M  E  S  S  A  G  E  S

NORFOLK – A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE

 

WEASENHAM: Theft From A Motor Vehicle  School Rd,Weasenham All Saints on 1st Feb 2012. Vehicle parked on School Road around 50 metres from the Primary School in Weasenham, left locked and secure. Near side front window was smashed and a bag had been taken from under the front passenger seat. (4797/12)

Norfolk – safest county in England and getting safer

Norfolk is officially the safest county in England according to Home Office figures released today (Thursday 19 January) and they show the county is becoming safer.

Deputy Chief Constable Simon Bailey said the crime performance figures were very good news that was reassuring for everyone.  He explained that following a short period where Devon and Cornwall equalled Norfolk’s low crime rate, Norfolk had once again come out on top with a crime rate of 50 crimes per 1,000 population.

“The Force continues to do well and, whilst we will never be complacent, we are delighted that hard work and effective partnership working with local authorities and the public is paying off.

“The national average crime rate is 66 crimes per 1,000 population – we have a significantly lower rate (50 per 1,000).  We aim to maintain this and to continue to impact on the crimes that cause most distress and harm to people,” he continued.

DCC Bailey was particularly pleased with the news that Norfolk officers are detecting more crimes than ever – Norfolk has the sixth highest detection rate in the country.

Crime has decreased by 1% and for serious acquisitive crime, Norfolk has the second fewest crimes, with just six crimes per 1,000 population.

“We should bear in mind that Norfolk has been a low crime county for a number of years now.  This means it is even harder for us to continue to reduce crime but that is what we are demonstrating today.

“For the majority of crime categories, Norfolk has seen reductions.  Where there have been increases, we have looked at why this may be the case and the analysis proves helpful in understanding the bigger picture.

“There are some categories of crime that people are reluctant to report. These are often related to domestic violence and we are actively working to encourage people to report these crimes so we can better understand them and, ultimately, take measures to break the cycle.

“Equally, there are some crimes which are only reported as a result of positive action taken by Police.  These crimes are often the result of searches carried out by officers and include possession of drugs or weapons with intent to do harm.

“Crime is more complex than may first appear and therefore, like all statistics, we do need to fully understand what the numbers actually mean.  We take pride in doing that because that is what helps us to best keep Norfolk’s people safe.”

Note: A series of dwelling burglaries in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk account for 78 of the 117 crimes with the offenders having been caught and brought to justice.

101 - THE NEW CONTACT NUMBER FOR POLICE

Norfolk Constabulary has introduced a new telephone number for people who want to talk to the police about non-urgent issues.

Instead of ringing the current switchboard number of 0845 456 4567, people should dial 101.  It’s introduction in Norfolk is part of a nationwide initiative which will see all forces adopting the number by the end of the year.  It is designed to offer one easy way to contact your local police force to report non-emergency crimes, disorder or anti-social behaviour or to speak to your local police officers.

The new number should be used to report issues which don’t require an emergency response.

For example, people should ring 101 if their vehicle has been stolen; their property has been damaged; they suspect drug use or dealing; if they want to give the police information about crime in their area; or if they would like to speak to a local police officer.   

101 will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The new 101 service is not for emergencies. In an emergency, people should always ring 999 for immediate police assistance. 

New Websites

There are a couple of new websites that you may find useful.

The first give details of local crime. go to www.police.uk and type in your postcode to see local crimes on a map of your area.

The second is the Norfolk County Council Scams Alert Webpage.  This can be found at:

www.norfolk.gov.uk/Community_and_living/Consumer_advice_and_protection/Scams/NCC051378

It gives information about new scams, and new variations on old scams and also general consumer advice. It also explains how to avoid scams and how to report them. The most recent alerts appear on this page and once there people can sign up to receive scam alerts to their email.

For instance have you received the email about a postal scam recently? It is actual a scam chain letter that has be doing the round for over three years, please ignore the request to forward it on to your friends!

Recent Incidents

Residents living in rural communities are encouraged to be on their guard and report any suspicious activity. The call follows a number of recent incidents in Attleborough and surrounding parishes where tools, jet washers and generators have been stolen.

Police are advising people living in rural communities to:

·        Always lock doors and close windows when you go out, even if you’ll only be out for a short-time.

·        Move valuable items in your garden, farm or shed to a secure location where possible.

·        Mark your belongings with a property marking product.

·        Report suspicious vehicles or persons acting suspiciously to the police

·        in an emergency call 999 or in a non-emergency call 0845 456 4567.

Seasonal Rise in Car Thefts Expected.

The following is a Home Watch message for the Dereham neighbourhood.

Police are urging residents to pay extra attention to vehicle security during the summer months. Whilst the warm weather provides the opportunities for days out, unfortunately it also provides an opportunity for thieves. Historically at this time of year, police see a rise in thefts from vehicles parked at beauty spots.

Remember to always remove valuables from your vehicle and make sure the car or van is locked and secure before leaving it unattended.

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APRIL Litcham: On 11th April A security camera and a watering hose were removed from a premise. C/no 16769/11.

MARCH Great Dunham: About four hundred litres of heating oil was removed from an oil tank on 26th March, Crime No.14415/11.

FEBRUARY, a spate of Shed Break-ins

Litcham: 3/4 Feb A red Honda quad bike and a yellow diesel log splitter was removed from an outbuilding. C/no 5398/11

Great Dunham: 1/2 Feb: Offender/s have entered an outbuilding in North Street, Great Dunham and have stolen a number of tools.

In Litcham Road, Great Dunham. Unknown person/s entered a garage, nothing appears to have been stolen at this stage.

Gressenhall: Garden items were removed from two outbuildings.

Rougham: A hedge trimmer and a chainsaw were stolen from a shed and copper piping taken from a vehicle.

JANUARY: OIL THEFTS : Police are advising oil tank owners to increase their security after two recent local thefts of heating oil. Approximately £1,000 worth of heating oil was stolen from a property  in Mattishall Road, Dereham and oil worth £450 was stolen from Halls Drive in Gressenhall.

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Mobile Police Station I have been informed by East Dereham Police that the mobile police station is no longer in operation and it is “...unlikely that the service will be reinstated...”

January: Beeston - Dereham Rd, Beeston.  16-18 Jan 1000 ltrs of heating oil stolen.

Little Dunham - 3/5 Jan,   2 gas bottles stolen from outside property.

February: Litcham, Back St, 13th Feb  Theft from Car - Front Passenger Side window smashed and handbag stolen

March: Litcham Dereham Rd, 3-4 Mar. Farm yard entered and secure lock-up broken into

Beeston, Herne Lane, 7 Mar.   Wheels & tyres stolen from commercial premises

Mileham, 6/9 Mar.   Secure oil store forced & 1200ltrs of oil stolen.

July: Speeding Campaign In response to residents’ concerns about speeding officers have targeted motorists who have been driving through local hotspot areas (including: Gressenhall, Beetley, Swanton Morley, Tittleshall & Mileham) at excessive speeds. A total of 70 drivers were caught speeding in villages during a three day speed awareness campaign. The motorists were issued with fixed penalty notices, verbal or written warnings.  Dereham Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) worked together with the Norfolk Safety Camera Partnership and Special Constabulary to educate drivers and enforce the speed limits.

Dereham PCSO Matthew Havers said: “We have been working closely with our local communities to tackle the issues that affect their quality of life. Speeding was raised as a concern by local residents in both rural and urban areas. We hope our high visibility policing presence during the speed awareness campaign has offered reassurance to the local neighbourhoods that we are taking positive action to prevent motorists speeding in their community.”  The campaign was carried out between 13th–15th July.

August: Conman in Fakenham

Police are asking members of the public to be vigilant following reports of a conman in operation in the county. The same man is believed to have approached elderly people in Fakenham and Yarmouth selling fake watches under the pretext of raising funds to buy petrol for an airport run. A man driving a small black car with a silver stripe down the side was seen in Lancaster Close, Fakenham, where he persuaded an elderly man to buy some 'top quality' watches for £60 telling him he needed cash for petrol money in order to get to Heathrow airport. The watches were subsequently found to be cheap imitations worth around £5 each. The offender is described as a white male in his 60s, with a sallow complexion, he spoke with an Italian accent and was notably wearing slippers. 

Local Thefts

Tittleshall. Between 7pm on Saturday 31 July and 7am on Monday 2nd August two wooden gates were stolen in Weasenham Road,  

Stanfiled: A trailer was stolen from a fenced paddock in Whissonsett Road, sometime  between 4.30pm on Saturday 7th August and 6am on Sunday 8th.

East Lexham: Sometime between Friday 30 July and Friday 6th August a bird bath, 6 garden cushions and 2 wooden chairs were stolen.

September: Oil & Diesel Thefts in Wendling & West Lexham

Sometime between Sunday 19 and Thursday 23 September 500 litres of heating oil was stolen in Swaffham Road, Wendling.

Sometime between Friday 24 and 8am on Monday 27 September 165 gallons of diesel was taken from agricultural vehicles in West Lexham. Anyone with information about these two incidents should contact Dereham Safer Neighbourhood Team on 08454564567

Burglary in Little Fransham.

Sometime between 6.30pm on Wednesday 22 September and 9.20am on Thursday 23 September unknown person(s) forced entry through the back door and a 40inch Samsung TV was stolen from a property in Little Fransham.  Anyone with information should contact Norfolk Constabulary on 08454564567. Quoting reference number 141 of 23rd September or crime number 44505.

Click here for advice on preventing Oil theft.

October: Wendling

An outbuilding was broken into between 1pm on Sunday 31 October and 7.30am on Monday 1 November in Wendling. Thieves broke into a secure unit by cutting off the padlock and stole 400 litres of red diesel as well as an electric pump, hose, stand and trays.

Reference number 67 of 1st November or crime number 51664.

Any witnesses should contact Norfolk Constabulary on 0845 456 4567.

November: Car Theft in MILEHAM

Police are appealing for witnesses after a vehicle green Isuzu Trooper 4x4, vehicle registration L796PNU was stolen from a car park in Mileham. sometime between 6.30pm on Thursday 18 November and 7am on Friday 19 November.

Any witnesses should contact Norfolk Constabulary on 0845 456 4567. Quoting reference number 76 of 19th November or crime number 54563.

Car Thieves Operating Locally

Motorists are reminded to remove all vauables from their vehicles before locking them securely, following a spate of vehicle crime in Dereham and Fakenham. Eight crimes have been reported where vehicles have been interfered with and items stolen since Wednesday 3 November.

Two incidents took place on Wednesday at Fakenham Rugby Club and 6 further incidents took place on Thursday 4th. 

Items taken include mobile phones, iPods, wallets, clothing, cash, cards and a laptop. 

If you have any information about these crimes or noticed anyone acting suspiciously in the area please call

Norfolk Constabulary on 0845 456 4567 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Two local shed break-in

Colkirk

An outbuilding was broken into in Church Road, Colkirk between 3.30pm on Tuesday 2nd November and 8.30am on Wednesday 3rd.

A partially made orange and black motorcycle was stolen, number plate KTM 360.

Reference number 92 of 3rd November or crime number 51832.

December: ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH COVERED IN GRAFFITI

Police are appealing for information following criminal damage to All Saints’ Church Litcham.

Graffiti has been sprayed on four external walls of the church. The incident happened sometime between 12.01am on Wednesday 8 December and 10am on Wednesday 15 December

If you have any information regarding these incidents please contact Norfolk Constabulary on 0845 456 4567. Quoting  reference number 127 of 15th December or crime number 58741

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Crime Map

If you go to www.norfolk.police.uk and click on Local Crime Mapping, you will be able to see crime statistics for various parts of Norfolk. If you keep clicking on the + sign you can focus down further on the map to street level. You will see that crime in the Litcham Area has decreased by 58% since this time last year!

Homewatch Messages Archive - 2005-2009 - 2010