Sussex Police is calling on the public to be on the lookout to prevent fuel and metal thefts across the county.
Since fuel and metal prices have risen, there has been a steady increase in diesel thefts from commercial vehicles and storage tanks situated at farm premises and commercial companies across Sussex. There has also been a significant rise in metal thefts including lead, cast iron and copper cabling from homes, churches, schools and commercial yards.
Members of the public who live in rural locations, near to commercial parking areas or vulnerable buildings are asked to report any sightings of suspect persons, unusual activity or vehicle movement. Anyone who spots any suspicious activitiy should call 0845 60 70 999 or if suspects are present, dial 999 for an immediate response.
Information about thefts can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Trevor Cox, Sussex Police's crime reduction adviser, says that information from vigilant members of the public is vital if the police are to successfully target those responsible.
"Buildings are being damaged, sometimes dangerously so, and companies already struggling to survive are in danger of going under because of these crimes being committed," he said.
"Owners of vulnerable vehicles and premises can also help by taking steps to tackle the problem and if they are unsure as to what they can do they should contact their local crime prevention officer, through their local police station, who will be happy to assist or arrange an on site visit."
Showing posts with label 0800 555 111. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 0800 555 111. Show all posts
Friday, 16 April 2010
Saturday, 3 April 2010
Four overnight burglaries in Littlehampton
Following the coldest winter on record for over thirty years, Sunday 28th March finally saw the start of British Summer Time.
While most people will welcome the longer evenings and (fingers crossed) warmer weather, it's also a time of year when burglars seek to take advantage. Although the number of burglaries across Sussex are falling there is always a rise during the summer months because of people leaving doors and windows open or insecure.
Sadly for the residents of four properties in Littlehampton, summer may have come a little too early. Just as many of us were enjoying a well earned Good Friday break, officers from Littlehampton Police Station were investigating four burglary dwellings that had occurred overnight.
Around 1.20am (1st April) an elderly resident in The Faroes was woken up, and heard male voices in his property. The burglars made off with a black Advent laptop computer.
Between 11.30pm and 8.30am (31st March-1st April) two houses in Thorncroft Road were unlawfully entered with the burglars stealing a mobile telephone, foodstuff and various items of clothing.
Between 10.45pm and 5.30am (31st March- 1st April) a property in Western Road was entered after the front door was forced with an unknown implement. The burglars left having stolen:
1) A black leather type handbag with foldover clasp and long shoulder strap which contained £70 cash and various bank, store and other cards.
2) A gold ring with the initials JJ on it
3) Silver ‘Concord’ digital camera (3.1 megapixels)
4) Statue of Zulu man 18inches tall, made of pottery with a shield in one hand and a sword in the other.
5) Two Second World War medals - one described as a bronze star with red, white and blue on it and the other is described as being a silver round service medal.
Sgt Peter Allan of Littlehampton Police said, “ We are investigating these offences which occurred over the same night in a fairly small geographic area. Sadly three of the four properties were insecure which made it easy for the burglars to enter. I appeal for people to lock their doors and windows, even when they are indoors.
“I would further ask that members of the public promptly inform us of any suspicious activity they witness, as well as reporting the theft of any items from their premises straight away. Finally keep all wallets, purses, credit cards and car keys out of sight.
“Please contact Littlehampton CID if you have any information in connection with these or any other burglaries.”
Lock all doors and windows when going out or working in the back garden, put all garden tools away and lock your shed or garage. Don't be careless with your wallet or purse, even around you home. Place it out of sight.
It only takes a few seconds for a burglar to make his mark, so take a few minutes to make your mark against them. Discouraging them from targeting your property will help ensure you enjoy your summer.
Please ask for our information sheet, which you can display in an appropriate place as a reminder. You can obtain one at your local police station or by calling 0845 60 70 999 and asking to speak to your local Crime Prevention Officer.
Because the best defence against any burglary is prevention, Crime Prevention Officers will be distributing the 'Keep Cool This Summer' leaflets across Sussex. The leaflets contain the following advice:
1) When you go out, lock all the doors and windows.
2) Don't leave fanlight windows open.
3) When you leave a room unattended, close windows and doors - especially on the ground floor.
4) If you want to leave your windows open whilst you are asleep, fit window restrictors to stop people opening them to climb in.
5) Double check fences and boundaries to make sure they keep burglars out.
6) Secure garden tools and ladders in a locked shed or garage to prevent them being used to break in to your or a neighbour's home.
7) Keep all wallets, purses, credit cards and car keys out of sight.
8) Consider laying gravel on your footpaths or driveway, which can deter burglars from approaching your property.
9)Outside security lighting as well as a visible burglar alarm helps deter burglars.
For more advice on crime prevention visit www.sussex.police.uk or phone 0845 60 70 999 and ask for your local Crime Prevention Officer.
In an emergency, or if you see a crime in progress, always dial 999.
While most people will welcome the longer evenings and (fingers crossed) warmer weather, it's also a time of year when burglars seek to take advantage. Although the number of burglaries across Sussex are falling there is always a rise during the summer months because of people leaving doors and windows open or insecure.
Sadly for the residents of four properties in Littlehampton, summer may have come a little too early. Just as many of us were enjoying a well earned Good Friday break, officers from Littlehampton Police Station were investigating four burglary dwellings that had occurred overnight.
Around 1.20am (1st April) an elderly resident in The Faroes was woken up, and heard male voices in his property. The burglars made off with a black Advent laptop computer.
Between 11.30pm and 8.30am (31st March-1st April) two houses in Thorncroft Road were unlawfully entered with the burglars stealing a mobile telephone, foodstuff and various items of clothing.
Between 10.45pm and 5.30am (31st March- 1st April) a property in Western Road was entered after the front door was forced with an unknown implement. The burglars left having stolen:
1) A black leather type handbag with foldover clasp and long shoulder strap which contained £70 cash and various bank, store and other cards.
2) A gold ring with the initials JJ on it
3) Silver ‘Concord’ digital camera (3.1 megapixels)
4) Statue of Zulu man 18inches tall, made of pottery with a shield in one hand and a sword in the other.
5) Two Second World War medals - one described as a bronze star with red, white and blue on it and the other is described as being a silver round service medal.
Sgt Peter Allan of Littlehampton Police said, “ We are investigating these offences which occurred over the same night in a fairly small geographic area. Sadly three of the four properties were insecure which made it easy for the burglars to enter. I appeal for people to lock their doors and windows, even when they are indoors.
“I would further ask that members of the public promptly inform us of any suspicious activity they witness, as well as reporting the theft of any items from their premises straight away. Finally keep all wallets, purses, credit cards and car keys out of sight.
“Please contact Littlehampton CID if you have any information in connection with these or any other burglaries.”
Lock all doors and windows when going out or working in the back garden, put all garden tools away and lock your shed or garage. Don't be careless with your wallet or purse, even around you home. Place it out of sight.
It only takes a few seconds for a burglar to make his mark, so take a few minutes to make your mark against them. Discouraging them from targeting your property will help ensure you enjoy your summer.
Please ask for our information sheet, which you can display in an appropriate place as a reminder. You can obtain one at your local police station or by calling 0845 60 70 999 and asking to speak to your local Crime Prevention Officer.
Because the best defence against any burglary is prevention, Crime Prevention Officers will be distributing the 'Keep Cool This Summer' leaflets across Sussex. The leaflets contain the following advice:
1) When you go out, lock all the doors and windows.
2) Don't leave fanlight windows open.
3) When you leave a room unattended, close windows and doors - especially on the ground floor.
4) If you want to leave your windows open whilst you are asleep, fit window restrictors to stop people opening them to climb in.
5) Double check fences and boundaries to make sure they keep burglars out.
6) Secure garden tools and ladders in a locked shed or garage to prevent them being used to break in to your or a neighbour's home.
7) Keep all wallets, purses, credit cards and car keys out of sight.
8) Consider laying gravel on your footpaths or driveway, which can deter burglars from approaching your property.
9)Outside security lighting as well as a visible burglar alarm helps deter burglars.
For more advice on crime prevention visit www.sussex.police.uk or phone 0845 60 70 999 and ask for your local Crime Prevention Officer.
In an emergency, or if you see a crime in progress, always dial 999.
Friday, 2 April 2010
Supermarket distraction crimes on the rise across Sussex
Sussex Police are investigating a growing number of distraction crimes at supermarkets across the county and believe that the same gang could be responsible for many of them.
Since January, there have been 23 distraction offences in or around supermarkets and these have risen sharply from three in January, six in February to 14 in March. The same method has been used in 18 cases with victims being approached by one or two men or a man and a woman asking directions to the nearest hospital as their sister has been in an accident or they need to get insulin.
Victims are followed around the supermarket and watched when they use their financial cards. The victim is either beckoned over to the suspects car or blocked by the car. While they show them the route on the map another suspect steals cards from the victim's car and withdrawals are subsequently made from a nearby cash machine, often one at the supermarket.
Another method is for a man to approach a victim claiming that he's seen them drop £10. When they check their wallets, he steals cards. In Lewes, a woman got off a bus near the prison, having been shopping in Waitrose in the town, and was approached by three men asking for directions. She later discovered that her card had been stolen and it was established that a member of supermarket staff had seen a man watching her enter a PIN. This was corroborated by CCTV.
Offences have occurred across Sussex with five in Burgess Hill and four each in Eastbourne and Lewes. Bexhill-on-Sea, Crawley, Horsham, Pulborough, Shoreham-by-Sea and Worthing have also been targeted with Tesco car parks featuring in 16 of the cases. Other stores have included B&Q, Sainsburys and Morrisons.
The victims are predominantly late middle-aged to elderly lone females with the offences taking place mostly on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11am and 3pm.
The suspects are described as eastern European, Mediterranean, Turkish or Polish with descriptions indicating at least two main offenders. Ages of the men range from 20-40, all with short dark hair. When a woman has been present she has been described as Asian or eastern European, aged 20-30 with long dark hair in a ponytail.
Up to seven different vehicles have been identified as being used in the offences. The most common report is of a beige/fawn coloured vehicle, either P registered or with the part index T284. Another common description is of a blue car, possibly a Vauxhall Vectra. Other vehicles have been a Vauxhall-sized silver car with orange spoilers, a red car, a white 4x4, a pale grey people carrier and a white hatchback.
Police are warning people to be cautious about any unexpected approaches while out shopping, especially around supermarkets, and also to be very guarded about entering PINs at any location. Take care not to allow other people to see your number.
Anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious of this nature or who has information about the people involved is asked to contact 0845 60 70 999 quoting 1055 of 16/03.
Since January, there have been 23 distraction offences in or around supermarkets and these have risen sharply from three in January, six in February to 14 in March. The same method has been used in 18 cases with victims being approached by one or two men or a man and a woman asking directions to the nearest hospital as their sister has been in an accident or they need to get insulin.
Victims are followed around the supermarket and watched when they use their financial cards. The victim is either beckoned over to the suspects car or blocked by the car. While they show them the route on the map another suspect steals cards from the victim's car and withdrawals are subsequently made from a nearby cash machine, often one at the supermarket.
Another method is for a man to approach a victim claiming that he's seen them drop £10. When they check their wallets, he steals cards. In Lewes, a woman got off a bus near the prison, having been shopping in Waitrose in the town, and was approached by three men asking for directions. She later discovered that her card had been stolen and it was established that a member of supermarket staff had seen a man watching her enter a PIN. This was corroborated by CCTV.
Offences have occurred across Sussex with five in Burgess Hill and four each in Eastbourne and Lewes. Bexhill-on-Sea, Crawley, Horsham, Pulborough, Shoreham-by-Sea and Worthing have also been targeted with Tesco car parks featuring in 16 of the cases. Other stores have included B&Q, Sainsburys and Morrisons.
The victims are predominantly late middle-aged to elderly lone females with the offences taking place mostly on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11am and 3pm.
The suspects are described as eastern European, Mediterranean, Turkish or Polish with descriptions indicating at least two main offenders. Ages of the men range from 20-40, all with short dark hair. When a woman has been present she has been described as Asian or eastern European, aged 20-30 with long dark hair in a ponytail.
Up to seven different vehicles have been identified as being used in the offences. The most common report is of a beige/fawn coloured vehicle, either P registered or with the part index T284. Another common description is of a blue car, possibly a Vauxhall Vectra. Other vehicles have been a Vauxhall-sized silver car with orange spoilers, a red car, a white 4x4, a pale grey people carrier and a white hatchback.
Police are warning people to be cautious about any unexpected approaches while out shopping, especially around supermarkets, and also to be very guarded about entering PINs at any location. Take care not to allow other people to see your number.
Anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious of this nature or who has information about the people involved is asked to contact 0845 60 70 999 quoting 1055 of 16/03.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
We will catch you.
Officers from Worthing CID who are investigating a burglary dwelling in Warwick Street, Worthing arrested a 19yr old female at her address in Littlehampton on Saturday 13th February. Enquiries revealed that a Playstation 3 that was stolen from the original burglary was at the Littlehampton address and it has been seized.
Following interview the female has been released on bail to return to the Worthing Custody Centre at 3pm on Monday 22nd March.
Sgt Peter Allan of Littlehampton Police said, "This arrest sends a positive message to people who are victims of burglary involving these popular items, that we have a good chance of locating your property. Conversely the message to those who steal or purchase these items at an unbelievably low price, from an illegal source; we will identify you and arrest you."
If you have been offered property at a 'too good to be true' price or have any information in relation to burglary, please contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999, or alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Monday, 8 February 2010
Police release e-fit following Littlehampton motorcycle robbery
Police have released an e-fit of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a knifepoint robbery of a motorcycle in Littlehampton.
Click to view image: http://www.sussex.police.uk/pressline/picture.aspx?uniqueid=29788
The incident happened at about 5.30pm on Friday 29 January when the victim was cleaning his motor cycle, a black/orange Suzuki DR 350, index T463WPN, in Selborne Road, Littlehampton. A man armed with a knife approached him from North Place, and hit him in the face causing a graze to his jaw.
The offender then leapt on the motor cycle and made off towards Norfolk Road. He is described as being white, 5''7", aged between 30-40, of medium build, wearing a dark coloured quilted jacket, black beanie style woollen hat and light coloured trainers.
Sgt Peter Allan said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time or anyone who saw a motorcycle being ridden by a rider who was not wearing a crash helmet."
In particular a small dark hatchback car with single male occupant was seen to drive out of North Place immediately after the bike made off, in the same direction. Police would like to speak to that driver vehicle to establish whether he witnessed the robbery and to eliminate him from their enquiries.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on quoting Serial 1397 of 29 January, or alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Click to view image: http://www.sussex.police.uk/pressline/picture.aspx?uniqueid=29788
The incident happened at about 5.30pm on Friday 29 January when the victim was cleaning his motor cycle, a black/orange Suzuki DR 350, index T463WPN, in Selborne Road, Littlehampton. A man armed with a knife approached him from North Place, and hit him in the face causing a graze to his jaw.
The offender then leapt on the motor cycle and made off towards Norfolk Road. He is described as being white, 5''7", aged between 30-40, of medium build, wearing a dark coloured quilted jacket, black beanie style woollen hat and light coloured trainers.
Sgt Peter Allan said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time or anyone who saw a motorcycle being ridden by a rider who was not wearing a crash helmet."
In particular a small dark hatchback car with single male occupant was seen to drive out of North Place immediately after the bike made off, in the same direction. Police would like to speak to that driver vehicle to establish whether he witnessed the robbery and to eliminate him from their enquiries.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on quoting Serial 1397 of 29 January, or alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Police issue E-Fit of Bognor Body.
Police have released an e-fit of a man whose body was found by a member of the public at the foot of the external stairwell of Richmond House in Queensway, Bognor, with severe head injuries, on Monday 18 January at 6.30am.
Click here to view image: http://www.sussex.police.uk/pressline/picture.aspx?uniqueid=29677
Despite extensive inquiries, including the distribution of leaflets by neighbourhood policing teams in Littlehampton and Bognor, the middle aged man remains unidentified.
A post mortem revealed injuries on the body were consistent with a fall from some height, and there were no other separate underlying injuries. Further toxicology tests will be carried out. There is still no evidence of foul play but the death remains unexplained.
Detective Inspector Jim McKnight said: "We would like to hear from anyone who knows who the dead man is. Someone must know that a relative, friend, work colleague or neighbour is missing. He was aged between 35 and 50, about 16 stone in weight, with short brown hair, which was receding. He was wearing a yellow polo shirt, a black Berghaus sleeveless fleece, dark blue Yves St Laurent jacket, blue jeans and tan coloured ankle boots. He had also had a heart operation resulting in the insertion of a replacement aorta valve, which left him with a 4” scar on the centre of his chest.
"We are anxious to find out who this man is, but my team of detectives also needs to establish his movements prior to his death, where he had been and who he was with. Anyone who can help should contact police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Westridge, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
Click here to view image: http://www.sussex.police.uk/pressline/picture.aspx?uniqueid=29677
Despite extensive inquiries, including the distribution of leaflets by neighbourhood policing teams in Littlehampton and Bognor, the middle aged man remains unidentified.
A post mortem revealed injuries on the body were consistent with a fall from some height, and there were no other separate underlying injuries. Further toxicology tests will be carried out. There is still no evidence of foul play but the death remains unexplained.
Detective Inspector Jim McKnight said: "We would like to hear from anyone who knows who the dead man is. Someone must know that a relative, friend, work colleague or neighbour is missing. He was aged between 35 and 50, about 16 stone in weight, with short brown hair, which was receding. He was wearing a yellow polo shirt, a black Berghaus sleeveless fleece, dark blue Yves St Laurent jacket, blue jeans and tan coloured ankle boots. He had also had a heart operation resulting in the insertion of a replacement aorta valve, which left him with a 4” scar on the centre of his chest.
"We are anxious to find out who this man is, but my team of detectives also needs to establish his movements prior to his death, where he had been and who he was with. Anyone who can help should contact police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Westridge, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
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