Police notifications - Ringmaster
Ringmaster is a computerised crime messaging system run by Bedfordshire Police, which offers local residents, Neighbourhood Watch members, businesses, farms, and Bedfordshire Police's partners, throughout Bedfordshire, details about crime and events in their local area.
- The service is free to everyone
- You don't need to be involved in Neighbourhood Watch to join Ringmaster
- You can receive information via email direct to your computer, view your messages online, or receive messages via phone at a time to suit you
- Receive crime reduction advice and help tackle crime in your local area
You can join Ringmaster by applying online at http://www.safer-beds.org/ or alternatively you can phone 01234 275288, and an application form can be sent through the post.
(Information courtesy of Bedfordshire Police)
Also see our Police pages in the Community section of this website for details of your local Beat Manager and PCSO.
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These pages will be updated regularly, as information is received
RECENT NOTIFICATIONS
~ A shed burglary took place in Saxon Avenue, off Common Road, overnight on the 1st to 2nd August. The offender entered the back garden and removed a lawn mower from a shed that had been left unlocked.
~ A side window was smashed on a green T registered Ford Focus on the night of 1st to 2nd August, the offender then took an Ipod and speakers which had been left in the vehicle.
~ A bike was stolen from a garden in Valerian Way, off Comfrey Road overnight on the 1st to 2nd August.
~ A vehicle was stolen from the Lay by on the A507, Stotfold overnight on the 3rd to 4th August. The offender approached the vehicle, smashed all the windows and both the side panels. Damage was caused to the steering column. The victim found the vehicle in this state and recovery was arranged. Before the recovery could take place an offender removed the 51 registered blue Ford Fiesta.
~ A Burglary took place in Vaughan Road, Stotfold, Hitchin, between 7:00pm, on the 7th, and 8:00am on the 8th August. Offenders have entered the garden, from fields, and forced the lock onto a shed. Nothing was stolen. Offenders have cut the chain securing a quadbike, and removed it.
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DISTRACTION BURGLARIES
There have been several reports of distraction burglaries in the Bedfordshire area and Police ask that residents remain vigilant.
On 31 July in Dunstable, two offenders knocked on the door of the victim, an elderly blind man, and told him that a large tree in his garden needed cutting down. They asked him to go into the garden with them so they could describe the problems it was causing. While at the bottom of the garden one of the offenders searched the house. The two men left saying they would return on another day to do the work. The victim then discovered that cash, cheque book and documents had been stolen.
On 3rd August in Bedford, two men told their elderly victim that they would replace his loose guttering at the rear of his property. The victim allowed the men into his house and showed them around. The men then left saying they would return in half an hour. When they had gone the victim discovered money has been taken. In this case one of the men is described as between 20-30 yeas old with fair hair, wearing a light coloured sleeveless top and light trousers.
On 7th August in Barton-Le-Clay offenders attended their victim's house and offered to cut the hedges around the property. They engaged the victim in conversation and removed money. The offenders left in a small grey car. One offender is described as male, around 5 foot 7 inches tall, white, around 35 years old, fat and had a local accent.
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~A vehicle was stolen from Trinity Road, between 7.30pm and 8.45pm on the 9th August. The victim had been unloading shopping from the vehicle and has been distracted. Offenders have made off in the 02 registered silver BMW. The vehicle was then involved in an accident.
~ A shed burglary took place at Nickleby Way on 26th August, offenders entered a garage and removed 2 bikes. The first stole cycle is a black and grey Trek mountain bike which has distinctive mud guards. The second stolen cyle is matt metallic silver with handlebars which are broken and the bike is badly damaged.
~ A vehicle was stolen from Heathcliff Avenue overnight on 23rd to 24th August. The vehicle was a black 58 registered Aprilia motorbike.
CRIME REDUCTION TIPS FROM BEDFORDSHIRE POLICE
- Remove property from view in your vehicle. This includes presents and coats.
- When shopping, ensure your bag is shut and don't leave wallets or mobiles in your back pocket where they are easily targeted.
- If you are going away, ask a trusted neighbour to make your house look occupied, by removing mail and newspapers, taking in your bin and opening and closing curtains. Timer switches fitted to lights or radios can also make your house look occupied.
- Secure your outbuildings with good quality locks and hasps. Criminals may consider outbuildings as easy targets and often use tools found in sheds or gardens to break into homes.
- Get a copy of the Home Office burglary pack which contains useful information about securing your property by calling 0800 4561213.
- Always ask for photo identification from service or delivery people before letting them in - if you are worried, ask them to wait outside while you close the door and call their company.
- If someone keeps you talking on the doorstep, be aware of any movement or activity in the rest of the house - before you answer the door you should check all back doors, patio doors and windows are closed and preferably locked.
- Mark all your vauables with your house number and postcode.
- Never keep a large amount of money in the house
- Don't keep your chequebook and cards in the same place - a thief could use the card to forge your signature on cheques.
- Don't fall for anything that sounds too good to be true - a free holiday, cash prizes, cure of arthritis or cancer, or low-risk high-return investment schemes.
- Don't buy goods or services from doorstep callers and NEVER let them into your home.
- Lastly, ensure any suspicious activity is reported to the Police on 01234 841212 or if a crime is in progress dial 999.