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A total of 29 crimes have been reported around the Bridport town area over the past 8 days. However, in order to maintain sensitivity to the victims and not to prejudice ongoing investigations, not all these will not be included. An overview of the crimes committed between March 29th and April 06th in Bridport and the surrounding area, can be seen below. 10 Arrests were made during this period: 1x causing and affray 1x assault actual bodily harm 3 x thefts 1 x common assault 1 x warrant for failing to appear in court 1 x fraudulent use of a vehicle excise license 1x handling stolen goods 1x theft / taking a vehicle without consent
1] On March 31st at approximately 2.15pm an elderly female had her purse and wallet pick pocketed from her whilst she was in the Somerfield store within the town centre. 2 Asian or dark skinned teenage females were believed responsible for this theft. Overnight the same evening damage occurred to the side entry door of the property. A male suspect was seen in the area at about 1.15am causing damage. 2] At approximately 1.45am on the 1st April a camouflage jacket-containing a black purse and other valuables was stolen from a licensed premise in the town centre. 3] Damage occurred to an upstairs flat property in the West Street area of town when an article was thrown through a window. This happened overnight March 31st. 4] A purple and white coloured handbag was stolen from a licensed premise in the early hours of the 2nd of April. Inside were valuables and a mobile phone belonging to the victim. A crime occurred earlier that evening in the same premises and a theft of valuables were stolen from a pocket in a coat whilst the victim had left the items unattended. 5] A silver Apollo mountain bike was stolen from the Fishweir Fields area when it was left unattended and unsecured overnight March 31st. 6] Damage was caused to fencing panels to a building site in the West Allington area, this occurred on the over the period of March 31st to 3rd of April. 7] Gas bottles and cutting equipment was stolen from a secure vehicle yard in the town centre. This took place overnight April 4th, whilst the theft took place security lights were smashed during the time of the theft. Car fires and vehicles interference  South Street Car Park A total of 6 of car fires have been reported in the last week or most vehicles are discovered completely burnt out. These incidents are occurring overnight where the vehicles are being stolen from various locations around area and then being discovered destroyed or damaged by fire. This is particularly of concern as there is an immense risk of collateral damage to other adjacent vehicles and buildings. A serious risk of injuries to individuals also exists as the fires can easily get out of hand. Another area of concern is a number of vehicles are being discovered with damage or items removed, a total of three vehicles damaged in this manner have come to our attention. These have occurred again overnight around various locations in the Bridport area.
I ask that owners pay extra vigilance. Remove any items of value from the car and report any suspicious activity near cars at any time.Distraction thefts A more insidious number of thefts have been reported in the area involving individuals purporting to be from utility companies took place on Tuesday April 4th in the Skilling area. On this occasion a male wearing a brown coloured Mack tricked his way into a property of an elderly victim and stole cash and other valuables from within. Another similar theft occurred on Monday April 3rd in the Allington area when another elderly victim was tricked and a male entered the property to investigate a leak.
I ask that precautions be taken to confirm identity from individuals calling at your door. Use a security chain on your door, demand to see identity, and unless you can verify these details do not allow entry. If in doubt close the door and report this to us at the station. If you have any information regarding the above offences or any other crimes, then please come forward and help us with our enquiries: it may be your evidence, which successfully secures a conviction. Instead of accepting that crime is part of the Bridport society, let’s give the courts the facts and allow them to decide. Contact the police station direct, or speak to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 all calls will be treated in confidence. PC 2232 Scott McGregor Community Beat Officer |