Message dated 17th September 2008

Following an increase in purse thefts over the last year in South Oxfordshire, police neighbourhood teams will be handing out free purse chains to elderly ladies and advice on handbag security outside 6 supermarkets between 10am and midday on Thursday 25th September.

The purse chain is designed to reduce thefts by securing a purse to a handbag or a belt.

Please encourage watch members to come to one of the following locations; Sainsburys in Didcot, Tesco or Waitrose in Henley, the Co-op and Waitrose in Thame and Waitrose in Wallingford.

Message Ends. If you have any information about the above message that is of

an urgent nature please contact our police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505 and state you are responding to this Ringmaster message.

Message dated 28th August 2008

Between 13:30 and 14:15 hours on Tuesday 26th August 2008 there was a series of attempted distraction burglaries which took place across South Oxfordshire Police Area. Three offences have so far been reported: In Woodlands Road, Harpsden, Henley at about 13:36 hours a person rang the door bell asking to come in and check the water pressure claiming to be from the waterboard. Entry was refused. At 1400 hours a male walked into an address at Newton Way, Benson, uninvited and stated he had come to turn the water off as there had been a leak next door. The male was in the premises for 10-15 minutes but nothing was found to be stolen. At about 1410 hours a male knocked at an address in Pauls Way, Watlington asking to turn down the water pressure to help with a leak at a neighbours address. Although refused entry this male was persistent but eventually left without entry. The male has been described as white, 30's to 40's with light coloured hair of medium height and build ! and wearing jeans and a blue or black top.

Distraction burglars often call on several properties in an area and it may be that other residents had a visit from this male. We would like to hear from these people as it may help us gain further evidence. Offenders can use any excuse to try and trick their way into your home - please be suspicious of any unexpected caller.

Remember, if in any doubt - keep them out. If you have any information, please contact the Police on 08458 505 505. Thank you. Message ends.

If you have any information about the above message that is of an urgent nature please contact our police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505 and state you are responding to this Ringmaster message.

Message dated 30th July 2008

Over the next month there will be MORI researchers operating in the Didcot and Abingdon areas.

They call on residents to carry out research and are NOT selling anything. Each market researcher will be able to show you a valid MRS (Market Research Society) ID Card, which will display their photograph and give a contact telephone number for you to call if you wish to check their details.

This message has been sent for your information only.

Message dated 16th July 2008

It is understood that the current national crime trend of stealing metals will continue for the foreseeable future. Church's, schools, building sites have all been targeted by thieves engaged in these crimes. Also being stolen are catalytic converters from cars. The catalytic converter contains an insert of platinum which has a high scrap value. Most modern cars are fitted with catalytic converters so please take precautions when leaving your car unattended. If you have to leave your vehicle in the street, try to park in areas of good street lighting.

If you see any suspicious persons or vehicles, or have any information relating to this message, please call the Police on 08458 505 505 and say you are responding to a Ringmaster Message. Message ends. If you have any information about the above message that is of an urgent nature please contact our police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505 and state you are responding to this Ringmaster message.

Message dated 19th June 2008

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

You are invited to come along to a safer Communities Day on Wednesday 25th June, between 12 and 4pm, in the Market Place, Wallingford and let your local Neighbourhood Action group know what your community safety issues are. There will be stands from Thames Valley Police, the Fire Service, Anchor Staying Put, Road Safety and free crime reduction information available.

You are also invited to come along at 6pm to the Regal Centre in Wallingford and have the chance to put your questions to Supt. Andrew Murray, Councillor Dorothy Brown and a panel of community leaders and policy makers from the district and county council, Fire and rescue and Thames Valley Police.

For more information on either event please contact Alison Smith, Neighbourhood Action Group Co-ordinator at SODC on 01491 823054.

Message dated 16th May 2008

URGENT - Due to the sudden increase in rogue trader incidents, please can you contact Oxfordshire Trading Standards immediately if anyone knocks on your door and offers to sell you goods or services e.g. garden work, driveways or dusters.

Also let us know if they want to buy from you e.g. antiques or jewellery. Please take as many details of callers as you can, for example any vehicle registration numbers & descriptions and report it to Trading Standards on 0845 051 0845 selecting (option 2) thank you.

If you have any information about the above message that is of an urgent nature please contact our police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505 and state you are responding to this Ringmaster message.

Message dated 18th April 2008

This is a Ringmaster message from Thames Valley Police, sent on behalf of Oxfordshire Trading Standards.

Fish sellers are believed to be in the area going door to door cold calling and selling fish. The sellers are from the Newcastle area and have broad Northern accents. Trading Standards are interested in their whereabouts. If spotted please call Trading Standards on 0845 051 0845, selecting option 2 and inform them of location and if possible vehicle details, including, make, colour & registration.

If you have any information about the above message that is of an urgent nature please contact our police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505 and state you are responding to this Ringmaster message.

Message dated 25th March 2008

On Bank Holiday Monday the 24th March 2008 a property in West Hagbourne was burgled. Entry was gained by smashing a ground floor window with an unknown instrument and property was stolen.

If you have seen any suspicious people or vehicles in the area, please contact the police on 08458 505 505 and quote URN 1233 of 24th March 2008. Message ends.

If you have any information about the above message that is of an urgent nature please contact our police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505 and state you are responding to this Ringmaster message.

Message dated 22nd February

OPERATION MAELSTROM - WEEK 8
Community Safety

All residents have the ability to have an impact on improving their local community.

Poorly lit footpaths, broken fences, smashed windows, graffiti, & littering, can all have a detrimental effect on community safety.

If buildings or structures are allowed to fall into decline it may be a trigger for crime and anti social behaviour to increase, this is known as "Broken Windows Syndrome".

We would welcome your feedback in identifying any areas of concern within your neighbourhood.

Your local knowledge could have a very positive effect in reducing crimes & anti social behaviour in the future, by simply carrying out what is known as an Environmental Visual Audit and reporting any areas of concern to your local Crime Reduction Advisor at Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505.

Message dated 15th February 2008

OPERATION MAELSTROM WEEK 7
Anti-Social Behaviour & Criminal Damage.

Anti social behaviour can have a detrimental effect on community safety and quality of life.

Groups of young people shouting, depositing litter, causing minor damage, can lead to more serious crime if allowed to develop unchecked.

There are dedicated anti-social behaviour officers employed both in the police and at your local district councils.

We want to encourage all residents to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage to the police on 08458 505 505 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.

You can also report incidents to your local District Council, either the Vale of White Horse DC on 01235 520202 or South Oxfordshire DC on 01491 823000.

Message dated 12th February 2008

There have been reports of some residents being telephoned by someone claiming to be from South Oxfordshire District Council, offering a home delivery shopping service for the elderly.

South Oxfordshire District Council confirm that they offer no such service. However, the County Council does offer a shopping service, but confirm that they DO NOT cold call clients.

Complaints of these types of calls have been received from both Henley and Abingdon areas.

Please warn any elderly or vulnerable neighbours, to be extra vigilant and NOT to deal with any cold callers. Message Ends.

If you have any information about the above message that is of an urgent nature please contact our police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505 and state you are responding to this Ringmaster message.

Message dated 11th February 2008

There has been a change of venues for the Crime Reduction Surgeries that are being held in Didcot & Wallingford.

The first surgery is now being held at Didcot First Office, The Orchard Centre, Didcot, on Tuesday 12th February, between 12 & 4pm.

The second surgery is now being held at Wallingford Town Hall, on Tuesday 19th February, between 10 & 2pm. Message Ends.

If you have any information about the above message that is of an urgent nature please contact our police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505 and state you are responding to this Ringmaster message.

Message dated 25th January 2008

OPERATION MAELSTROM WEEK 4 - IDENTITY THEFT.

Please take care when disposing of personal documents. Many supermarkets sell paper shredders at very reasonable prices. Shredders are an effective way of disposing of personal information. If you use a computer please ensure you have virus checkers and firewalls installed to protect against internet crime.

For more information about identity theft, log on to www.identitytheft.org.uk or telephone 0870 010 2091. Message ends.

If you have any information about the above message that is of an urgent nature please contact our police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505 and state you are responding to this Ringmaster message.

Message dated 11th January 2008

Todays operation message is about home security. Our homes are the biggest investment we make and quite often the overall security of the property is overlooked. In order to assist you in carrying out a security survey of your home, please use the following guidelines:

Check that door locks are in good working order and that there is no excessive play if you push the door when locked on either the top or bottom.

Patio doors and French windows are often the preferred entry point for a potential burglar so again make sure locks are effective.

Window locks should be in operation at all times when the house is unoccupied and never leave the keys in the window locks.

All ground floor windows should have locks and any second story windows which may be accessed via an extension roof, drainpipe or veranda. Never leave vehicle keys close to the front door or on view via a window as it may provide the incentive for a burglar to break in and steal car keys.

Keep all tools and equipment such as ladders stored away securely so they cannot be used to gain entry.

Should you require assistance regarding the security of your home, please do not hesitate to contact your local Crime Reduction Advisor via 08458 505 505. Message ends.

If you have any information about the above message that is of an urgent nature please contact our police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505 and state you are responding to this Ringmaster message.

Message dated 11th December 2007

There has been Distraction burglaries that have occurred in the South Oxfordshire Police Area.

Recent Incidents have occurred in Reading Road,Henley and Craven Way, Didcot, where the offenders called at the property of elderly residents and stated they were either water board officials or that they were working at a neighbours property and needed to check for leaking pipes. Both these incidents occurred early evening on Monday 10th December.

There was also an attempted burglary, which maybe a possible attempted distraction burglary, to a property in Mill Stream, Benson, on Monday 10th December, where unknown offenders entered the property via an unlocked door, saw the aggrieved and made off.

A description given of the offenders is that they are white males, aged in their 20's, dark coloured hair. One was wearing a dark coloured jacket and dark trousers.

These offenders are targeting elderly residents, some living in warden controlled properties, where door entry systems are in place.

Please try to pass this message onto anyone you feel is at risk and remind them NOT TO LET ANYONE UNEXPECTED INTO THEIR HOMES AT ANY TIME AND TO USE DOOR CHAINS IF THEY HAVE THEM. Ask all watch members to remain extra vigilant and look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

If you see any suspicious vehicles or people 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 22nd November 2007

There is a lot of press coverage about the missing discs that contain details of 25 million people who claim child benefit. Please take care with personal documents, bank statements etc. Also check internet security is in place for online banking and purchasing.

If you are concerned, please call 0845 302 1444, the helpline number at Revenue and Customs. The Watch Office at Abingdon Police Station on 01235 556938 can send you a leaflet on Identity Theft, produced by the Home Office, if required, or alternatively visit the website www.identifytheft.org.uk. Message ends.

If you have any information about the above message that is of an urgent nature please contact our police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505 and state you are responding to this Ringmaster message.

Message dated 19th October 2007

There are security companies who use forceful telephone sales techniques in order to frighten people into buying intruder alarm systems.

Whilst in many cases these companies are legitimate, you are advised to contact your local Crime Reduction Advisor at Thames Valley Police about any security issues you may have on 08458 505 505.

If you are pestered with hard selling in the future please consider contacting your local Trading Standards Department on 0845 051 0845.

Message Ends. If you have any information about the above message that is of an urgent nature please contact our police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505 and state you are responding to this Ringmaster message.