RINGMASTER MESSAGES
22/08/08. Horsham Distric South. After a fairly low number of breaks in July and early August there has been a dramatic increase in burglaries in the last week particularly in the Horsham south area.
1. 23/7/8 - distraction burglary where male has entered and 'persuaded' a very frail lady to part with two vases for £50.00 - a fingerprint hit has identified Brighton 'knocker' who is committing offences across Sussex and Surrey - it is worth keeping an eye out for his vehicle S249BUF a silver isuzu trooper
2. 24/7/8 - daytime burglary at address in Hammerpond Road, Plummers Plain - vehicle made off - S783RMJ - A SILVER AUDI A3 - which was later driven at police - eyes down for this vehicle please. It is a vehicle with South london connections.
3. SOUTH HORSHAM BURGLARIES
(i) - 0300 ish 13/8/8 - Moat Lane, Pulborough - entry via insecure door - cards
/ cash / handbag stolen - card used at 04:00 at Barclays bank Pulborough.
(ii) -0300-0430 18/8/8 - Londland Avenue, Storrington - entry via window, handbag
/ cards etc stolen - card used at atm 04:07 hrs - handbag found by member of
the public in Spierbridge Lane.
(iii) - overnight ( poss midnight ) 18/8/8 - Hoaremare Crescent - entry via
insecure fanlight trying to gain entry via locked main window. None gained.
(iv) Daytime 18/8/8 - Brighton Road, Woodmancote - converted barn - forced rear
patio doors. no update as to any property stolen
(v) Overnight - 20/8 -21/8 Maudlyn Parkway,Bramber - entry via insecure rear
door - keys belonging to red mini Cooper - index number GU57GDA - vehicle stolen
as well as contents of handbag.
(vi) - 0353 hrs 21/8 Hills Road, Steyning, entry to garage using tool, disturbed
by owner. Offenders decamped leaving items behind.
If you have any information regarding the above please phone the Police (0845 60 70 999) and ask for Sgt Pierre Serra, Horsham CID or contact your local PCSO.
20/08/08. Storrington. There has been a report of a red Volvo estate driving around Storrington and looking at properties that have any lead on the roof. Please keep an eye out for this vehicle and call the police immediately if you see a similar vehicle taking an interest in properties with lead roofs.
10/08/08. Upper Beeding, Bramber, Small Dole. There has
been a spate of horse thefts in the district over the past few days including
items relating to the horses, ie. Horse boxes and equipment. These are pedigree
horses worth a lot of money. Extra vigilance is needed in areas where there
are horses kept and stables.
A lot of garden equipment has been stolen too in the way of lawn mowers – mainly
ride on ones – and strimmers and other garden equipment. They have been taken
from locked unattended sheds and garages.
08/08/08. Horsham District South. This time of year is
where people start knocking at the door asking if we want to buy a generator,
if you get a call from them please try to get a description, vehicle details
and call the police immediately on 999.
With neighbours on holiday now please be extra vigilant in your area and call
the police on 999 if you see any suspicous activity going on day or night.
12/07/08. Billingshurst. Stereos and CD's were stolen from
three cars in Billingshurst during Saturday night. The cars in Birch Drive,
Morris Drive and Rowan Drive were broken into between 8pm on 5th July and 8am
on 6th July.
Please keep your valuables and possessions safe. Don’t give criminals an easy
ride. Try to follow the tips below as recommended by both the Police and the
Home Office:
Look for a stereo which has a removable front panel or a security code. Some
manufacturers are now fitting stereo equipment which has its parts spread throughout
the vehicle.
Don't leave anything on display in your car - even an old coat on the back seat
or a closed bag is a temptation for someone to smash and grab.
Thieves often steal first and think about value later. Take all your belongings
with you when you leave your car - if you can't, lock them in the boot, preferably
before you start your journey.
Never leave mobile phones, satellite navigation systems, laptop computers, credit
and debit cards, cheque books, cash, vehicle registration documents or private
mail, especially with your address on it on display in your vehicle.
Locks or other security devices are great ways to secure your car and put off
would-be thieves for example: electronic immobilisers, mechanical immobilisers,
locking wheel nuts, lockable fuel caps or an alarm.
If you have a garage, use it. Always lock your car and garage. If you don't
have a garage, always try to park in a well-lit, open place. Thieves always
like to steal from vehicles parked in places where they run the least risk of
being seen.
If you would like any further help or advice please do not hesitate to contact
me.
PCSO Louisa Tilley Pulborough Police Station. Tel: 0845 60 70 999 Ext 21628
(voicemail)
10/07/08. Pulborough, West Chiltington, Thakeham, Ashington,
Coldwaltham. There have been a spate of breaks to sheds, garages and out
buildings in the area. The target for the thieves appears to be lawn mowers
and other garden machinery. Residents are requested to be extra vigilant and
report any suspicious vehicles, callers or activity in the area. Residents are
also requested to ensure that any garden machinery is chained up and any building
locks are reinforced where possible. Most of the breaks have occurred overnight
so additional security lighting on out buildings etc may be of benefit.
Any attempted breaks where nothing appears to have been stolen should also be
reported to the police and extra security precautions should be taken as the
thieves have a habit of returning for a second attempt.
If anyone should be offered mowers or other garden machinery for a knock down
price from an unknown source then they are requested to contact the police with
as much information regarding the seller as possible.
Crime prevention advice including home visits and the marking of property with smart water can be obtained via the crime prevention officer at Horsham Police Station. He is contactable on 0845 6070999
PCSO Neville Warner Pulborough Police Station
02/03/08. Horsham District South. HassocksPolice have released
cctv stills of a man they believe may have burgled three different public houses
in Sussex.
The three burglaries have all been similar in that each time the offender entered
the pub, he carried out a tidy search of the living quarters and then stole
only cash before making off. On two of the occasions the keys to the pub were
also taken. Also on two occasions he moved or actually switched off the cctv
cameras in order to try to and avoid detection.
The suspect is described as being of Eastern European appearance, white, in
his mid 30s, around six feet tall, thin build with a long skinny neck. He had
short cropped hair and was wearing glasses.
The cctv stills are from a burglary which took place on Monday June 9th at the
Hassocks Public House at around 4am. On this occasion £200 was stolen from a
purse and a set of the pub's keys were also taken. As a result the licensee
had to spend £800 to replace the locks.
It is believed the suspect may have scaled a telegraph pole at the front of
the building and moved the cctv camera to attempt to protect himself from view.
He subsequently went to the rear of the pub, scaled the side wall of the building
and onto a flat roof from where he was able to access the flat. When he went
downstairs towards the bar area he tripped the alarm and then made off.
The other two burglaries police believe may have been committed by the same
offender occurred at the Shepherd and Dog pub in Fulking, at around 4am on Tuesday
June 17th, and the Red Lion in Handcross, between 9pm and 11pm on Saturday June
7th.
Anyone with any information is asked to call DC Dan Richardson, Haywards Heath
CID, on 0845 60 70 999. Information can also be left anonymously by calling
Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
PCSO Neville Warner Pulborough Police Station
25/06/08. HENFIELD. Please be aware; yesterday there was a male operating in the Wantley Hill Estate area of Henfield knocking on doors and asking if occupants had any jewellery for sale. The male was white, in his late thirties to early forties, receding brown hair wearing a light coloured t-shirt possibly with writing on it and either jeans or shorts. The male had a pair of scales and small cash type bags with him and was asking residents if they had any gold to sell or be valued. On each occasion despite his persistence he was told that the parties were not interested and was sent away. He appeared to be reading from a printed sheet and had a laminated ID badge around his neck. Please refuse any cold callers who claim to be offer goods and services and do not take ID badges at face value. Never allow doorknockers access to your property and never give them property to be valued. If you have any doubts or concerns about someone at the door call the Police on 999 immediately.
PCSO Corbett, 22127
18/06/08. Pulborough & West Chiltington. The last two
Saturday nights has seen an outbreak of petty vandalism in the Batts Lane/Mare
Hill area of Pulborough. Cars have been damaged, fences pulled down and rubbish
thrown into a swimming pool. Anyone with any information as to who may be responsible
should ring the police on 0845 60 70 999.
Youths again are causing a problem in the Link Lane/Pocket park and Stane Street
Close areas of Pulborough with rowdy behaviour, drinking and general nuisance.
Please report all incidents to the police on 0845 60 70 999.
West Chiltington has also seen an increase in petty vandalism and criminal damage. Therefore as the school holidays approach residents are asked to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Local beauty spots have been a target for car crime recently so if you are leaving your car ensure it is locked and secure and all valuables are out of sight. Police will be mounting an operation “On display easy prey” whereby any vehicles found insecure or with valuable items clearly visible inside. Then the registrations will be taken and letters sent to the owners advising them of the error of their ways. Always remember to take valuables with you or lock them in the boot.
Pulborough local action team will be holding a meeting at the parish rooms adjacent to the Sports and Social Club on Wednesday the 25th of June at 1930 Hrs. If you have any concerns please feel free to attend. The exhibition "Crime Proof Pulborough" is taking place at the village hall in Pulborough on Saturday the 28th of June. Please come along and speak to us.
PCSO Neville Warner Pulborough Police Station
4/06/08. NHW Bulletin to Pulborough, Billingshurst and West Chiltington. We have recently seen a number of burglaries to houses in the Pulborough area. These have occurred during daylight hours so NHW members are asked to be vigilant regarding their neighbours properties especially if you are aware that they are away. Please report any suspicious activity or unusual callers on the 0845 6070999 number. We have also seen a number of thefts of vehicle badges in the areas of Pulborough, Billingshurst and West Chiltington and not just from expensive cars. It appears there may be a collector around who is not averse to stealing to further his collection. Again NHW members are asked to be vigilant and if possible garage their cars overnight. If you cannot garage your vehicle then park on your driveway facing inwards or in a well lit part of your street. This will hopefully deter anyone with designs on your badge. There will be an exhibition at the village hall in Pulborough on Saturday the 28th June 2008 entitled "Crime Proof" Pulborough. This will be attended by various organisations helping to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. This would be a great oppurtunity for NHW members to come and meet the police and discuss any issues they may have regarding the reduction of crime in their areas.
PCSO Neville Warner Pulborough Police Station
02/06/08. UPPER BEEDING AND BRAMBER. There have been several incidents of criminal damage in The Street, Bramber and The High Street, Upper Beeding during May. This involved windows being smashed, drain pipes being tampered with, plants pots being thrown around and plants being ripped up. These incidents happened in the early hours of the morning and so far we've had no luck in catching anyone involved. We suspect the people involved are on their way back from pubs in Steyning and obviously The Street and The High Street are their main routes back to Upper Beeding.
29/03/08. NHW Message to Woodmancote. Gardening equipment
has been stolen overnight (25/03/2008) from a farm workshop on Brighton Road,
Woodmancote. Please be aware of this incident and check your property is locked
securely away. The items taken include 2 mowers and a leaf blower, if you have
any information regarding this please call Sussex Police on; 0845 60 70 999
quoting serial 301 27/03/2008.
PCSO Corbett, 22127
28/03/08. NHW Message to Woodmancote & Henfield. There
was an incident in Sandy Lane, Henfield on the 14/03/08 at around 12.15 in the
afternoon where a dog was snatched. The dog, a Jack Russell terrier, was put
into a dirty, green pick up vehicle with writing on the back or side possibly
stating; 'CHOOSE A BUILDER' . The occupants of the vehicle were two males, they
may also be using a white panel van in connection with this activity. Although
the dog in Henfield was found in Brighton and returned to the owner there have
recently been other cases in the county that are possibly connected. I would
urge anyone who has any information regarding this to call Sussex Police on;
0845 60 70 999 quoting reference 676 14/03/2008. I would urge all dog owners
to be extra vigilant but I do stress that crimes of this nature are extremely
rare.
PCSO Corbett, 22127
05/03/08. NHW Message to Horsham District South. West Downs
Policing Division ie. Worthing, Chichester & Bognor and surrounding areas have
experienced a number of burglaries recently where antiques have been stolen.
In some cases, an antique dealer has called prior to the burglary occurring
and showed interest in the contents of the house. Should you or someone you
know, have or indeed have already had a visit from such a person please call
Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial no. 732 of 18/2/08. Please give
details and a brief description of the incident. An officer will then make contact
with you. Sadly this will be the last message you receive from me as I am moving
to another position in Sussex Police. I would just like to thank you for all
the help and support you have given me over the last 6 years and hope that your
Neighbourhood Watch scheme continues to help keep your community a safer place.
Many Thanks Kathryn Hayhurst
18/02/08. NHW Message to Horsham District South. As you may be aware there are some ongoing changes in regard to the support provided to Neighbourhood Watch by Sussex Police. The changes will hopefully ensure that NHW is supported by the Neighbourhood Policing Teams and NHW members will receive contact by their local officer. Therefore please note, that with effect from 1 April 2008, your local PCSO will now be your first line contact for all NHW issues. Please refer to the Sussex Police website www.sussex.police.uk to find contact details of your local officer. Your PCSO will be responsible for dealing with NHW issues, setting up new schemes and sending out crime messages. Also from April, the current Ringmaster Messaging System will cease to exist due to its use becoming unsustainable. Therefore, until a new crime messaging system is put in place (this is unlikely to support voice messaging) later in the year, PCSO's will send crime messages via their MS Outlook accounts. However, as these group accounts will take some time to prepare, co-ordinators are unlikely to receive any messages during April-May. Those co-ordinators without email access eventually should receive messages via a hard copy in the post, but these will be less frequent and less timely. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this changeover period. You will be advised of any further changes in due course. Thank you.
11/02/08 NHW Message to Billingshurst, Coolham & Shipley. PC Williams is investigating the theft of two mountain bikes and is desperate to seek the owners who have still not come forward. Two adult males were seen riding the bikes at 0100 hours on Sunday 20th January 2008 in Billingshurst High Street. Both were arrested on suspicion of theft of the bikes and have been released on police bail. The bikes are described as follows: 1) Blue 'Ridgeback' adult mountain bike with red plastic child seat on rear. 2) Green 'Diamond back' adult mountain bike with grey plastic child seat on rear. If these bikes are familiar to you please check your shed or garage to ensure they are still there. Anyone with any information or if you believe you are the owners of these bikes please contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial no. 146 of 20/1/08.
11/01/08. NHW Message to Woodmancote & Henfield. Just before 5.30pm on Thursday 7th February two males entered the unlocked patio door of a property belonging to an elderly resident of Woodmancote whilst she was at home, resulting in her handbag being stolen. The males are described as having foreign accents (possibly Eastern European) skinny build, short straight brown hair, dark clothing (black or navy), one of them had a motif on the front and in their thirties. When challenged they said something about security and a car but were difficult to understand as they didn't speak English very well. The occupant chased them out and she did not see where they went. Even if you are at home it's a good idea to keep all doors to your property locked to ensure no one gains entry. If you think you have any information on this incident please telephone 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial no. 1316 of the 7/2/08.
30/02/08. NHW Message to Storrington. Over the last week or so there has been three burglaries in the Storrington area. Between Tuesday 22nd and Friday 25th January in Georges Lane a rear window was smashed and two LCD televisions, a DVD player and jewellery were stolen. On Monday 28th January between 2.50pm and 5pm, in Plantation Way a window was forced and jewellery estimated to be worth over £4000 was stolen. The offender(s) exited via the french doors. On Tuesday 29th January at a proprety in Sanctuary Lane at 4.25am, the residents were disturbed by their dog barking and it was discovered that the spare key that had been hidden outside, was found in the rear door lock, two sets of car keys had been dropped outside of the door and three mobile phones were stolen. In light of these incidents please consider the security of your property. It is never a good idea to hide a key outside of a property. If you need to have a key outside for others to gain access it is best to have a key safe. Should you have any information on these incidents please do not hesitate to phone 0845 60 70 999.
21/01/08. NHW Message to Steyning & Bramber. Sussex Police are appealing for information following an armed robbery in Bramber in the early hours of this morning (Monday 21st January). At approximately 3.45am three armed men broke into a flat above the New Bramber Dragon Chinese Restaurant, The Street, Bramber. The three men, all of whom are believed to be on Chinese origin, demanded money from the three people occupying the flat and searched the premises. One of the occupants was wounded during the incident and was later required to receive hospital treatment. The three men left the flat with a substantial amount of cash along with a number of other items. Anyone with any information regarding the incident is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999, quoting Operation Brevitt.
14/01/08. NHW Message to Pulborough. Sussex Police received a report on Thursday 10th January of door knockers in Chestnut Walk, Pulborough targetting the elderly to carry out repair work. A resident described them as male travellers and they were in possession of a blue ford transit index NA52 XON. Please report any further sightings of this vehicle on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 10/1/08. They had quoted an elderly resident a fee for carrying out some minor repairs and were just about to commence work when a neighbour intervened. Please remind elderly neighbours to be on their guard to anyone asking for work. They will almost certainly be over charged and not do a good job. It is best to get recommendations from friends and neighbours or contact First Checkpoint on 01903 771023.
14/01/08. NHW Message to Steyning & Henfield. Overnight between Thursday 10th and Friday 11th January the door locks of two vans were forced in Steyning. In Penlands Way a battery was stolen and in Roman Road surfing equipment was stolen. There was also a similar incident in Henfield overnight between 12th and 13th January resulting in power tools/garden tools being stolen. Please let anyone you know who owns a van that these incidents have been happening. Sussex Police advise that valuable items should not be kept in a vehicle. Whilst it may be inconvienient to keep removing tools etc. the owner will have the inconvenience of having to replace them if they are stolen.
17/12/07. NHW Message to Horsham District South. Police
in the Horsham District are urging businesses and householders to be on the
lookout for criminals who are using the seasonal increase in parcel deliveries
to obtain money from unsuspecting residents. Incidents have now occurred in
Billingshurst and Henfield, during December. Someone will call at the address
and state that they have a parcel that is meant for a neighbouring business
or house, they then ask the person to take the parcel in on behalf of the addressee.
They also state that an amount of money is owing before the parcel can be delivered.
The amount sounds feasible, often ending in 99p. All this goes to convince the
person they are acting in a helpful manner to the addressee by taking in the
parcel. After the cash has been paid the addressee opens the parcel to find
that it contains shredded newspaper or similar rubbish. Please tell your neighbours
about this scam and advise them that they should not accept parcels on behalf
of others where payment is required before the item is handed over. If anyone
is suspicious about a courier or parcel delivery please do not hesitate to contact
the police on 0845 60 70 999. A big thank you to all neighbourhood watch co-ordinators
for your continuing support throughout 2007.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. Please do not expect to receive
any messages until 7th January when I will return from Annual Leave.
10/12/07. NHW Message to Cowfold & Partridge Green. On Thursday 6th December some time between 1 and 6pm a proprety in Thornden, Cowfold was burgled. Entry was gained by forcing and breaking the rear downstairs window. An untidy search was made and jewellery and coins were stolen. Earlier that day a resident of Thornden had reported a door knocker asking for old books. He is described as a white male, around 50 years old, 5ft 7" tall, balding hair wearing a light brown sleeveless jacket and carrying a reporters notebook. He had no ID and could not provide details of the company he was working for. It is possible that this incident could be linked to the burglary, if you have any information please telephone 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial no. 1242 of 6/12/07. As always please do not consider doing business with anyone knocking on your door unexpectedly.
26/11/07. NHW Message to Upper Beeding & Small Dole. Overnight between Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd November there were several incidents of car crime in the Upper Beeding/Small Dole area. In Pound Lane a Mitsubishi L200 was stolen and a transit van also had it's window broken. In Dawn Close a van had it's lock punched out resulting in power tools being stolen. The same thing happened in Wood Lane, Small Dole where the owner discovered two youths in his van who decamped in a waiting car. Please suggest to anyone you know who owns a van that they should remove all their tools from their van when parked overnight. Having an alarm may deter some offenders. Please telephone 0845 60 70 999 if you have any information on the incidents that took place between 22nd and 23rd November.
14/11/07. NHW Message to Pulborough. Yesterday Tuesday 13th November between 10am and 5.15pm a property was burgled in Thakeham Road, Pulborough. Entry was gained by forcing the side kitchen door. Laptop computers, a satellite navigation system and #1500 cash was stolen. Please consider the security of your property in light of this incident. Sussex Police also received a report from a resident in Link Lane, Pulborough at around 11am of door knockers in the area selling Christmas cards. The male is described as white, 6ft 1" tall, medium build, short hair and stated he was a college student. Please report any suspicious persons coming to your door on 0845 60 70 999. Yesterday, Sussex Police received a report from a resident of Frenches Mead, Billingshurst which resulted in the arrest of two individuals peddling without a licence.
14/11/07. NHW Message to Cowfold, Partridge Green, Henfield & Billingshurst. Just after 9pm yesterday evening (13th Nov) at Godmans Court, Henfield Road, Cowfold a male knocked on the door stating that he had come to visit his Nana but as she wasn't in could he have a pen and paper to write a note. When she returned from getting the paper there were two other males in her property. It is believed that they may have gained entry via the balcony door which had been left open. A handbag and contents were stolen. The males are described as white, 20-25 years old, fit build, approximately 6ft tall wearing navy blue bomber jackets. Please warn your neighbours to always be on their guard whenever someone unexpectedly calls at their door. Whilst their request may appear to be genuine, their motive may be criminal. Also please ensure that back doors or any other means of access are kept locked at all times even when you are at home. Please report any suspicious persons coming to your door on 0845 60 70 999. Yesterday, Sussex Police received a report from a resident of Frenches Mead, Billingshurst which resulted in the arrest of two individuals peddling without a licence.
13/11/07. NHW Message to Horsham District South. Last Thursday evening (8th Nov) at around 9.30pm in Frenches Mead, Billingshurst two males gained entry to a property through an upstairs window. When confronted by the occupant they claimed to be police officers and expressed concern for her safety as someone was setting off fireworks. One hundred pounds cash was stolen. One of the males is described as 5ft 10" tall wearing dark clothing, around 30 years old and had a peaked cap. The other is described as being thin, shorter than the other male, in his 20s and also wearing dark clothing with a peaked cap. Please warn your neighbours as it is believed that these offenders also committed offences in Brighton, Lancing and Arundel earlier on the same day. Sussex Police officers carry a warrant card with a photograph. Should there be any doubt please telephone 0845 60 70 999 quoting the name and warrant number. Co-incidentally on the same day around 10am a resident of Tudor Close, Pulborough received a visit from a white male in his 50s, 5ft 10" tall asking to buy books and luggage. He said he was from Hove, had a charming manner and was driving a silver volvo estate registration no. DE51 FJE. The resident believes he may be the same offender who conned his parents a few years ago. Please do not consider buying or selling to anyone knocking on your the door.
06/11/07. NHW Message to West Chiltington. Geoff Adams the Area Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator for West Chiltington has unfortunately decided he wishes to resign from this position. He has done a splendid job in the last four years and I'm sure you would join me in thanking him for all his efforts. This position is key to ensuring that neighbourhood watch plays an active part in the local community, but it is not an onerous one. Please could you let me know if you would be interested by telephoning me on 01444 445965 or email me kathryn.hayhurst@sussex.pnn.police.uk.
06/11/07. NHW Message to Billingshurst. During the day on Thursday 1st November a male visited properties in Cleve Way asking if they had any jewellery or antiques for sale. His manner is described as persistant and he purchased two pairs of cufflinks at one house. He is described as white, 6ft 3" tall, dark curly hair and was wearing a dark suit. Please be on your guard against anyone seeking to buy property from you. There is a high chance that you will not get the price the goods are worth and such individuals will often be intimidating. Please report any such callers on 0845 60 70 999.
08/10/07. NHW Message to Horsham South District. All are
welcome to attend a public meeting hosted by the Sussex Police Authority at
the Y Centre, Albion Way, Horsham RH12 1AH at 7.30pm on Tuesday 23rd October
2007.
With Halloween approaching, supplies of the 'No Trick or Treat' poster should
be available by week beginning 22nd October. If co-ordinators require a supply
please email kathryn.hayhurst@sussex.pnn.police.uk stating how many you require.
Alternatively telephone 01444 445965.
26/09/07. NHW Message to Horsham District South. Co-ordinators ..... This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the inception of Neighbourhood Watch in England and Wales. To mark this anniversary it has been decided that a 'Neighbourhood Watch Week' should go ahead, week commencing 15th October 2007 to co-incide with an initiative being run by the Home Office called 'Not in My Neighbourhood'. Please see website http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/crimereduction019.htm. Co-ordinators may like to consider organising an event for their scheme to mark this occasion.
24/09/07. NHW Message to Ashington & Billingshurst. Last Wednesday (19th Sept) in Billingshurst Road, Ashington some time around 2.30pm the back door of a property was kicked in and a television was stolen. A couple of days later on Friday 21st September in Andrews Hill, Billingshurst between 8.45am and 2.25pm the ground floor window of a property was forced resulting in a laptop computer and jewellery being stolen. There have been very few domestic burglaries in recent months in the area, but please do not become complacent with the security of your property. Invest in good locks and if you have a burglar alarm please ensure that it is activated even if going out for a short time.
05/08/07. NHW Message to Storrington. As you know there have been very few burglaries in Storrington in recent months, however Sussex Police are currently investigating two burglaries that have happened in the last few days. On Monday 3rd September overnight between 10.30pm and 8am on Tuesday 4th September a burglary took place in Nightingale Lane. It is believed that the offence took place at around 3.30am as the victim was woken by the dog at this time. The offender removed a pane of glass from a window and climbed in using a garden chair. An ornamental clock and guilt box were stolen. Today (5th September) between 12 noon and 1pm a house in Thakeham Road was burgled. Access was gained by the offender forcing the rear kitchen window, a television and jewellery were stolen. Whilst thses offences were not a result of insecurities please ensure that all property is securely locked when you go to bed at night and whenever you leave it unattended. Also please keep a look out for any suspicious vehicles or persons and do not hesitate to call 0845 60 70 999.
22/08/07. NHW Message to Pulborough. There has recently been a spate of vehicle crime in Pulborough. Overnight in Spinney North between Friday 17th and Saturday 18th August a wing mirror was stolen. Yesterday Tuesday 21st August between 10 and 10.30am a screwdriver was used to remove a door lock from a van parked in London Road, resulting in two drills being stolen. A few hours later between 1.30 and 2.20pm exactly the same thing happened to a van parked in New Place Road. Various power tools were stolen. Please alert your members to these incidents asking them in particular to suggest to anyone who has a van that expensive power tools should not be kept in it whilst it is parked. If this is impracticable then they should not be left on view.
22/08/07. NHW Message to Upper Beeding. Between 11.30am on Sunday 19th and 10pm on Monday 20th August the downstairs window of a property in School Road was forced resulting in an untidy search with jewellery, a passport and electrical equipment being stolen. Please ensure that if you have window locks they are always locked whenever you leave your property. Yesterday Tuesday 21st August between 9.30am and 1pm at the Kings Head Public House, High Street a van was broken into resulting in power tools being stolen. Yesterday there were also two vans broken into in Pulborough. Please alert your members asking them to suggest to anyone who has a van that expensive power tools should not be left in it whilst it is parked. If this is impracticable they should not be left on view.
20/08/07. NHW Message to Horsham District. The Trading Standards 'Scambusters' Team has asked me to issue an urgent warning to NHW members about a gang of prolific tarmaccers who are ripping off victims for thousands of pounds. They cold call on victims, sometimes falsely claiming to be working for Sussex County Council and offer to carry out tarmacing work for reasonable rates. Once the work is started, the rates increase by up to ten times and consumers have been intimidated when they refuse to pay. Last Thursday an incident occurred in The Street, Washington whereby a resident agreed to his drive being repaired for £70. Once the work was done, £5700 was demanded when this was refused £2700 was asked for. The same day these males went to a farm in Coneyhurst at about 5.30pm offering to repair the drive. Fortunately, the intervention of another farmer thwarted their attempt, but they became extremely abusive. The males are described of 'traveller appearance' and they were driving a blue Rover registration W49 JHC. Please warn your neighbours never to deal with cold calling driveway companies under any circumstances. If they should turn up on your doorstep then please contact Consumer Direct on 0845 404 05 06 or if you feel you are in danger please dial 999.
23/07/07. NHW Message to Storrington. You will be pleased to know that there have been very few burglaries recently. However, in Barns Farm Lane between 8am and 2pm on Wednesday 18th July a property was burgled whilst the occupant was in the garden. The offender gained access through an insecure door stealing £140 in cash and two bank cards. In view of this incident please remind neighbours to keep any doors or windows out of their sight securely locked when out in the garden. Also on Thursday 19th July at around 1pm in Spierbridge Road a female was approached by a white male who attempted to steal her handbag. He is described as 5ft 8" tall, 15 to 19 years old and was wearing a grey hooded top. If you were in the area and recall seeing this individual please telephone 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial no. 1455 of 19/7/07.
17/07/07. NHW Message to Billingshurst. On Thursday 19th July between 2 and 5pm at Budgeons Supermarket in Billingshurst there will be a police surgery. Police officers and PCSOs will be pleased to meet you and discuss any local issues you may have.
13/07/07. NHW Message to Horsham District South. Police are concerned for the whereabouts of Ronnie Potter, a 72 year old man from the Wimbledon area of South London. Mr Potter's white Vauxhall Corsa has been found in the Muttons Lane area of Ashington West Sussex. He is described as about 6ft tall, very thin build, with short light brown hair which is going grey. When last seen he was wearing a white T shirt and blue jeans. Anybody who may have seen him or who has any information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999, quote serial 568 of 8 July.
09/07/07. NHW Message to Steyning. A high value burglary took place between 11pm on Saturday 7th July and 8am on Sunday 8th July in Horsham Road, Steyning whilst the property was occupied. The offender gained access by forcing a rear window. A number of antiques were stolen. It is very unusual for a property to be burgled whilst the occupants are at home so please do not be alarmed. Please ensure that all access to your property is secure as possible and that all locks etc. are fastened. If you were in the Horsham Road area at this time and recall seeing anyone acting suspiciously please telephone the police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial no. 587 of 8/7/07.
25/06/07. NHW Message to Billingshurt. Sussex Police have today (25/6/07) received a report of a male wandering into the back garden of a property in St Gabriels Road, Billingshurst around 1pm on Saturday. The male asked the resident whether he remembered him and claimed to have cut some trees down on a previous occasion and requested the money. The resident believes this same male called on him several months ago offering to cut down his trees. The resident told the male that he had not done any work for him and he left in a red ford escort L381 TAH. Please report any further sightings of this vehicle on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial no. 729 of 25/6/07. Please consider the security to the back of your property. Please ensure that any side gates are always kept locked so that no one can gain access.
06/06/07. NHW Message to Henfield. On Monday 4th June just before 1pm a male knocked on the door of a property in Parsonage Road, Henfield. He said that he was fitting a kitchen round the corner and needed to come in and turn the water off. He was asked for ID but said he didn't have any and called himself Steve Fuller and claimed to work for DFC or DFA. The resident allowed him into the kitchen. He asked how many people lived in the house and then asked to use the bathroom. This request was refused and the individual became annoyed and said that his boss would be round and left the house. A second male came to the door but he was refused entry. The first male is described as white, 17 to 19 years old, slim build, short dark hair, of smart appearance wearing a navy blue jacket and grey trousers. The second male is described as 21 to 22 years old, broader shoulders, dark hair and scruffy appearance. These individuals were clearly seeking to steal. Please keep an eye out for elderly neighbours reminding them to always be cautious when opening the door to any unknown callers and to be on their guard for any requests seeking to gain access. ID should always be asked for and a telephone call to the relevant company confirming that the person is genuine before allowing access. If in doubt ring the police on 0845 60 70 999.