Community Watch Broadcast

Neighbourhood Watch - Police Information
From Northamptonshire West Police

19 May 2008

Five pedal cycles were stolen from various locations in the area over the weekend. Some had been left insecure outside, others were secured with a weak chain and some were insecure within a locked shed or garage which was broken into.

Please take the time to read the following advice with regard to cycle theft.

Thank you.

If you're at all suspicious of or worried by the callers and they do not go away then please inform the police on the dedicated NHW number 01604 432436.

28 April 2008

The county has been experiencing metal theft on a large scale recently and the police are seeking your help in trying to catch the perpetrators of this particular type of crime.

When you are out and about please keep an eye out for any suspicious vehicles and activity around such buildings as barns, farms, churches, schools, also disused or derelict buildings, railway property and the sites of roadworks.

If you see anything that you think is out of the ordinary, people taking undue interest in property, even what appears to be workmen acting suspiciously at a location, please do not hesitate to call the police on 08453 700700 or dial 999 if you can see a theft is in progress. Jot down as much detail as you can including any vehicle registration if possible.

Officers can then check out the information and, if there is an innocent explanation, no harm is done.

Thank you for your help.

9 April 2008

You are asked to look out for 2 males in a white Ford Transit van with no markings but with ladders on the roof. The registration begins with X and is thought to end TNH or very similar.

These people have been seen looking into residents' windows in Whittlebury and generally acting very suspiciously. Although this area may be far from where you live, these people can quickly move around the county and so we send this kind of information to everyone.

The first male is described as being white, aged about 45, 6ft tall with a ruddy complexion. He was wearing a blue zip-up jacket, blue jeans and black loafers with no laces.

The second male was described as being white, also aged about 45 with grey balding hair. He was wearing a green top.

If you see this vehicle and occupants please inform the police immediately on 08453 700700 stating the direction of travel.
If you see the vehicle stationary and suspicious activity is occurring then dial 999.

Thank you.

28 March 2008

A big sage green van (Bedford in size though not that make), registration WG07 GYN was seen in Byfield village yesterday. The vehicle had three males on board, one of whom was wearing a white coat. They were believed to be selling fish at over-priced rates.

If you see this vehicle, please do not approach the occupants, but contact the police immediately on 999 quoting this message and if possible give the following information to the call handler.....

a)Location where van has been seen
b)Descriptions of persons with the vehicle
c)Any writing on the van to help identify it
d)Direction of travel if vehicle is leaving the place it was seen.

This message is being sent to all areas as door-to-door sellers such as these can turn up anywhere.

Thank you for your assistance.

11 March 2008

Please be aware that there are people going around claiming to be collecting on behalf of an unnamed epilepsy charity. It has so far involved up to four people including one female and has taken place as late as 8.30pm. They are asking for money and also asking for personal details in order to enlist residents as charity workers.

Yesterday during the day, they were wearing white tops. In the evening they were wearing pale blue jackets. They are quite persistent and claim to have authority from Northants police to carry out their business. This is absolutely untrue.

If anyone unknown appears at your door, PLEASE do not open the door.

If you're at all suspicious of or worried by the callers and they do not go away then please inform the police on the dedicated NHW number 01604 432436.

25 February 2008

Colleagues in the Harborough and Lutterworth Area have reported that local residents have been receiving phone calls from a bogus Neighbourhood Watch official asking for personal information and in one instance, for details about their house alarm.

If anyone receives a call of this nature, please put the phone down and inform the police on the dedicated number 01604 432436. If possible make a note of the time, what was said and any accent heard if applicable. Dialling 1471 after the call may also give you the caller's number.

Remember...No-one from either NHW or the police will ever call you in this way.

16 January 2008

Please be aware that a white Ford Transit van was recently stolen from Anglian Water although it may not be marked in Anglian Water livery. A separate theft of Anglian Water uniforms also occurred recently.

Be on your guard and do not allow anyone to enter your home unless you are completely satisfied who they are.

The following steps are advised...

Make sure your doors and windows are locked at all times.

Do not open the door even if the caller has a uniform on.

If possible speak to the caller from an upstairs window.

Ask them for their name and where they are from.

Call Anglian Water to check they are legitimate on 0800 145 145.

If you are still in any doubt please contact Northamptonshire Police on 08453 700 700 or dial 999 in an emergency.

We have been notified that copies of Thames Valley Business Pages are to be delivered to homes in the following postcodes over a period of 2-3 weeks commencing the 17th of January....

NN1 to NN7 inclusive
NN10 to NN13 inclusive.

The delivery agents have been instructed not to leave directories on view from the street but this is sometimes unavoidable.
It would be helpful if friends / neighbours can keep an eye out for these if you are out at work all day.

Finally, Crime Prevention Officers will be in the Grosvenor Centre from 10a.m to 4p.m on Fri 18th & Sat 19th January to security mark mobile phones. The marking is free and will only take a few minutes. A marked phone is less appealing to criminals and easier for the police to return if recovered after a theft.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area Thursday
19 July 2007

We have received a report from a farm in the Welton area of a potential scam involving remote property. The informant received a call claiming to be from British Gas to arrange a change of meter. The actual account is held with a different organisation, and when the informant checked with British Gas directly they had no record of the need to undertake work. The informant states they feel this is an attempt to identify properties as empty.

We have also received reports of 2 Landrover vehicles acting suspiciously in farm yard areas in Wappenham near Towcester. There are no registration numbers available.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Northamptonshire Police can be contacted on 08453 700700 *. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls and information that identifies offenders will be treated with strictest confidence.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police
22 February 2007

Following recent communications regarding Church burglaries across the area, the most recent has occurred in Braunston. Offenders have caused damage to a window and other fittings during the entry. Please monitor the security of your local church premises, and call suspicious activity or individuals in as soon as possible.

Continue to be aware of the security of doors and windows, following an insecurity burglary in Upper Heyford. While the victim was in the rear garden, offenders entered the house through the front door and looked around the house, stealing a digital camera and other valuable items.

In Tiffield, offenders have used bins as a step up onto the roof of an outbuilding on the side of a property. They have then gained entry through a window to the main building and stole cash. At this point, the occupant has disturbed the offenders and they made off in a waiting car.

Information about any of these incidents can be called to us on the dedicated NHW telephone number, 01604 432436.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Immobilise That Mobile

If your mobile phone is stolen, it is bad enough that it is expensive to replace, but there is also the hassle of losing stored numbers, messages, pictures and downloads. So protect your phone!

You can “Immobilise” phone crime by adding your phone’s unique IMEI number to a national register that can stop it being used by anyone else if it is lost or stolen, and can help the owner get it back if it is recovered by police.

That 15-digit IMEI number, which is assigned to each phone when it is manufactured, is printed on a label near the phone’s battery and also stored electronically in the phone’s handset. The number can be displayed on screen by keying *#06# into the handset.

Members of the public can register their IMEI number, free of charge, at www.immobilise.com

The register already holds ownership details of more than ten million phones across the country. Registering means that if your phone is stolen, you stand a much better chance of helping the police return your phone to you.

Last year, 1,797 mobile phones were stolen in Northamptonshire during robberies, burglaries or theft. Only 30 of these were recovered.

Northamptonshire West Police Community Safety Officer Kate Wright said: “Almost everyone has a mobile phone today and many mobiles are increasingly sophisticated and expensive. Unfortunately, this makes them a more desirable target. There are a few simple measures that people can take to make mobiles phones less desirable to a thief, and we would urge people to use the built-in security features and recording the unit’s own unique IMEI number.”

She gave the following pointers to keeping mobiles safe:

· When using your phone, remain aware of your surroundings and do not use it in crowded areas or where you feel unsafe
· Avoid displaying your phone where it is in public view. Keep it with you at all times and do not leave unattended in bags, pockets or on tables
· Always use your phone’s security lock code and PIN number
· Security mark the phone and battery with your postcode and street number
· Register your phone with the operator. If you report your phone stolen, the operator should then be able to bar the SIM card

Immobolise Logo

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area

This community message has particular relevance to those people in rural industry. however, most of our recipients can assist with looking out for suspicious activity in and around farms and rural property.

We are appealing for information following a spate of tack thefts that have taken place across the county. Tack is the commonly used term for saddles, and other horse related property.

A number of farm stores have also suffered break-ins and police hope to galvanise a community response to assist police in detecting these crimes.

John McKinney, the Community & Partnerships Inspector said: "Anyone seeing unfamiliar of suspicious vehicles in their community, particularly around equestrian establishments, should take down vehicle numbers and descriptions and contact us quoting this appeal for information.

"We appreciate the good work done by existing members of the Horse and Farm Watch schemes, but the more members we get the better. If you would like further information, again please contact us.

"This type of crime is on the increase and those who run equestrian establishments should be extra vigilant in respect of their security measures.

"Please ensure that all tack and other equipment is stored securely and also regularly check that all alarm systems are in full working order.

"Making a list of all serial numbers of anything of value - the likes of saddles, quad bikes and plant equipment for example - would also be useful.

"In addition, it would be beneficial to take photographs of any distinguishing items in the event of them being stolen. Consideration should also be given to marking items with a security pen."

Anyone with information about these tack thefts, or who has spotted any suspicious activity in their community which they feel may be linked, should contact Northamptonshire Police on 08453 700700

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* new number

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area

We are currently seeking intelligence in relation to a Blue Peugeot 306 XRDT, displaying the registration number L608GWL. The occupants of this vehicle are believed to be travelling throughout Northants and surrounding counties committing farm and farm shop thefts and burglaries.

We are keen to receive any sightings of this vehicle, and descriptions where possible of the occupants. Please e-mail any information to me at aaron.goddard@northants.police.uk , and I will ensure it is passed to the appropriate people. If you see the vehicle on property and are able, please call 999 immediately.

I have been passed information regarding a burglary in Northampton. An 86 year old victim noticed a light on in her home, and went to investigate. When the 3 White Males were disturbed and attempted to exit the property through a window, the victim grabbed an offenders feet and attempted to restrain him. The offender broke free causing a slight injury to the victims' arm. Please relay to your communities that we do not advise you try and restrain anybody found in your home.

Recipients in the Woodford Halse area may be aware that PCSO Bareham sustained an injury while restraining a violent individual in the village on Wednesday afternoon. I have spoken to PCSO Bareham who thanks everybody for the enquiries and messages of support currently travelling around the village. He tells me that he would have preferred 3 minute rounds and a magic sponge during the scuffle, but he's recovering and will be back with you soon.

For general reference, you may be interested to know about some of the information we find particularly useful when you describe a potential offender to us. I have spoken to an intelligence officer who offers the following advice.

1) Are they wearing glasses?
2) How tall are they?
3) What is the colour and style of their hair?
4) How are they physically built?
5) What colour are their eyes?
6) Are their any tattoos or other physical markings such as scars. If so, where on the body are they?
7) Any visible piercing, and if so where. For example, eyebrow, nose, lip, ears etc.
8) Are all fingers and thumbs in place?
9) What accent or dialect do they speak with?
10) Are they Right or Left handed?
11) If you spoke, what did they say?
12) If you are provided with any form of literature, does it provide a full name and address, or initials and a surname with a PO Box address?.

You may not get the opportunity to speak in person, but some of the easier to spot characteristics are just as useful.

1) Clothing, style and colour.
2) Footwear. For example, a pair of nicely polished Black shoes will be highly unusual.
3) Jewellery, where and what quantity. Is any of the jewellery unusual or seemingly extravagant.
4) If they arrived in a vehicle, the registration displayed, a colour and where possible an accurate description of the manufacturer and the model. Can you see a Tax Disc?

As much of this information as possible may help us to potentially identify an individual, however any information is considered helpful. Never go out of your way to gather this information or approach individuals unnecessarily.

Aaron Goddard
Community Watch Liaison Officer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* new number

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area

This is a special RingMaster broadcast to all areas served by the RingMaster messaging system based at Daventry Police Station.

We are experiencing a spate of Distraction Burglaries on the area. On Monday, we experienced 2 actual or attempted distraction burglaries in Roade, and one in Hartwell. We believe a Red Vauxhall Vectra displaying the registration R252MVV may be involved. The occupants of this vehicle are described as 3 Irish males, who used the Water Board method to gain entry. They are also reported to have claimed they were road workers requiring water.

If this Red Vectra is seen, please call us on 999 immediately.

Finally, I have been made aware of a new distraction technique by colleagues from the inter-force Distraction Burglary operation.

The offender identifies the victim, and makes an excuse to stop the vehicle or flashes to attract the victims attention. This may be an apparent fault with the car. He offers to fix the problem and asks the victim to hold an item in the engine compartment, while items are stolen from the interior.

This may sound like an urban legend, however, colleagues have made an arrest for theft using this technique and an offender has been charged.

Finally, we are once again experiencing an increase in thefts caused by insecurities. They are opportunist thefts due to doors, windows and outbuildings being left unlocked or open. Remember to always keep doors and windows shut and locked when not in use. Even if you are in your garden, consider the potential for a theft when your doors and windows are out of sight. However, always ensure you have an escape plan and any keys required to hand.

Postal scams are once again in operation in the area. If you receive a card through your door relating to an unexpected parcel delivery, please take care to ensure that the company appear genuine and have a normal looking telephone number. If in doubt, try the Yellow Pages or talking to Trading Standards.

In addition, please continue to be aware of lottery scams. A victim in the area received a letter claiming he had won a large sum of money, and was coerced into parting with cash in order to "release" his win. These lottery scams may appear to be from international funds. If it appears to good to be true, it possibly is.

The Northamptonshire Police can also be contacted on 01327 300300 or 01604 700700. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls and information that identifies offenders will be treated with strictest confidence.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area, 13 June 2006

This is a message to all recipients of RingMaster messages from the system based at Daventry Police Station. This message constitutes part of a strategy to reduce burglary identified in a recent high level force document. This message will also be distributed through other channels, and we ask you to pay close attention to it, and distribute the message to your friends and neighbours.

We are experiencing an increase in the number of "insecurity" burglaries. These are where doors and windows are left open and thieves take the opportunity to commit crime with ease of access.

When you are not in sight of your doors and windows, always keep them shut and where possible locked. For example, lock and shut your front windows and doors if you are in your rear garden during hot weather. Always keep downstairs windows and doors shut and locked at night.

Keep sheds and other outbuildings locked and shut when not in sight.

Always ensure you have keys available and a means of escape in case of emergency.

In addition, always keep your car doors and windows closed and locked when not with your vehicle. However, with increasing temperatures, always consider the welfare of animals and pets travelling with you.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area Friday, 17 February 2006

Due to a back door being left insecure in the Lois Weedon area, a laptop and 2 vehicles have been stolen following the theft of keys. Please call us with sightings of Rover Estate car BX53WLW and Peugeot Y978UBD.

A theft of �240 has occurred in the Farthinghoe area. 2 elderly residents left door keys in a "hiding place" to the rear of their property. A male was seen knocking on doors in the area earlier in the day.

Please keep all doors and windows locked and shut when not in use. Avoid leaving keys outside your property in plant pots, under mats etc. Thieves always know where to look.

A number of vehicles have been damaged or broken in to in the Daventry area, with property stolen throughout the town. The Headlands and The Grange estates have been particularly targeted. Continue to keep observations for suspicious activity around vehicles and call us immediately.

A White Ford Transit, registration P450GOV has been seen acting suspiciously in the Hartwell area. The source tells us that the occupants were asking about the motorhome on the driveway. Please keep observations out for P450GOV, and report any sightings to us.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Northamptonshire Police can also be contacted on 01327 300300 or 01604 700700. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls and information that identifies offenders will be treated with strictest confidence.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area Wednesday, 25 January 2006

Residents in the Silverstone area are warned to be on the lookout for 2 Males who have been spotted within the village. These men are described as White, one tall and the other short, well presented with overcoats carrying clipboards.

Our information suggests that they are calling at random properties, and giving residents a cover story that may either be an N-power sales campaign or stating that they are from British Telecom.

If these men visit you, please contact us stating incident 626 of January 25th.

Following a burglary at a school in the Bugbrooke area, we are keen to find a Red Ford Fiesta displaying the registration plate M442WHF. We know this plate does not belong to this vehicle. If seen, please call us immediately. An offence occurred in Farthinghoe last night, where a male is found in a inner porch. The Male claimed to be looking for petrol station. The offender is described as White, 5'10 tall, mid 20's, wearing grey tracksuit and black 'beanie' hat.

There has been further activity in the Bugbrooke area last night. Patio doors have been forced open at a home and entry gained. All rooms searched, nothing stolen.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area Friday, 04 November 2005

It has been brought to our attention today that an e-mail is currently circulating through NHW members claiming to offer personal safety advice for Women, and the e-mail claims to be from Northamptonshire Police.

This is official notice that this message is not distributed by Northamptonshire Police, despite the address at the top of the message or any links to our web site that may appear.

This message provides a number of scenarios in which attempts have been made to abduct or assault women. The message uses emotive language to increase anxiety in the reader.

This e-mail is among those commonly known as urban myths or legends. These messages increase public fear, by claiming to offer advice and information from an official or authoritive source - in this case the Police. Often the language is informal and Americanised, and may refer to alleged activity in the United States.

Often they use scenarios that are vaguely feasible, yet often far fetched. Often there is no evidence that the events used to demonstrate the point have ever taken place.

Use the http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/crime/ web site as a first port of call when identifying the validity of such messages, although typing "urban legends" into any search engine will bring back a selection of similar sites to check.

Well meaning people frequently pass these messages to as many people as possible causing unnecessary distress and fear within society. The Northamptonshire Police can also be contacted on 01327 300300 or 01604 700700. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls and information that identifies offenders will be treated with strictest confidence

The Police have asked WIZ to circulate the following information concerning a Burglary in Wappenham last Wednesday - 19th October.

A property in Rectory Way was broken into sometime between 8.45am and 5.45pm last Wednesday. Entry was gained by force through a stable type door into the kitchen area and two LCD televisions (26" & 15") together with various items of jewellery were taken.

At around 5.30pm a blue 4 x 4 vehicle was seen on the driveway of the property with the stable door open and the kitchen light on. The police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen a vehicle with this description in the village on that day or saw anything out of the ordinary that could be useful to the investigation.

If you think you can help please contact DC Scott Bennett at Daventry Police Station – his direct mobile is 07748

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated, 16 October 2005

We have been asked to send a community watch message from Leicester City Council Consumer Protection Service, they have received reports of a company visiting homes in the area. Complainants state that the company are advising householders that their fascias are illegal and that they will have difficulties if they decide to sell their property.

There are no building control regulations that are specific to fascias.

Do not do business with companies who call at your door, if you are suspicious about any callers to your door, ask for identification and check it.

We have received reports of high-pressure telephone sales from a Company selling burglar alarms. The company will probably state that the alarms are free, but in fact there will be a charge of at least �199 for the monitoring of the alarm. They may also state that they are working with the Police and the local Council. This is untrue. Trading Standards advice is to be wary of buying anything following an unsolicited telephone call and if an offer seems too good to be true it probably is. If you do require a burglar alarm, you should contact. The Crime Reduction department at Northamptonshire Police who will be able to advise you as to a suitable system which is likely to be much cheaper. If you do enter into a contract over �35 following an unsolicited phone call, you should be given a written notice of your right to cancel the contract within seven days. Failure to give you this is a criminal offence. If you would like further information about your consumer rights please contact 0845 04 05 06. The Northamptonshire Police can also be contacted on 01327 300300 or 01604 700700. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls and information that identifies offenders will be treated with strictest confidence.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area, Friday 16 September 2005

Two men have been seen in suspicious circumstances in the Brackley area. They knock at a door and asked for some water for their car, which had broken down further up the road. The occupant did not allow access to the property but close the door and went for the water. When she went back to the door the man walked away with the water and another man appeared from the side of the house. They were described as both being in there early 20's with Irish accents one wearing a cap and the other quite stocky with black trousers approx 5ft 7 tall.

Our colleagues in Leicestershire area have reported these vehicles in suspicious circumstances in the South Leicestershire area. Two vehicles, which we are interested in tracing, they are believed to have been involved in suspicious circumstances across our area.

The first is a silver Rover, with a vehicle registration similar too: M367 JOX

The second is a blue Vauxhall Astra, with a vehicle registration similar too J88 AKW.

If any of these vehicles are seen please report them as soon as possible to your local police.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area, Monday 18 July 2005

This is an urgent distraction burglary circulation for NHW

A distraction has taken place in Grafton Regis. Once again, the thieves used the Water Board scam to gain entry to the victims home, claiming to need to check the quality of water. They stole a purse.

We know that these men were also involved in a distraction burglary in Northampton earlier today, and allowed themselves entry to the home of a victim who had left the door open for the doctor. The men entered the home and rummaged in the bedroom before asking the victim if she would like her garden done.

The thieves are 2 males, described as Irish and left the scene in a White saloon car, registration no. R477 SDV.

If you see this car, call us immediately on 999 quoting incident 512 of July 18th, 2005.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area, Thursday 7 July 2005

This is a special message for all recipients of Ringmaster messages throughout Northamptonshire. I apologise if you have already received a similar message - this is an update.

You may be aware of a major incident currently taking place in London involving a number of explosions on the public transport network.

There is no reason to believe that Northamptonshire will be subject to any attack of this type, or is likely to be targeted in the future. However, we do continue to monitor intelligence and the events taking place in London.
Please continue to be vigilant in the same way you always have been, and continue to phone any suspicious activity to the police.

In the event that you have any concerns for friends or family, Northamptonshire Police have launched an incident room. Please contact us on 01604 700 700, and you will be connected to the relevant people.

Are thoughts are with all those affected.

This concludes this RingMaster broadcast.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Wednesday, 08 June 2005

The post office at Greens Norton was broken into in the early hours of this morning and a quantity of cigarettes were taken. The offenders were described as 4 black males. The vehicle they used was located a short time later abandoned in Northampton. It was parked next to a vehicle that was believed used in a similar burglary at a garden centre in Northampton.

Please ask everyone in your community to be particularly vigilant at all times, as these criminals are likely to look around their potential target premises when they are open. At some stage, they will probably steal a vehicle to use in the later burglary. In a rural community such as ours, we all use local shops even if there isn't one where we live, so if anyone see's something they believe suspicious, they should initially tell the shopkeeper or trader, and/or call the police.

Now a couple of vehicles to look out for. First a white van, registration number P598KRP. This is being used by someone trying to sell a 3 piece suite. The seller claimed he worked for Barrett Homes, furnishing show homes, and had a suite left over. The other is also a white van, registration number RV53RYF. It has Kestrel Facias and a phone number written on the side. This one drove onto a farm premises near Chapel Brampton, but left without speaking to anyone. These vehicles and occupants are not necessarily connected.

The following message from our Crime Reduction Department is to remind you of the Western Area Burglary Helpline. Whilst this area is still a safe area to live in, many people are concerned about burglary and its potential effects. We are firmly committed to the principles of crime prevention - it is always better than cure!

On request, we will send you a Burglary Information Pack. This contains a number of useful booklets, an ultra-violet property marking pen and information from our Area Crime Reduction Officers. If you follow the advice in the pack, you will reduce the chances of being a victim of this distressing crime.

Simply dial 01327 303189. You will hear a recorded message, asking you to state your name, address (including postcode) and telephone number. We will then send you a pack. Please note that we are unable to send out "bulk" orders. We will send out one pack per caller.

Any suspicious or anti social behaviour, can be reported on the Neighbourhood Watch dedicated phone number 01604 432436. It will help if you could state the type of Watch you are a member of.

The Northamptonshire Police can also be contacted on 01327 300300 or 01604 700700. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls and information that identifies offenders will be treated with strictest confidence.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Monday, 04 April 2005

There have been several distraction burglaries over the weekend in our County, but up to now not in our Policing area. The techniques used have been a man saying he is there to carry out work on the neighbours fence, and needs access from the intended victims garden, also a man saying he is there as he works for the council and they are going to be cutting the hedges.

On a couple of other occasions, a couple of lads knocked on a door asking for clean water for window cleaning. Please warn as many people as you can of these techniques, because being forewarned obviously helps to keep these despicable offenders out of our area.

I've just been told by one of my Police Officer colleagues that as a direct result of one of last weeks Ringmaster Broadcasts about a suspicious vehicle, that when it was seen again in suspicious circumstances, and because of the earlier broadcast the information was promptly called in to the police, and as a result 3 men were arrested in Husbands Bosworth. I can't promise an arrest for each occasion, but at least we know Community Messaging is worthwhile.

Here is yet another vehicle to look out for. A red and white flat back truck, registration number N957XDB. The occupants appeared to be travellers, and were asking for scrap at a premises unlikely to have any.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Monday, 21 March 2005

Last week a around a dozen distraction burglaries took place in the Thames Valley area, in places like Windsor, Slough, Oxford right up to Fenny Stratford and near to our border. On several occasions, a silver BMW was seen. At about 10:30am this morning, a distraction burglary took place in Buckingham. 2 men called at a house stating they were measuring the neighbours fence. Whilst the victim was outside opening a gate to let them in, another person went into her house, searched a bedroom and stole cash.

The men are described as white, Irish accents, two with dark hair the other had spiky ginger hair. These men were using a vehicle described as a silver sports saloon.
At about 13:15hrs today, a distraction burglary took place at a house in Silverstone village. The offender is described as a white male aged about 40 years and wearing a dark suit. He knocked on the door and whilst he was talking to the victim about the neighbours fence needing doing, someone else unseen entered the house, went through the victims handbag and stole her credit cards.
No vehicle was seen at this crime scene.

Please ask everyone you can to be extra careful, look out for a silver car being used in suspicious circumstances, and try to warn as many vulnerable people as possible not to open the door to unexpected callers. Hopefully, if enough people can be warned, we can stop this becoming a series of distraction burglaries in our area.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Monday, 07 March 2005

I have early information that a distraction burglary has been attempted in the Deanshanger area, 2 men saying they are from the water board. I have no other information about this at this time.

A group of up to 6 Irish traveller types have been operating in the North (Welford) of our Policing Area, their scam is to say they are from the Highways Agency and they will offer to carry out work on a driveway. In one instance, even though the offer was declined, the householder went out, and on return, found the men had commenced work, causing damage to the drive in preparation to repairing it. A �150 demand was made, with the men becoming abusive when told to go away.

In a separate incident less than an hour later, the men were enquiring with residents as to who owned a property where ownership was not obvious, because the drive had potholes, and they had spare tarmac. I am concerned that the next step will be to carry out work uninvited to a property where the householder is not in, and demand payment later.

Please reinforce the message not to buy anything at the door, and ask those who can to keep an eye on their neighbours property when they know they are out. If any work is being carried out in this fashion, it is likely to be unauthorised, and should be challenged. Certainly the tarmac is not spare or free, none of the legitimate companies that use this product will allow it to be used domestically. So far, they have been unsuccessful, it is only a matter of time before they move on to other areas.
From the last sightings, they appear to be using a dark green or blue car, and a van with 'Highways' written on the side.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Thursday, 17 February 2005

We have had another six distraction burglaries in our County, a couple of those in our policing Area, at Walgrave and Hartwell. With this in mind, the Northamptonshire Police and Neighbourhood Watch are together promoting the Nominate a Neighbour scheme. This scheme has been used successfully in the Humberside area, and is easy to operate. Basically, any vulnerable members in our communities can be given a pack, which consists of advice leaflets, simple instructions, and a card that has contact details of a trusted neighbour. When the vulnerable person has an unexpected caller they are advised not to open the door, but to hold up to an appropriate window the card which requests the caller to contact the trusted neighbour.

With help from the DDC and SNC housing departments wardens, we are already distributing the packs. We also have packs available at the front desks of our Police Stations.

For further information about the Nominate a Neighbour Scheme contact Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Watch County Executive on 01604 862408, or CWLO Aaron Goddard on 01327 303024.

Any suspicious or anti social behaviour, can be reported on the Neighbourhood Watch dedicated phone number 01604 432436.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Friday, 21 January 2005

I regret to inform you that the current spate of distraction burglaries continues, with 8 potentially linked incidents on the Western area reported on Thursday afternoon and evening. The typical method of distraction reported was the bogus water official.

These attacks have taken place throughout the area, and a common theme is a Silver Audi A3 seen at some of the locations. We have no further details of this vehicle.

In Newnham, a male called at the back door stating they needed to turn the water off. The resident told them to do this in the street. It would appear while at the back door, another member of the group attempted unsuccessfully to force entry via the front door, while another wearing a reflective jacket waited in the street as look-out,

Two males forcibly entered a home in Preston Capes, knocking the elderly resident to the floor before ransacking the house before affecting an escape. The only descriptions available state that these men were young.

A more accurate description has been made of 2 youths who attempted to enter the home of an elderly resident in Flore. Again, the youths attempted to gain entry using the water board cover story, stating they needed to turn water off upstairs to prevent flooding. The resident refused entry. The description is two males of approximately 17 years with Irish accents. Both are said to have been wearing grey jumpers. The taller of the two was thin, with curly fair hair.

Finally, another distraction in Harpole, where an elderly resident was woken by 2 youths grabbing her handbag before leaving the property. One is said to have been wearing a Fawn/Brown jacket, the other a Blue jacket.

Please keep observations for a White Transit van, registration number KJ53CDD. This vehicle is known to have been involved in a theft in the Grange Park area, and has been seen elsewhere on the area in suspicious circumstances.

The Northamptonshire Police can be contacted on 01327 300300 or 01604 700700. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls and information that identifies offenders will be treated with strictest confidence.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Wednesday, 12 January 2005

A distraction burglary has taken place in Flore. An official purporting to be from the water authority visited the home of the elderly victim. The victim challenged the caller, who stated he would return to his van after entering the house. This criminal stole bank cards, diaries and other personal items before making off. A thorough police search of the area unfortunately failed to locate the offender. A near identical crime was also committed in Northampton last night.

We have been advised by colleagues in Trading Standards of a misleading clothing collection company currently working on our area. The commercial organisation delivers a leaflet through your door, asking you to bag unwanted clothing and leave it adjacent to your front door for collection. The leaflet infers the collection is on behalf of a charity. Please note that this organisation do NOT leave a plastic sack for use, and should not be confused with genuine appeals. This is a commercial operation and Trading Standards advise that items should not be donated.
Please keep observations out for 2 Blue Ford Mondeos, registration numbers; G729WRT and K57BBO. If either of the vehicles are seen, please call the police immediately.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Thursday, 06 January 2005

I can now confirm to community watch the full registration of a Blue Ford Mondeo being sought in connection with suspicious activitiy on farms and remote property throughout the area and across county borders. Latest reports state the vehicle is carrying 3 male occupants.

The registration is K57 BBO. If you see this vehicle at any time, please contact the police immediately on 01604 432436. Please ensure you state Northamptonshire Police are urgently looking for this vehicle, and we will respond to your call immediately.

We are receiving reports of organisations making contact with primarily elderly single people within our community, offering security and fire alarm systems. These organisations are calling by telephone, and then following up with a visit to the home where a strong sales pitch is given to the occupier. Northamptonshire Police recommends that no goods or services be purchased from telephone or door sales people. You may wish to inform trading standards.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Thursday, 30 December 2004

There has now been several distraction burglaries reported for the holiday period in our Policing Area, as well as the rest of the County. Generally, the method is a male carrying a clip board and stating he has come to check the meter, without specifying which meter. There are also reports of a couple of younger men claiming to be from the water board, but I believe they have been unsuccessful.

Now, here is an early warning of what I believe is a new distraction technique used in the Eastern Area of our County a few days ago. A man called at an elderly person's home to check on the phone. He claimed 2,000 phone lines were down in the area. He was apparently talking to someone on his mobile phone whilst also talking to the householder, and during his patter, he asked for the householders phone number. He was told the phone was working, and not given access.

The offender was described as a well built elderly man wearing a fluorescent jacket, and from enquiries in the area, he has been linked to a white Transit van, reg number YA04MTE. This vehicle has MCALPINE sign written on it I suspect this was a half hearted attempt to gain entry on this occasion, and most likely an effort to gain the phone number and check who was living in that house.

In a separate incident, a person has been called on their phone several times which that person believes is just someone finding out who is in, and at the time of the calls, a white van was seen going passed the house.

On another separate incident, a male described as a traveller called at the back door of a house, apparently selling something, and whilst talking to the person, the phone rang. Fortunately, another person was home and answered the phone.

My suspicions are that distraction burglars are trying to obtain householders phone numbers so they can employ a variety of techniques to distract the potential victim. The clues to look out for is when an unknown person asks for a householders phone number for some reason or other, and possibly the name. In the event that an offender obtains a phone number, there may be a knock at the door, followed by a phone call a minute or two later.

Please warn as many people in your community as you can. The Northamptonshire Police can be contacted on 01327 300300 or 01604 700700. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls and information that identifies offenders will be treated with strictest confidence.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Tuesday, 14 December 2004

First, some good news. In the last couple of days, 2 females allegedly involved in distraction burglary in our policing area have been arrested. I have no other details I can reveal at this time.

I do not usually broadcast messages that relate to scams on a global scale, but a particularly good one has been brought to my attention by our contacts in Norton Neighbourhood Watch.

"We had a postcard through our door today with our post. It was from a company called Postal Force and said that they had been unable to deliver a parcel to us as it was perishable and could we phone a number to arrange to collect the item.
The address was handwritten and they had used a stamp, not a post mark, which made it all look very real and above board.
It was only when we noticed the (very) small print that we became suspicious. It said that calls were charged at �1.50 per minute with max call length 13 minutes!
We had a look on the Royal Mail website to see if this company is a branch of Parcel Force and were surprised to see that there was an urgent alert from Royal Mail saying that this company has nothing to do with them and that this is a scam, where you are kept holding on the phone for ages while someone 'checks your order'.
So if you get a similar PC ignore it - its someone after your money with nothing to deliver!"

We would like you put this on the Neighborhood Watch message board, as we're worried that with Christmas deliveries/parcels etc people may get confused and drawn in. The phone number on the card is 09050 00016? and there is what looks to be a registered office address in London.

Whilst on the subject of scams, most of you will be aware that many of the roads in our Area are being resurfaced. Coincidentally, there have been several incidents of unsolicited callers offering to tarmac drives. Remember, if it looks to good to be true, it probably is.

Finally, a reminder that anyone who has had tack stolen before 12th October is invited to attend a viewing of some recovered tack at Towcester Police Station between 1000am and 1200 noon on Thursday 16th December. Please ask anyone who attends to only call between those times, and bring their crime report number and date of loss.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Friday, 10 December 2004

For your information, reference my previous broadcast about an elderly chap being missing from home, he has been found safe and relatively well and returned to his family.

There has been a distraction burglary and an attempt in our area over the past couple of days. In Weedon, 2 men called at a house stating they were there to carry out roofing work. Unfortunately, this apparently coincided with roofing work that was due to be carried out officially, and the offenders were able to gain access because the victim was expecting a visit from contractors.
Also in Weedon, on Monday 2 girls called at a house apparently making enquiries about a boy who used to live there with his granddad. One of these girls was seen again yesterday near the shop in Newcroft. It appears our vulnerable people are now responding positively to your efforts to deny access to unexpected callers, because there are reports of people who are legitimately, but never the less unexpectedly, calling at houses becoming frustrated at not getting access. If the legitimate callers are struggling, then offenders will have little chance of success in our area. Please continue the good work advising the vulnerable, if anybody does call at houses during the normal course of their business, they should be prepared to be challenged, and show identification details, or make a proper appointment. Further, please add to the message that even when expecting officials, particularly if they've never met them previously, their identity can, and probably should be checked

Please keep a look out for a red Ford Escort reg number L764WKH. It has been seen several times in suspicious circumstances. If seen, please call the police and quote Northants Police incident number 298 of the 9th December.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Monday, 06 December 2004

This message has a high priority.

Please look out for a red Ford Mondeo, registration number M860CRP. It belongs to an elderly chap who has been missing from his home in Silverstone for about 36 hours at the time of this broadcast. The owner may be lost and in a confused state, and the police are growing more concerned for his health and safety. The vehicle and driver could literally be anywhere, it would help if you could pass on this message to as many contacts as possible.
The man is described as in his eighties, about 6'2" tall, well built and balding. He was last seen wearing a check shirt, grey trousers and grey shoes, and may have a green cord jacket with him.

Please report any sighting and quote the northants police incident number 248 of 5th December.

The Northamptonshire Police can be contacted on 01327 300300 or 01604 700700. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls and information that identifies offenders will be treated with strictest confidence.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Thursday, 25 November 2004

On Wednesday evening, a burglary took place in the Blisworth area. A White male, 6' tall gained entry to the victims home by claiming to be a police officer. He then left through a window. Please remember, any official visiting your front door must be able to produce identification at your request. If a police officer visits and you would like to check them then please call the numbers at the end of this message. Finally, if you are unsure of anybody at your door, do not let him or her in.

A Black Ford Focus with a registration similar to WF04KW has been seen in suspicious circumstances in the Daventry area. If you see this vehicle, please contact us.

A White Male has been reported to be on our area selling fresh fish door to door. He has been discovered at the rear of properties, before leaving on foot. He is described as 25-30 years old, 5' 10" tall with a Maroon jacket.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Monday, 22 November 2004

With winter drawing in, reports have been reaching the Community Watch Office of carefully executed burglaries taking place throughout the area. Offenders are making use of the dark nights to observe people going about their business at home through un-curtained windows. Burglars are able to identify over a short period how many people are in a home, and where they are.

After watching movements within homes, thieves are then entering via unlocked doors and stealing items from within. This can happen several times.

The solution to this kind of burglary is to keep your doors locked when not in use. Remember though, to keep an escape route planned, and keys available where they are required to open doors in an emergency.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Thursday, 21 October 2004.

A deception crime was attempted yesterday evening at a house in Pattishall. A woman knocked on the door of an elderly couple, and stated she had come to collect �139.63p, which was two weeks rent that was overdue. The only description I have of the woman is that she is black, and was wearing dark clothing.

Please keep a look out for an Isuzu Trooper reg number G987 KEP. This vehicle is suspected of being used to steal tack. There is no need to confront the occupants of this vehicle, but a description of them would be particularly helpful. If you see this vehicle, and you know of any local cctv cameras, please tell our staff when you ring in.

This is a Community Watch broadcast from the Northamptonshire Police Western Area dated Tuesday, 19 October 2004

I have received information that an elderly resident in our area has been contacted by an unknown person on the phone asking for the PIN number of the pension card. No names are used on this system, so it is worth mentioning to as many pensioners as possible that in the event of loss or theft of these cards, they are cancelled in the same way that bank and credit cards are. Also, please take the opportunity to advise the vulnerable never to reveal their PIN numbers to anyone.

Yesterday afternoon a burglary took place in Marlow Road, Towcester. The victim disturbed the offender in the kitchen area, and on discovery the offender ran off, and got into a green car. The victim believed nothing had been taken, and didn't report the incident at the time. This morning, the victim discovered the house keys were missing. The offender is described as a white female, plump build, about 5'6", with dark hair pulled back, and she was wearing a fawn checked � length coat. There is no further information about the car.