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Many of you will be aware that in a large proportion of Bogus Caller / Distraction Burglary type offences,
the offenders often claim to be from "the Water Board". Firstly, there are no longer any "Water Boards" and haven't been any since 1989
(so anyone using the phrase "Water Board" should be viewed with suspicion).

The purpose of this message is to make you aware of a telephone number that can be used in the area covered by
Severn Trent - 0800 783 4444 - this number can be used by the public to check the identity of any "water company" doorstep caller. Please share this with your members, especially the more elderly or vulnerable ones who often get
targeted by these people, and encourage them to use this service if called by such a person.

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Please note that there have been reports from all across central England of a small group of people taking photographs of horses on private land. It is suspected that the pictures are then advertised for sale, and when interest is shown, the horse is stolen to order.

Two vehicles are believed to be involved - a red Toyota Land Cruiser, and a white van. The registration B16 RBB has been seen on both vehicles.

Please report any suspicious sightings to the Call Centre, via the switchboard on 08457 444888 or 999 in an emergency.

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We are getting to the time of year now where we start to see "garden crime" such as sheds being broken into and garden tools etc being stolen.

For suitable crime reduction advice, please follow the link below to West Mercia's ‘Nip garden crime in the bud’ campaign:

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Stopping The Criminals

Reducing the number of distraction burglaries committed within Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire is a priority for West Mercia Constabulary.
The force is working hard to raise awareness of the security measures people should take before they let anyone into their home, or ask them to do maintenance work.
We also work closely with Trading Standards, who have produced a banking protocol which encourages bank and building society staff to be alert to older customers making unusually large cash withdrawals. This protocol was introduced in response to offences where vulnerable people were persuaded to make substantial and unjustifiable cash payments to bogus tradespeople.
To ensure that more people committing distraction burglaries are brought to justice, the force has established a specialist team to investigate incidents and to target suspects and known offenders.
Local communities can help by looking after the most vulnerable members of society and reporting anything suspicious they see in their neighbourhood.

Suspicious? Call the police 08457 444 888

How You Can Help

Friends, neighbours and people who have regular contact with older and vulnerable people can help them to make their lives more secure.
Research shows that fewer distraction burglaries are committed in areas where there is a supportive community. You can help by:

• Keeping an eye on people calling in the area or acting suspiciously
• Noting the registration numbers of vehicles parked in your area for a period of time
• Calling 08457 444 888 to provide information to the police about suspicious people, activity or vehicles, however insignificant it may seem
• Encouraging vulnerable people not to open the door if they are not expecting or do not recognise the person. If they open the door, remind them to secure the door bar or chain first and check the caller’s identity carefully. If in doubt, keep them out!
• If a distraction burglary has taken place or been attempted, encourage the victim to report it as quickly as possible
• Calling on vulnerable people regularly. If it is not too much trouble, help them keep their front garden tidy and find reliable tradespeople for any maintenance work that really does need to be undertaken

West Mercia Constabulary : 08457 444888

If you would prefer to pass information on to us anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 www.westmercia.police.uk 08457 444 888

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Don’t Leave Homes Open To Summertime Thieves

South Worcestershire police have warned residents to avoid leaving their homes open to summertime thieves.

Now the clocks have gone forward and the weather is getting warmer, more people leave doors and windows open and unlocked in our homes.

Crime Reduction Manager for South Worcestershire Police, Mike Stephenson, said:
“Now British Summertime is officially here and the weather is warmer it is an timely reminder to people to secure their homes against opportunistic thieves.

“As tempting as it is to leave windows open during the warmer weather, it’s important to close and lock them in any unoccupied rooms, and to double check they are shut when leaving the house or going to bed at night.

“It only takes a minute for someone to sneak in and help themselves to a handbag or other valuables.

“Thieves are opportunists and may see an open window or an unlocked gate as an easy target, especially if the house appears unoccupied so it is also important that access to the rear of the house is restricted and side gates are kept bolted and locked.”

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Car and van owners in Evesham and its surrounding villages are being warned to take further steps to protect their vehicles after a number of thefts in the area.
“I would again urge car and van owners to follow crime prevention advice and, if they are unsure of how to protect themselves against vehicle crime, to contact their Local Policing Officer who will be happy to help.”
Simple steps that can be taken to protect your vehicle include -

• Remove all valuables and personal belongings
• Remove sat-navs and their cradles - wipe away tell tale sucker marks
• Check doors and windows are locked
• Don’t leave keys in the ignition
• Park in open, well-lit areas
• Keep your vehicle well maintained

Anyone with information on the above incidents or would like to speak to their Local Policing Officer should call Evesham Police on 08457 444 888.

 

Aldington Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators are - Gill Hop gardens and Mill Lane 831238 Mike and Margaret Village Street - west including Chestnut close 834129 Keith and Judy Main Street south side 830153 Steve and Jane Main Street north side 831148 This website is edited by Robin who may be contacted by email. Aldington Neigbourhood Watch have a property marking kit which residents can borrow. There are ultra violet pens or more permanent methods. Marking ensures that if items are recovered by the police they can be identified and returned.Please contact your co-ordinator if you would like advice or help.

Useful links and phone numbers

• Phone 999 in the event of an emergency or a serious crime in progress
• Phone 08457 444888 to report a crime or give information
• Phone 0800 555111 to give information anonymously (crimestoppers line)

National Neighbourhood Watch Association

Identity Theft - Home Office website

National Mobile Phone Register - add your details to protect your mobile phone

Ashton under Hill Neighbourhood Watch - a source of inspiration for our webpage