Summary of incidents in April

5 reports of criminal damage to a dwelling.

13 reports of criminal damage to property other than a dwelling.

4 reports of criminal damage to vehicle

2 reports of theft of motor vehicle, 1 attempted theft of a motor vehicle and 1 theft from motor vehicle.

2 thefts non-dwelling and 2 of pedal cycles stolen.

7 reports of theft from store.

1 report of theft from a dwelling.

2 incidents involving controlled drugs.

2 fixed penalty notices issued for theft from shop.

6 reports of assault causing bodily harm and 7 reports of assault by beating.

1 incident of harassment.

2 assaults on Police Officers, and 1 obstruction of Police Officer.

2 reports of making off without payment at a garage.

1 Firearms incident.

1 report of fraud.

There was an incident of arson.

1 report of shed burglary

1 incident of assault causing actual bodily harm.

1 report of theft of motor vehicle

An historic shed was badly damaged in a field.

A tractor was stolen from a local farm.

Theft of an arc welder from a rural property.

Severe damage to telephone kiosk

Damage to gates and a fence.

Eight fancy breeding birds were stolen from a rural property.

Monday to Sunday 9am to 1pm

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,

Thursday and Friday 4pm to 7pm

During holiday periods and sickness the counter may close during the evenings.

The counter is closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. All other public Holidays the counter will open 9am to 1pm

Emergency only 999

West Mercia Police 08457 444888

Crimestoppers 0800 555111

Hereford Division Media 01432 347340

Mobile 07967 743147

Victim Support 01432 347208

Childline 0800 1111

Domestic Violence Helpline 0800 7831359

National Drugs Helpline 0800 776 600

National Neighbourhood WatchAssociation 02079 630160

Herefordshire Road Safety Hotline 01432 364582

As before, all incidents should be reported on 08457 444888 for an appropriate and timely resource to be allocated

Crime Prevention Manager - PC Charles Naylor

PC 3441 Deborah HUGGINS, Ledbury RURAL Beat Manager can be contacted on:

Tel: 08457 444888/ 07814554498 or via email: deborah.huggins@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

Community Support Officer Alison DORE can be contacted on:

Tel: 08457 444888/ 07970 602 338 or via email: alison.dore@westmercia.pnn. police.uk

PC 3554 Pete ASKWITH, Ledbury TOWN Beat Manager can be contacted on:

Tel: 08457 444888/ 07814 554496, or via email: peter.askwith@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

Community Support Office Leatte CLARKE can be contacted on:

Tel: 08457 444888 or via email: leatte.clarke@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

HELP US TO KEEP CRIME LOW

This time of year traditionally sees an increase in the number sheds and garages targeted by burglars but there are some simple steps that everyone can take to put off green-fingered thieves.

Around 1,000 shed burglaries take place every year across West Mercia, so it is important that people take the time to ensure their valuables are stored securely.

"While many people take steps to protect their homes and the property inside them, they often leave valuable equipment such as power tools, mowers, garden tools and bikes in unsecured sheds or in sheds that are not strong or secure enough to protect the items from thieves," said PC Charles Naylor, Herefordshire Division’s Crime Risk Manager.

"Garden crime is an unfortunate reality so we are advising people to look at how secure their garden or shed is and if necessary make some adjustments to help ‘weed out’ garden thieves.

"It’s important to remember that most garden sheds are not designed for the safe storage of expensive items such as power tools, mowers, bikes and garden tools. If at all possible they should be stored somewhere more secure but if this proves impossible to do, there are some simple steps you can take which will still ensure your valuables are much better protected," added PC Naylor.

Top tips for garden shed security include:

• Keep the shed in good condition
• Keep it locked
• Fit a closed shackle padlock to the door and ensure that the fittings are bolted through the door and that any screws are concealed so that potential thieves cannot easily remove the padlock and it’s fixtures.
• You should also fit grilles or mesh to the windows and invest in an alarm.
• Chain together expensive items such as bicycles – this makes them much more difficult to move.
• Keep items such as ladders or tools that could be used to break into the home under lock and key and out of sight where possible.

As well as increasing security for your shed or garage itself, the design and layout of your garden can also help to lessen the likelihood of becoming the victim of a burglary.

The first thing to look at is the boundaries of your property as these are your first line of defence against burglars. You should ensure that all gates, fences and walls are strong and kept in good repair to deter intruders from getting to the back and sides of your property. High fences are more difficult to climb, so consider attaching a trellis to your fence to add more height to it.

If you have a side gate ensure that it is positioned as close to the front of the house as possible. Would-be intruders will be put off climbing over it as they will be in full view of your neighbours. You should also ensure that the gate is kept locked at all times. Fitting motion sensitive lights over the gate and in other key areas in your garden is another good way of keeping intruders at bay.

"Another way of increasing security in your garden is by doing some defensive planting," explained PC Charles Naylor. "This means using certain prickly plants, bushes and shrubs and planting them around vulnerable areas such as windows, fences, boundary walls and drainpipes to deter burglars.

"If you’re not sure what sort of plants to use then ask for some advice at your local garden centre. However, defensive planting should be used to complement and not replace other security measures so do not buy prickly plants in place of lights, locks and alarms."

West Mercia Constabulary has produced an information leaflet with advice on how people can better protect their gardens and sheds.