Ettington

Neighbourhood Watch

Car and Occupants sought:

Thefts of BMW Cars

Please be aware that since January 2012, 154 BMW vehicles have been stolen from across the Midlands Region.  Thieves are targetting vehicles built between 2006 and 2011 and are stealing them without the keys, as in all cases the owners still have all the keys in their possession.

Thieves are targetting vehicles on driveways and in large carparks and wait for drivers to park and leave their vehicle.  Once the driver presses the key to lock the vehicle a frequency blocker intercepts the signal causing the vehicle to remain open.
The thief then enters the vehicle when the coast is clear and uses a device on the vehicle which programs a blank key.  The key is then used by the offender to drive the vehicle away.

If the frequency blocker is unsuccessful, the thief will often smash a front side window of the vehicle to get in.

Four of the vehicles have been stolen from addresses in Warwickshire but it may well be that the thieves are spreading their wings and Warwickshire residents will be targetted next.

Please could we advise all BMW owners to try their door handle after using their key to lock their vehicle, to double check that it is actually locked.

Please also have a good look around when leaving the vehicle to see if you can spot anyone waiting nearby or in a vehicle in the vicinity, especially if you check and find the door to still be open.

Please report anything suspicious to Police on 101 as they are very keen to catch these offenders.

NHW RW SA Beware of bogus guttering & cladding traders in white transit van registration number NG54 OPA

This message is sent on behalf of PCSO Rob Elton of Stratford Safer Neighbourhoods Team:
Please can we ask you to be on the lookout for rogue traders operating from a white Ford Transit van with the registration number NG54 OPA.
These traders are offering to replace guttering and claddings in the Stratford and Bidford areas but intelligence suggests that this may well be more widespread.

Trading Standards have been alerted but please could we remind you to take the following steps when using a contractor or trader in order to protect your property and yourself:

Always ask for identification and check the authenticity of it by checking the number given, either in the phone book or on the internet.  Do not ring the number on the card given as this may be bogus and another member of the rogue trading team could be on the end of the phone waiting for your call.

This may take a few minutes but a genuine caller/ trader will understand and will not mind waiting.
Always use a trusted company.  Use someone who has been recommended to you or someone that you have found through the telephone book or a trade directory.
Always get a minimum of three quotes to make a comparison and to ensure that you are not being overcharged.  Ensure that you get a copy of the estimate in writing before work commences.
Do not be intimidated by callers at your door.  You are allowed to say NO.  You are even allowed and encouraged not to answer the door to anyone you do not know or are not expecting.
If in doubt always ask the visitor to call back when you have a neighbour or relative with you.  Legitimate traders will be happy to do this and anyone calling from the utility companies will have made an appointment with you before attending your home.
Call Police on 101 if you have concerns or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
Of course, in an emergency, always call 999
If you believe that you spot these traders, with their van, in your area, please contact Police on 101 immediately and report their whereabouts as Stratford Police are keen to have a word.  Thankyou.
Julie Dale

Shipston Safe Neighbourhood scheme provide a newsletter which can be found at
http://www.safer-neighbourhoods.co.uk/your-neighbourhood/stratford-district/shipston/newsletter/shipston-snt-newsletter-27-april-2012/
which provides information about recent activity, criminal and otherwise, in the area.