Police Info

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Contact information:
PC 799 Andrew Bundy Mobile: 07855 385 844
CSO 6173 Fiona Witcher  Shared: 07779 141 232
CSO 6993 Kevin Powell   Shared: 07779 141 232
Hereford Rural South Local Policing Team
Non-emergency number: 0300 333 3000
Emergencies only: 999

Latest briefings are at the top:

9th May 2010
Some good news to start with - here's another example of how the police and public can work together well in the fight against crime!

On Friday 7th May, a householder in Dinedor saw two males coming out of his neighbours farm carrying a bike and a strimmer that they had just stolen from the property.  He challenged them and managed to grab hold of one, while the other made off, leaving the stolen goods behind.  The good neighbour managed to call 999, but then the lad he was holding onto also managed to get away.  Still on the phone to police, the gent then gave chase on the bike that had been dropped by the thieves, and gave a running commentary as to where the lads were heading. He then stopped at the top of a hill from where he directed the police to where one of the lads was running, and the lad was duly arrested!  The other lad is still at large but hopefully not for long.  Well done to that good citizen!

There was another break in to a parked vehicle on Thursday 6th between 11am and 8pm at the fishing lakes at Allensmore, this time nothing was stolen, but the vehicle was damaged by the suspect when he smashed a window and cracked the windscreen while breaking into the vehicle.

On Friday evening at about 7pm, a businessman on the Thorn Business Park at Rotherwas disturbed 3 males rummaging around items stored outside his factory.  They made off in a silver Ford Mondeo V90*RJW - please be extra vigilant on the Rotherwas Industrial Estate as there have been a few incidents recently of undesirable characters hanging around.

Bogus businesses

We have been made aware that a company called "CMC" are calling older vulnerable people to arrange lifestyle assessments.  Seemingly they have already taken £2,000 from someone for a walk in bath which they didn't need and has never arrived. CMC's telephone number is 01246282878. This has been looked into and OFCOM are investigating the number. Trading Standards are also aware so please be cautious when being offered such services.

Please be advised that a security company calling themselves EEC Security Services have been telephoning numerous people in our area claiming they are 'in the area' next week and would like to call on individual addresses to discuss household security. EEC is known to several police forces for their hard selling techniques especially towards vulnerable elderly people. Please advise any 'older' family members and report any calls to us on: 0300 333 3000

Cop Cards

Finally, West Mercia Police have just launched 'Cop Cards' which is a brand new way of informing children about the work that police do in the force area, and are hoping that collecting the new cards will be a fun way for children to get to know their local officers and CSOs.

Cop Cards are a series of 25 playing card sized cards that carry pictures and descriptions of different policing roles throughout West Mercia.  It is aimed at children aged 7 - 14 and the first 5 children in Herefordshire to collect them all and produce them at a police station will win a prize.

The cards can be collected from front counters at any police station or by asking local community support officers.  The cards are a limited edition, so children will only be able to obtain single cards at random on request.  Cop Cards are designed for children to swap amongst themselves, and once all 25 have been collected, the reverse side of the cards forms a map of the force area.

So let the children in your family know about the cards, as Andrew, Kevin and I will be carrying a supply round with us and will give them out on request!

6th May 2010:
Over the weekend 23rd - 26th April, a recycling company based at Rotherwas was broken into, and several power tools were stolen.  The fire door to the premises had been jemmied open.

Over the same weekend, a compound in Pontrilas storing metal fencing posts and pails was entered and a quantity of these items were stolen.  The offenders gained access to the open air site by climbing through a hedge and over a fence.

In the same area of Pontrilas, five off road tyres were stolen overnight 27th/28th April.  They are described as size 215/15 with 'international' written on them.  Two of them were fitted to a white Saab wheel rim and the other three to a Vitara steel rim.

On 1st May, a gent that had parked his car in Allensmore to go fishing at a nearby lake had his car broken into, he had seen two suspicious males hanging around just before it had happened.  He called police immediately and a description of the offenders was circulated to officers in the area. CSO Kevin Powell, who was one of the officers attending, recognised the description given as being a local individual who has a record for such offences, and shortly afterwards this individual was found and arrested, and later admitted the offence, so well done Kevin - local knowledge once again proves to be of real value!

More bogus tarmaccers to look out for - a resident of Kingstone was visited on Tuesday evening at about 8pm.  Two white males with Northern Irish accents in their 20's were in a white van with registration number similar to MHZ8461.  They were both wearing high vis jackets, and asked if the occupier wanted any tarmac.  When he declined, they asked if he wanted to sell any scrap, which he again declined.

A reminder that our quarterly PACT Meeting is next Thursday 13th May at Much Birch Community Hall at 7pm.

29th March 2010:

Last Thursday, 25th March, it was reported that a heavy duty plastic bird scarer was stolen from a field in Holme Lacy.  It is described as looking similar to a rabbit hutch, and is run by a battery.

Over the weekend two metal farm type gates were stolen from a small holding in Dinedor.  They are described as black, lightweight, 8 - 10ft in length.  They were within the property, and had been used to fence off a pond.  The thieves had to climb over the main entrance gates which had been welded onto their posts in order to steal them!

Between 6pm last Saturday 27th and 4pm yesterday (Sunday) 300l of heating oil was stolen from a domestic oil tank at a house in St Weonards. 

Finally, a couple of vehicles to look out for - last week in the Callow area a blue Citroen relay panel van HY**EWG was spotted on two occasions in suspicious circumstances.  The driver of the van called at a garage asking for scrap, but was sent on his way.  He was described as aged about 19 - 20, very thin with an Irish accent.  He walked with a stoop.  Half an hour later, on the Rotherwas Industrial estate, 3 males were seen trying to load the same van with scrap steel from a premises, but were disturbed and made off.

Last Thursday 25th march, a white LGV twin wheeled pick-up was spotted twice on a farm in the Haywood area, a partial registration number was taken as X174.

13th March 2010

A commercial garage in Orcop was broken into over the past two weeks and approximately 10 catalytic converters and 4 large reels of electrical wire were stolen.

A garage premises on an industrial estate in Kingstone was broken into overnight 9th/ 10th March and a blue Saab convertible X254ABL was stolen, using the keys that were in the premises, the vehicle had been in for repair.  Also taken were some socket sets, a computer and £20 cash.

There have been several instances of sheep rustling in the north of the county over the past few months, it now appears that they are coming to this side of the county.

Eight ewes in lamb were stolen from a farm in Michaelchurch Escley over the past three weeks.  The ewes were a cross between blue faced Leicester and Welsh sheep, commonly known as Mules, and had tags on bearing the number 300463.  Sheep farmers take note!

Quad Bike Thefts

Police in Herefordshire are asking farmers and owners of quad bikes to be on their guard after a number of thefts of the machines in recent weeks across the county.

Since Monday 22nd February 2010, some seven quad bikes have been stolen from farms and isolated outbuildings, the thieves going to some lengths to  break in, cutting padlocks to barns and gates.

The thieves have stolen from rural locations in Pixley, Dormington, Preston Wynne, Cradley,
 Knill, Bishops Frome and Wellington Heath and on each occasion the quad bike was clearly the intended target.
Detective Chief Inspector Sean Paley, Head of Herefordshire CID, said, these offenders have shown some determination to get at the property they want but there are still things that owners can do to prevent theft or to make the goods un-sellable. Consider the use of lighting and/or cameras in vulnerable areas, paint your postcode in large letters on all the

 mudguards of the vehicle or consider having the machine chipped with an electronic tag which makes it easy to identify when found."

 "Police patrols are out actively looking for these offenders but we need the help of the public to act as additional eyes and ears.  The key factor is vigilance. Please report any suspicious activity or  vehicles in the rural areas when you see it. Write down the numbers of vehicles towing trailers late at night, especially if it has a quad bike  on board, and contact the police immediately."

Bogus Smoke Detectors

 The Fire Brigade have received information from West Midlands Police and Wolverhampton Trading Standards Department that the following company is selling battery powered smoke detectors door to door claiming that each smoke detector  is connected directly to the customer's local fire station.

 Clearly this is misleading and members of the public who have had these detectors fitted may not dial 999 if they think their smoke alarm is connected directly to their local fire station.

16th February 2010

There is not much activity to report from our patch over the past couple of weeks, thank goodness, but there are 3 incidents to note -

Sometime since the beginning of February, 4 hydraulic rams worth £3000 each, were stolen from outbuildings in Haywood.  The rams were part of potato machines, and would have taken some time to remove, and the thieves would have known exactly what they were after.  Also taken were 2 electric fans used for cooling the hydraulic system, worth £500 each.

Between 2pm and 3pm on Saturday 13th, a group 4 rally car was stolen from a layby at Much Birch, where it had broken down.  It was a Ford Escort, blue in colour with a white flash along the sides, registration number AOK133K.  It had silver wheels, front cobra seats and no rear seats.  The vehicle had an immobiliser so a trailer was probably used to take it.

Finally, overnight on Sunday/Monday this week, a bowser with 900l of diesel was stolen from Ridgehill reservoir.  This is a large fuel carrier, capacity 2000 litres, which is on a 4 wheel trailer and is towed behind a lorry or tractor.  It was blue, with 'LEWIS' written along both sides.  The chances are that once the fuel has been taken from it, it will be abandoned somewhere, so please keep an eye out for it.

A reminder that our quarterly PACT meeting is next Tuesday 23rd February at 7pm at Much Birch Community Hall, if you have any issues you wish to raise with either your local police or Herefordshire Council, please come along.  There will be presentations on council finances, the new council enforcement team, and the web services.

For those of you that live in the Golden Valley area, there is a PACT Meeting this Thursday evening at 7pm at the Community Centre in Peterchurch.

30th January 2010

Here's a round up of some of the goings on over the past week on our patch
 
Overnight 26th/27th January, a silver Ford Focus had its rear window smashed whilst parked on a driveway in Whitehouse Drive, Kingstone.  It would appear to be an act of vandalism as the car doesn't appear to have been entered, nothing has been stolen.
 
Between 4pm and 7pm on Wednesday 27th January in Much Dewchurch, a red Ford Focus was damaged whilst parked by the side of the road near Pool Meadow.  The passenger side of the vehicle was scratched along half the length of the vehicle, possibly with a key.  The driver had left the vehicle whilst he was working at a premises nearby, he had had exactly the same thing happen to another vehicle he was using when he parked in the same spot the previous week.  If anyone has any ideas as to who or why this is being done, please get in touch.
 
Between 18th and  28th January a house in Green Crize was broken into, and a car parked outside the house was vandalised.  The elderly owner of the property has been in a nursing home for almost a year, so the house has been unoccupied.  The suspects forced entry to a rear patio door and made a very untidy search of the whole house, but it is not known if anything has been stolen at this stage.  The owner's car was parked on the drive, and every window except one had been smashed with bricks.  Understandably, the owner is very distressed, so if anyone can help us find the culprits, please get in touch.
 
Overnight 28th/29th January, a car scrapyard was broken into at Watery Lane, Lower Bullingham for the third time, and a quantity of catalytic converters were taken.
 
Also overnight the same night, a quantity of electric fencing, two batteries and two energisers were stolen from a premises in Ballingham.
 
If you can assist with any of the above, please get in touch, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111


9th January 2010

From Fiona Witcher, Community Support Officer
 
I hope you're managing to get out and about safely in these icy conditions!
 
Here's a round up of the past week's incidents on our patch:
 
On 3rd January a householder in Kingsthorne reported that he had had an outbuilding on his property broken into between 13th - 27th December.  A McCullock hedge trimmer and chainsaw were stolen, to the value of £350.00.
 
A resident of Callow has reported that two cast iron horses heads that had been cemented onto his gateposts had been stolen sometime in November or December - they are quite distinctive, so keep an eye out for them!
 
A quantity of diesel has been stolen from a lorry parked in a yard at St Weonards, this is not the first time it has happened, but the first time it has been reported to us.  This incident occurred between 3rd and 4th January.
 
Overnight last night a large quantity of catalytic converters were stolen from a scrap yard in Rotherwas.  The suspects broke into a store room by removing part of a metal panel and taking the items from a large pile inside the building.
 
That's it for now!
 
Best wishes

1st January 2010

We hope you have all had a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas, and that New Years Eve went well for you all!
 
There is very little to report from the past couple of weeks on our patch, but there are a couple of things to note;
 
On 30th December between 1pm and 4.30 pm a blue Nissan Cabstar pickup truck F225WEH was stolen from a farm at Much Birch on the A49, but was later abandoned near Tram Inn.
 
It has been reported that several grit bins in the Little Dewchurch area have been found empty, as people have been taking it for use in their own properties, the driver of a yellow Landrover was seen to be removing some but unfortunately we do not have the registration number. Please keep an eye out for this happening in your area, and report any incidents to us.
 
On a final note, don’t forget to clear away the packaging for all those expensive items purchased and received over the Christmas holiday and New Year Sales period.  Don’t let the potential thief ‘window shop’ by getting a look at the packaging you’ve discarded.  Bag it up or get it down to the Council Refuse Disposal site.
 
Happy New Year from all of us at Peterchurch Police Station.

3rd November 2009:
There was a break in to a garage in Kingstone overnight last Friday/Saturday, a red Saracen bicycle, a cordless drill and charger in a case and some bolt croppers were taken, along with two pairs of gardening gloves.  The bike had an unusually large frame with an anodised red crankset. There was also a unique semaphore arm with LED's.  There was also a black pannier bag on the bike.
 
Another garage was broken into at Llandinabo overnight on Sunday/Monday this weekend just gone, and a quantity of Mikita re-chargeable tools were stolen.

27th October
Crime update
 
There has been another spate of thefts of catalytic converters from unattended vehicles overnight, mostly on garage forecourts across Herefordshire, but there have been some thefts from private vehicles on driveways also. 
Overnight on 24th/25th October, two vehicles were broken into that were parked on a private driveway in Bullinghope. A sat nav was taken from one, and a mobile phone, blackberry and some keys were taken from the other.  Please do not leave valuables in your car, even if it is parked next to your house! 
Some good news - as a result of us circulating details of a burglary in Kingstone on the last briefing, a recipient gave us details of a male that had been overheard bragging about it, and he has been arrested, and more arrests are to follow.  Enquiries are continuing. 
Also, following several complaints from residents about speeding in Kingsthorne, PC Bundy has carried out some speed enforcement there and issued three tickets and many verbal warnings.  He will be back!
 
Phone Scam
 
We have had many calls from people worried about calls they have received from persons purporting to be from BT. A call is received, and the person on the other end says they are calling from BT and that there is an outstanding amount on their phone account, which must be paid off immediately, or the line will be cut off.  It is usually a small amount quoted as being owed, and the caller asks for details of a credit card so that payment can be made.
When asked for proof that the caller is from BT, the caller will state that they will temporarily disconnect the phone, and then will call back.

The phone is then 'disconnected' and shortly afterwards 're-connected' and the victim may then believe that the call is genuine, and gives the bank details for fear of being permanently disconnected.  However, the phone is not really disconnected, the caller has just put the phone on silent, but as the line is still connected, the line cannot be used and the victim believes the line has been disconnected.

Please pass this on, as many people are falling victim of this scam.

22nd October

Just a few22/10222 incidents we would like to make you aware of. 
Overnight 18^th to 19^th of October diesel was taken from a compound at Rotherwas industrial estate.  The price of fuel is still very high so please do your best to keep any containers full of fuel locked away.
Sometime between 10^th and 19^th October there was a burglary of a house in Kingstone.  It is believed this was not an organised crime or a start of a trend, it is believed it may have been children.  There are known suspects who will be arrested. 
Overnight 19^th to 20^th some scrap metal was stolen from a car sales garage at the Callow.  Again this is a reminder when possible not to leave anything of any value, scrap or fuel on show.

15th September 2009

Overnight on 10th/11th September, a crate of woodworking tools valued at over £1000 were stolen from a workshop at a house in Kingsthorne.
 
Overnight on 10th/11th September, a green John Deere Quad bike and a 14ft Ifor Williams trailer were stolen from a farm in Pontrilas.  The items were not secured in any way, which made it an easy nights work for the suspects.
 
Overnight on 11th/12th September A Ford Transit van was stolen from a garage premises in Much Birch, and was found burnt out in Gwent the same day.
 
Overnight last night, a vehicle was entered in Much Dewchurch, and a flashing beacon was stolen, as well as 5 litres of diesel.
 
Finally, also overnight last night, a property undergoing renovation in Rotherwas was visited.  A storeroom was broken into but all that was taken was a leather tool belt. 
 
A reminder that this evening at 7.30pm at Kingstone Village Hall we are holding an internet safety evening aimed at parents, advising ways of keeping children safe whilst using the internet. There will be another session tomorrow (Wednesday) at 7pm at Peterchurch Community Centre, and also on Thursday evening at 7pm at Much Birch Community Hall. The sessions are free, so please come along.

8/9/09

Overnight last night between 5.30pm and around 6.30 am a white/orange 110 mini digger was stolen from a farm in Clehonger, believed on the back of a trailer that was also stolen from the farm, and was used sometime during the night to attempt to remove a vehicle from woodland between Little Birch and Little Dewchurch.  The attempt failed, and the vehicle, a Ford Maverick, was set alight at aprox 7am today.

The digger was unloaded from the back of the trailer at the side of the road near Little Birch - just down from the Caldicott Crossroads, and later put back on the trailer in the same place.

The digger had a tracking device attached, and we have now just found the vehicle in woodland nearby, still with the trailer, possibly waiting to be collected!  It shows that it is worth fitting tracking devices to farm and plant machinery, as well as marking them with SmartWater.

We are hoping that someone saw this digger at some point during the journey - if so, please get in touch asap.

Many thanks

24/8/09
A hay turner worth £3,000 was stolen from a field between Dinedor and Holme Lacy overnight on Fri 21st/Sat 22nd August. It was a Vicon HS360 model, mostly red in colour but with some black.
 
Over the weekend the Village Hall at Orcop was broken into.  The suspects gained entry by forcing a window, and then broke into the electricity meter, which was empty at the time.  Nothing appears to have been stolen from the premises.
 
A report has been received of two 12ft galvanised steel gates having been taken overnight on 12th/13th August from a field in the Pontrilas area.
 
Throughout the county we are experiencing a number of thefts of farm machinery and equipment - please ensure that these items are secured, preferably locked away, and also marked in some way or another - SmartWater is an excellent product which can be used.
Thieves are using large vehicles, probably with hiab lifts on the back, to steal these items, and often the thefts are occurring during daylight hours.  These people are brazen, and will go into fields and steal trailers, equipment etc in broad daylight - it is because they are so brazen about it that they get away with it - any witnesses assume they are legitimate!
Please be suspicious of any vehicles like this seen in our rural lanes, and take registration numbers if possible and pass them to us so that we can make some enquiries.  We can soon establish whether or not they are genuine.
 
Finally - we are holding another 'street briefing' tomorrow (TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST 2009) evening at 7pm in the car park of Much Birch Community Hall.  Members of your Local Policing Team will be there for an hour for you to speak to us about any issues that may concern you, or if you just feel like coming along to say hello, we'll be pleased to see you.

21/8/09

A bike that was against a hedge on Lowe Lane, Much Dewchurch was taken on Monday 17th between 10:00 and 12:00.  It is a sporty looking bike black and yellow in colour. It is possible that someone may have picked it up for safe keeping.  Does anyone remember seeing this bike or seeing anyone in possession of it?

A property in Dinedor was burgled around the 18th – 19th of this month. The owners of the property were away on holiday.  If anyone is going away or knows of anyone going away feel free to let us know so we can help keep an eye on the property.

Some scrap metal was stolen in Little Birch on the 19th between 12:30-18:00.  This is just a reminder to keep any scrap out of sight or locked away. Please try to keep gates shut/locked if possible it all helps as a deterrent.
 
A garage was broken into in Kingstone yesterday evening.  A large amount of expensive fishing equipment was taken.  This happened between 14:25 and 17:00. If anyone remembers seeing anything suspicious or anyone in possession of fishing equipment around this time please let us know asap.  

2 Large amounts of fly tipping have been reported in the last few days!  At this time of year Fly tipping is a problem.  If anybody see’s anybody possibly fly tipping or acting suspiciously please report it to us. A registration number from vehicles is always very helpful.

A member of the public came across 2 people breaking into their garage in the Garway Hill area.  After the offenders were disturbed they ran off across fields to a vehicle similar to YX51**F. If you ever find yourself in a similar position please call 999 straight away and again vehicle registrations are very helpful.  Enquiries are ongoing.

Between 11:00 and 13:00 TODAY a catering lorry was taken from the St Owens Cross area. It was a 10ft white AJC trailer with the writing “Inside Out” in red writing and “Jacket Potatoes” and various other green writing on the side.  This is a very recent report and the trailer could still be in or passing through the area so please keep a look out!  If the vehicle is seen being driven/toed please call 999. 

Another reminder that if you call one of our mobiles and there is no answer/no signal please call the 03003333000 number to report the incident as it could then be passed to us via our control system. 

6/8/09

Last week two properties in Kingstone had outbuildings broken into.  This was overnight on Friday 31st July/Saturday 1st August, probably around 2am as one occupier was disturbed by her dogs barking, and then heard the sound of someone walking along the track by her property.  A Husquavana 357XP chainsaw and a full fuel can of 2 stroke mixture was stolen from this property.
Further down the track, a garden shed was entered and a Ryobi brush cutter and two full plastic fuel cans containing unleaded fuel were taken.  A lawnmower was removed from the shed but left a short distance away, maybe the suspect was disturbed.
 
SmartWater
To date, we have sold in excess of 1000 kits in our community, and you will have seen that most villages as well as some businesses are displaying the 'Thieves Beware - SmartWater in this area' signs.  In some cases we are selling the kits to household or businesses that have suffered a break-in, it is a good idea to obtain a kit before you are a victim! 
It has proved to be an good deterrent to criminals, but only if the warning stickers are applied and the property marked!  I have spoken to several people who purchased kits some time ago, but have not 'got round to it yet'  If you are one of these people, please check the 'sell by' date on your kit, as the solution has a limited shelf life whilst in the container.  Once applied to property, it is has been carbon tested to stay on it for in excess of 100 years! If you would like to know more about the product, or would like to buy one at just £20.00, please get in touch.
 
31/7/09

Last night between 10pm and midnight a Quad bike was stolen from a farm at Cobhall Common, Allensmore, it was accidentally left out in the yard.  It is a green Kawasaki  and the registration number is VA02UJK.
 
Yesterday afternoon a black BMW T**MCV was spotted in the rear yard of a storage premises in Kivernoll, the two young white male occupants were having a good look around, but made off when approached by the property owner.


25th July 2009

Last week an Ifor Williams trailer was stolen from an industrial premises at Pontrilas.  It was a grey 2 tonne tipping trailer, double axle with a swing down tailgate, and was aprox 4' high.  The hitch was secured with a padlock and chain, these were also taken.  At the time of the theft it was full of food waste.
 
Three 400m rolls of electric fencing along with the central battery unit and 40-50 stakes were stolen from a field in Kingstone in the past three weeks.
 
A vehicle to look out for please - a green Vauxhall Calibra, N***XOB (false plates) N***VNP (correct plates).  This vehicle has been involved in house break-ins in Gloucestershire, and has been spotted in South Herefordshire - let us know immediately if you see it.
 
Finally, for anyone with youngsters (boys AND girls) between the ages of 14 -16, we are holding a 'Fast and Furious' 5 a side football tournament next Saturday 1st August at Kingstone High School, from 10.30am.  Anyone interested should contact our mobile number with team details ( including up to 4 substitutes)  There will be a team from Peterchurch Police Station taking part too, although we are having to stretch the age limit somewhat!

16th July 2009

On Tuesday lunchtime (14th) at around 11.45 am, residents of an isolated property in Much Dewchurch disturbed would-be 'dognappers', who had taken two black dogs from their property and then abandoned them shortly afterwards about half a mile away.  The dogs had just been walked and the owners were in their property when they heard the dogs yelping, a man's voice,and a vehicle pulling away very quickly.  When they went outside, there was no sign of the dogs, so they went in the direction the vehicle had gone, and found the two dogs further up the lane.  One of the dogs, a bitch that looks like a purebred Labrador, is in fact a crossbreed and may have been dumped because of that.  A silver transit type van had been seen a few minutes earlier heading towards the address but there are no further details.
 
Also on Tuesday, we had several reports of males going door to door in Kingsthorne and Little Birch offering to sell household items. One of the males is described as in his 30's, white, with a cockney accent, short dark hair with a tattoo of a cross on the back of his neck.  He was wearing a black jacket and grey tracksuit bottoms, carrying a large black bag.  Another male is described as in his 40's, wearing a red Nike track suit top with grey track suit bottoms and white trainers.  Some people reported that these males could become quite rude and aggressive when refused a sale. 
Males answering the same description were reported as being in the Ledbury area on Monday this week, they were seen leaving the area in a light blue mini bus.
 
A reminder that there is an Open Day at Hereford Police Station in Bath Street this Sunday 19th July from 10am to 4pm, and all are welcome.  the station has just undergone a major refurbishment and now boasts new conference room facilities, a new front office and a state of the art 16 cell custody suite. There will be plenty to keep the family busy during the day including a climbing wall and a firearms simulator, as well as a barbeque.
 
Thanks for taking the time to read this

10th July 2009

Between 6pm on Wednesday and 7am on Thursday 9th July, thieves broke into a compound at Ridge Hill and stole a large amount of property belonging to an engineering company currently working on laying water pipes in the area. A trailer was taken along with items of plant machinery to the value of £18,000.  A tractor from within the site was used to smash open the gates of the compound in order for the suspects to leave the premises, causing £2,000 worth of damage to the tractor and gates.
 
A Ford Mondeo was broken into between midnight at 6am today by a fishing lake in Allensmore.  Various items to the value of £1,000 including a Sat Nav were stolen whilst the owner was fishing some distance away.
 
A vehicle was seen in suspicious circumstances in Little Dewchurch earlier this week.  A silver Hyundai J**DCC was seen on at least two occasions, on different days, by a resident who described the occupants as wearing white shirts and black ties.  It was driving very fast around the lanes, and on one occasion was seen parked up. (No, it is not one of ours!)
 
Another suspicious incident was reported to us by a farmer from Dinedor who was working late last night.  Around midnight he saw a blue Rover hatchback R8**JBV parked in the entrance to one of his fields, the vehicle was empty but he heard voices nearby.  His son, who was working in the next field had seen lights shining across the field and went to investigate.  At this point, five men and three dogs ran to the car and got in, then saw the farmer.  He asked what they were doing and they gave the excuse of looking for rabbits, and left.
This is in the vicinity of where the pipe laying works are being carried out, and there are items of plant machinery around, also belonging to the company that had the break-in at Ridge Hill the previous night.

8th July 2009

Between Saturday the 4th and Monday 6th of July part of an exhaust was removed from a show vehicle at Stirling Suzuki on the A49 at the Callow. 

Overnight back on the 24th June some garden lights were stolen from a garden at a property in Much Birch. 

Between Sunday 5th and Tuesday 7th some old Land Rover wheels were stolen from a property on the A466 near to Llanwarne.  The wheels were being sold on Ebay at the time and had been left out of sight at the rear of the property.  If anyone has seen anybody acting suspiciously in the area of in possession of the wheels please let one of us know.

On Tuesday 7th two offenders were seen near a farm in Little Dewchurch. The males were wearing Balaclava’s when challenged by the owner the two offenders made off.  They left in an u/k vehicle.  The Owner of the farm states they had been receiving phone calls recently that when they answered there was nobody there.  This may or may not be connected but may be kept in mind.

A shed was broken into overnight last night in Kingstone.  I believe at this point nothing has been stolen. Enquiries are on going.

I have received 2 emails I would also like you to be aware of. 

The first is about a possible scam in relation to Recalculation Tax Fund:

Please do not give any bank details to anyone unless you are 100% sure they are reputable. 

I would also like to alert you to offenders going around offering to sell cheap perfume.  The offenders tend to get you to smell the perfume. This is NOT perfume and maybe ETHER which can cause you to pass out.  Be very cautious when approached and do not attempt to smell the perfume. 

If you have any incidents you would like to report to us or you have any info regarding the above please make contact with us. 

1st July 2009 - July Newsbeat and Policing News now available (click links on left)


15h May 2009

A few incidents I would like to make you aware of from the last Week.

Between 8th and 11th May a snack bar was broken into and items were taken. The snack bar was situated just off the A49 at Llandinabo. If anyone remembers seeing anything suspicious in this area around this time please contact us asap.

In the early hours of the morning 12th May Mill Garage were victim to a burglary however the offenders only got away with a small amount of money. It is thought the offenders may have been disturbed.

On the 12th it is thought that offenders may have entered a garden in Kingsthorne and taken the lid off a heating oil tank, however it has not been established any fuel has been taken.  Please keep a close eye on the levels of your heating oil and if you have any concerns please let us know.

Sometime in the last week an Ifor Williams trailer was taken from a unit at Rotherwas Industrial estate.  Unfortunately trailers are not the easiest items to secure however due to the volume that have been taken please ensure you keep them as secure and out of sight as possible.

A property in St Weonards had there garage broken into over the weekend and items were stolen including Garden ornaments and garden machinery.

On the 13th it was realised that approx £2000 worth of Aluminium fencing was taken from a unit at Rotherwas. The price of scrap metal appears to be rising again so please be extra careful and report any suspicious incidents as soon as you can.

I would like to remind everyone that the PACT Meeting for Hereford Rural South is taking place on Tuesday 26th May at 7pm at Much Birch Village Hall.

Also CSO Fiona Witcher and PC Bundy are away on Annual Leave at the moment so will be unable to respond to emails for the next 10 days or so, if you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

CSO 6993 Kevin Powell

Hereford Rural South Local Policing Team

Peterchurch Police Station

CSO Mobile 07779141232


4th February 2009

There are a couple of incidents to bring to your attention today.
 
Yesterday, Tuesday 3rd February, between 8am and 12 noon a single axle 4 berth caravan was stolen from a driveway in Wormelow. This was a very 'cheeky' theft, as it was in broad daylight, and although enquiries have been made with surrounding properties, no-one seems to have seen it go. Unfortunately, at this time, we do not have a better description of the caravan.
 
A vehicle to keep an eye out for - a silver Ford Transit panel van, DN53*BE was seen acting suspiciously in the late evening of Monday 2nd February in the Lower Bullingham area.  The vehicle was stopped by police shortly afterwards, and both the driver and passenger were well known to police, and have been spotted in other vehicles on our patch in the recent past.  Although nothing untoward was found in the vehicle, it is highly likely they were up to no good, so please report any sightings to us straight away, you could prevent a crime!
 
Please note the new number for contacting West Mercia Police (if you can't get hold of us on our mobile phones)  0300 333 3000

22nd January 2009:
 4th January 2009: 30th December 2008:
Two vehicles had there tyres slashed overnight on the 22^nd December. The vehicles were parked in the new housing estate, Woodfield Close, in Kingstone. It is believed to have happened between 19:00 22^nd December and 14:15 23^rd December.
 In the early hours of 27^th December a garage was burgled in Kingstone. £1000 of power tools, a pushbike and some alcohol was stolen.
The pushbike is described as a red Carrera mountain bike with black straight handle bars.  The bike has front and back mud guards and has a very unusual lizard skin pads on the brakes and on the frame by the chain. 
 
If anyone would like a SMARTWATER kit we have just had a new delivery.
Overnight on the 10/12/2008-11/12/2009.  A wacker plate was stolen from an industrial unit at Gooses Foot Industrial estate Kingstone.  The plate was contained within the jaws of a JCB digger however the jaws have been prized apart possibly using a jack.
 
Overnight on the 17/12/2008-18/12/2008  3 Vehicles were broken into at The Bull Ring pub at Kingstone.    Cd players were stolen.  An attempt to enter the pub was also made however no entry was gained.
 
During the day on the 19/12/2008 a house in Much Birch had its window smashed and the House was then entered by persons unknown.  As yet nothing appears to have been stolen.
 
It has come to my attention that at this time of year due to freezing weather conditions many vehicles are being left unattended whilst running, with the keys in the ignition (to warm them up). I would strongly advise you not to do this. A number of vehicles have been stolen as a result of this and care should be taken when leaving your vehicle unattended.  (Not to mention it is an offence to leave your vehicle running whilst unattended)

 10th December 2008  



19th November 2008: 
There are a couple of suspicious vehicles to bring to your
attention today
A white Renault Kango van V 5** RJW was in Dinedor yesterday
afternoon, calling at properties asking to buy items - this
vehicle has been mentioned in these briefings before seen acting
suspiciously, the users of this vehicle are known to us, and we
would be grateful for any sightings.
A blue/grey Ford Transit tipper truck with high sides in white PN
08 *GY was spotted last week on the road between Orcop and
Pontrilas, the driver was up a ladder stealing holly - we had a
number of these incidents last year, so if you see anyone cutting
holly or mistletoe on a large scale, chances are they don't have
permission, give us a call.




16th November 2008:
Last Wednesday we had rogue tarmaccers on the patch again.
They called at a property in Allensmore where the occupier agreed
to a small amount of work, there was a hole that needed filling in
his drive. The next day while he was out, the tarmaccers came and
tarmaced his whole drive. He refused to pay, and after an
argument, the males left but said they would return for their
money.
A similar incident involving the same team occurred in Howton,
near Pontrilas, and again the occupier is in dispute and has
refused to pay. The matter has been reported to Trading
Standards.
The two males involved were using two vehicles - a white Vauxhall
Combo van VF5*ODR and a white Ford Transit van Y9**MRO.
Please let us know if they have called on you or someone you know.
A very strange incident occurred on the road between Much
Dewchurch and Kilpeck last Tuesday evening at about 7.45pm. A
male was overtaken whilst he was driving out of Much Dewchurch,
and later saw the same vehicle on the Kilpeck Road pulled across
the road, blocking his way. Thinking the car had had some sort of
accident, he got out of his car to investigate. He was approached
by two males from the car who demanded his phone, money and car
keys which he refused. A fight ensued where the two would be
robbers came off worse, and they made off in the Kilpeck
direction.
The males are described as aged 19 and 21-22, one was wearing a
black hoody, light blue jeans and trainers, the other was wearing
a dark waterproof coat, tracksuit bottoms and white trainers. One
may have a jaw injury!
The only details of the car is that it was a 'B' registration, and
either a Vauxhall Corsa or Honda Civic or similar, blue/black in
colour.
If you can help with this one or have heard of a similar incident,
please let us know.
We now have our supply of 'lighten up campaign' light bulbs as
mentioned in our Newsletter, so if you'd like one, please let us
know, they are free!
Finally, can I say that we really welcome any feedback or thoughts
on our briefings - it is meant to be a two way process, and it's
helpful to know if you feel they are useful, or maybe you are
alarmed at reading about crime in your local area - let us know if
we can improve them in any way or if there are other items we
could be including.

9th November 2008:
There was a burglary in Llanwarne yesterday afternoon between
12.30 and 2pm. Items of jewellery were stolen along with
electrical items from the house, and tools and a chainsaw were
stolen from an outbuilding.
We had a couple of calls yesterday about three males in a blue
Rover X**SEJ in the Orcop and Bagwllydiart area, they were calling
at properties asking occupiers if they wanted a conservatory, or
new windows. The callers stated the males were rude and very
unprofessional, they did have some literature with them, but
details were not taken. A check was made later with the
registered keeper of the vehicle, who claimed he was working for a
company from Hereford called 'First Choice'.
Between 4th and 6th November, a pressure washer was stolen from
inside some farm buildings at Grafton.

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