CCTV CAPTURES STREET ATTACK
Police Officers are studying CCTV pictures, following what they describe as a “nasty assault” in Castle Street, Nantwich.
The attack happened at approximately 2.15 am on Sunday (Sept 26th) just after a man had left a town centre night club. He was followed by another man who punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground, then kicked him.
The victim was taken to hospital suffering from a broken jaw. He also had two teeth knocked out.
Constable Charlotte Body said, “We have some CCTV footage which follows the victim’s movements from the time he left the club to the time he was attacked and we are looking carefully at that.
“There are other people on the CCTV pictures and we would like to hear from them or anyone else who saw anything relevant.
“The offender, who was a white male about twenty years old, with a stocky build and short dark hair was last seen walking along Beam Street, a few minutes after the attack. Anyone who has any other information about this incident should also call us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Body on the Cheshire Police Information line 0845 458 0000.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Shed Breaks
In the recent period there have been a number of shed breaks within the Crewe/Nantwich area. There has been a spread of incidents and does not appear to be a specific pattern. As with house burglaries, some of the break ins have been via insecure shed doors.
At this time of year many of us are probably tidying up our gardens ready for the winter weather so tools and equipment are no doubt being readily used. Try to ensure that you take steps to secure any equipment away in between uses so that it isn't stolen or tools aren't used as an accessory to break into your or a neighbours home. Many of us have a number of high valued items in our sheds and outbuildings so it is worthwhile to ensure that they are properly locked away.
Please can you make all members aware that this is a general alert to make people vigilant with regards to shed and outbuilding security. There is some basic crime prevention advice included below.
Regards
Home Watch Desk
Shed & Outbuilding Security Advice
v Never leave your garage or shed unlocked, ensure they are secured with a strong padlock and consider using window locks where appropriate.
v Doors should be solid and in a good state of repair so that they are not easily accessible.
v DIY stores will stock locks that have a grading system on them. Try to ensure that the lock you are using is fit for purpose for securing your shed/outbuilding.
v Consider the use of a shed or garage alarm, particularly if your shed or garage contains a high number of valuable items.
v Remember that sheds are not ideally designed for safe storage, so consider securing a steel cage to the floor of the shed to store more valuable items in, or padlock them securely to a fixed point.
v Property mark valuable items using a recognised system such as UV pens or Smart Water. It is also worthwhile to take photographs and serial numbers of valuable items for insurance purposes.
v Finally, consider the area around your shed and garage. Could the area benefit from some well placed rose or holly bushes in key positions, such as under windows or around doors? Could a gravel path or equally noisy surface be laid so that any potential offenders create a noise approaching the area? Most importantly, is your garden perimeter secure with no weak spots in hedges and fences or no items such as bins easily available for use as stepping stones over the fence? Remember that once a burglar has entered a garden they have more of an opportunity to operate unseen. By ensuring your perimeter is secure you remove the means for them to enter your property.
At this time of year many of us are probably tidying up our gardens ready for the winter weather so tools and equipment are no doubt being readily used. Try to ensure that you take steps to secure any equipment away in between uses so that it isn't stolen or tools aren't used as an accessory to break into your or a neighbours home. Many of us have a number of high valued items in our sheds and outbuildings so it is worthwhile to ensure that they are properly locked away.
Please can you make all members aware that this is a general alert to make people vigilant with regards to shed and outbuilding security. There is some basic crime prevention advice included below.
Regards
Home Watch Desk
Shed & Outbuilding Security Advice
v Never leave your garage or shed unlocked, ensure they are secured with a strong padlock and consider using window locks where appropriate.
v Doors should be solid and in a good state of repair so that they are not easily accessible.
v DIY stores will stock locks that have a grading system on them. Try to ensure that the lock you are using is fit for purpose for securing your shed/outbuilding.
v Consider the use of a shed or garage alarm, particularly if your shed or garage contains a high number of valuable items.
v Remember that sheds are not ideally designed for safe storage, so consider securing a steel cage to the floor of the shed to store more valuable items in, or padlock them securely to a fixed point.
v Property mark valuable items using a recognised system such as UV pens or Smart Water. It is also worthwhile to take photographs and serial numbers of valuable items for insurance purposes.
v Finally, consider the area around your shed and garage. Could the area benefit from some well placed rose or holly bushes in key positions, such as under windows or around doors? Could a gravel path or equally noisy surface be laid so that any potential offenders create a noise approaching the area? Most importantly, is your garden perimeter secure with no weak spots in hedges and fences or no items such as bins easily available for use as stepping stones over the fence? Remember that once a burglar has entered a garden they have more of an opportunity to operate unseen. By ensuring your perimeter is secure you remove the means for them to enter your property.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Theft of Transit Van Wheels
“Spare” a Thought for Security
Drivers of Ford Transit vans have been warned the vehicles’ spare wheels are being targeted by thieves.
In a two day period, the “spare” was stolen from three vehicles in East Cheshire.
Detective Sergeant Dan Ackerley, in charge of the Cheshire Police Eastern Area vehicle crime unit said, “One of the thefts was in Crewe, the other two were in Middlewich. They all happened while the vehicles were parked overnight.
“The facts that the thefts all involved the same model of van and that in each case the spare wheel was taken may be a coincidence, but it is possible that a criminal has found a market for these particular wheels and is stealing to order.
“We just want to warn Transit owners and drivers that this is happening. The best preventive measure is to park in a well lit area whenever possible. If it is covered by a security camera, that is even better.
Anyone who has any information about the thefts can contact me by calling the Cheshire Police Information Line 0845 458 0000, or you can leave information anonymously on the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.”
Drivers of Ford Transit vans have been warned the vehicles’ spare wheels are being targeted by thieves.
In a two day period, the “spare” was stolen from three vehicles in East Cheshire.
Detective Sergeant Dan Ackerley, in charge of the Cheshire Police Eastern Area vehicle crime unit said, “One of the thefts was in Crewe, the other two were in Middlewich. They all happened while the vehicles were parked overnight.
“The facts that the thefts all involved the same model of van and that in each case the spare wheel was taken may be a coincidence, but it is possible that a criminal has found a market for these particular wheels and is stealing to order.
“We just want to warn Transit owners and drivers that this is happening. The best preventive measure is to park in a well lit area whenever possible. If it is covered by a security camera, that is even better.
Anyone who has any information about the thefts can contact me by calling the Cheshire Police Information Line 0845 458 0000, or you can leave information anonymously on the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.”
Saturday, September 11, 2010
No Cold Calling - Energy Companies
Energy companies have agreed to respect 'No Cold Calling signs' and are agreeing not to knock on doors where such a sign is displayed. It is important to note that you must have a sign with the words 'No Cold Calling' on it for this to apply at your property. A colleague has forwarded me over some more concise details about this. The website Money Saving Expert has a version of a sign that can be printed off that they have created. Alternatively, if you do not like this design or would prefer different wording you can create your own sign - it doesn't have to be anything flashy as long as it states 'No Cold Calling' on it.
Unfortunately, at present this rule has only been adopted by the main energy companies but it is a start and hopefully over time other companies will follow.
Regards
Home Watch Desk
No Cold Callers.
EnergySure code of practice now officially includes rules that state energy company sales staff should not knock on any door that displays a ‘no cold callers' sign.
If the energy companies' sales staff break this rule you can complain to the Energy Ombudsman.
If you display a sign and the energy companies disobey your wishes note down the employee name and number and report this to their company and Consumer Direct on: 08454 04 05 06
If you would like a free ‘no cold callers' display sign for your door you can print one from
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/no-more-junk#coldcallers
Unfortunately, at present this rule has only been adopted by the main energy companies but it is a start and hopefully over time other companies will follow.
Regards
Home Watch Desk
No Cold Callers.
EnergySure code of practice now officially includes rules that state energy company sales staff should not knock on any door that displays a ‘no cold callers' sign.
If the energy companies' sales staff break this rule you can complain to the Energy Ombudsman.
If you display a sign and the energy companies disobey your wishes note down the employee name and number and report this to their company and Consumer Direct on: 08454 04 05 06
If you would like a free ‘no cold callers' display sign for your door you can print one from
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/no-more-junk#coldcallers
Friday, September 10, 2010
Parking Ticket Scam
Please be aware of a parking ticket scam that has recently been identified in the Eastern area of Cheshire Constabulary. At present this particular scam has been reported within the Crewe and Sandbach areas and we are keen to learn if any other areas have been targeted.
There have been several reported incidents where a document that resembles a parking ticket has been left on vehicles within the towns. They have primarily been placed upon vehicles that are parked with wheels on the footpath. The document is quite official looking and urges the recipient to send money to a postal address (Parked Vehicles Division Ltd, 145-157 St Johns Road, London, EC1V 4PY) within a certain specific time scale. Much of the small print is also quite official sounding and although it does highlight a further purpose for this document a lot of it is quite confusing.
Upon closer inspection of the small print the document confirms that the issuers 'are working independently of traffic enforcement officers, and law enforcement agencies' and that they are actually photographing vehicles that are parked on the footpath for market research purposes and that the payment is to have the photo of your vehicle removed from their research. There are several references to market research throughout the notice.
Trading Standards are aware of these incidents and are actively looking into identifying the individuals behind placing these tickets. In the meantime, they are keen for information about this to be circulated for two main reasons:
1.) To make as many residents aware as possible that this is a bogus document and no further action needs taking on their part in relation to this notice.
2.) To request that anyone who has one of these bogus notices placed on their vehicle reports it. This is for intelligence purposes as to assist our investigations we are keen to establish what locations are being targeted and the overall spread of these notices. If you find one of these on your vehicle please can you make us aware of the location where your vehicle was parked when the notice was placed. Anyone who wishes to report one of these notices can contact myself directly via this email address or via 01244 614332 and I will ensure that the details are passed onto our contact at Trading Standards who is investigating this.
I have attached a file to this email that shows what this particular notice looks like.
Please can I request that you circulate this amongst members and friends/family so that this message is shared with as many people as possible
There have been several reported incidents where a document that resembles a parking ticket has been left on vehicles within the towns. They have primarily been placed upon vehicles that are parked with wheels on the footpath. The document is quite official looking and urges the recipient to send money to a postal address (Parked Vehicles Division Ltd, 145-157 St Johns Road, London, EC1V 4PY) within a certain specific time scale. Much of the small print is also quite official sounding and although it does highlight a further purpose for this document a lot of it is quite confusing.
Upon closer inspection of the small print the document confirms that the issuers 'are working independently of traffic enforcement officers, and law enforcement agencies' and that they are actually photographing vehicles that are parked on the footpath for market research purposes and that the payment is to have the photo of your vehicle removed from their research. There are several references to market research throughout the notice.
Trading Standards are aware of these incidents and are actively looking into identifying the individuals behind placing these tickets. In the meantime, they are keen for information about this to be circulated for two main reasons:
1.) To make as many residents aware as possible that this is a bogus document and no further action needs taking on their part in relation to this notice.
2.) To request that anyone who has one of these bogus notices placed on their vehicle reports it. This is for intelligence purposes as to assist our investigations we are keen to establish what locations are being targeted and the overall spread of these notices. If you find one of these on your vehicle please can you make us aware of the location where your vehicle was parked when the notice was placed. Anyone who wishes to report one of these notices can contact myself directly via this email address or via 01244 614332 and I will ensure that the details are passed onto our contact at Trading Standards who is investigating this.
I have attached a file to this email that shows what this particular notice looks like.
Please can I request that you circulate this amongst members and friends/family so that this message is shared with as many people as possible
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Edit Draft
In the last month there have been a number of key and car theft incidents within the Eastern area of Cheshire Police, with the exception of Nantwich at present.
Due to advances in vehicle technology in the last decade it is extremely difficult for an offender to steal a car without having the key available. As such, over recent years it has been more common/necessary for individuals involved in car theft to have to obtain the car keys for a vehicle prior to taking it.
In general there are two common ways that would be offenders can obtain car keys from a property with minimal effort on their part.
The first way is by gaining entry via insecure doors and windows, locating the car keys and taking the householders vehicle. Over the last year (and in particular during the summer months) I have sent several emails highlighting the importance of ensuring that doors and windows are kept secure to prevent sneak in burglaries. It is useful to highlight that insecure doors and windows can also provide easy access to your car keys, with an offender being able to enter a property and take them in a matter of minutes.
The second way is via a method known as 'hook and cane'. This is a method whereby offenders place a rod through the letter box (either magnetic or with a lifting device on the end such as a hook) to hook car keys in order to steal a vehicle.
In general most of us are creatures of habit and tend to off load the items we have about ourselves shortly after entering the house. Most of us will place our handbags, wallets, phones and car keys in the same convenient place and such places are often located near to the door such as on a cabinet, on a table or handbags (with car keys in) are often hung on a coat hook in the porch or placed over the stair bannister. Unfortunately, this also proves to be 'convenient' for would be offenders. In instances such as this, sneak in burglars can locate a handbag (including car keys) and car keys quite quickly with minimal effort and making minimal noise. In terms of 'hook and cane' incidents, keys that are left on cabinets and tables next to the door (where they are in reach of the letter box) provide an easy target for offenders.
This type of crime is often quite organised and involves out of town groups targeting an area/county. Cheshire is in general quite an affluent county, with good access links (including several motorways) and is neighboured by two large cities (Manchester & Liverpool) and these factors can appeal to car thieves.
In order to minimise the chances of becoming a victim of this type of crime please follow a few simple crime prevention methods wherever possible:
1.) Never leave car keys openly on display and refrain from leaving them on tables and cabinet that are located near to your letter box
2.) Try to consider where you leave your car keys and other valuable if it is a fairly generic location consider getting into the habit of leaving them in a different, more secure/out of sight place. This way you will still have a standard place for your keys/valuables but they will not be so accessible.
3.) Consider installing a letter box visor guard. These guards are a simple way to stop anyone being able to use the 'hook and cane' method at your property. They are also useful as they stop would be thieves from reaching their hand through the letter box and unlocking your door from the inside and also restricts the view of anyone looking through the letter box so they are unable to evaluate your property from this point.
4.) Sensor activated security lighting is a good idea as it prevents a thief from being able to operate in darkness and increases the chances of their behaviour being observed by residents, neighbours or passers by.
5.)If you have a garage consider using it.
Due to advances in vehicle technology in the last decade it is extremely difficult for an offender to steal a car without having the key available. As such, over recent years it has been more common/necessary for individuals involved in car theft to have to obtain the car keys for a vehicle prior to taking it.
In general there are two common ways that would be offenders can obtain car keys from a property with minimal effort on their part.
The first way is by gaining entry via insecure doors and windows, locating the car keys and taking the householders vehicle. Over the last year (and in particular during the summer months) I have sent several emails highlighting the importance of ensuring that doors and windows are kept secure to prevent sneak in burglaries. It is useful to highlight that insecure doors and windows can also provide easy access to your car keys, with an offender being able to enter a property and take them in a matter of minutes.
The second way is via a method known as 'hook and cane'. This is a method whereby offenders place a rod through the letter box (either magnetic or with a lifting device on the end such as a hook) to hook car keys in order to steal a vehicle.
In general most of us are creatures of habit and tend to off load the items we have about ourselves shortly after entering the house. Most of us will place our handbags, wallets, phones and car keys in the same convenient place and such places are often located near to the door such as on a cabinet, on a table or handbags (with car keys in) are often hung on a coat hook in the porch or placed over the stair bannister. Unfortunately, this also proves to be 'convenient' for would be offenders. In instances such as this, sneak in burglars can locate a handbag (including car keys) and car keys quite quickly with minimal effort and making minimal noise. In terms of 'hook and cane' incidents, keys that are left on cabinets and tables next to the door (where they are in reach of the letter box) provide an easy target for offenders.
This type of crime is often quite organised and involves out of town groups targeting an area/county. Cheshire is in general quite an affluent county, with good access links (including several motorways) and is neighboured by two large cities (Manchester & Liverpool) and these factors can appeal to car thieves.
In order to minimise the chances of becoming a victim of this type of crime please follow a few simple crime prevention methods wherever possible:
1.) Never leave car keys openly on display and refrain from leaving them on tables and cabinet that are located near to your letter box
2.) Try to consider where you leave your car keys and other valuable if it is a fairly generic location consider getting into the habit of leaving them in a different, more secure/out of sight place. This way you will still have a standard place for your keys/valuables but they will not be so accessible.
3.) Consider installing a letter box visor guard. These guards are a simple way to stop anyone being able to use the 'hook and cane' method at your property. They are also useful as they stop would be thieves from reaching their hand through the letter box and unlocking your door from the inside and also restricts the view of anyone looking through the letter box so they are unable to evaluate your property from this point.
4.) Sensor activated security lighting is a good idea as it prevents a thief from being able to operate in darkness and increases the chances of their behaviour being observed by residents, neighbours or passers by.
5.)If you have a garage consider using it.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Lamp Post Cover Thefts
Folks note this was reported By this Homewatch and you may notice that some of our lamposts have temporary covers.
Please be aware of an issue that has been brought to my attention by a fellow Home Watch coordinator.
Earlier in the week someone has stolen the lamp post cover from the front of the post in their street. The council lighting contractor who was replacing the cover mentioned to the residents that this has been happening in the Nantwich area recently. He mentioned that they believed that a dark coloured car without lights might be involved in these thefts. It appears on occasions the covers are being left in people's garden and collected later in the day, possibly in a blue van.
I have since followed this up with Nantwich Neighbourhood Policing Unit and they have said that they are aware that there has been an occurrence of this nature and are keen to identify the offenders.
I have forwarded this information to all local coordinators in Crewe & Nantwich as this could easily occur in either town due to the prevalence of lampposts in most of the towns streets and the fact that the offenders seem to have the use of a vehicle.
As such please make members aware of this issue and ask that any suspicious behaviour or information about possible offenders be reported as soon as possible. Information can be submitted via 0845 458 0000 (main police switchboard) or anonymous information can be reported to Crime stoppers 0800 555 111. If anyone believes that there is a theft occurring at the time that they are calling please contact 999 instead.
Please be aware of an issue that has been brought to my attention by a fellow Home Watch coordinator.
Earlier in the week someone has stolen the lamp post cover from the front of the post in their street. The council lighting contractor who was replacing the cover mentioned to the residents that this has been happening in the Nantwich area recently. He mentioned that they believed that a dark coloured car without lights might be involved in these thefts. It appears on occasions the covers are being left in people's garden and collected later in the day, possibly in a blue van.
I have since followed this up with Nantwich Neighbourhood Policing Unit and they have said that they are aware that there has been an occurrence of this nature and are keen to identify the offenders.
I have forwarded this information to all local coordinators in Crewe & Nantwich as this could easily occur in either town due to the prevalence of lampposts in most of the towns streets and the fact that the offenders seem to have the use of a vehicle.
As such please make members aware of this issue and ask that any suspicious behaviour or information about possible offenders be reported as soon as possible. Information can be submitted via 0845 458 0000 (main police switchboard) or anonymous information can be reported to Crime stoppers 0800 555 111. If anyone believes that there is a theft occurring at the time that they are calling please contact 999 instead.
Crewe & Nantwich News – August 2010
Child Cruelty Pair Jailed A man and a woman from Crewe were both sent to prison after a police investigation into a catalogue of injuries inflicted on a one year old girl. Doctors found she had fractures to her right arm, left thigh, left leg, left upper arm and forearm; evidence of scalds to her foot; bruising to her face and head and bruising and haemorrhage around both eyes. The man, aged 26, was jailed for six years after being found guilty of assault and child neglect. The woman, who is 24, was found guilty of perverting the course of justice and child neglect. She was sent to prison for three years. Detective Sergeant Julie Jackson said, “It is hard to understand how anyone could inflict such pain on a helpless, dependent child.” She said the convictions and sentences “Send a clear message to any bully who thinks they have the right to hurt those more vulnerable than themselves.”
Prisoner on the Roof A man who spent nine hours on a roof at Leighton Hospital in Crewe was later charged with several offences. The man, who was arrested on the M6 near Sandbach two days earlier, was taken to the hospital for treatment. He made his way on to the roof and began throwing tiles at cars. Police Officers cordoned off the area and called in a trained negotiator who spoke to the man until he came down at three o’clock in the morning. The man, aged 19, was charged with escaping from custody, assaulting a nurse, three offences of causing damage to vehicles and one of causing damage to the roof.
Wounding Charge A man from Nantwich was arrested and charged with wounding after another man was found with a serious head injury on grassland near the River Weaver. The accused man, who is 36 years old, appeared before South Cheshire Magistrates and was remanded in custody.
Contest Reels Them In The fifth East Cheshire Emergency Services Fishing Competition proved bigger and better then ever. Chief Superintendent Mick Garrihy, Commander of Cheshire Police Eastern Area said, “This event provides a point of focus for a lot of young people during the holidays. It is a real investment in the future. The youngsters meet people from the Police and the other emergency services on a one-to-one basis and see them as friends. This can shape their views in the years to come. They also take that home to their parents and other members of the family, who get a broader idea of how we fit into the local community. For the emergency services and Cheshire East Council it provides a great opportunity to work as partners to stage an event which really matters.” One young contestant described the finals of the event as “The best day of my life”.
Prisoner on the Roof A man who spent nine hours on a roof at Leighton Hospital in Crewe was later charged with several offences. The man, who was arrested on the M6 near Sandbach two days earlier, was taken to the hospital for treatment. He made his way on to the roof and began throwing tiles at cars. Police Officers cordoned off the area and called in a trained negotiator who spoke to the man until he came down at three o’clock in the morning. The man, aged 19, was charged with escaping from custody, assaulting a nurse, three offences of causing damage to vehicles and one of causing damage to the roof.
Wounding Charge A man from Nantwich was arrested and charged with wounding after another man was found with a serious head injury on grassland near the River Weaver. The accused man, who is 36 years old, appeared before South Cheshire Magistrates and was remanded in custody.
Contest Reels Them In The fifth East Cheshire Emergency Services Fishing Competition proved bigger and better then ever. Chief Superintendent Mick Garrihy, Commander of Cheshire Police Eastern Area said, “This event provides a point of focus for a lot of young people during the holidays. It is a real investment in the future. The youngsters meet people from the Police and the other emergency services on a one-to-one basis and see them as friends. This can shape their views in the years to come. They also take that home to their parents and other members of the family, who get a broader idea of how we fit into the local community. For the emergency services and Cheshire East Council it provides a great opportunity to work as partners to stage an event which really matters.” One young contestant described the finals of the event as “The best day of my life”.
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