December 2009
18/12/09 Stolen Coalport and Royal Worcester Figurines
Thames Valley Police is appealing for help from the public to try and recover a collection of figurines, which were stolen from a house in Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes.
Sixteen Royal Doulton, Coalport and Royal Worcester figurines, many limited editions, were stolen from a house in Welland Drive while the owner was away on holiday. A neighbour noticed the front door wide open and reported the burglary to police on 27 November.
Also taken was a 50-year-old diamond engagement ring, which had been given to the victim by her aunt.
Det Con Sam Reynolds, leading the investigation, said: "The victim collected the figurines over a period of twenty years. Many of them are limited editions and are numbered; this number is unique to each one so they are easy to identify.
List of missing figurines:
Coalport 'Nell Gwynn' - Coalport 'Lillie Langtry - Coalport 'Emerald' - Coalport 'Sapphire' - Coalport 'Lady Alice - Royal Worcester 'Royal Debut' - Royal Doulton 'Sophie' - Coalport 'Flamenco' - (numbered 553) - Royal Doulton 'Lady of the year 1999' - Royal Worcester 'Sarah' - (numbered 321) - Coalport 'Lady Helena' - (numbered 11319) - Coalport 'Lady Harriet - The Skater' - (numbered 11362) - Royal Worcester 'Midnight Encounter' - (numbered 185) - Royal Worcester 'Zoe' - (numbered 20) - Royal Worcester 'Gypsy Princess' - (numbered 248) - Royal Worcester 'Joy'
"I would ask members of the public who may recently have bought a figurine like the ones described, to check this list and make sure you haven't been sold one from the stolen collection. I would urge anyone who thinks they may have bought one of the figurines or been offered the opportunity to purchase one, maybe at a lower price than you would normally expect to pay is asked to contact Det Con Reynolds at Milton Keynes police station via the 24-hour non-emergency number, 0845 8 505 505.
15/12/09 Postbox break-ins
Please be aware that four Royal Mail post boxes in the South of Northamptonshire have recently been broken in to.
Please remain vigilant, if you see anything suspicious, or anything that concerns you in the vicinity of your local post box please report using the dedicated watch line on 01604 432 436. Alternatively contact Northamptonshire Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers above.
Thank you.
14/12/09 Christmas crime prevention
**KEEP YOUR HOME, YOUR VEHICLE, AND YOURSELF SAFE THIS CHRISTMAS**
Northamptonshire Police is encouraging members of the public to follow some simple crime prevention methods over the festive period to avoid becoming a victim of crime.
YOUR HOME
· Store all gifts out of sight until Christmas arrives - not under the tree
· Keep entry doors locked at all times, even when you are in your home
· Make sure your house looks occupied - use timer switches on lamps in various rooms and always close the curtains at night
· Be a good neighbour, report anything suspicious
· Keep door and car keys safe at all times; don't leave them in or near windows and doors
· When recycling empty boxes, fold the card inside out so that you don't advertise your new gifts
YOUR VEHICLE
· When out shopping, don't leave goods or presents visible inside your vehicle
· When leaving your vehicle, remove your Sat Nav and its mounting but don't leave it in the glove box
· Remove marks left on the windscreen where the Sat Nav has been
· Always lock your vehicle - even when only leaving it for a very short time
· Fit tamper-proof number plate screws
YOURSELF
With the Christmas party season about to get into full swing, police are also issuing safe drinking advice to those out and about on the town
14/12/09 Distraction Burglary
Please be aware that a distraction burglary took place at a property in Richmond Street at around 13:30 Thursday 10 December.
In this incident the resident awoke to find a man in her home, the man then states he wanted to show his little girl the chickens that are in the rear garden. The resident noticed that a handbag had been moved from where it was left, and there was no little girl present at the time. It is thought that the man entered the house through a rear insecure door.
This man was described as: aged 20-29, white, around 5ft 7inches in height, with short dark brown hair. This man was wearing a black jacket.
We would like to remind you, 'If you're not sure, DON'T open the door', you are never required to open your door. If you are unsure of someone's identity, ask them for their name and company, close/lock your door and then call the company from an official number in the phone book. If you are still unsure do not let them into your house.
If you are concerned about a caller at your door or suspect that distraction burglars or rogue doorstep traders are operating in your community, please call our dedicated Doorstep crime Action Network (DAN) number 0345 23 07 702. You can read about the tactics these criminals use at www.northants.police.uk/lookout
If you believe you saw this man or have any information in relation to this incident please report using the using the dedicated watch line on 01604 432436, alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers above quoting WB/CMS/1632/09.
Thank you
11/12/09 Truck crime
Please can we ask you to be on the lookout for the following vehicle and it's occupants who are suspected of being involved in truck crime.
A grey Renault Espace, registration number N186 BKA was seen near to M40 Southbound, Barn Hill Services on the evening of Wednesday 9 December. The three males on board are from the West Midlands area and are all suspected of being involved in lorry crime.
If you see this vehicle please report stating location and direction of travel using the dedicated Watch number 01604 432436 alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers above quoting WB/CMS/1622/09.
Thank you
10/12/09 Driving under the influence of Drink or Drugs
With the Christmas party season well under way, Northamptonshire Police is reminding people not to drink alcohol or take drugs before driving.
The annual campaign began on 1 December and so far 175 breath tests have been carried out.
Key figures for the 2009 campaign so far:
- 16 people have been arrested and 11 have been charged with investigations continuing on the others
- None of the arrests made so far were between 7am and noon the 'morning after'
- Of the 16 people arrested, four are aged between 17 and 24
- Three of the 17-24 year olds have been charged and investigations are continuing on the other
At this stage in the 2008 campaign:
- 24 people had been arrested and 20 had been charged
- Two of the arrests were made the morning after
- Of the 24 people arrested, 10 were aged between 17 and 24
- Eight of the 17-24 year olds had been charged
- None of the arrests for 17-24 year olds were made the morning after.
Chief inspector Gary Percival said: "We have been carrying out targeted and intelligence-led operations and roadside checks with the aim of reducing the number of drink or drug related collisions. We are pleased that the number of arrests has gone down compared to this point in last year's campaign, however we are still concerned that so many drivers are willing to put their lives, and the lives of others, at risk. Co-ordinated roadside operations, routine checks and ongoing patrolling will be continuing throughout the county and we would strongly remind all drivers that the only safe drink drive limit this Christmas is NONE."
10/12/09 Car Security
In a time when people are in the throes of present buying, officers are reminding them to make sure they head crime prevention advice and clear their cars of items whenever they park up.
The force is currently tackling vehicle crime as part of Operation Guardian and is urging members of the public to make sure they do all they can to help reduce the number of incidents.
A police spokesperson said: "People tend to be busier than ever at this time of year but it is important that good crime prevention advice is followed.
"We have seen a number of incidents across the county where offenders have been smashing car windows and grabbing items that have been left on display.
"This type of incident happens very quickly and does not give us much opportunity for investigation as usually there are no witnesses or forensic opportunities."
As well as presents items such as Sat Navs, handbags, CDs and mobile phones should always be removed from cars when leaving it.
The police spokesperson added: "Our message is clear: do not leave valuables in your vehicle, ensure it is locked, and if it has an alarm, use it. Similarly, if you have a garage, please use it.
"Whenever you park your car, whether it be in a public street or on your driveway, it is always worth taking a few seconds to remove items that are on show.
"It is also worth bearing in mind that even if you remove a Sat Nav from your car then a mark may have been left on the windscreen, so it is always advisable to remove any marks left behind.
"It is easy to fall into the habit of not parking your car in your garage, or not using a steering lock or the alarm system, but these quick and simple steps could be the difference in you becoming a victim of vehicle crime or not.
"If you do need to park your car in a public place and leave in unattended, make sure you park in a secure, well lit and busy area."
7/12/09 Evenley Burglary
An incident occurred at a rural location along Mill Lane, Evenly sometime between 16.30 Thursday 3 December and 07.30 Friday 4 December. The locks to an engine compartment of a 360° 21 ton track excavator used for laying pipes were damaged. Two heavy duty batteries and diesel was also stolen.
Please remain vigilant especially as the nights start to draw in, please report any suspicious activity you may see when out walking your dog.
If you have any information in relation to this incident please report using the dedicated Watch number 01604 432436 alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers above quoting WB/CMS/1560/09.
Thank you
4/12/09 Operation Guardian
Two people were arrested as part of the Operation Guardian visits that took place across Northamptonshire Wednesday 2 December.
Police officers spent the day knocking on the doors of 200 people throughout the county who they believe are possibly involved in serious acquisitive crime. The visits were made as part of Operation Guardian, the force's focus on robbery, burglary and vehicle crime, and follows a day of action that saw 19 people arrested across the county two weeks ago.
Each person who received a knock at the door was presented with a letter explaining why they have been visited and had the aims behind Operation Guardian explained to them.
They were told that they will be visited again, at any time of day or night if they become involved or are believed to be involved in any of these crimes.
One person who was visited by officers in the north of the county has agreed to take part in the Rose Programme, a multi-agency scheme that works with some of the most active offenders in an effort to offer support and encouragement to stop their offending behaviour, therefore reducing the levels of crime.
Two teenage boys were arrested by officers taking part in the day's activity. One, a 16 year-old boy from Kettering was arrested after being found in possession of a stolen motorbike. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
A 17 year old boy from Northampton who was wanted on warrant in connection with a number of serious acquisitive crimes was arrested and remains in custody.
Superintendent Peter Windridge, from Operation Guardian, said: "Yesterday's operation was a great success. We spoke to the vast majority of the people we set out to and will be revisiting those addresses to speak to the people who were not in when we called.