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.
~ Bedfordshire Police ask residents to report any suspicious activity around parked vehicles after a vehicle was damaged in Kingsley Avenue, in Stotfold.
The offence took place between 6:00 p.m. on the 26th and 8:00 a.m. on the 27th of January.
The vehicle was a Blue, X registered, Volkswagen Golf.
Three tyres on the vehicle have been punched and the bodywork scratched.
No attempt was made to enter the vehicle.
* The safest place to park your vehicle is in a garage, if you have a garage please use it.
* Park your vehicle in a well lit area.
* Always check that it is correctly locked, and all valuables are removed, before leaving the vehicle.
* We are particularly keen to hear about suspicious persons seen under vehicles, or with containers and syphoning equipment
If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J D / 3 8 8 7 / 2012.
Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011
Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0 8 0 0 5 5 5 1 1 1.
Or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Thank you for your support.
~ Bedfordshire Police ask residents to report any suspicious activity around parked vehicles after a theft took place in Common Road, in Stotfold.
The offence took place between 5:45 p.m. on the 18th and 7:20 a.m. on the 19th of January.
The vehicle was a White, 61 registered, Iveco.
The offender has gained access to the underside of the vehicle, removing the catalytic converter.
- The safest place to park your vehicle is in a garage, if you have a garage please use it.
- Park your vehicle in a well lit area.
- Always check that it is correctly locked, and all valuables are removed, before leaving the vehicle.
We are particularly keen to hear about suspicious persons seen under vehicles, or with containers and syphoning equipment.
For more information on reducing vehicle related crime visit
http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Vehicle%20Crime.html
If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J D / 2 2 6 8 / 2012.
Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011
Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0 8 0 0 5 5 5 1 1 1, or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Thank you for your support.
Give Car Thieves a Frosty Reception
Bedfordshire Police are warning again about car owners leaving engines running in the drive while they retreat to a warm house and wait for the windscreens on their cars to defrost.
With freezing temperatures hitting the county in the last few days, the perennial problem of opportunist thieves taking advantage has returned.
On Friday (Jan 13), a car was stolen from Miles Avenue in Leighton Buzzard after the owner tried to do a favour for his wife and start the defrosting process. But he left the engine running while he went back to the house and the vehicle was stolen – although it was found an hour later not far away.
“Unfortunately, many motorists across the country fall victim to this kind of theft every year,” said Insp Matt Thompson, of the Roads Policing Unit. “It is a temptation to leave cars unattended, especially during the winter months. But if you do this you are not only increasing the chances of having your car stolen, you are also unlikely to receive any money from your insurance company.”
“Please don't make it easy for criminals - there are plenty of products on the market to prevent frost or remove it quickly but the best way, by far, is to stay with your vehicle while it is being defrosted,” he said.
“And not leaving keys in the car – even on your drive and even for a minute or two – is something that police would like people to remember all year round.”
For more advice about how to secure your vehicles and property, please contact your local crime reduction office via Bedfordshire Police on 101 or log on to http://www.bedfordshire.police.uk/
~ Residents are reminded to keep UPVC door double locked at all times, after a Burglary took place in Astwick Road, in Stotfold.
The offence took place between 10:30 p.m. on the 13th and 7:00 a.m. on the 14th of January.
The offender has tried to forced open the UPVC front door.
Although the door frame has been damaged, the door was not opened and no property has been taken.
* Please remember to lift the handle before turning the key to ensure that doors are double locked at all times.
* Remove all keys from the locks and keep them in a safe place and out of view.
* Avoid leaving property like Handbags, Keys, or laptops in hallways, or where they can be seen from outside the house.
* Keep garden furniture, ladders, and Wheelie bins in a secure garage or shed, or locked up away from the house, where they might be used to climb onto a roof or access a first floor window.
* Be a good Neighbour.
* Be aware of sounds like breaking glass.
* Report any suspicious activity, or vehicles, in the area.
If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J D / 1 7 4 1 / 2012.
Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011
Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0 8 0 0 5 5 5 1 1 1, or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Thank you for your support.
~ Residents are asked to be vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity in back gardens, after a burglary took place in The Avenue, in Stotfold.
The offence took place between the 5th and the 7th of January.
The offender gained access to the rear garden, forcing open a ground floor UPVC window.
It appears that no property has been taken.
Bedfordshire Police ask resident to review the security of all fences, gates and outbuildings.
Your boundaries are your first line of defence against criminals.
Always secure garden gates, keep fences and wall in good repair and consider defensive planting, or trellis.
Avoid leaving garden tools out, where they can be used by an offender to force open a door or window.
Keep property like bikes locked away in a shed or garage.
Keep garden furniture, ladders, and Wheelie bins in a secure garage or shed, or locked up away from the house, where they might be used to climb onto a roof, access a first floor window or access neighbours garden.
Report any suspicious activity, or vehicles, in the area.
For more information on reducing burglary related crime visit
http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Buglaries.html
If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J D / 7 7 6 / 2012.
Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011
Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0 8 0 0 5 5 5 1 1 1, or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Thank you for your support.
~ Bedfordshire Police ask residents to report any suspicious activity around parked vehicles after a vehicle was stolen from Rook Tree Lane, in Stotfold.
The offence took place between 9:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 5:40 a.m. on the 3rd of January.
The vehicle was a White, 54 registered, Vauxhall Astra.
The owner still has the keys for the vehicle.
- The safest place to park your vehicle is in a garage, if you have a garage please use it.
- Park your vehicle in a well lit area.
- Always check that it is correctly locked, and all valuables are removed, before leaving the vehicle.
For more information on reducing vehicle related crime visit
http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Vehicle%20Crime.html
If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J D / 2 2 9 / 2012.
Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011 Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0 8 0 0 5 5 5 1 1 1, or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Thank you for your support.
~ Bedfordshire Police ask local residents and businesses to be vigilant, and to report anything suspicious, after a burglary took place at a Social Club, in Stotfold.
The offence took place between 11:30 p.m. on the 4th and 8:00 a.m. on the 5th of January.
The offender has broken a side window that leads to the ladies toilets.
The water pipes have been damaged, causing flooding.
It is not known if any property has been taken.
For more information on reducing crime visit
http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Introduction.html
If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J D / 5 1 0 / 2012.
Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011 Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0 8 0 0 5 5 5 1 1 1, or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Thank you for your support.
~ Residents are asked to be vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity in back gardens, after an attempted burglary took place in Peggles Lane in Stotfold.
The offence took place between 10:00 p.m. on the 18th and 10:00 a.m. on the 19th of December.
The offender has tried to force open the front door.
The offender has gained access to the rear garden and a french door has also bee damaged.
No entry has been gained and no property has been taken.
Bedfordshire Police ask resident to review the security of all fences, gates and outbuildings.
Your boundaries are your first line of defence against criminals.
Always secure garden gates, keep fences and wall in good repair and consider defensive planting, or trellis.
Avoid leaving garden tools out, where they can be used by an offender to force open a door or window.
Keep property like bikes locked away in a shed or garage.
Keep garden furniture, ladders, and Wheelie bins in a secure garage or shed, or locked up away from the house, where they might be used to climb onto a roof, access a first floor window or access neighbours garden.
Report any suspicious activity, or vehicles, in the area.
For more information on reducing burglary related crime visit
http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Buglaries.html
If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J D / 5 0 9 5 4 / 2011.
Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011
Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0 8 0 0 5 5 5 1 1 1, or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Thank you for your support.
Have You Seen Stolen Peugeot 308 Sport?
Police in Bedfordshire are appealing for information after a 54 year old man had his car stolen from his home in Melbourne Close in Stotfold on Saturday (December 17).
The victim had been pumping up the tyres on his car but returned to the house leaving his keys in the ignition and the driver’s side door open. On his return he saw someone (possibly female) sitting in the driver’s seat with the door closed. The offender then reversed the car and drove away, hitting the victim as he went. The incident happened on Saturday between 1pm and 2pm.
The victim received head injuries and concussion but remained conscious. He was taken to hospital for further examination and released later in the day.
The car stolen was a blue Peugeot 308 Sport, 59 plate. The incident happened so quickly the man was unable to give a description of the offender.
DC Guy Steel-Jessop said: “If anyone has any information then we are urging them to come forward. We are also reminding car owners not to leave their keys in the ignition when they are not inside the car. It gives thieves an opportunity to take the vehicle.”
If you have any information relating to the incident contact Det Con Guy Steel-Jessop on 01234 275351, or text police on 07786 200011, or call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. You do not have to give your name but you could still receive a cash reward.
~ Residents are asked to be vigilant and to review the security of all doors and windows, after a burglary took place in Astwick Road, in Stotfold, on Thursday the 8th of December, at 12:45 p.m.
The offender has used a brick to smash the glass in a patio door.
A search took place and jewellery has been taken.
As the two male offenders left the location they were witnessed by a local resident.
They were seen searching through the blue holdall bag, and jumping a fence to a neighbouring property.
They were challenged and have run, making off in a Red saloon style car. The blue bag was dropped at the location.
Both the offenders were White Males, in their early 20s. 5 foot 8, with a medium build.
They both wore hooded tops and dark trousers.
Many Burglaries can be prevented.
- Keep doors and windows locked at all times.
- Remove all keys from the locks and keep them in a safe place and out of view.
- Avoid leaving property like Handbags, Keys, or laptops in hallways, or where they can be seen from outside the house.
- Keep garden furniture, ladders, and Wheelie bins in a secure garage or shed, or locked up away from the house, where they might be used to climb onto a roof or access a first floor window.
- Be a good Neighbour.
- Be aware of sounds like breaking glass.
- Report any suspicious activity, or vehicles, in the area.
If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J D / 4 9 4 9 7 / 2011.
Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011
Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0 8 0 0 5 5 5 1 1 1, or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Thank you for your support.
~ Residents are asked to be vigilant and to review the security of all doors and windows, after a burglary took place in Astwick Road, in Stotfold, on Thursday the 8th of December, at 12:45 p.m. The offender has used a brick to smash the glass in a patio door. A search took place and jewellery has been taken. As the two male offenders left the location they were witnessed by a local resident. They were seen searching through the blue holdall bag, and jumping a fence to a neighbouring property. They were challenged and have run, making off in a Red saloon style car. The blue bag was dropped at the location. Both the offenders were White Males, in their early 20s. 5 foot 8, with a medium build.They both wore hooded tops and dark trousers.
~ A burglary took place in Arlesey Road. The offence took place between 4:30 p.m. on the 6th and 9:00 a.m. on the 7th of December. The home is currently unoccupied. The offender has gained access to the rear garden, smashing a ground floor window. Power tools and building equipment have been taken from the house. It appears that the offender has loaded the stolen property into a wheelie bin which has been taken from the location.
~A vehicle crime took place in Prince Edward Way. The offence took place between 10:30 p.m. on the 6th and 7:30 a.m. on the 7th of December. The vehicle was a Black, 60 registered, Volkswagen Beetle. It is not known how the offender gained entry to the vehicle as there are no signs of damage. Two handbags have been taken from the front of the vehicle.
~Bedfordshire Police ask residents to report any suspicious activity around parked vehicles after a vehicle was stolen from Heron Way, in Stotfold, on Tuesday the 6th of December.
The offence took place at 12:23 p.m. The vehicle was a Silver, 11 registered, Royal Mail, Ford Transit Van.
The driver had been making a delivery and left the vehicle insecure with the keys in the ignition.
The vehicle has been drive off at speed.
Packaging from about 25 parcels has been found, by a member of the public, near to Meppershall. The contents of the parcels and the vehicle are still missing.
- The safest place to park your vehicle is in a garage, if you have a garage please use it.
- Park your vehicle in a well lit area.
- Always check that it is correctly locked, and all valuables are removed, before leaving the vehicle.
For more information on reducing vehicle related crime visit
http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Vehicle%20Crime.html
If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J D / 4 9 2 1 7 / 2011.
Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011
Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0 8 0 0 5 5 5 1 1 1, or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Thank you for your support.
~ Bedfordshire Police ask residents who live near to, or regularly visit church buildings, to be vigilant.
A metal theft took place at Saint Marys Church, in Church Road, in Stotfold.
The offence took place beween 4:00 p.m. on the 30th of November, and 10:00 a.m. on the 1st of December.
The offender has gained access to the grounds and removed copper piping from the outside of the building. No attempt has been made to enter the building.
Any suspicious activity near churches, especially people on roofs, should be reported immediately to the Police Control Centre.
For more crime reduction advice relating to reducing crime at places of worship visit http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Watch%20Faith%20-%20Crime%20Reduction.html
If you have information about this crime, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J D / 4 8 5 3 4 / 2011. Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011 or email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk
Thank you for your continued support.
~Bedfordshire Police is warning residents to be extra cautious regarding the information they give out over the telephone after receiving reports of a bogus telephone caller.
So far six reports have been received over the last two days from residents in the Dunstable and Houghton Regis areas of the county.
A man has contacted the residents posing as a police officer and told them that a warrant is out for their arrest and their house will be raided.
Although confused and concerned about the threat luckily the residents have not given out any personal details and contacted the police who have confirmed the calls are a hoax.
Officers would like to urge other residents who have received similar calls to report the matter to the force so action can be taken to trace and stop the hoax caller.
Police are taking this opportunity to remind members of the public not to give out any personal information over the telephone or to anyone who calls at their home unsolicited.
Residents are also reminded that they should always check the identification of any caller who visits their home before letting them in, and remember, a representative from any bona fide organisation, including the police, will be happy for their credentials to be checked.
Anyone with information about these calls can contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on 101 or text information to 07786 200011.
~ Residents are asked to be vigilant and to review the security of all doors and windows, after a burglary took place in Common Road, in Stotfold, at the weekend.
The offence took place between 11:30 a.m. on the 18th and 10:55 a.m. on the 19th of November.
The offender has forced open a ground floor UPVC window. A messy search took place.
A laptop and jewellery have been taken.
- Many Burglaries can be prevented.
- Keep doors and windows locked at all times.
- Remove all keys from the locks and keep them in a safe place and out of view.
- Avoid leaving property like Handbags, Keys, or laptops in hallways, or where they can be seen from outside the house.
- Keep garden furniture, ladders, and Wheelie bins in a secure garage or shed, or locked up away from the house, where they might be used to climb onto a roof or access a first floor window.
- Be a good Neighbour.
- Be aware of sounds like breaking glass.
- Report any suspicious activity, or vehicles, in the area.
If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J D / 4 6 9 0 2 / 2011.
Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011
Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk
~ Bedfordshire Police ask local residents to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious after a burglary took place at a Dentist Surgery in The Avenue, Stotfold.
The offence took place on Sunday 13th November at 3.00pm. A witness saw 2 males smash a window at the front of the building. Some money and medical supplies have been taken.
The first offender was a White Male, 23 years old 5 foot 9 with slim build and brown cropped hair. He wore a light coloured tracksuit top and trousers.
The second offender was a White Male, 27 years old, 5 foot 9 with a medium build and dark hair. He wore a dark blue baseball cap and blue hooded top.
For more information on reducing crime visit
http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Introduction.html
If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents please call the Force Control Room on 101 and quote crime reference J D/4 6 0 9 0 / 2011.
Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011
Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on (0800) 555 111
~ A burglary took place at a shop in High Street, Stotfold. The offence took place between 4.40pm on the 8th and 9.30am on 10th November. Glass at the front of the shop has been smashed. The offender has reached through an removed 3 charity collection boxes from the counter.
-Bedfordshire Police ask staff to be vigilant.
-Avoid leaving personal property behind counters
-Keep doors to flats, offices and store rooms closed and locked at all times
-Be aware of groups of visitors that may try to distract staff away from the counter and till area
-Avoid keeping large amounts of cash either in the till or in the office
-Bedfordshire Police ask staff to remain vigilant and to report anything suspicious immediately.
For more information on reducing business related crime visit
http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Watch%20Business%20-%20%20Crime%20Reduction.html
If you have any information about this crime please call the Force Control room on 1 0 1 and quote crime reference J,D,/,4,5,6,0,7,/2011 Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011
Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk.
Thank you for your continued support.
~ Have You Seen Stolen Bright Yellow Van?
Bedfordshire Police are appealing for sightings of a bright yellow van that was stolen follow a house burlary in Ampthill yesterday (Wednesday 9th November).
The yellow Vauxhall Vivaro registration number KG05 DYJ was taken from outside a house in The Crescent where its owner was doing some work. The keys for the van have been left inside the house and were taken by offenders who broke into the property at around 2pm.
The drive, who was at the back of the property working, did not see those responsible but realised his van had gone 20 minutes later.
DC Martin Hynes, investigating said: "The victim was working at a property and his van is part of his business. Without it he is severely hampered as it and its contents are his livelihood. The van is bright yellow and there are not many Vivaro's that colour so I am confident people may have seen it being driven around since yesterday. If you have any information that can help, please come forward."
If you have information relating to this incident, contact DC Hynes in confidence, on the non emergency number 101, or text information to 07786 200011. Alternatively contact independent charity Crimstoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
~ Media release, 9 November 2011
Resilience forum urges motorists to carry emergency kits following M5 crash
Following the tragic M5 car crash which resulted in seven fatalities and over fifty people being injured last weekend, a local resilience forum is urging residents to carry emergency kits in their cars.
To read the full article please use the link below
http://www.bedfordshire.police.uk/pdf/081111_emergency_kits.pdf
Thank you for your support
~
Bedfordshire Police ask staff to be vigilant, and report any supicious visitors or vehicles after a burglary took place at the Social Club in Arlesey Road, Stotfold.
The offence took place between 9.00am on the 6th and 8.00am on 7th November. It is not known how the offender gained entry to the building as there are no signs of damage.
Bottles of alcohol and cigarettes have been placed in a wheelie bin and removed.
Keep doors to offices and living quarters closed and locked at all times.
Remind staff not to leave personal property behind the bar.
Avoid keeping large amounts of cash in tills.
For more crime reduction advice relating to licensed premises and public houses visit http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Watch%20Pub%20-%20Crime%20Reduction.html
If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents or crimes please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1 and quote crime reference J,D/4,5,1,3,5/2011.
Alternatively text your message to 07786 200011
Email your message to chc@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
Thank you for your support.
~Bedfordshire Police are seeking witnesses after a robbery took place at a small store in Regent Street, in Stotfold, on saturday the 5th of November.
The offence took place at 9:35 p.m., just as staff were preparing to close.
Two white males have entered the store and approached the counter.
Staff were threatened and told to empty the tills into a blue bag.
The offender has left the shop and made off on foot.
No one was injured during the incident.
Both offenders were White Male, 5 foot 6, with a medium build and spoke with Irish accents.
They wore Orange Gloves and had their faces covered with balaclavas.
One of the men wore blue trousers and a fleece. They were carrying a blue bag.
Bedfordshire Police are keen to hear from anyone in the local area that may have seen the men, or the vehicle that they were using.
Bedfordshire Police ask shop keepers to:
- Avoid leaving pesonal property behind counters.
- Keep doors to flats, offices, and store rooms closed and locked at all times.
- Be aware of groups of visitors that may try to distract staff away from the counter and till area.
- Avoid keeping large amounts of cash either in the till, or in the office.
- Bedfordshire Police ask staff to remain vigilant, and to report anything suspicious immediately.
~ Residents are asked to be vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity in back gardens, after a burglary took place in The Avenue, in Stotfold.
The offence took place on Monday the 31st of October, between 1:45 and 2:00 p.m.
The offender has entered the garage, which had been left unlocked.
A ladder has been taken from the garage and used to gain access to a single storey roof.
A first floor window was forced open and the house was entered.
An alarm system has activated, causing the offender to leave.
A witness has seen the offender climb a fence into a neighbouring garden.
The offender was a White Male, 19 years old, 5 foot 5 in height with a thin build, and
~ 28/10/11 Beds Police News Release - Clocks Going Back - Burglaries Reduction Advice
"Make your house look and feel occupied at all times to stop burglars this winter". This the advice Bedfordshire Police wants the public to follow.
Often the dark winter nights provide easy pickings for burglars with an increase in burglary numbers being recorded as the clocks go back at the end of October.
Traditionally the numbers of break-ins go up by as much as half when it gets dark earlier and as Bedfordshire Police continues to reduce burglaries throughout the county and promoting crime reduction, officers are urging the public to help.
Head of Community Safety for the force, Police Inspector Alex House, said: “It is known that burglars will not often target homes that are occupied and making sure your property looks and feels like someone is home can be all that is needed to keep your belongs safe.
“Simple crime prevention measures really can make all the difference such as leaving the lights on in main rooms and keeping a radio switched on and tuned in to a talk radio station. Thieves are essentially lazy opportunists, and if they have to make a lot of noise, spend a lot of time, or risk being seen, they are unlikely to bother.”
Make sure YOU follow our annual advice to make YOUR home secure and help Bedfordshire Police reduce the number of burglaries this winter.
Use your lights – keep them on a timer. Make sure they are switched on early even if you leave them on whilst going shopping or on the school run. And remember; use the lights in a main room and not in the hall way so it looks like someone is home.
- Keep your radio switch on and tuned in to a talk station so it sounds like someone is at home.
- Make sure your doors are securely locked at all times.
- If you have UPVC door make sure they are double locked.
- Lock all windows and fit restricters – thieves can wriggle through any gap larger than a human head.
- Fit locks at the top and bottom of patio doors.
- Visible burglar alarms make burglars think twice – make sure you switch them on when you go out.
- Never leave garages or sheds unlocked.
- Check for weak spots and sagging fences on your boundary.
- Stop a thief from getting into the back of the house where he can work unseen by fitting a strong, high gate across a side passage.
- Be alert to strangers loitering in the street. If you don’t recognise them or they are acting suspiciously, call the police.
- Don’t hide your keys under the mat or in a flowerpot – it’s the first place they look.
- Help us beat the bogus caller, always stop at the door, check the chain is on and verify the caller’s identification before opening your door. IF IN DOUBT DON’T LET THEM IN.
- Don’t forget to security mark your property and register it on http://www.immobilise.com/.
- And finally remember, if a burglar does get in to your home handbags, wallets, and house or car keys are obvious targets, so please don’t leave them in a prominent position such as at the bottom of the stairs. Remember the force Key Safe initiative and put your keys safely out of sight.
For more free crime prevention advice contact your nearest police station or speak to your local policing team on 101.
You can also email the Crime Reduction Team at crimereduction@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
~ Residents are asked to be vigilant, and to review the security of all outbuildings, after an attempted garage burglary took place in The Crofts, in Stotfold.
The offence took place between 6:00 p.m. on the 22nd and 1:00 p.m. on the 23rd of October.
The offender has cut the padlock from the door to the garage. A second lock on the door has remained, preventing the offender from gaining entry.
Only the padlock has been taken from the location.
Outbuildings, sheds and garages can be especially, vulnerable to criminals, and are often not the best place, to store high value items.
Always lock shed and garages, and help keep sheds secure with a good quality padlock, and hasp.
If possible anchor down items, like bikes and lawn mowers.
Consider an alarm and make sure your security lighting is covering your shed and garage.
For more information on securing your shed visit
http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Shed.html
For securing your garage visit
http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Garage.html
Bedfordshire Police ask residents to stay alert for suspicious activity on roofs, after 3 metal thefts have been reported in Stotfold.
Offences took place in Marschefield, Church Road, and Alexander Road have all reported thefts. The offences took place between the 15th and the 18th of October. In each case offenders have gained access to the roof, removing lead flashing.
We would ask residents in the local area to be aware of this incident and contact the Police if they see anything out of the ordinary.
~ Bedfordshire police ask staff to be vigilant, and report any suspcious visitors or vehicles, after a burglary took place at a Social Club, in Stotfold, on Friday the 21st of October.
The offence took place between 3:30 and 7:50 a.m.
The offender has used a ladder to climb up to the alarm system on the outside of the building. It has been damaged.
A window at the front of the building has been smashed.
A internal door was forced and money has been taken from the till.
A cigarette machine has also been damaged.
Please remember to keep doors to offices, and living quarters closed and locked at all times.
Remind staff not to leave personal property behind the bar.
Avoid keeping large amounts of cash in tills.
For more crime reduction advice relating to licensed premises and public houses visit
http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Watch%20Pub%20-%20Crime%20Reduction.html
If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents or crimes, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J,D,/,4,2,8,5,8,/2011.
Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011
Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk
~
BEDFORDSHIRE Police are repeating warnings for residents to stay on their mettle following a spate of lead thefts.
In the last four days thieves have targeted several homes in the Henlow and Biggleswade areas and stripped relatively easy-to-reach lead flashing, such as that found around bay windows.
The incidents, which happened during the day and night, follow a similar series in the Spoondell area of Dunstable the previous weekend and coincide with high scrap metal prices.
Sergeant Jon Woodroff, of the Sandy and Biggleswade Area Safer Neighbourhood Team, reassured residents that patrols are being stepped up and police are doing all in their power to apprehend the culprits. However, householders can help by remaining vigilant, moving items that can be easily climbed and contacting police the moment they spot anything suspicious.
Sgt Woodroff said: “We want the public to be aware of these incidents so they can take the appropriate crime prevention measures and know to contact us immediately if they see anything out of the ordinary. We will not mind if a call turns out to be a false alarm.”
Ways to protect lead include:
- Coating it with anti-climb paint, which makes it messy and difficult to remove. The paint is non-drying and marks clothing and skin, helping to identify offenders
- Forensic marking helps identify stolen metal and trace it back to the owner. Products available include SmartWater, Red Web and SelectaDNA Grease
- Check your roof regularly, since the earlier you report a theft the more chance there is of finding the stolen metal, particularly if it is marked
- Regularly check the perimeter security of your home and bolt gates to the rear garden. Ensure security lighting is in good working order.
- If lead or copper is due for replacement, consider modern alternatives that are less attractive to thieves.
~ Who is Motorist caught on CCTV?
BEDFORDSHIRE Police have released CCTV pictures of a man that they would like to speak to in connection with a series of theft of fuel from filling stations across Bedfordshire.
There have been 11 incidents when the man has gone to petrol stations, filled his car and then left without making any attempt to pay. The most recent offence happened at around 12.30pm on Monday October 17 when the red Citroen Saxo with the number plate KE51 XEX pulled into the Sainsburys Service Station in Luton Road, Dunstable and filled his car with £54.76 of unleaded fuel before making off without paying.
The offender is described as Asian, aged between 25 and 30 years old, of medium build, around five foot six to five foot eight inches tall and with black, slicked back hair. On the most recent occasion he was wearing a black jacket, blue T-shirt and blue jeans.
The number plate that is being used by the offender has been taken from a vehicle that was written off in March 2010. So far the offender has stolen £507.69 worth of fuel over the last four months in Luton and Dunstable.
If you have information relating to these thefts or know who the offender is, then contact PC John Rankine, in confidence, on 01234 846949, the non emergency number 101, or text information to 07786 200011.
Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111,or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
~ Bedfordshire Police ask residents to stay alert for suspicious activity on roofs, after a metal theft took place in Walnut Close, off Church Road, in Stotfold, on Friday the 7th of October.
The offence took place between 3:30 and 7:30 a.m.
Offenders have gained access to the roof, removing lead flashing.
We would ask residents in the local area to be aware of this incident and contact the
~ Bedfordshire Police ask local residents to be vigilant, and to report anything suspicious, after Criminal Damage took place at 4th of October.
The offence took place at 8:00 p.m. The offender has gained access to the side of the house. A window has been broken. No attempt has been made to enter the house and no property has been taken.
Police if they see anything out of the ordinary.
~ Residents are asked to be vigilant and to review the security of all doors and windows, after a burglary took place in Brook Street in Stotfold, at the weekend.
The offence took place between 11:00 p.m. on the 8th and 6:40 a.m. on the 9th of October.
The offender has reached through an insecure fan light window, opening a larger window to climb into the house. A laptop has been taken.
Many Burglaries can be prevented.
- Keep doors and windows locked at all times.
- Remove all keys from the locks and keep them in a safe place and out of view.
- Avoid leaving property like Handbags, Keys, or laptops in hallways, or where they can be seen from outside the house.
- Keep garden furniture, ladders, and Wheelie bins in a secure garage or shed, or locked up away from the house, where they might be used to climb onto a roof or access a first floor window.
- Be a good Neighbour.
- Be aware of sounds like breaking glass.
- Report any suspicious activity, or vehicles, in the area.
If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J,D,/,4,1,2,9,5,/2011.
Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011
Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk
~ POLICE are warning pensioners to be on their guard following three similar distraction burglaries that have happened in Dunstable and Caddington.
The most recent incident happened at 12.45pm on Tuesday October 4, when an offender called at the house of an 81-year-old man in Waterlow Road, Dunstable. The male offender told the victim that there had been some damage to his fence that he wanted to pay for repairs. The offender then asked the victim to show him the fence so he could see how much damage had been caused.
In the meantime a second offender slipped into the property and stole the man’s wallet which contained a large sum of money. At this point the victim heard another man shout out and the first offender then fled the property. The victim went to the front door, but couldn’t see the offender anywhere and after inspecting his home, he realised that he had been robbed and went to a neighbour’s house for help.
This offence is similar to an attempted distraction burglary in West Street, Dunstable at 2pm, on Thursday September 29. On this occasion three men approached an elderly man’s house telling him that a window at the back of the property had been broken and asked for access to the garden to show him the damage. The resident became suspicious of the story and asked the men to leave.
Later the same day, a distraction burglary took place in Manor Road, Caddington. At 2.45pm a man called at the front door claiming that some fencing in the back garden had been damaged. He asked to have access to show the elderly resident the damage and has suggested that it had been caused by a child playing in a neighbouring garden. Whilst in the back garden the resident has become suspicious and has asked the man to leave. As they re-entered the house a second offender was seen in the house. Both men fled taking a handbag belonging to the victim which was later recovered in another part of Caddington.
Detective Constable Catherine Layton who is investigating the incidents said: “We have become used to distraction burglars claiming to be from utility companies or the emergency services, but it appears that they are attempting a new method of gaining access to properties.
“We would remind the elderly to be extremely cautious about anyone calling at their home, to always use a spy hole and door chain and to insist on identification. If you are in any way suspicious, dial 999.”
If you have an elderly relative, friend or neighbour now is a good time to remind them not to let unexpected visitors into their homes and follow these tips:
- Always use a door chain or spy-hole to check who is calling before you open the door. Shut and lock the back door before you open the front – these offenders often work in pairs.
- All utility staff carry ID cards. Make them show the card, and then use the number in the phone book to call the relevant company and check that they are a genuine member of staff. Make sure they wait outside while you do this.
- Always stay with the caller while they are in your home. You should be suspicious if they want to look round on their own.
- Never show anyone where you keep valuables. Do not keep large amounts of money in the house – even if you think it is well hidden.
- If you are at all suspicious of the caller, DO NOT LET THEM IN. Lock the door and call the police.
If you would like to arrange a visit from a local Crime Reduction Officer to help keep burglars out, please contact Bedfordshire Police on 01234 841212.
Anyone with information about these offences can contact DC Layton at Dunstable Police Station on 01582 473375, call the non-emergency telephone number on 101, text to 07786 2000 11 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
~ Bedfordshire Police ask residents to stay on alert for suspicious activity on roofs after a metal theft took place in the High Street in Stotfold. The offence took place between 16th and 24th September. Offenders have gained access to the flat roof, removing lead flashing.
We would ask residents in the local area to be aware of this incident and contact the Police if they see anything out of the ordinary.
~ Bedfordshire Police ask residents in Stotfold to stay alert for suspicious activity on roofs, after a metal theft took place in Mowgray Crescent, off Regent Street, on Wednesday the 21st of September. The offence took place between 5:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Offenders have gained access to the front porch, removing lead flashing.
We would ask residents in the local area to be aware of this incident and contact the Police if they see anything out of the ordinary.
~ Residents are asked to be vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity in back gardens, after an attempted burglary took place in Upperstone Close, in Stotfold, on Tuesday the 20th of September. The offence took place between 7:55 and 8:10 p.m. The offender gained access to the rear garden,through a side gate. A wooden door at the back of the house has been damaged as the offender tried to force it open. The owner was in the house at the time and has heard the noise at the back door. The offender has seen the owner approaching and made off.
No entry was gained and no property was taken.
~ A metal theft took place in Dickens Boulevard, in the early hours of Wednesday the 7th of September. The offence took place between 1:00 and 2:10 a.m. Offenders have gained access to the roofs, removing lead flashing. A witness saw a male sitting on the roof at one of the locations. He was described a White, and wearing either a wool hat or a hooded top pulled over his head.
~ Bedfordshire Police ask residents in Stotfold to stay alert for suspicious activity on roofs, after a metal theft took place in Dickens Boulevard, on Friday the 2nd of September. The offence took place between 3:45 and 3:55 a.m. Offenders have gained access to the roof of a garage, removing lead flashing.
It’s not your name on it!
Bedfordshire Police is warning the public to check labels carefully when taking delivery of parcels at their homes...
A new scam has come to notice whereby parcels are being delivered to residences with the labels showing a correct address, but an unknown name. The person receiving the parcel has been asked to sign for it and, in many cases, has done so. Soon after the delivery, usually the following day, a woman visits the address saying she believes a parcel intended for her has been delivered there by mistake. The woman takes the parcel and is not seen again. Within a few days, occupants of the address invariably start to receive paperwork, often including payment demands for the parcel. The woman is described as being of mixed race, aged in her 20s, large build and approximately 5’5” tall. She has ‘significant red hair’. Sergeant Andy Rivers said, “Even if you are expecting a delivery, make sure the label is correctly addressed to you or a member of your household. “If you are not expecting a parcel, carefully inspect the label and if there are any discrepancies in the details, you must seriously consider declining the delivery.” If this has happened to you, or you have any information about the scam, please contact Sergeant Rivers on 01234 841212 or text 07786 200011, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously if preferred, on 0800 555111.
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.