Over the last 7 days a number of crimes were reported to us these include:

A break in to an industrial warehouse in the area overnight 31st January, this resulted in a number of boilers and ancillary parts being stolen. Another crime of note included a milk float that was stolen outside Hangers Dairy at approximately 4am on Friday 2nd February. The vehicle and contents were discovered some several miles away from the scene.

Disorder in licensed premises and Pubwatch

Last week I commented regarding disorder at a licensed premises which is fuelled by alcohol in and around licensed premises in the town centre. If you are arrested or deemed responsible for criminal acts or disorder you may then be charged with an offence and subject to conditions. Including a pubwatch ban, a court exclusion and whilst you are awaiting an appearance in court a curfew, which will, be checked by officers. Failure to comply with any bail conditions will result in arrest and remand.

A clear example of this includes a 23yr old man was arrested on Friday 2nd February for public order offences both in and outside a public house and assaulting police in the execution of their duty, he now faces all of the above and is currently on a curfew until his court appearance.

Cycling Safety

Concern has been raised by the number of children and young people seen out cycling, without lights, during the hours of darkness.  This includes paper delivery children, who work early in the morning.  We would ask all parents, employers and other responsible adults to please ensure that lights and
reflective clothing are being used to ensure young people’s safety in this respect.  

Another aspect is that if you use a bicycle it should conform to a minimum safety standard that includes working brakes and as above the use of lights when appropriate.

Bicycle Coding

A planned undertaking by the Crime prevention panel and Bridport Police, cycle coding will take place in the front desk area of Bridport Police station on Saturday 24th February. This will be done by volunteers ofthe crime prevention panel for a price of £1 per bicycle throughout the day
from 10.30am until 3.30pm.

When a bicycle is stolen and recovered often it isn’t reunited with its true owner, as it can’t be accurately identified. When details like home postcode and house number are engraved or stamped on the frame it does help. Even if a thief has taken steps to permanently deprive the rightful owner by repainting a bike this can prove invaluable in identifying it as stolen property.

West Bay

As a reminder to residents in the West Bay area my colleague WPC Orchard has asked to impress on people that with the harbour area the beach are still subject to a drinking prohibition. This is important as any anti-social drinking or gathering on the beaches or promenade will end in alcohol being confiscated and large groups will be dispersed. The use of fires on the beach is prohibited in certain areas, specifically parts that are controlled by the National Trust.

Arrests

Over the period January 31st to 6th February – 7 arrests were made:

2x Attempted theft
2x Theft
1x Disorderly behaviour
1x Public disorder and assaulting police
1x Positive breath test – drink driving

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