Neighbourhood Action Team (NAT) combined information they held with the information from the tracker and were able to secure a search warrant. 

 On Tuesday 4th October 2011 officers executed the warrant and recovered the stolen ipad.  A 25 year old man was arrested for handling stolen goods.  He was given an adult caution as it was his first offence. 

 PC Jamie Hughes, from the Charnwood NAT, said; would urge all owners of ipads and the latest iphones to download the free software onto their equipment. In this case we were able to return the ipad to a very grateful man within a matter of days so it’s got to be worth it.”

In the last two years Cumbria Police have reports of 109 iphones and 7 ipads being stolen, but only 5 items were recovered. 

Cable theft: an epidemic with unforseen consequences

Thieves regularly put their lives at risk by hacking away live copper cabling to try and cash in on increasing scrap metal prices. While some of them know what they're doing, teenagers are also being used by gangs, sometimes with tragic consequences.

In its article on the subject, the Daily Mail identifies just a few recent cases of cable and metal theft and its outcomes:

• Read the rest of this article HERE

Homes are also being stripped of highly-prized metal garden ornaments and telephone cables are also being hacked away.

BT has reported 900 cable thefts in just six months and has said 100,000 customers have been affected and left without vital communications.

Following a recent local cable theft at Napton please consider this as a possibility if you lose power or the use of you phone line. Enquire/report asap.

Correct Reporting Procedure - A plea from Southam SNT

Dear All,


It has been brought to the team's attention that Crime and Incidents are not being reported due to members of the community feeling as though nothing can be done.


If Crime or Incidents are not reported, then the Police can do nothing as we are not aware.
We actively encourage any member of the community to report incidents or crime to the Police no matter how small they may feel it is, you do not know that your incident can sometimes form part of a bigger picture somewhere else in the Area or County or Country.


Local Parish Councils and Magazine publications were recently asked to publish the correct numbers to report crime on, I will again include these in this email as a reminder.


For an Emergency: 999


For non-emergency: 01926 415000

• If the suspect is still on scene when asked, ask for Control
• If the suspect has left the scene when asked, ask for Crime desk
• Crimes and Incidents can also be reported to Warwickshire Direct, which is now based at Southam Library as Front Office is now closed at the Police Station although the team still operated from here.

General Enquiries for the team can be made at Warwickshire Direct, to a team member at a Community Surgery or on patrol, or by phone or email.


Team number: 01926 684984 (a voicemail facility is available on this number, DO NOT report crime or incidents to this number)
Team email: Southam.snt@warwickshire.police.uk (DO NOT report crime or incidents to this email)
Or we can be contacted via the Team Website
at: http://www.safer-neighbourhoods.co.uk/your-neighbourhood/stratford-district/southam/
this site contains information about the team, and dates on our calendar for events such as the Community Surgery's in the different areas.

Please help us further by passing this information onto those who may not have access to this information easily.

Kind Regards,

Claire Murray
PCSO 6247
Southam Safer Neighbourhood Team
Southam Police Station
High St,
Southam
CV47 0HB

Incidents to be aware of

Dear All,

Some incidents to be aware off please.
WK-20111002-0294
Between 4pm 01/10 and 9am 02/10 unknown offenders have entered a secure shed and stolen a petrol driven rotivator.
Welsh Rd East, Southam Allotments*
WK-20111003-0132
Overnight unknown times, unknown offenders have attempted to enter a secure shed but failed.
Welsh Rd East, Southam Allotments*
*The Team at Southam have been made aware of some members of the Southam Produce Association of other breaks in the same Allotment area
but no further incidents have been reported, we do ask allotment owners to report any incidents that have occured to their property.
WK-20110926-0198
Between 25/09/2011 and 12pm 29/09/2011 unknown offenders have entered a secure property and made an untidy search made, nothing taken.
Banbury Rd, Southam
WK-20110926-0320
Between 7:30am and 6:30pm unknown offenders have entered a secure property and removed 2 x Computers; 1 x Laptop and 1 x Survival Knife.
Manders Croft, Southam
WK-20110924-0094
Between Midnight and 2am unknown have smashed a rear windscreen of a vehicle with an iron flower basket
Warwick Rd, Southam
WK-20110929-0065
Between 10pm 28/09 and 6:30am 29/09 unknown offenders have removed 4 x white steel peugeot wheels and tyres from a front garden of a property.
Dog Lane, Fenny Compton
WK-20110928-0019
A secure yard has been entered by uknown offenders between 1am and 3am and a trailer removed.
Registration of trailer is G744 WWK and has 'S & S Logs' sign-written on the side.
Priors Marston
WK-20111004-0254
Between 5pm 30/09 and 2:30pm 04/10 unknown offenders have entered secure wooden shed and removed 4 x Rolls of Stock fencing, a builders wheelbarrow and toolbox full of hand tools.
Windmill Lane, Ladbroke
WK-20110923-0137
Overnight unknown offenders have smashed eggs against a property in Church Rd, Long Itchington
WK-20111001-0040
Between Midnight and 1am unknown offenders have smashed a window to a property.
Elm Row, Stockton
WK-20111001-0093
At 11pm on the 30/09 known offender has cause damage to a mazda and other vehicles in George St, Stockton.
Associate of the offender has since offered to pay for the damage.
WK-20111004-0127
Between 24/09 and 04/10 unknown offenders have entered 3 x Secure Portacabins and an allsort of building materials have been removed.
The Old Gated Rd, Chesterton
WK-20110928-0073
Officers arrested two men from Leicester on suspicion of committing a burglary in Queens Close, Harbury, Leamington Spa at 10.15am on Wednesday 28 September.
The two men who are aged 26 and 35 years old were arrested when the vehicle they were travelling in was stopped on the A423 near Long Itchington.
The men were questioned and have now been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
WK-20110927-0016
Officers have arrested a 23 year old man on suspicion of burglary following an incident at the Welcome Break Services at Barn Hill on the M40 southbound at 2.55am this morning, Tuesday 27 September.
The burglary occurred when approximately 5 males wearing balaclavas and gloves used a white Ford Ranger pick up to ram the services building. An unknown amount of cash was stolen from an ATM.
The Ford Ranger pick up was abandoned by the service exit and the men are believed to have driven off in two vehicles - a dark coloured Audi estate and a transit van.
The dark coloured Audi estate was later recovered from a farm in Warmington near Banbury and officers are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the vehicle and occupants travelling in the areas of Fenny Compton, Gaydon and surrounding villages at around 3am this morning. Officers believe the men will have transferred from the Audi into another vehicle and are appealing for witnesses who may have seen any suspicious activity in the Warmington area.
Officers recovered a Ford transit also believed to have been involved in the burglary after it was abandoned in Bishops Itchington. Officers believe this vehicle may have travelled along the Fosse Way or through surrounding villages and are appealing for any witnesses who saw a Ford Transit van in the early hours of Tuesday 27 September.
The 23 year old was arrested by a dog handler with his dog from the rear garden of a property in Gaydon Road, Bishops Itchington.
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
If anyone has seen or heard anything suspicious please contact Stratford Crime Desk quoting the incident number above and give details.
Any information for any of the above incidents, needs to be past onto Crime Desk on 01926 415000 and ask to be put through to Crime Desk and quote the incident number above the incident.
As well as these messages being sent out, the team here at Southam also rely on the vigilant members of our community to keep us informed of any information that is not reported to the Police.
We encourage all members of our Community to report incidents no matter how big or little they are.
This message if possible needs to be past onto all co-ordinators for your areas. I really appreciate your help, your continued support and look forward to working with you all.
Kind Regards,
Claire Murray
PCSO 6247
Southam Safer Neighbourhood Team