Neighbourhood Watch Letter

2 May, 2008

Thefts of heating oil and red diesel continue, in the last fortnight reports have come from Ashperton and The Purlieu. Information has been received from Gloucestershire Police that an unmarked domestic fuel oil tanker, which appears to be delivering oil, is in fact draining tanks!  If you notice any suspicious tanker, please could you let us know!

We have also been notified of the theft of a 19kg propane gas cylinder, used to heat a greenhouse, from a property in Falcon Lane, Ledbury.

A heavy duty padlock and an industrial power washer were stolen from the shed of premises in Wellington Heath, and items including a Samsung camera, a Sony Ericson mobile phone and a chainsaw from another property in the area a few days later.

Windows and windscreens were smashed in two vehicles – a horsebox and a pick-up – parked on land in Lower Eggleton.

Two chainsaws were stolen from a shed at the rear of a property in Aylton between 13^th & 20^th April.

A trailer was stolen from commercial premises in Ledbury. Last year saw a number of trailers stolen, it may be worth considering putting a wheel clamp on any trailer that is not locked up out of sight.

Over the weekend of 25^th/27^th April a large amount of graffiti appeared in several locations in Ledbury. On Tuesday 29^th April, a member of the public handed a rucksack in to Found Property, which gave officers an indication of the offenders. Immediate enquiries led to 4 people being spoken to and who will be charged with the offences at a later date. It is encouraging when the Police and public are able to work together to solve crimes and prevent further incidents occurring.

It was reported to us early this week that two elderly ladies, described as having Birmingham accents, and possibly from a religious group, were knocking on doors in the Mathon area.  Concerns were raised, as they appeared to be looking through windows of property where there was no reply, and making notes in a small notebook. Officers doing an area search failed to find the ladies, if they appear in your area please let us know.

On 30^th April a grey petrol driven Stiga sit on lawn mower was driven away from premises in Leigh Sinton. Offenders have cut wire fencing to access the mower and driven it across the fields. It is approaching the time of year when we start thinking about our gardens; please may I emphasise how important it is to lock equipment away out of sight.

We have had a report of a yellow vehicle in the Acton Beauchamp area where the occupants are touting for scrap.  A yellow vehicle, badly loaded with scrap, was seen on the Ledbury to Ross road, turning through Little Marcle. At this time there were three males in the cab, and it was not possible to read the registration number as it was covered in mud.  Any other sightings, please?