Ringmaster - Local Police Reports

Ringmaster Messages are reports from the Police on events in the local area. They are reproduced here, as required by the police, unaltered and in their entirety.

Also see the local Safer Neighbourhood page from your 'village bobby'.

08/03/10 Bedford Rd, vehicle

A fuel theft took place in Bedford Road, in Cople, overnight on the 4th to the 5th of March. The offender has approached a Scania lorry parked at the location, and forced open the fuel cap. A large amount of diesel has been syphoned from the tank. Bedfordshire Police ask local residents to be vigilant, and to report anything suspicious immediately. Contact Ringmaster on (01234) 275288 { or email Ringmaster@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk } for a free property marking kit. { visit http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Buglaries.html#changeClass5 for property marking advice } { For more information on reducing crime visit http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Introduction.html} If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents or crimes, please call the Police Control Centre on (01234) 841212, and quote crime reference, J,H,/,9,0,7,6,/2010. Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011 { or email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk } Or call Crime stoppers in confidence on (0800)555111.

25/02/10 Grange Lane, Burglary

A Burglary took place in Grange Lane, in Cople, between the 22nd and the 24th of February. The offender has gained access to a barn, and forced a padlock from the door. 3 mountain bikes, a barbeque and a heater were taken. Contact Ringmaster on (01234) 275288 { or email Ringmaster@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk } for a free property marking kit. { visit http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Buglaries.html#changeClass5 for property marking advice } Outbuildings, sheds and garages can be especially, vulnerable to criminals, and are often not the best place, to store high value items. Always lock shed and garages, and help keep sheds secure with a good quality padlock, and hasp. If possible anchor down items, like bikes and lawn mowers. Consider an alarm and make sure your security lighting is covering your shed and garage. { For more information on securing your shed visit http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Shed.html or for securing your garage visit http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Garage.html } If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents or crimes, please call the Police Control Centre on (01234) 841212, and quote crime reference, J,H,/,7,5,8,5,/2010. Or call crime stoppers in confidence on (0800) 555111. Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011 { or email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk } Thank you for your support.

08/02/10 Telephone Cold Calling

A number of residents in Bromham and Bedford, have reported telephone cold calling. In each case the caller has claimed to be from a security company, and has asked for details relating to the age of the occupants of the house. Bedfordshire Police are asking any resident that receive calls, not to disclose any personal details over the phone. Do not agree to make any appointments. One resident reported that the caller had claimed to be from the Police. This is not true and we would ask any resident receiving similar calls reports this to the police control room immediately, on (01234) 841212. Bedfordshire police offers the following advice. Never buy goods or services, as a result of a cold call from a company, over the phone. If you are interested in a product ask for a number that you call back, when you have had time to think about the offer. Never disclose personal details over the phone, like bank account numbers, maiden names, or dates of birth. Do not discuss times and days that your home will be empty. Cold Calling can be reported to Trading Standards on (01234) 228897. Thank you for your support.

26/01/10 Burrsholt, vehicle

[ - Bedford - 26/01/10 A096 Burrsholt Cople vehicle] This is a Ringmaster message from Bedfordshire Police. Please pass the details of this message onto any friends and neighbours. A vehicle crime took place in Burrsholt, in Cople, overnight on the 24th to the 25th of January. The vehicle was a Blue, 0 4 registered, Peugeot. The offender has smashed a side window and removed a mobile phone. Contact Ringmaster on (01234) 275288 { or email Ringmaster@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk } for a free property marking kit. { visit http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Buglaries.html#changeClass5 for property marking advice } Bedfordshire Police remind vehicle owners to remove all property from vehicles when parked. Remember to remove the holder for any Satellite Navigation Systems, or Mobile phones, and clean away any marks left on the windscreen or dashboard. Leaving the empty glove box open will also discourage an offender breaking into the vehicle. { For more information on reducing vehicle crime visit http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Vehicle%20Crime.html } If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents or crimes, please call the Police Control Centre on (01234) 841212, and quote crime reference, J,H,/,3,2,3,5,/2010. Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011 { or email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk } Or call Crime stoppers in Confidence on (0800) 555111.

14/01/10 Vehicle Crime Willington Road

[ - Bedford - 14/01/10 A96 Vehicle Crime Willington Road Cople] This is a Ringmaster message from Bedfordshire Police. Please pass the details of this message onto any friends and neighbours. A vehicle crime took place in Willington Road, Cople, Bedford, between 8:30 in the evening, on the 12th, and 9:00 in the morning, on the 13th of January. Offenders have approached the vehicle, and have used an implement to force the offside front door, gaining access. Once inside the offenders have searched rear boot, and removed cash, an iPod, a satellite navigation system, a power drill, and a tool box. Contact Ringmaster on (01234) 275288 { or email Ringmaster@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk } for a free property marking kit. { visit http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Buglaries.html#changeClass5 for property marking advice } Bedfordshire Police remind vehicle owners to remove all property from vehicles when parked. Remember to remove the holder for any Satellite Navigation Systems, or Mobile phones, and clean away any marks left on the windscreen or dashboard. Leaving the empty glove box open will also discourage an offender breaking into the vehicle. { For more information on reducing vehicle crime visit http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Vehicle%20Crime.html } If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents or crimes, please call the Police Control Centre on (01234) 841212, and quote crime reference, JH,/,1,5,3,0,/2010. Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011 { or email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk } Or call Crime stoppers in Confidence on (0800) 555111. Thank you for your support.

07/01/10 Willington Rd, vehicle

A vehicle was stolen from Willington Road, in Cople, overnight on the 6th to the 7th of January. The vehicle was a Blue, S registered, Vauxhall Corsa. The owner still has the keys for the vehicle. { Keep the burglar out in the COLD this winter. Crime reduction tips for the coming season http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Seasonal%20Winter.html } The safest place to park your vehicle is in a garage, if you have a garage please use it. Park your vehicle in a well lit area. Always check that it is correctly locked, and all valuables are removed, before leaving the vehicle. { For more information on reducing vehicle related crime visit http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Vehicle%20Crime.html } If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents or crimes, please call the Police Control Centre on (01234) 841212, and quote crime reference, J,H,/,7,1,5,/2010. Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011 { or email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk } Or call Crime stoppers in Confidence on (0800) 555111. Thank you for your support.

24/12/09 Grange Lane - vehicle

[ - Bedford - 24/12/09 A096 Grange Ln Cople vehicle] This is a Ringmaster message from Bedfordshire Police. Please pass the details of this message onto any friends and neighbours. A vehicle crime took place in Grange Lane, in Cople, overnight on the 23rd to the 24th of December. The vehicle was a Silver, B registered, BMW 3 series. A number of christmas presents had been left visible on the back seat. The offender has smashed a side window and removed the presents, and then access the boot, and tools have been taken. { Keep the burglar out in the COLD this winter. Crime reduction tips for the coming season http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Seasonal%20Winter.html } Bedfordshire Police remind vehicle owners to remove all property from vehicles when parked. Remember to remove the holder for any Satellite Navigation Systems, or Mobile phones, and clean away any marks left on the windscreen or dashboard. Leaving the empty glove box open will also discourage an offender breaking into the vehicle. { For more information on reducing vehicle crime visit http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Vehicle%20Crime.html } If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents or crimes, please call the Police Control Centre on (01234) 841212, and quote crime reference, J,H,/5,2,0,5,6,,/2009. Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011 { or email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk } Or call Crime stoppers in Confidence on (0800) 555111.

21/12/09 Vehicle Crime, Grange Lane

[ - Bedford - 21/12/09 A096 Vehicle Crime Grange Lane Cople] This is a Ringmaster message from Bedfordshire Police. Please pass the details of this message onto any friends and neighbours. A vehicle crime took place in Grange Lane, Cople, Bedford, between the 17th, and the 19th of December. Offenders have used an implement, in order to try and force the lock, to the vehicle, on the passenger side. The offenders have not gained access. The vehicle is a silver, Mercedes. { Keep the burglar out in the COLD this winter. Crime reduction tips for the coming season http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Seasonal%20Winter.html } Bedfordshire Police remind vehicle owners to remove all property from vehicles when parked. Remember to remove the holder for any Satellite Navigation Systems, or Mobile phones, and clean away any marks left on the windscreen or dashboard. Leaving the empty glove box open will also discourage an offender breaking into the vehicle. { For more information on reducing vehicle crime visit http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Vehicle%20Crime.html } If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents or crimes, please call the Police Control Centre on (01234) 841212, and quote crime reference, JD,/,5,1,5,8,7,/2009. Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011 { or email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk } Or call Crime stoppers in Confidence on (0800) 555111. Thank you for your support.

16/12/09 Distraction Alert

[ - Bedford - 16/12/09 Distraction Alert] This is a Ringmaster message from Bedfordshire Police. If you live near to an elderly, or vulnerable person, please take the time to think about who might be calling at their home. Two elderly residents in Bedfordshire appear to have been visited by the same man, claiming to be a new neighbour. The man has called at an address in ,Luton Road, in Wilstead, at 12:30 today. He claimed to be the son of a new neighbour and is invited into the house. Whilst in the house, he has managed to unlock the back door, and keeps the elderly female talking. It seems that nothing has been taken from the house. A man with a similar description called at an address, in Clophill Road in Gravenhurst, just after 12:30. Again he claimed to be a new neighbour, and was allowed into the house. Property has been taken from the home. The man is described as a white male in his late teens to early 20s, 5 foot 8 with a slim build, with black hair, wearing a beige top, blue jeans. We are asking all residents that have elderly neighbours to be on the look out for this man. We have no details of his vehicle. It is likely that a second offender may be working with him. Please take the time to pass on this information in your area, and prevent other vulnerable, or eldery people becoming victims. Bedfordshire Police are urging resident to become nomintated neighbours. This gives the elderly or vulnerable resident the choice to not answer the door to a stranger, but direct them to a neighbour. Anyone interested in more information about becoming a nominated neighbour should contact a crime reduction officer on (012340 275273, or (01582) 473178. If you have any doubts about a stranger at your door, do not let the person in and dial 9 9 9. { For advice on door step security and to find out more visit http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Door%20Step%20Security.html } If you have any information about theses crimes or other suspicious incidents or crimes, please call the Police Control Centre on (01234) 841212, and quote U R N 1 3 5 for the 16th of December. Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011 { or email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk }

Winter Crime Reduction

[ - Bedford - 12/12/09 Winter Crime Reduction] This is a Ringmaster Message from Bedfordshire Police. Please pass the details of this message onto any friends, and neighbours. December is a traditionally busy time for most people, but can also offer opportunities for criminals. Here are a few things to take into consideration, which may reduce the likely hood of becoming a victim of crime. Remove property from view in your vehicle. This includes presents and coats. Dont advertise your property. This includes presents left under your Christmas tree, especially if you leave your curtains open. When shopping, ensure your bag is shut and dont leave wallets or mobiles in your back pocket where they can be easily targeted. If you are going away, ask a trusted neighbour to make your house look occupied, by removing mail and newspapers, taking in your bin, opening and closing curtains, and even occasionally parking on your drive. Timer switches linked to lights or radios can also help make your house look occupied. Secure your outbuildings with good quality locks and hasps. Criminals may consider outbuildings as easy targets, and often use tools found sheds or gardens to break into homes. Get a copy of the Home Office burglary pack, which contains useful information about securing your property. You can order your home pack by calling (0800) 4561213 and quoting burglary pack. { View the Burglar Reduction video featuring a Bedfordshire Crime Reduction Officer http://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/video.aspx?VideoPath=BTJ/how%20to%20homesafetyjp%20settings.wmv&VideoID=41337&ArticleID=5677955 } { More Crime Reduction tips http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Seasonal%20Winter.html } Lastly, ensure any suspicious activity is reported to the Police on (01234) 841212 or if a crime is in progress dial 999.

Bedfordshire Police have received a large number of calls from residents throughout the County, relating to a company offering, free, crime reduction surveys. They are claiming to be working in partnership with the Police, and make offers of, free alarm systems.

Bedfordshire Police do not endorse any surveys, that are undertaken by private companies, selling home security products. This and other companies may make reference to recent crimes in the area, and will offer to book an appointment, to make a free survey of your home.

Often high pressure sales techniques are used to convince the resident to make an appointment, and then to buy expensive alarm systems, with even more expensive maintenance contracts.

Please do not accept an appointment from any company that, cold calls you, either over the phone, or at the doorstep.

If you wish to purchase Home Security Products, you can approach a number of registered compaines through the Trading Standards, Approved Traders scheme. Ensure that you obtain a number of written quotes, and do not pay any money in advance of the work being completed. A list of local registered traders, can be obtained from Trading Standards on (01234) 228228 or from their web site www.bedford.gov.uk/tsapproved

More Police crime reports page