Message dated 22nd February 2010

Community Safety Newsletter South Oxfordshire - February/March 2010

Click on the above title link to view the Newsletter

Message dated 4th February 2010

"HAVE YOUR SAY"
There will be a police HAVE YOUR SAY meeting/surgery, on Friday 12th February, between 19:00 & 20:00hrs, in Hagbourne Primary School car park, East Hagbourne, Didcot.
This is your opportunity to speak with your Neighbourhood Officers to discuss any local issues of concern. Please come along, no appointment is necessary.

Message dated 11th January 2010

The Cholsey & Moulsford Neighbourhood Update for December is now available. Please click on the link here to view the update on the Thames Valley Police Website

Message dated 6th January 2010

Please could we encourage you to look out for any of your neighbours who may be elderly or vulnerable, particularly so during these adverse weather conditions. Some people who are elderly or infirm are unable to leave their properties when there is snow and ice on the ground and may need help to purchase essentials. We would ask if you could look out for anyone in your neighbourhood watch scheme who may need some help during this time and as a community consider whether you need to call in extra help. Thank you for your consideration. Message ends.

Message dated 26th November 2009

For Information on personal attack alarms and Smartwater (forensic marking fluid) and how to obtain them, please click here and here:

Message dated 21st November 2009

The Didcot Neighbourhood Update for October is now available. Please click here to view the update on the Thames Valley Police Website.

Message dated 20th November 2009

Residents warned over refund scam

Residents are being urged to be on their guard against bogus officials offering to give council refunds, relating to council tax, business rates or benefits.

People are being called and told they qualify for a refund and then asked for their bank account details so the payment can be made. They are also informed an "admin" fee will be charged.

Similar types of attempted fraud have been reported across the country. These can range from phone calls to emails.

South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils are both warning residents to be on their guard against these scams. Neither Council would phone or email to request details of bank accounts to refund overpayments. Neither would it charge for such a service. Anyone due a refund would receive a bill detailing exactly how much they are owed.

South Oxfordshire District Councillor Jane Murphy, Cabinet Member for community safety said, "We advise people to be on their guard against these fraudsters. The key message is keep your bank and credit card details safe and never give out your PIN number. If you are entitled to a refund, the council will send you a letter showing how much you are owed and arrange a method of refunding you."

Cllr Tony de Vere, Leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council and Executive Member for Community Safety, said: "We urge anyone who is unsure that a caller is genuine to ask them for their name and job title and then phone them back via the respective council switchboards - 01491 823000 for South residents and 01235 520202 for Vale residents. If the situation is suspicious, please report it to the police on 0845 8 505 505."

Message dated 19th November 2009

The Didcot Neighbourhood Update for October is now available. Please click on the link below to view the update on the Thames Valley Police Website:

When Your Neighbourhood Page is displayed on the website, click on Didcot (under Neighbourhoods) the next page contains your Neighbourhood Update, click against the update you wish to view.

http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh-tvp-pol-area-oxon-sth-ox.htm

Message dated 12th November 2009

Last night at 00.30 a burglary was carried out in the Wallingford area where A WII games consule, 2 x DSI games consules and 4 "Modern Warfare 2" games were stolen.

The Modern Warfare 2 Games were only released for sale on Monday.

Police are asking people to be vigilant about these items being offered for sale in a non retail environment.

If you have any information that might assist officers dealing with this incident, please call the police on 0845 8 505 505 and state that you are responding to this Ringmaster message.

Alternatively, if you do not wish to give your details, you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Message dated 11th November 2009

Last night at 00.30 a burglary was carried out in the Wallingford area where A WII games consule, 2 x DSI games consules and 4 "Modern Warfare 2" games were stolen.

The Modern Warfare 2 Games were only released for sale on Monday.

Police are asking people to be vigilant about these items being offered for sale in a non retail environment.

If you have any information that might assist officers dealing with this incident, please call the police on 0845 8 505 505 and state that you are responding to this Ringmaster message.

Alternatively, if you do not wish to give your details, you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Message dated 10th November 2009

Today, Tuesday 10th November, at approx: 12:30hrs, a property in Wilcher Close, East Hagbourne, was the target of a Distraction Burglary. A male called at the property claiming to be from the Electricity Board and stated they had overpaid for their electric. He gained entry then stole cash.

The offender is described as a white male, aged 55yrs, short in height, wearing a fawn coloured beany hat and a dark jacket.

If you have any information relating to this message, please call the police on 08458 505 505 and state you are responding to a Ringmaster message.

There have been a series of shed/outbuilding breaks, between 7th & 9th November, in Aston Upthorpe. Some items stolen include electrical garden tools.

Please be extra vigilant. If you have seen any suspicious looking people or vehicles in the area, or have any information relating to this message, please call the police on 08458 505 505 and state you are responding to a Ringmaster message.

Message dated 5th October 2009

A Halloween Poster giving advice on how to deal with any Halloween problems......

Halloween Guide for Residents

Halloween is a great time for children, youths and some adults to dress up as 'ghouls' and 'witches' and go out into the night to knock on doors to play "Trick or Treat". The majority of your callers will be harmless and will be happy even if you say "no thank you". However there are a handful of callers who may throw eggs or flour at you home, if they don't get what they want.

This action causes alarm and distress for people who live on their own and for those who are elderly or vulnerable; if this has happened to you in the past you know it can be a very unpleasant experience.

Thames Valley Police in South Oxfordshire are working with local shop keepers and schools to reduce the incidents of nuisance and criminal damage that happen at this time of year. Please help us to help others by not sending your children along to the local shops to buy items that may cause a nuisance to others over Halloween e.g. eggs, flour, tomato sauce and to ensure they don't take these items out of the house. Some shops will be displaying posters this year stating that they reserve the right not to serve persons under the age of 16 years with such items.
Always remember that those intent on going out at Halloween to throw eggs and other substances at houses and on cars, could be committing an act of criminal damage which is an arrestable offence.

So what can you do?
Ø Display a Thames Valley Police Card that says "no trick or treat" available from local police stations, libraries, town and parish council offices or download it at www.thamesvalley.police.uk (type Halloween in search on right hand side)
Ø Don't open your door if you are unsure who is there. Use your spy hole, look out of a window, and use your door chain if you decide to open your door.
Ø Have a contact number of a close relative or good neighbour to hand by your telephone, just in case you need to phone them.
Ø If you feel threatened or vulnerable call the police on 08458 505 505
Ø If you are in a Neighbourhood Watch scheme let your co-ordinator know that you will be on your own at Halloween. Likewise if you are a co-ordinator you can identify people within your scheme that may be vulnerable, and offer them some reassurance.
Ø In an emergency phone the police on '999'

Message dated 5th October 2009

Good News/Result Messages:

First result message sent on behalf of Oxfordshire Trading Standards Rogue Trader Unit:

A Rogue Trader, Tom Mobey, aged 57, of West Croft, Berinsfield, Oxon, was found guilty of three counts of fraud and jailed for 18 months.

Second result message:

Paul Hutton, aged 29, of Luker Avenue in Henley, was charged on 25/09/09 with burglary and theft from a motor vehicle on 23 July.

Hutton has been released on bail to appear at Oxford Magistrates' Court on 12 October.

The charges are in relation to a burglary at a property in Tilebarn Close when two mobile phones and cash was stolen and the theft of a satellite navigation system from a vehicle, which was parked in Hop Gardens, Henley.

Operation Breaker is a Force-wide campaign aimed at reducing the number of burglaries across the Thames Valley area. For crime prevention information and advice to help keep your home protected, please visit http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crprev/crprev-home.htm

Message dated 30th September 2009

We have had several calls from concerned Oxfordshire residents who have been contacted by an unsolicited phone call, from a Company offering to fit an alarm system for them. The sales person uses high pressure methods of sales and claims they are working with the Police and in the case of recent calls has mentioned both the local Crime Reduction Officer and Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator by name in an effort to persuade the resident to consider their product.

Clearly Thames Valley Police would never divulge contact details for any victims of crime to a private company, please advise your members accordingly. Any resident wishing to obtain genuine advice re security installations should contact their Crime Reduction Advisor on 08458 505 505 or use the Oxfordshire County Council, "Buy with Confidence" on 0845 051 0845. This company uses several different names and covers a wide area and is NOT working in conjunction with Thames Valley Police Crime Reduction Advisors.Thank You.

Message dated 4th September 2009

Good News/Result Message:

On Wednesday 2nd September a 36 year old male from Didcot, was arrested at 00.35hrs on suspicion of breaking into vehicles in the car park next to the Prince of Wales Public House, in Didcot. Stolen items from the vehicle were recovered by Police. He has been released on bail in relation to these offences.

On Thursday 3rd September, three males from the Didcot area were arrested on suspicion of burglary to two properties in the Oval, Didcot, which occurred on 31st August and 1st September. Stolen property was recovered by the police. Two of these males have been recalled to prison in relation to other offences and the 3rd male released on bail until 7th September.

Update on previous result message: Christopher WALDEN from Roebuck Court, Didcot, is in Crown Court on 21st September for sentencing in relation to a Burglary Dwelling in East Hagbourne at the beginning of August.

A 35 year old male, Christopher Walden, from Roebuck Court, Didcot, has been arrested for a burglary which occurred in Harwood Road, East Hagbourne, Didcot, between 23rd July & 5th August. He was remanded by police and appeared at Didcot Magistrates Court on Wednesday 26th August. He pleaded guilty and has been bailed by the court to appear at Crown Court in September.

A 25 year old male, Nicholas Maze, from Managua Close, Caversham, has been arrested and charged for a burglary which occurred in Kennylands Road, Sonning Common, on 26th August. He has been bailed until 8th October.

Message dated 14th August 2009

High Pressure Sales calls by a Mobility Aids company

Trading Standards has received a number of complaints from residents in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse about the sales tactics of a mobility products company that makes initial contact with vulnerable, elderly and disabled people by telephone. During the call the impression is given that the caller is from "social services" and is calling to arrange an assessment of needs visit.

When the visit is agreed to, a high pressure sales visit will take place at the resident's home. This visit will often last a number of hours, The end result is that resident's often sign agreements for the supply of expensive mobility equipment.

Oxfordshire Social Services Access team has confirmed that it does not approach clients by telephone in the way this company behaves

If anyone receives such a telephone call the advice of Trading Standards is not to accept a visit. If a visit is accepted, a resident is at liberty, at any time to insist that the salesman leaves. Failure to do so, upon request, could cause the salesman to commit a criminal offence. If a salesman will not leave upon request, residents can call Trading Standards between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday on 0845 051 0845 (option 1) or the police outside those hours on 08458 505 505 or 999 for an immediate response.

If an agreement is signed the customer will still have 7 days to cancel the agreement and get their money back. Trading Standards can advise on this process.

Message dated 31st July 2009

Good News/Result Message:

A 21 year old male Shane Parker, from Lockerly Road, Havant, Hants, has been arrested by Thames Valley Police Officers in relation to a series of thefts from motor vehicles across Oxfordshire and charged with theft from a vehicle in South Oxfordshire. He appeared at Oxford Magistrates Court, on Thursday 30th July and has been remanded in custody.

Message dated 23rd July 2009

This message is to make people aware of reports that have come in to the Police about a gang of "Rogue Traders" who have been travelling into the area from Swindon each day. The company have had numerous complaints about the way they conduct their business and the quality of their work.

For example they have been failing to give the statutory 7 day cooling off period, giving verbal quotes for the whole job and then getting customers to pay for materials on top of this. They have been bullying customers in to paying cash and causing confusion over bills, especially the elderly. They have done work in the Oxford Area and have now been going to the Wallingford and Benson areas.

Please be extra vigilant and do not employ traders if they are cold calling. If you are in any doubt, please contact the door step crime team on 0845 0510845 or call the Police on 08458 505 505 and say you are responding to a Ringmaster message. Thank you.

Message dated 6th July 2009

Thames Valley Police's fourth annual Open Day will be held at the Force Training Centre, Sulhamstead, near Reading, on Saturday 8 August, from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. Full details of the event can be found on the website www.thamesvalley.police.uk

Message dated 30th June 2009

Good News/Result Message:

Man pleads guilty to burglary - South Oxfordshire Thomas Pancott, aged 31, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to a burglary that happened in Little Milton, on 27 March. He has also asked for five other burglaries to be taken into consideration.

PC Ian D'Angeli, investigating the burglaries, said: "This is a great result for the community.
"Pancott has been fighting a heroin addiction since the age of 15 and has pleaded guilty to this offence and cleared up five further burglaries in the area. He has been remanded in custody for sentencing on 27 July. "Burglaries can cause real concern for the community and we hope that this result reassures residents and shows that we are taking positive action to deal with any burglars in our area."

Message dated 29th June 2009

There were a number of overnight burglaries in the Caversham area of Reading last week. All the burglaries involved the offenders either entering by using a piece of metal through the letterbox to open the doors which hadn't been locked with a key or the house had been left insecure. We have also been getting daytime burglaries in the South Oxfordshire area.

The hot weather we are experiencing makes people open more windows and doors to cool off but it also gives the burglar more opportunities of getting into your house.

Close all windows and lock them when you leave the house unoccupied. Shut and lock downstairs windows overnight. Lock all doors with a key and remove. If you are in your garden make sure a burglar cant get into your house through a door or window as you might not hear them. Keep all side gates locked. Report any emergencies on 999 and for non-emergencies on 08458 505 505.

Message dated 23rd June 2009

It would appear that Scottish Power are conducting a massive sales initiative in the Didcot area which incorporates a fairly aggressive sales manner. At least five incidents have occurred since last Friday 19th June and members of the public are requested to contact Trading Standards Department at Oxfordshire County Council on 0845 051 0845, if they are subject to this type of incident. We urge you if a sales person requests any paperwork to be signed that you please read the documents carefully so you are happy with the contract you are entering into.

Message dated 15th June 2009

The Home Office has introduced a new Self-assessment tool to help people check their home security. An online questionnaire "How Safe is Your Home" is available and takes approx. 3 minutes to complete. If you haven't already completed this questionnaire, please visit: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/secureyourhome/questionnaire/form.php

There is also a FREE advice pack available from the Home Office which contains burglary leaflets, discount vouchers on home security products from some leading DIY stores and details of the Policing Pledge. This pack contains a copy of the Home Security Self Assessment questionnaire, for those of you who are unable to carry it out online.

Only one pack will be issued per person, so each NHW member will have to order their own pack. Call the Home Office Publications Department FREE on 0800 456 1213.

Message dated 11th June 2009

Next week 15th to 21st June 2009 is National Neighbourhood Watch Week. Your NHW Administrators will be promoting the week at the following locations between the hours of 10:00AM and 12:00Noon.

Monday 15th June - Abingdon District Council Building in the Reception Area
Tuesday 16th June - Outside Waitrose in Wallingford Street, Wantage
Wednesday 17th June - Henley Town Hall, Henley Town Centre
Thursday 18th June - Thame Town Hall, Thame Town Centre

We are hoping to raise awareness of NHW and obtain details of new people who may be interested in starting up a new NHW scheme. We will be giving out information on burglary packs, free UV marker pens and details on property marking. If you have the time, please come along and talk to Carol, Kathy or Clare. Alternatively, call the Watch Office for further details on 01235 556957. Thank you.

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Message dated 2nd June 2009

The Wallingford Area Neighbourhood Action group spring newsletter is now available. It has been sent to shops, pubs, libraries and parish councils across the area. Copies can also be picked up from Wallingford police station and South Oxfordshire District Council reception area.

If you would like further copies then please contact Alison Smith on 01491 823054

The Newsletter can be viewed online at www.southoxon.gov.uk/nag as well as the latest update from the NAG.

If you are collecting a copy from Wallingford Police Station please call 08458 505 505 to check on opening times.

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Message dated 16th April 2009

A message was sent out on 2nd April 2009 warning people not to leave anything of value in their vehicles, particularly in beauty spots such as White Horse Hill and The Ridgeway. Criminals have been targeting car parks and breaking into vehicles to find valuables stored under seats or in boots.

This message is to let you know that two men have been arrested and are being questioned in relation to these incidents. If you have any information relating to this message or have any information about a blue Peugeot 406 4 door saloon, registration number beginning R524 ***, please contact the Police on 08458 505 505 and say you are responding to a Ringmaster message.

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Message dated 3rd April 2009

The Didcot Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be holding a Burglary Action Day in conjunction with Crime Reduction on Tuesday 7th April. They will be at Didcot Railway Station between 15:30hrs & 17:30hrs and then outside the Co-op Store on the Ladygrove Estate, between 18:00hrs & 19:30hrs. You will have the opportunity to speak with your Neighbourhood Policing Teams about any local issues of concern and obtain Crime Reduction Advice from a Crime Reduction Advisor.

We hope you are able to come along and look forward to seeing you there.

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Message dated 26th March 2009

In the early hours of the morning at approximately 0355 hours on Wednesday 26th March a property in Loddon Drive, Didcot was subject to a burglary. Aggrieved has woken to find the front door open,after checking the lounge and locking the front door has returned to bed. On a further search in the morning aggrieved has found purse and laptop missing. URN 135 of 26th March refers.

Entry may have been gained using an implement put through the letterbox to retrieve the front door keys. Please remind neighbours to properly secure their doors at night or when going out. Lock all doors and remove keys from the locks and out of sight. Please check your letterbox to see if there are any ways you can help to reduce the risk of anyone gaining entry via this method. If you require any crime reduction advice, please contact the Crime Reduction Advisor at Thames Valley Police. If you have seen any suspicious people in the area or have any information relating to this message, please call the Police on 08458 505 505 and quote URN 135 of 26th March.

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Message dated 27th February 2009

There has been a series of vehicle crimes in the area these include older style cars Corsa's, Astra's and mopeds. Many of the older model vehicles do not have alarms or immobilisers fitted as standard which make them a target for potential criminals.

If you own such a vehicle please take every precaution when leaving it parked and unattended. Never leave valuable items on display in the car, if parked in the road try to park in areas of good lighting. Consider purchasing good quality security products to better protect your vehicle.

The "SOLD SECURE" website lists quality security products and may be accessed via www.soldsecure.com.

If you would like to received a booklet on security tips for motorists called Steer Clear of Car Crime please contact the Watch Office on 01235 556957.

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Message dated 23rd February 2009

We have recently seen a number of reports of break ins and burglaries from sheds, outbuildings and garages.

Please make sure you don't give thieves the opportunity to get into your shed. Put all tools and equipment away and keep your shed locked when its not being used. Fit a strong padd-bar or hasp and staple with a close-shackled padlock to your shed door. Consider a shed alarm - battery operated alarms cost around £10.00. This could ensure you do not loose any of the valuable tools etc. that you may have kept in your shed.

If you require further crime reduction advice, from Monday 2nd March please collect a 'Secure your Sheds, garages and outbuildings booklet from your local Police Station front desk.

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Message dated 17th February 2009

Rearranged event:

Members of the Wallingford Area Neighbourhood Action Group will be at Cholsey railway station between 3pm and 6pm on Thursday 19th February to give out information on speeding to rail passengers.

There will also be a Speed Indicator device (SID) deployed on nearby roads. This will form part of an education and enforcement campaign that the NAG are carrying out on speeding in roads that have been identified as hot spots by local residents.

Speed enforcement was carried out in Cholsey on the 4th February when 13 drivers were given fixed penalty tickets. One driver was travelling at 45 mph in the 30 mph zone despite the icey conditions that day.

Speeding was identified as the top priority for the Cholsey neighbourhood which includes Moulsford,Aston Tirrold, Aston Upthorpe,East and West Hagbourne,North and South Moreton.

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Message dated 4th February 2009

This is a Ringmaster message sent on behalf of South Oxfordshire District Council.

Members of the Wallingford Area Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) will be at Cholsey railway station between 3pm and 6pm on Thursday 5th February to give out information on speeding to rail passengers.

There will also be a Speed Indicator device (SID) deployed on nearby roads. This will form part of an education and enforcement campaign that the NAG are carrying out on speeding in roads that have been identified as hot spots by local residents.

Speeding was identified as the top priority for the Cholsey neighbourhood which includes Moulsford,Aston Tirrold, Aston Upthorpe,East and West Hagbourne,North and South Moreton.

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