Stratford on Avon Neighbourhood Watch

Friday, 17 October 2014

@WAR - Special constable recruitment drive

Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police are currently recruiting for special constables. If you would like to find out more about the role of the Special Constabulary or are interested in becoming a Special please visit www.specialswanted.co.uk

@WAR - Scams target the vulnerable

Police Warn Residents To Be Vigilant After Scams In Warwickshire

Police are warning residents to be aware of distraction burglaries and scams after elderly victims have been targeted in Warwickshire.

The first incident happened yesterday (Wednesday 8 October) on Headland Road in Welford-On-Avon at around 12.15pm.

A man approached the home of a 77-year-old woman and claimed to be an undercover police officer from Bromsgrove. He asked her if she had any money stolen ‘as there was a man in custody with a large amount of notes’. The man followed the victim around the property but nothing was believed to be stolen.

He is described as white, mid 30s, six foot tall, of a slim build with distinct blue eyes. He was wearing a long sleeved grey top, jeans and a flat cap.

The second incident also occurred on Wednesday 8 October at around 11.40pm.

A 78-year-old man, who lives in Banbury, received a call from somebody who claimed to be a police officer from Hammersmith, stating that his card had been cloned. The victim then transferred around £9,000 to what he believed was a ‘police holding account’ before becoming suspicious and contacting his bank.

The third incident occurred on Wednesday 8 October at approximately 3pm.

A 63-year-old woman, who lives in Exhall, was contacted by a man purporting to be from the ‘Fraud Squad’, and claimed that her account had been subject to fraudulent activity. The victim provided her bank and card details before becoming suspicious. It is believed £70 was then taken from her account.

The public are reminded to never give out their bank details over the phone. If there is somebody at your door claiming to be a police officer, ask for their collar number and to see their warrant card. If in doubt, call the real police on 101. If possible, make sure the line is clear. You can do this by using a different telephone to the one that received the suspicious call, or making a call to someone you know before calling 101.

Police are also urging residents to look out for elderly relatives, friends and neighbours following these incidents and to report any suspicious activity to police.

Anyone who saw a man of the description is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 131 of Wednesday 8 October.

You can also give information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Issued: Friday 10 October

@WAR - Robbery at Santander Bank, Stratford-upon-Avon - Witness Appeal

15 October 2014 15:20

Robbery at Santander Bank, Stratford-upon-Avon - Witness Appeal

Detectives are investigating a robbery at Santander Bank, Wood Street, Stratford-upon-Avon which occurred at 11.10pm on Tuesday 14th October 2014.

At that time G4S staff who were performing duties inside Santander, were attacked by four males who used specialist equipment to force entry to the bank. The G4S staff suffered slight injuries, and the offenders made off with a security box containing a quantity of cash.

It is believed the cash box was armed with a security device, and so the stolen cash will be evidently contaminated with blue dye.

The offenders travelled toward Wootton Wawen in a dark coloured BMW car, bearing distinctive LED lights above the headlamps.

Anyone with information about this incident, or sees anyone with dyed banknotes is urged to contact Leamington CID on 01926 6841680 or 01926 684036. Alternatively, information can also be passed on anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website:www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Issued: 3:20pm, Wednesday 15th October

Wednesday, 15 October 2014

@NAT - Pension scams

The Pensions Regulator’s five steps to avoid becoming a victim of a pension scam:

Never give out financial or personal information to a cold caller
Check the credentials of the company and any advisers – who should be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority
Ask for a statement showing how your pension will be paid at retirement, and question who will look after your money until then
Speak to an adviser that is not associated with the deal you’ve been offered, for unbiased advice
Never be rushed into agreeing to a pension transfer.

READ MORE

Tuesday, 14 October 2014

@WAR - So many scams

@SOU - Farm Watch Incidents - Priors Marston, Avon Dassett and Stockton

Dear Farm Watch Member

Three - Four males where seen on various farms today in the Priors Marston area claiming to be looking for a lost Lurcher. Members of the public reported that they suspected they were the same males that were in the area 6-8 weeks ago when a Land Rover was stolen from Priors Hardwick. The vehicle they were in was a Silver Peugeot Hatchback OY51 *%*.

Please ensure you report any suspicious incidents to the Police on 101 and do not leave your vehicle's insecure.

Inc 388 - 27/09/2014 refers to an incident where 6 lorry batteries were stolen from a farm in Avon Dassett. Unknown offenders have entered the farm and disconnected the batteries from the electric fencing.

Inc 61 - 28/09/2014 refers to a unit being broken into on a farm near Stockton. At approximately 03.45hrs unknown offenders have used an off road vehicle to gain access to the farm across the fields from the main road. Once inside the unit various Snap On tools were stolen. On the same night near to the farm there was an attempt break into a container, offenders were not able to gain access.

If you have any information regarding the above please do contact Southam SNT on 01926 684984 or 101

Kind regards and thank you

Katrina on behalf of

Southam Farm watch
Telephone 01926 684984
Email SouthamFarmWatch@Warwickshire.pnn.police.uk
Voicemail 14984

Please access our website www.safer-neighbourhoods.co.uk for the latest news in the Stratford District and also Southam SNT newsletters. In a non emergency or to report a crime dial 101

@NAT - Late Evening/Overnight rural crime

There have been a number of recent offences, that have featured both plant theft and safe breaks in South Worcestershire and Gloucestershire areas. Previously, there has been a spate of offences involving dragging safes out of premises using ropes and chains.

Safe offences have involved farm shops/nurseries, whereas the theft offences have involved cutting of padlocks from workshop/farm premises doors.

A suspicious vehicle has been which is a blue Subaru Forester estate.

Please if you see this vehicle or any persons acting suspicious on your premise, obtain the vehicle registration (if possible) and call 101 or if it is an emergency 999 do not engage with the occupants.

May I also remind you at this time to ensure your property is secure, do not leave keys in vehicles and secure your agricultural vehicle or plant equipment in a locked barn with a substantial padlock or door lock, take a photograph of your equipment and mark it with the plant serial number. If you do require crime prevention please contact Southam SNT on 01926 684984.

Kind regards

Katrina

PCSO 6099 Katrina Taylor

Telephone 01926 684984

Mobile 07919 887674

Voicemail 16099

Email katrina.taylor@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk