Local Policing - Updated 10/11/17

Area

The parish of Long Sutton comes under the ‘F’ district of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

Cold Callers

Trading Standards have made us aware that there are companies causing concerns in Somerset. These often have representatives in the area cold calling at houses. They vary in what they are offering, it can be suggesting they can handle compensation claims or talking about cavity wall insulation. Callers can be offering to provide garden services, selling goods etc.

Bogus traders often call at the door without an appointment - their work can be over-priced and poor quality.

Make sure you do not buy from or sell to callers at the door. If you have a chain on your door then ensure it is on before you answer the door to strangers.

Do not have dealings with cold callers - better to close the door and keep them outside. If you do want to have work done then ensure you get written quotations from reputable companies - consider asking family or friends for suggestions.

Remember you can also get bogus calls on the telephone or by Email - never give out ANY personal information on either.

If you think you have been subject of cold calling, bogus traders etc then please contact the police using the 999 emergency number.

Targeting Rural Crime in Somerset

We want to update you as to what we are doing to tackle crime specifically affecting our rural and agricultural communities in Somerset. As part of a latest activity we carried out a search warrant on Monday 12/12, at a property near Ilchester.

Officers from Somerset Investigations and the Rural Crime Team were supported by Catch and Disrupt Units and the Financial Investigation Team in executing the warrant in relation to suspected burglary offences. A 44 year-old man was arrested at the property on suspicion of burglary and handling stolen goods. During the search we recovered several items of agricultural machinery suspected to be stolen including a log splitter, livestock trailer and a diesel Bowser. Other suspected stolen items were also recovered including power tools, alcohol and items of food. Police Dog Ollie also found a large tub of white powder divided in to wraps, which is suspected to be amphetamine.

Superintendent Mike Prior, who leads on rural crime for the force, said: “We are committed to tackling and disrupting criminality that targets and impacts on our rural communities and businesses. Theft and burglary, particularly of machinery and livestock, has an enormous impact on the livelihoods of our farmers. We are listening and we are taking action.“

The Rural Crime Team are now identifying the rightful owners of the property seized yesterday and will continue working with colleagues, local partners and the community to both prevent and detect crime across Somerset.

“We will also continue to listen, work with and feedback to the Rural Crime Forum, who represent a variety of groups and organisations across Somerset to ensure that our communities feel represented and kept up-to-date with our activities.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “The Constabulary are working hard to tackle rural crime and to bring offenders to justice. The police and I take the concerns of our rural communities very seriously and I hope that this operation offers reassurance to them.

“Burglary is extremely disruptive and upsetting and can make some people feel unsettled in their own home for a long time. It’s important that residents across Avon and Somerset are safe and feel safe and that they know that any type of burglary will not be tolerated."

Supt’ Prior added: “We all have a part to play, and communities are stronger and safer when we work together. Please help us to help you by taking steps to minimise the risk of falling victims to thieves. There is information and advice on our website specifically for rural communities and businesses.

“You are our eyes and ears, so if you have information that could help us, please get in touch. You can do this anonymously and all information is confidential.”

If you have information about suspected rural crime, then please contact us by visiting the website or calling 101. Alternatively you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call and you could earn yourself a cash reward.

Rural Crime Team

Summer Security

Advice from Avon and Somerset Constabulary

With summer here again the pubs are busy and the local festivals are starting. Please be considerate whilst leaving pubs and festivals in the early hours that you keep the noise to a minimum and any litter is disposed of properly.

Everyone should be considering the security of cars making sure you are not leaving any desirable items on display like the kids Nintendo 3DS, tablets, car stereos, iPads, iPhones and Sat Navs as these items can be desirable to thieves especially if windows and sunroofs are left open to keep the car cool. Also bikes and sheds have been targeted by thieves at the moment so please make sure your bike is locked up and post code stamped and all your garden machinery is marked with your details, Sheducation leaflets are available from Somerton Police station that can give you ideas on securing your shed and property.

We would also like to advise anyone who is planning to go on holiday home or abroad to make sure that your homes are left safe with all windows and doors well secured and that trusted neighbours are aware so they can keep an eye on your property for you, you may of course also inform your local police with a list of key holders of your property for while your away in case your unfortunate enough to have any problems at your home while your away.

Now that the weather is hot please spare a thought for your dogs while they are left in the car, make sure there is plenty of water for them with the window only slightly open (remember security!). The best bet is to leave them at home where it's cool.

Be safe and enjoy the summer.

If you have any information that may help, please contact us online or call us on 101.

We have dedicated areas of the website offering advice and online services.

View this article on our website

Beware Rogue Traders

Avon and Somerset Constabulary are asking people to be on the alert for rogue traders and distraction burglars, and particularly to keep a look out for the elderly and vulnerable who are most often the victims of these crimes. For more details from the police click here

Keep Car Keys Safe

Avon and Somerset Constabulary are advising people to keep keys safe after recent car key burglaries in Bristol and Somerset.
The four isolated incidents have happened in Bath, Bristol and Yeovil over the last week.

In a couple of cases keys were left hung up near a front door and burglars have used implements to reach them through the letter box.
In one offence the keys were left on display in the window sill and the offenders broke in via a window to steal them.

Another incident involved burglars spotting house keys that were left in a car outside and using them to break into the house and steal the car keys in order to take the car. DCI Gary Haskins said: "With the improved security of modern cars thieves increasingly target the keys, including breaking into homes or fishing through letterboxes to get them.

"Your keys are worth as much as your car. Always put them securely away out of sight - never leave them in the back of a door or within view through the letterbox or window.

"Always lock your car, even if you're only leaving it for a few moments, and never leave any valuables on view inside."

Top tips for securing your home:

Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you're just out in the garden.
Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox (remember a device could be used to hook keys through the letterbox)
Install a visual burglar alarm and good outside lighting
Keep ladders and tools stored away; don't leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home
Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property
Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows
Mark your property with postcode and house number and register your property for free with Immobilise
Store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe or bankvault.

Land Rover Thefts 2017

This is the time of year when once again Land Rovers are being stolen. Now the Defender is no longer being produced they have become even more attractive - especially for parts.

Overnight 8-9 Nov 2017,

Offenders have reached in through an open kitchen window on a farm in Martock, removed car keys and then stolen a Landrover Discovery WF62DYN parked in the yard. Any sightings or information please contact 101 or text our info line 07492888109. Crime ref 5217256329.

In the last month a number of Land Rovers have been stolen in the South Somerset and Sedgemoor area. Thefts reported in Martock, Cossington, Westonzoyland and West Coker.

Please take steps to protect your vehicle:

• Keep locked and secure when unattended.

• Do not leave keys in the ignition or anywhere else where a thief will easily find them

• Where possible, park in well-lit areas which are overlooked

• Fit a mechanical immobiliser such as a Thatcham approved steering lock, pedal lock, wheel clamp

• Fit an alarm

• Consider installing a tracking device

• Thieves will target component parts, so mark them using a forensic solution or permanent marker

• Etch windows with the registration number

• Consider fitting a hidden battery isolation or fuel cut off switch

• Take photographs of unusual features, modifications or damage/repairs which may aid identification if stolen

• If possible keep in a secure garage or block in with other vehicles or heavy plant

• Ensure any valuables are removed from the vehicle including satnavs and cradles

Owners are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around their vehicles.

If you have any information relating to Land Rover thefts, please contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101. Alternatively, call the charity CRIMESTOPPERS anonymously on 0800555111

Local Officers

Sgt Rob JAMESON
Tel: 101
Email: rob.jamesonl@avonandsomerset.police.uk

PC Teresa LINES (Beat Manager)
Tel: 101
Email: Teresa.Lines@avonandsomerset.police.uk

PCSO Fiona Wilson
Tel: 101
Email: Fiona.Wilson@avonandsomerset.police.uk