Recent messages from the Police
From 19th September you will be able to contact Avon and Somerset Police by calling us on 101.
101 will be used for non-emergencies such as:
reporting a crime,
contacting local officers,
getting crime prevention advice,
making us aware of policing issues in your local area,
making an appointment with a police officer,
for any other non-emergency.
This message is sent as a general warning to all schemes across Somerset. It relates to an increase bogus callers in some parts of our force area - mostly in the Bristol/Bath/Weston area.A number of offences have taken place recently targeting the elderly. In general the offenders claim to be from the waterboard. They keep the victim busy whilst another offender enters and takes items such as cash and jewellery.Some other offences have occurred where the offenders purport to be from the gas board or Transco.We would emphasise that there has not been a reported problem in this part of the county to date - however it is thought that these are criminals who move through different areas and could come this far south.
Please ensure that residents are aware of all the usual precautions. STOP CHAIN CHECK is good to remember.
STOP - is anyone expected - is the back door locked?
CHAIN - put the chain on before opening the door.
CHECK - ask for ID. Close the door leaving the caller outside whilst you check the ID by phone.
IF IN DOUBT - KEEP THEM OUT.
If you think a caller is suspicious then call the police immediately using either the 101 or emergency 999 number.
Please also remember to ensure that all suspicious activity is reported direct to the police on the general number 0845-456-7000. Do not hesitate, but report the activity as soon as it is noticed and ask for your call to have a `NHW' tag added.
Crime Statistics are available on our website, together with other local news and information at: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk
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.