Here is the latest Wantage East neighbourhood update from Police Community Support Officer C9815 Tim Deane.
Rural Crime is still a priority concern for the Wantage East Neighbourhood Team. Hi-Visibility Patrols by Police and Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) are carried out at rural locations including outbuildings to prevent Burglary’s and the theft of plant machinery and diesel.
The Wantage East Neighbourhood Team continues to patrol on our area to tackle the issues of Hare Coursing and Poaching Offences.
Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) and Speeding are also priority concerns for the Wantage East Neighbourhood Team. Persons acting in an Anti Social manner and/or causing Harassment, Alarm and Distress will be dealt with.
Locations have been identified where motorists regularly exceed speed limits; causing concern amongst residents. The Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) carry out speed checks in the Wantage East villages with the Speed Indication Device (SID) and the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) machine. Owners of vehicles found to be exceeding the speed limit will be contacted.
Incidents
Theft of diesel from Lockinge. Two days later the offending vehicle was seen working on a property in Wantage by a Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator who phoned the police. PC Steve Lynch attended and arrested two males for theft of diesel and possession of cannabis they were both later cautioned for these offences. They were also arrested for fraud by false representation (rogue trader offences) and are currently on bail for this offence.
PC Steve Lynch carried out an ANPR operation on the A417 at Rowstock which resulted in
numerous stop checks and one vehicle being seized for having no insurance.
The Wantage East and Wantage Neighbourhood team executed two drugs warrants in Wantage.
Doorstep Selling – Cold Calling – Rogue Traders
Many doorstop sellers are honest and genuine. However, some aren’t – and they may use lines like these in order to get into your home:
- ‘Congratulations! You’ve won a prize! If you could just sign here for it…’
- ‘I noticed you’ve got a few loose tiles on your roof…’
- ‘There have been a lot of burglaries in the area recently…’
- ‘This cut-price special offer is only available if you sign today…’
- ‘I’m doing a survey…’
Most legitimate market researches carry an identity card, which you can ask to see. If you’re in any doubt, call the Market Research Society on 0207 4904911. You can also check for an Approved Trader at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
Remember, doorstep sellers are trained to get people to buy. They can be extremely persuasive. Once you have let a doorstep seller into your home, they will be expecting a sale – and they won’t give up easily.
Forthcoming Have Your Say Meetings (HYS)
HYS. 05 April 2011 1745-1845 Upton Village Hall.
HYS. 07 April 2011 1830-1930 Chilton Village Hall.
HYS. 09 April 2011 1000-1200 Style Acre’s Café, Savages Garden Centre, Blewbury.
HYS. 17 April 2011 1100-1200 Harwell Village Hall.
HYS. 21 April 2011 1630-1730 Ardington Police Office.
HYS. 21 April 2011 1800-1900 East Hendred Snell’s Hall.
HYS. 23 April 2011 1200-1400 Outside Co-op in High Street, Steventon.
HYS. 30 April 2011 1200-1400 Style Acre’s Café, Savages Garden Centre, Blewbury.
Please come along, this is your opportunity to speak with your Neighbourhood Officers to discuss any local issues of concern you may have.
If you would like to speak to any member of the Wantage East Neighbourhood team or for more information about your local Neighbourhood team, contact 0845 8 505 505 or visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk
For help and advice on Crime Prevention contact Crime Prevention Advisor, Alison Smith
0845 8 505 505