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

An increase in shoplifting in and around the town centre. A 30yr old man was arrested for theft after being caught stealing alcohol from the Co-op on Thursday 15th February, he has been charged with theft. Another theft of alcohol occurred early in the morning of Friday 16th of February, alcohol again was stolen, this time from Somerfield’s, 2 individuals were involved and were seen to leave the store.

I ask that all stores with CCTV systems should ensure that all equipment is working correctly to allow the capture of evidence of these crimes.

A number of fire extinguishers were reported stolen from a communal stairwell of a property in West Bay. The theft occurred in the days leading up to Thursday 15th February. I cannot emphasise enough the ramification  of fire fighting equipment being stolen and the risk it poses to residents, should a serious emergency or fire break out.

WPC Caroline Orchard, Community Beat Officer for West Bay says, “ This is unacceptable and anyone arrested for this or similar offence should expect the most serious charge considered to be brought against them if a prosecution takes place”

On the 15th February a theft of a number of large metal manhole covers from a location Wynards Gap was reported to us. These articles may have been passed on or sold for scrap. Officers from the Beaminster area are appealing to anyone who has information regarding the theft and disposal of the items.

Road Safety

In December 2006 my colleagues and I appealed for the return of Police safety equipment, which was removed from the scene of a traffic accident.

Police are appealing for anyone with Police equipment in their possession to return it to the nearest Police station during the next fortnight. Sgt Hughes of Bridport Police is asking anyone who has picked up a sign, cone or flashing light to return it during a local amnesty. He said, “Signs, cones and flashing lights are placed out at the scene of many incidents to make other road users aware of the potential hazard. It is becoming quite common now for items to be missing when officers return to collect them. Not only does this have a cost implication to the Force, it also raises concerns regarding the safety of other road users. I would appeal to anyone who has items in their possession to return them so they can be put back to their proper use.

People have until mid March to return items and I guarantee they will not be prosecuted. Anyone found with items after that time will find themselves liable to arrest for theft. I would also encourage people to ring 01305 222222 if they are aware of where any of our equipment is.”

Bicycle Coding

Just as another reminder 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 of the 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.

Arrests

Over the period February 14th – 20th 5 arrests were made:

1x Burglary
1x Criminal damage
1x Positive breath test, drink driving.
1x Theft of a motor vehicle
1x Theft Shoplifting

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