Neighbourhood PolicingThu, 23rd May 2013

Neighbourhood Policing

Your Local Police

A police surgery is held at 7pm prior to each PC meeting, please feel free to come along and listen to the Police report and pose ANY question or concerns you may have. Please report ANY unlawful behaviour to the CAT team on 101, or dial 999 if there is any serious danger involved.

Our new local PCSO is PCSO Lindsey Whitehead who regularly visits our Parish. To contact Lindsey, email knutsford.npt@cheshire.pnn.police.uk or call 0845 458 6380 to contact Knutsford directly. Check the PC website calendar for details of local police surgeries.

Homewatch

Some roads have Homewatch schemes and co-ordinators receive regular emails from the police. Contact Jane Thirsk for details.

We would like to ensure that all areas of the village are covered by the Homewatch Scheme and have been trying to find out who are the Homewatch Co-ordinators in the village. Jane Thirsk is able to tell us which areas are covered but not who the co-ordinator is. Could you please let Doreen Walker know if you are a co-ordinator on clerk@highleghparishcouncil.gov.uk .
If you know your road isn’t covered and you are willing to become a co-ordinator, please let Doreen know. Thank you.

Ruralwatch

This is a similar scheme to Homewatch and is aimed at reducing crime in rural areas. Contact Knutsford CAT team on 0845 458 6380 or email for for further details.

Recent Rural and Homewatch News

March 2013

A blue landrover Discovery has been sighted in rural locations on a couple of occasions. The registration number is R716 WOO and is on false plates.

A black landrover discovery is thought to be involved with a rural theft but the vehicle was distinctive it had a sump guard and part of the front bumper was removed exposing the front suspension including yellow road springs.

These vehicles have been seen in Macclesfield, Knutsford and Middlewich. Pls call 101 if you have information

There have been a number of internet scams reported to Cheshire Police which involve viruses or spyware. One member of the public recently reported a virus which attacked their computer by blocking all access once they turned it on. A page was displayed appearing to be from Cheshire Police because it showed the police authority logo and the address for police headquarters in Winsford.

There is a government funded website called www.getsafeonline.org which is a ‘go to’ guide for the general public outlining all issues relating to the internet if you want to read more or go to the fraud page of cheshire.police.uk

Since the launch of Action Fraud across Cheshire on 18th February, victims of internet fraud are being advised to contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit their website at www.actionfraud.police.uk where the incident will be referred to the police force concerned.

Thank you

Jane Thirsk

February 2013

Message from Jane Thirsk:

We have had numerous reports from across Cheshire about foreign nationals (possibly Asian or Eastern European) flagging cars down and offering to sell gold jewellery in exchange for petrol money. This ‘gold’ jewellery subsequently turns out to be worthless trash. A description of offenders and their vehicle varies, suggesting that a team is working the area, but a Silver Mercedes features quite prominently.

Police are keen to identify these people, so if you see them, please phone as soon as possible.

Between 29.1.2013 and 10.2.2013 there has been an increase in car crime around the Knutsford area. This is mainly associated with out of town pub car parks and laybys. There have been ten jobs during this time. In all cases vehicles are targetted to steal tom toms, computer laptops, handbags and number plates. Incidents have occurred between 6pm and 22.30pm.

Please do not leave any valuables in your vehicles and can I remind you to call 101 and report anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles.

Knutsford Police urge vehicle owners to be vigilant

Police in Knutsford are warning vehicle owners to be extra vigilant and security conscious due to an increase in vehicle crime. PC Andy Baker from Knutsford Neighbourhood Policing Unit said: "Over the last couple of weeks local officers have noticed an increase in the number of vehicles broken into in the area.

"As a result we want to remind local residents and visitors to be extra vigilant and security conscious where their cars are concerned. Please ensure your vehicles are locked and secured and remove valuables from them. PC Baker added: "Where possible try to park near lighting and security cameras, but the most important thing to do is to make sure there is nothing of value left on show in your car before you leave it unattended.

"If you see anything suspicious please do not hesitate to report it to Cheshire Police by dialling 101 or in case of an emergency 999. "Information can also be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Dog handlers seek support from the public

Cheshire Police are asking local breeders, suppliers and the general public if they would like to donate suitable dogs or bitches for the purposes of training them to work alongside the police dog handlers.

Ideally, the police dog handlers are looking for a German Shepherd or Alsatian dog, or Mallinois dog aged between 12 months and 2 years old. The dog must be confident around people and other animals and enjoy the interaction.

Because of the training that the handlers put the dogs through, it is also essential that the dog meets with the following criteria:-

What makes a good training dog?

- A dog with confidence and with plenty of energy and enthusiasm

- Friendly in nature, i.e., wagging its tail and not aggressive around the public

- Playful − likes to run after a ball once thrown and

- A good nose − as some of the training will focus on searching for and finding toys when they are hidden out of sight

However, please note that dogs that have been reported to the police following any complaints made by the public are not being considered.

For anyone who has a dog they would like to donate, can you please ring and ask for Mike Jones on 01606 362681. For more information on police dogs please visit cheshire.police.uk.

January 2013

Message from Jane Thirsk: I have received the folllowing email from one of our Homewatch coordinators who has asked that I circulate the information as a warning :

I received a phone call today from friends, a married couple in Wilmslow. They are both in their nineties and are frail. Shortly before they called me, the husband had taken a call from a woman named Anna claiming to be from Cheshire East Council and wanting to arrange a visit to my friends with a view to reviewing and getting a reduction in their council tax. Regretably, with hindsight, my friend acceded to their request and accepted a visit time of 1.45 pm tomorrow. Apparently two men will turn up (why two for a council tax review?). My friends have since become very nervous about the visit, hence their call to me.

I then called Cheshire East Council Tax Dept, who confirmed that they have no record of the aforementioned visit and that, in any case, the initiative for a council tax review has to first be received from the taxpayer.

I then called Cheshire Police for their reaction to this.They reported that they had today received numerous similar calls from other residents in the area (Handforth and Wilmslow) and that (apparently legitimate) companies are targeting residents in the area with the object of negotiating council tax reductions for a fee of say 20% of any reduction. They also gave me the name of the company (or one of the companies) involved.

I reported this to Cheshire East and suggested that they might forewarn residents of these approaches. They replied that council tax reviews are a matter for the Valuation Office, not for them.

It seems to me that this is a case of cold calling to vulnerable residents and that perhaps the most expedient (if not the best) method of forewarning residents might be via the Homewatch network.

November 2012

Security warning for residents as the clocks go back...

Residents across East Cheshire are being urged to be on their guard against burglars as the darker nights draw in. Police are urging residents to reassess their current security measures in the weeks before the clocks go back.

Residents are being reminded to remain security conscious and to take steps to reduce their chances of falling foul of thieves.

· Make sure that all windows are closed and locked or, at the very least, use the security measures on modern windows, which allow them to let some air in but still be locked.

· All external doors should be secured at all times, even when you are at home.

· Keep desirable items out of view to passers-by - valuables should not be visible from windows and doors in your home.

· The same applies to valuable items stored away in garages or sheds - ensure that garages and sheds are locked with strong padlocks and, ideally, fitted with an alarm.

With the clocks going back at the end of the month neighbours are also being encouraged to brighten up their homes and make them looked ‘lived in′ − as burglars are often attracted to homes that have been left in darkness.

· Consider buying timer switches to turn on table lamps, standard lamps and radios around the home as it gets dark to make it look as if someone is at home.

· Residents are also being urged to consider installing outside lights - dusk till dawn lights with a low wattage bulb will give a constant light when needed. They switch on as it gets dark and turn off when it gets lighter.

Drivers are being urged to play their part too − by keeping their car keys safe and secure at all times. Residents are being warned about car and key burglaries - where thieves have got into a house and stolen the car keys before taking the vehicle from the driveway.

· Ensure your car keys are not left on view and are kept safe and out of sight.

· Insecure vehicles are also an easy target for thieves who often check door handles until they find a car that is unlocked and then steal any valuable items from inside − or steal the car itself.

We are urging residents to remain security conscious and to take a few steps to ensure their home is secure - especially as the darker nights draw in.

Many burglars are attracted to homes that have been left in darkness − if people are going to be late home from work or out for the night they need to ensure their home is properly secured and not a target for thieves.

Police in East Cheshire are committed to tackling this type of crime and are doing all they can to reduce the number of incidents in the area and to offer reassurance and valuable security advice to residents.

Local residents are also being urged to help play their part in tackling this type of crime. The police need the continued support of the local community and we would urge residents to remain vigilant and to report anyone acting suspiciously or any suspicious vehicles in the area - especially when it is dark - to the police immediately. Even the smallest amount of information can be useful when piecing together a case.

"We would also urge them to address their own home security measures to make life even more difficult for thieves."

Jane Thirsk

October 2012

On 25.10.2012 property was stolen from a vehicle parked in the Northwich Road area of Knutsford . Entry was gained by causing damage to the passenger side sliding door lock.

An attempt to steal fuel was made by thieves when two unknown males climbed over a compound fence situated in the Mowpen Brow area of High Legh and removed the cap from a fuel tank. Site security disturbed the males who made off in the direction of M56 motorway

At 15:30hrs on 30.10.2012 a male was disturbed trying to steal equipment from the back of a van. When he was confronted he hit the owner of the vehicle with a weapon described as an iron bar or a piece of wood. The offender was seen to jump in the back of a white pickup which drove off towards Holmes Chapel. The incident occurred on the A50 50 metres from the garage.

Between 27th and 29th October three burglaries have occurred at units at a business park in the Alderley Road area of Chelford .

Two males wearing balaclavas smashed a ground floor window to enter licensed premises in the Lymm Road area of Little Bollington. The staff inside confronted the males and they ran off.

On 1.10.2012 a vehicle was parked on a hotel car park in the Warrington Road area of Mere when offenders smashed the rear window in order to gain entry and steal property from within.

A mobile phone was taken from the front seat of an insecure vehicle parked in the Knutsford Road area of Chelford on 5.10.2012

A sat nav was stolen from a vehicle parked in a compound in the Modd Lane area of Mobberley on 2.10.2012.

Catayltic converters were cut from three vehicles whilst parked on a garage forecourt in the Chester Road area of Mere on 12.10.2012

Another catalytic converter was taken from a vehicle parked in the Tabley Hill Lane area of Tabley on 17.10.2012

On 18.10.2012 a burglary occurred at a house in the Cranford Avenue area of Knutsford on 18.10.2012. Offenders forced wooden kitchen door to gain entry and then stole jewellery from the bedroom before making their escape

Catalytic converter stolen from a van parked in the Swineyard Lane area of High Legh on 19.10.2012

At 15:30 on Sat 20/10/2012 a male entered a coffee shop in the Alderley Road area of Wilmslow and stole an iphone from the table. He is described as mixed race, 5ft 6ins, average build, 20's wearing a grey hoody and dark trousers. Please be alerted to this male as he might come to knutsford to do the same !!

Increase in the theft of york stone in the Knutsford and Wilmslow areas in the last few weeks.If you are having driveways laid in the next few weeks make sure that your nearest neighbours are informed so anyone acting supiciously in the neighbourhood can be reported on 101

We had several calls yesterday from areas in Knutsford regarding a male selling cleaning materials door to door claiming he was an ex offender on a government scheme. As you are all aware there is no such scheme in operation so don't answer the door unless you want to buy something from him

July 2012

- 340 litres of diesel was taken from the tank of an articulated lorry parked in the Swinyard Lane area of High Legh on 25.7.2012

- Over the weekend we have been contacted by a member of the public in the Westhall Court area of High Legh. It was reported that several males, during daylight hours, have been entering gardens and taking photographs of houses and gardens. Patrols were sent out but the males had gone. Please can I ask that, if you see a similar incident in your area, then call police immediately on 101. If you have any information with regard to the incident reported then we would ask that you also contact us.

One of our Homewatch members has asked us to relay to you information about a scam he has just been a victim of. The scam appeared on Facebook purporting to be a Tesco's special offer of a chance to enter a draw for a £375 voucher, in return for a answering a short survey, using the victim's mobile phone. Shortly after concluding the survey the victim was contacted by his mobile network who informed him he had gone £25 (plus VAT) over his limit. He contacted Tesco's who confirmed they are aware of this scam.

Jane Thirsk, Watch Officer 01606 362725

Wilmslow Neighbourhood Policing Team 0845 458 6374
Knutsford Neighbourhood Policing Team 0845 458 6380
Macclesfield Neighbourhood Policing Team 0845 458 6371