www.hullavington.info

 

WILTSHIRE CONSTABULARY
Malmesbury
Community Bulletin
November 2005
Produced by PC Michelle Weston & Beth Spurway
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT, MELKSHAM


 

KNOW YOUR LOCAL BOBBY?

Inspector Mark Levitt and his staff are very keen that you all get to know the identity of your local Bobby.
Sector Head – Inspector Mark Levitt
Malmesbury Sergeant – Matthew Armstrong

PCs Sam Bussey & Steve Humphries
Enquiry Officer: John Connely NHW Volunteer: Beth Spurway
Neighbourhood Watch and Crime Reduction Officer- Kate Turner (Stationed in Melksham)
 
SHOPPING DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS…
When the shops are crowed, the pickpocket has more chance to steal from you. If you can't arrange to shop during less busy times, make sure you stay alert and be extra careful with your wallet or purse. If you have too many bags you will be too busy trying to hold on to these to be aware of anyone stealing from you. You could try to make smaller shopping trips rather than do it all at once and carry too much. Have your purse/wallet close to your body and don't carry too much cash. The same applies to travelling on crowded buses or trains. If you travel by car, make sure you park in a well- lit area, lock all doors and windows and do not leave presents in view. Try not to return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping trip as thieves may well watch car parks for just such a chance. Arrange to collect heavy items from stores when you have finished all your shopping. Keep your chequebook and cheque card separately.
Having bought all those wonderful presents, don't make it easy for someone to steal from your home. Keep them out of sight until last thing on Christmas Eve and if you 'hide' or store larger items such as bicycles in the shed or outbuildings, make sure they are very secure. Now is a good time to check that you know what you have both normally (TV, Video etc) and with the extra presents you have bought. You may well find you need to check your insurance to make sure you are covered for the value of goods in your home. Take the frame numbers of new cycles and the serial numbers of new electrical equipment for future reference. Remember, empty boxes left outside advertise that you have new goods inside - dispose of packing carefully.
GUIDANCE ON THE USE OF MINI MOTOS

There is growing concern about the problem of mini motorbikes being used on roads, pavements and in other places that cause disturbance and are dangerous to others. Although marketed as 'toys', mini motos can reach speeds of up to 60mph and there have been fatalities and serious injury as a result of accidents.

The Home Office has provided the following guidance in connection with the use of:

• petrol driven mini motorbikes
• go-peds
• electric and petrol driven scooters
• some off-road motorbikes

Q: Where can mini motos be used legally?

A: On private land only with the direct permission of the landowner. In the case of parks and forests, the landowner will be the local council. However even there you must be aware of noise, nuisance and inconvenience to others. Persistent usage which causes disturbance or distress to others could be considered anti-social behaviour. That could result in the scooter being seized. Some dealers organise race days and evening clubs specifically for these machines.

Q: What other guidance applies to the legal use of mini motos?

A: A responsible adult should supervise a rider under 16. The rider should also wear an approved crash helmet (either e-marked or kite-marked).

Q: Can they be used on the road?

A: No. A road means any highway and any other road to which the public has access and includes footpaths and
bridleways. They cannot be used either in any open area to which the public have access - this would include for example, public parks and car parks. These vehicles are not designed for road use; they are a fun item that some people have wrongly assumed can be legally used on the roads or in public areas.

Q: If someone is riding a mini moto illegally and causing a danger or nuisance to others, what can be done?
A: Police have a number of courses of action they can take depending on the circumstances:
• Following a warning, the bike can be seized by the police (it will cost £105 to have the vehicle returned)
• Police officers can issue a fixed penalty of £80 nuisance behaviour
• The rider can be prosecuted under road traffic law and if found guilty, fined and receive points on their licence (if the rider is too young for a driving licence, the offence will be kept on file and the points deducted when the licence is issued)
• Illegal or nuisance use of the bikes can be used to form evidence for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order and Acceptable Behaviour Contract.

Parents are encouraged to make sure there is somewhere safe and within the law for their children to use the bikes before they buy them.
DOOR-TO-DOOR RAFFLE TICKET SCAM

A general warning to residents that over the last few weeks, we have received reports from members of the public that two men are going from door-to-door attempting to sell raffle tickets which purport to be in support of the RSPCA. Recent reports have come from Corsham and Calne, although the information and advice is relevant to all areas.

The men are selling tickets at £2 each - the first prize is Marks & Spencer's vouchers to the value of £5000. The draw date is 6th January 2006. The raffle is entitled "New Year Fundraiser".

The tickets are white in colour with blue print, raffle reference number PBHB/36447 however, no serial numbers are quoted.

The two men concerned are described as chubby with dark hair, both about 5ft 10in in height wearing jeans and trainers, but generally of tidy appearance. They have what is described as mild Wiltshire accents, were very polite and were not forceful or aggressive in their sales.

Anyone who experiences suspicious door-to-door sellers of raffle tickets, please don't be caught out - DO NOT PART WITH YOUR MONEY and contact your local police station, Devizes Central Call handling on 01380 735735 or Crimestoppers if you have any information.

Thank you.
 
October Crimes:

HULLAVINGTON, CHARLTON AND DAUNTSEY

Between 2330 on 29 September and 0900 on 4 October a secure vehicle was stolen from Latimer Gardens, Hullavington. Cost incurred £700.

Between 1200 and 1630 on 4 October an intruder entered the horse tack store of a property in Stonehill, Charlton by forcing the lock. Nothing was stolen. Damage incurred £10.

Between 1930 on 13 October and 0800 on 14 October a garage door was damaged in Hullavington. It is not known if anything was stolen as the owner is unable to gain access at present because of the damage.

Between 2100 on 10 October and 0730 on 11 October items valued £1,410 were stolen from a secure barn at Swallets Gate Farm, Dauntsey Lock. A jemmy had been used to force open the wooden doors of the barn.



At 0120 on 23 October a mobile phone and £20 cash were stolen from a man leaving the Star Inn, Hullavington. Cost incurred £120.

Between 22 and 23 October an unlocked stable at St John’s Farm, Dauntsey Lock was entered and £1000 of equipment stolen.


MALMESBURY

Between 1500 on 3 October and 0730 on 4 October a drainpipe bracket was ripped from the wall of the Old Brewery House in the Market Cross. Damage incurred £10.00

Between 1900 and 2015 on 12 October the door handle was forced off a vehicle parked at the Activity Zone Leisure Centre and entry gained. The car had been thoroughly searched but nothing was stolen.

Between 2000 and 2359 on 13 October a garage window was broken in Gastons Road. No attempt was made to gain entry. Damage incurred £50.

Between 0800 on 15 October and 0500 on 16 October a handbag was stolen from a lady in the Market Cross area. Cost incurred £260.

Between 2130 on 15 October and 0930 on 16 October a vehicle, parked in the Cross Hayes car park, was deeply scratched from the back to the front. It is though a key type instrument was used.

Between 1800 on 22 October and 0455 on 23 October the front window of the Summer Café was smashed and plates of quiche and vegetables valued £20 removed. The plates were later found at the Market Cross. Damage incurred £200.

Between 1800 on 28 October and 0912 on 29 October a section of drainpipe was pulled off a garage at the Old Brewery House, Market Cross. Damage incurred £50.

SHERSTON, LUCKINGTON AND KNOCKDOWN

Between 0740 and 1830 on 3 October the rear door was forced of a property in The Street, Luckington. Jewellery and currency valued £4,340 were removed from the master bedroom in a pillow case.

Between 9 and 13 October a shed door had been left open at Home Farm, Knockdown and a strimmer valued £500 was stolen.

Between 1330 and 1830 on 16 October a person fell through the roof of the Sherston Football Club. The showers were turned on and 6 windows unlocked. Nothing was stolen.

Between 0001 and 0023 on 20 October four men entered the insecure premises of the Rattlebone Inn, Sherston. A cash machine was removed. The licensee was assaulted. Cost incurred £3,500.

At 2300 on 27 October entry was gained to the Paddock area of The Holford Arms, Knockdown and a secure caravan valued £11,000 was stolen.


OAKSEY, CRUDWELL, MILBOURNE AND BRINKWORTH

Between 6 October and 11 October two wheel trims were stolen from a vehicle parked in Tanners Lane Crudwell on 2 separate occasions

Between 2310 on 12 October and 0845 on 13 October bolt croppers were used to cut a padlock of a stable block door at Moor Farm, Oaksey. Nothing seems to have been stolen. Damage incurred £25.

Between 1930 on 15 October and 0030 on 16 October a mobile phone was stolen from the owner’s jacket which was left unattended in a side room of the Village Hall in Oaksey., Cost incurred £250.

Between 1015 and 1115 on 17 October the window of a secure vehicle, parked at the entrance to White House Farm Brinkworth, was smashed and a mobile phone removed from it. Cost incurred £180 and £150 damage to the vehicle.

Between 1215 and 1530 on 23 October bollards were damaged at Monks Park, Milbourne. Damage incurred £100.

Between 30 and 31 October a secure horse trailer, valued £5000, was stolen from the yard of a house in Crudwell.

Between 1640 and 1650 on 31 October a box of eggs was stolen from Callow Hill Farm, Brinkworth.