[RINGMASTER COMMUNITY MESSAGING - SOUTH GLOUS - D235 18/11/2009]

Please be aware of the following call received from a member of the public:-

"On the 16th Nov, at around 2pm we received a phone call from a security company, who had my name and address and wanted to visit to give advice on identity theft and other security matters.  They said they were in the BS35 area over the next two or three days and were offering free shredders and marker pens with no obligation to those who they visited. When they tried to make an appointment, I told them that we were not available.   They said they would phone again later in the week.  After the call I dialled 1471 and got the usual message that the number was withheld."

Please remember NOT to give out any personal details to callers you do not know.  If you need a service, ALWAYS get three quotes from reputable/recommended companies and then make a decision.

Never feel pressurised, if you do CALL the Police.


If you have information about any crime, phone the police on 0845 456 7000 or you can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111.  For general information about Neighbourhood Watch nationally see the www.mynhw.co.uk website.

[RINGMASTER COMMUNITY MESSAGING - HEADQUARTERS - HQ VB Bogus Children in Need 16.11.09]

Message to Neighbourhood Watch Groups

THIS week's annual Children In Need fund-raising marathon provides an opportunity for timely reminders about falling prey to bogus callers.

On Sunday November 15, a man was arrested in Yeovil after going door-to-door with a six-year-old girl claiming to be collecting for Children In Need.
He showed people a list of other apparent donors in an attempt to encourage people to donate.
One would-be victim noticed the name of an elderly neighbour on the list and, suspecting these details had been falsely entered, alerted police.
The incident highlights the fact that some people will prey on the better-nature of others, depriving those people of their money and also depriving worthy causes of donations intended for their work.
Police would urge people to be wary of people knocking on their door cold-calling, simply asking for donations.
People choosing to donate to charities can visit charity shops, or sponsor friends or relatives who they KNOW are undertaking some kind of activity or event to raise money; an event which people can actually see happening.
Many charities have their own websites, which will contain details of how to donate.
Some charities do run television campaigns asking people to make regular monthly contributions.
Very few genuine worthy causes rely simply on door-to-door collections to raise funds, and people should beware of parting with cash on the doorstep if they have any doubts about the validity of the collector.
People are urged to report any suspicious charity collectors to local police, or their local NHW group.


If you have information about any crime, phone the police on 0845 456 7000 or you can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111.  For general information about Neighbourhood Watch nationally see the www.mynhw.co.uk website.

Minutes of the last meeting accepted.

We had no Police representation at the meeting.

Severnside crime figures have dropped.

One member has concerns about the increase in dog mess on the sea wall, the parish council have been informed. All members agree.

Some break ins our area have been using cat flaps to access keys which are kept close by.

Keep keys out of sight and away from letter boxes.

There have been speed checks locally which have been successful the time was 11hrs. One member mentioned that 17hrs to 18.30hrs is when speeding is prevalent.

The old Rugby house was broken into, copper pipe was stolen consequently there was water damage.

Halloween and Firework night was quiet.

Keep wrapped Christmas presents out of sight and don't advertise that you have had expensive gifts by leaving boxes out for recycling.

Happy Christmas to all members.

The next meeting is Monday 11^th January 2010

On 20th October at approximately 20.55 in Station Road, Severn Beach, 2 unknown males wearing caps were seen to take both front and rear number plates from a White Ford Transit Van.  The males then got into their own van and drove off with the number plates. Did anyone see/heard  anything in regard to this incident. If so please phone the usual number 0845 456 700.

On 16th October between 0.30 and 0.6.00 hours a property in School Way was broken into.  Offenders went to rear of house via insecure side gate, used something to remove keys via the cat flap. Keys then used to gain entry into kitchen, believed they did not go past kitchen, but property was stolen. They went out the same way. People were in the house (?asleep) at the time and house not alarmed. It was not known if a vehicle was used.

HELP - DID YOU SEE OR HEAR ANYTHING, IF SO, PLEASE CONTACT THE POLICE.  THANK YOU.