2010 Neighbourhood Watch Alerts

21st December 2010: Tis the season to be careful. Christmas is a special time for celebration and should not end in tragedy because of the extra hazards that are present at this time of year. There is far more potential for a fire during this period due to candles being lit, decorative lights being used and extra cooking in the home.

Tis also the season to be socialising and partying, if you are out drinking remove the question of driving from the equation, it’s not worth the risk.

Visit www.365alive.co.uk to find out what Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Services 12 days of Christmas safety tips are. You can follow 365alive on Facebook or Twitter for fire and road safety tips and also receive a weekly reminder to test your smoke alarm.

21st December 2010: Free stickers to prevent bike theft: Vale of White Horse Community Safety Partnership has joined with Thames Valley Police to help cut bicycle thefts in the area by giving away free hard to remove stickers. Once the sticker is attached around the frame of the bike it makes it difficult to sell on the stolen bicycle. As they are marked with the owners address, the bike can be returned if found abandoned.

The partnership is also encouraging local people to: Use a sold secure branded padlock and chain to secure the bike when unattended. Keep the bike out of sight, in a shed or garage and report suspicious behaviour to the police on 0845 8 505 505.

Residents can get their stickers from local bike retailers, and the council offices in Abingdon while stocks last. For more information contact Karen Brown, karen.brown@whitehorsedc.gov.uk or call 01235 540485

17th December 2010 Thames Water’s doorstep password scheme Bogus callers often pretend to be from a water, gas or telephone company to gain entry into someone’s home under false pretences. To discourage this, Thames Water operates a doorstep password scheme which is open to all their customers.

To register with their doorstep password scheme, customers just need to call Thames Water on 0845 641 0068. Lines are open weekdays from 8am to 8pm and on Saturday from 8am to 1pm (Minicom or Typetalk: 0845 7200 898). They will be asked for their name and address and customer account number.

They will also need to choose their password. Once somebody has registered, any caller claiming to be from Thames Water must be able to quote the correct password before being let into the person’s home. If they're unable to do this, the customer must keep their door shut and call Thames Water immediately on the numbers above.

Thames Water also advises people to check a door-step caller’s ID badge in the following way:

• Does the card photo show the person at the door?
• Is the card out of date?
• Has the card been tampered with?
• Does it show Thames Water’s logo?

13th October 2010: Have a Happy and Safe Halloween: A message from Inspector Money: "I am the Inspector for Abingdon and I would like to inform you of what your local neighbourhood policing team and local partners are doing during the Halloween and firework celebrations. My team will be carrying out patrols in the evenings to make sure people who are trick or treating are doing so in a friendly manner and not causing a nuisance of themselves.

"I know for some people, this time of year can be a bother as your evenings are interrupted with people knocking on your doors for treats. Most of these children or teenagers are just getting involved in the Halloween celebrations and will be friendly. At any point if you feel unsafe:

• Don’t open your door if you’re unsure who is there. Use your spy-hole, look out of a window, and use your door chain if you do decide to open your door.
• Have a contact number of a close relative or good neighbour to hand by your telephone, just in case you need to phone them.
• If you are part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, let your coordinator know that you will be on your own at Halloween.

"If you are a coordinator, please identify people in your scheme that may be vulnerable and offer them reassurance. Thames Valley Police will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour at any time of the year. To report anti-social behaviour contact the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 0845 8 505 505. In an emergency dial 999.

"Thank you" – Inspector Money

6th October 2010: NATIONAL PERSONAL SAFETY DAY Monday 11th October 2010 has been designated as National Personal Safety Day, and to mark this personal attack alarms will be available at Vale of White Horse Police Stations. The personal attack alarms will cost £2 each, and are ready to use straight away. Abingdon, Wantage and Faringdon Police Stations will have a limited supply and you are welcome to purchase them from the Station Duty Officer at the front counter. The VOWH area is a very safe area to live and work and attacks against the person are rare. This initiative, by the community safety partnership, is designed to reduce crime and enhance community safety. Also available will be anti theft purse bells and U/V marker pens which are free.

15th September 2010: Pot plant trick. Please be aware that at least one offender is using the technique of leaving a plant-pot outside the target burglary address. This method was used in a recent burglary in the Carterton area where the victim noticed a plant-pot that they had not seen before. We are appealing to people to be vigilant and to report any such incidents. If you see any suspicious-looking people or vehicles in the area or have any information relating to this message, please call the police on 08458 505 505and state that you are responding to a Ringmaster message. If you have information but wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

3rd September 2010:Trading Standards: find the rogue: A message from Thames Valley Police. Police and Trading Standards would like your help to find out more information about a crime that has recently come to light. In September 2009 an elderly man living in Palmers in Wantage had a man call at his door saying they were working in the area . This man and 3 others replaced the gentleman's windows but did other work he had not agreed to and charged him a considerable amount of money for a relatively small amount of work. These men were in a yellow car derived van which was described as possibly an ex British Telecom van. Trading Standards is investigating, so if you have any information about these men or perhaps had work done by them then please contact in the first instance Alison Smith, Crime Reduction Unit, on 01235 776007. If you ever have any concerns about workmen, cold callers or someone perhaps doing work on an elderly neighbour's house please contact either the police on 08458 505 505 or the door step crime team at Trading Standards on 0845 051 0845. Legitimate traders can easily be discounted and you could perhaps be helping to save an elderly or vulnerable person from being scammed.

1st September 2010: Launch of Most Wanted website Members of the public in the Thames Valley can play a greater role in bringing serious offenders to justice with the launch of a Most Wanted website for the region. It allows members of the public to look at pictures and E-fits and view CCTV footage of people currently wanted by the police in Thames Valley. The site is run by the independent charity Crime-stoppers, which allows people to give information about crime anonymously by telephone or via the Crime-stoppers website. Launched in late 2005 the national Most Wanted site has successfully resulted in the arrest of more than 900 criminals, for offences ranging from murder, rape and drug smuggling to robbery and assault. Members of the public can find the gallery of Thames Valley’s Most Wanted criminals at: http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/in-your-area/south-east/thames-valley and click on *Most Wanted.* The Most Wanted website for this region is being officially launched at the Thames Valley Police Open Day at Sulhamstead, West Berkshire, on 4 September. 

24th August 2010: Burglary in Oaksmere, Appleton. Sometime between the hours of 11:00 and 19:00 on Monday 23rd August 2010 a property in Appleton, Abingdon was burgled. The offender(s) gained entry by forcing a rear ground floor kitchen window. A tidy search was then carried out in the property. If you have any information relating to this message, or have seen any suspicious people or vehicles in the area, please contact the Police on 08458 505 505 and quote URN 1332 of 23rd August 2010. The Oxford Mail on 26th August reported: "Burglars stole jewellery and an iPod music player from a house in the village. The officer in charge of the case is PC Maria Morrissey."

25th August 2010: THEFTS OF LANDROVER DEFENDERS The Police have noticed an increase in the theft of Landrover Defenders across the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire. If your Landrover is not fitted with security such as an immobiliser or tracker, please contact your dealer and consider ensuring your vehicle has all the necessary devices to make your security robust. Always lock and secure your vehicle and never leave keys in the ignition. If you have any information regarding this message, please contact the Police on 08458 505 505 and say you are responding to a Ringmaster message. Please also pass the information on this message to any of your friends or family who own a Landrover Defender.

27th July 2010: Police and Vale work to find rogue traders: Police, trading standards and Vale of White Horse District Council officers are now carrying out monthly checks on manual workers to catch rogue traders in the Vale. To see how they are going about the work, copy and paste the following link into your internet browser to view a video: www.youtube.com/user/thamesvalleypoliceuk#p/a/u/0/E6lWoeGlZgs  

July 5th 2010: Outbuilding Burglaries. Between 27/5/10& 17/6/10 a series of burglaries to outbuildings occurred in Appleford. A total of 7 of these burglaries occurred, of which the majority have been committed during weekend periods. Please make sure your sheds and outbuildings are secure and consider the following crime prevention tips:

• Use security screws for hinges and locking hasps (security screws cannot be unscrewed once fitted),
• Secure doors with close shackled padlocks,
• property mark valuable tools and equipment,
• consider installing a shed alarm, (which are inexpensive to buy).

There is a Thames Valley Crime Prevention Leaflet on security of outbuildings which can be sent to you on request. Please contact your local Crime Reduction Advisor on 08458 505 505.

25th May 2010: Recent local burglaries.

1. At approximately 0925 hours on Tuesday 25th May a property in Abingdon Road, Tubney was subject to a burglary. A white male described as early 40's, approximately 6ft, slim build, balding, wearing a fleecy brown type zip up jacket, beige brown trousers and chunky black shoes was seen in the property and outside walking towards the direct of A420. A dark green transit van with writing on the sides has been seen in Buckland.We are also interested in any information relating to this vehicle. Passport and jewellery has been taken. URN 1238 of the 25th May 2010 refers.
2. Between 1600 hours on Monday 24th May and 1730 hours on Tuesday 25th May a property in Abingdon Road, Tubney was burgled. URN 1144 of the 25th May 2010 refers.
3. Between approximately 0940 hours and 1150 hours on Tuesday 25th May a property in Buckland was burgled. The point of entry was via the side back door. URN 486 of the 25th May 2010 refers.

These are linked to two burglaries that tok place in Cote, Bampton. Please be extra vigilant and report to the Police any suspicious people or vehicles in the area. If you have any information please call the Police on 08458 505 505 and ask to speak to Paul Reece in Priority Crime Team in Abingdon. If you have any information and you would prefer not to leave your name you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

23rd May 2010: Police stop Raves! On Sunday 23rd May 2010 Police took action to prevent several raves. Officers in the Vale of White Horse will again be taking positive action over the Bank Holiday Weekend to prevent raves taking place. If you see or hear any activity which suggests a rave please call 08458 505 505 quote URN 755 of the 15th April 2010 if possible.

Rural Abingdon – May 2010

Here’s the latest from the Abingdon Rural Neighbourhood update from Neighbourhood Specialist Officer Carl Bryant and PCSO’s Lisa Prime, Laura Schmid and Adrian Wright Crime information

In the Cumnor Appleton Eaton Farmoor Wytham Hinksey and Botley neighbourhood there have been three incidents at the sports pavilion on the Louis Memorial field. Damage has been caused to the door and inside. If you have any information please call 08458 505 505 There has been a theft of lead from premises in Botley. Please be aware of suspicious people and vehicles and call us if you are in any doubt. We have increased our patrols in the area to deter further offences.

There was a theft of some money from the Plough public house Appleton. A male has entered the premise and has stolen cash. This is an isolated incident and enquiries are ongoing to locate the offender.

In the Marcham and Wootton neighbourhood a man was stopped in Mill Road Marcham and was discovered to be in possession of cannabis, he was given a Cannabis caution for the possession.

Two vehicles were broken into in Wootton, one of which had tools stolen and sun visors were taken from the second. Please be aware, especially in the warm conditions we have been experiencing recently, of securing your vehicle, closing windows and not leaving items of value in view Anti Social Behaviour Overall Anti Social Behaviour and crime in general remains low in the Rural Abingdon Area Offences bought to justice

A man was given a Cannabis Caution in Marcham after being stop Checked by an officer.

A fixed Penelty notice was issued to a man for criminal damage in Radley

If you have any information that you think may be related to a crime please call 08458 505 505. 

Neighbourhood Priorities

Your Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) is in the process of re-engaging with our communities to identify three new priorities and the neighbourhood team will be conducting a survey in the area to determine them.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME INVOLVED WITH YOUR NAG AND HELP TO SOLVE LOCAL ISSUES, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM ON 08458 505 505.

Good news stories

PCSO Lisa Prime conducted an environmental visual audit in Appleton with members of the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG). We are pleased to report that there seems to be no immediate environmental issues in the village that need addressing.

PC Carl Bryant and PCSO Lisa Prime have visited four primary schools at peak times, to deter parking offences outside the schools. The children, parents and the schools were happy to see us. We will do this regularly to ensure safe parking.

For more information about your local neighbourhood team, contact 0845 8 505 505 or visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk  

To report local problems such as graffiti, fly tipping, pot holes and broken street lights please visit www.fixmystreet.com

16th April 2010: Rogue Traders At this time of year Trading standards see an increase in calls regarding rogue traders doing gardening and tree work. Please can you let them know of any of these traders when you get flyers through the door or if you get callers particularly if they offer a discount to pensioners. Trading standards have a list of reputable companies which you can find online at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or phone them on 0845 051 0845 . If you have callers at your door whose behaviour or manner concerns you please contact the police on the non emergency number at the time. A brown drop side lorry, part registration AM02, has been seen in the area acting suspiciously. Please phone the police on the non emergency number 08458 505 505 quoting URN 607 of the 16th April if you see this lorry and give any details of where it is, a description of any people with the vehicle and anything that is loaded in it.

11th March 2010: Police work with Partners catching bogus traders. This is a message which highlights the positive partnership which exists between police and other enforcement authorities combating bogus tradesmen and distraction burglary. Having been notified by Trading Standards that a resident was being targeted for such an offence the house was kept under observation. When the alleged offender arrived both the Police and Trading Standards questioned him and are pursing further action. If you have any concerns about Bogus Traders operating in your neighbourhood please contact the Police on 999 for an immediate response or the Trading Standards Rogue Trader Unit on 0845 051 0845.

9th March 2010: Caravan thefts of toilet cassettes: We have had notification of some thefts which have occurred from caravans while parked on their owners driveways. The thefts have been of the caravans toilet cassettes. This is the container for holding waste from the caravan toilet and is situated on the outside of the caravan in a locked compartment. Please be extra vigilant, particularly if you own a caravan and if you have any information relating to this message, or have seen any suspicious people or vehicles in the area, please contact the Police on 08458 505 505 and say you are responding to a Ringmaster message. Thank you.