The events of last week showed to all in the area that serious crime does take in Bridport and we are not immune from situations which seem the norm in other parts areas of the country.  We should take stock of the fact that a male has been charged in relation to the incident and we must allow the court to decide guilt. I would ask that the privacy of victims and families of all concerned are respected and give them all the time they need to move on.

Other incidents, which on the surface seem less serious as others have been ongoing, these still have significant impact on the victims and no less serious to them. This was during the busy time including when the Melplash Show and the major investigation were ongoing. There were a number of burglaries and thefts from retail and licensed premises in the area. On one occasion it resulted in jewellery stolen and several others where charity boxes were stolen. There was a significant number of criminal damages that occurred, this has led to 5 arrests for criminal damage across the area.

Arrests

Over the period between 23rd to 30th August 13 arrests were made:
5x criminal damage
1x positive breath test
1x possession class A controlled drug
1x Assault actual bodily harm
1x Assaulting a police officer
2x warrants of arrest
1x Attempted burglary
1x Assault grievous bodily harm with intent to wound

Unsolicited Mail

Recently there has been national press coverage regarding the issue of unsolicited mail being delivered to homes. Often these letters promise you money, holidays or other free gifts.
Some of the more common in circulation appear to be correspondence from foreign lottery schemes promising the bearer a share of a large jackpot. This is only after they send bank and other private information to secure money.
The other area of unsolicited correspondence comes in the form of email or cold calling; these can be frustrating and often potentially misleading. I would stress to all readers to be aware of these methods of marketing or scams and under no uncertain terms should you release private or personal details.
Once you disclose your details of account passwords and other detail that allows others to access or use your bank account you are liable.
Remember if it seems to good to be true – then it probably is.
Steps you can take to avoid this type of scams are simple, for those who have access to the Internet go direct to the link www.tradingstandards.gov.uk or contact the nearest office via WDDC. This site will take to various links that will allow you to eradicate this type of correspondence arriving with your mail, including the Mail Preference Service, which is a free service. The Trading standards site also allows access to other free sites, which will reduce unsolicited or spam email and marketing telephone callers.

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