SCAMS

This message relates to Police Log No. 362 10/07/08.  Trading standards now have the means to track down who and where the foreign lottery scam letters are coming from.  If you receive a letter like this please send the letter and the envelope to Trading Standards, Devon County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter. Thank you. 
Please phone us with any information on 08452 777 444.

Rural Thefts

Police are warning farmers and residents in rural areas to be alert to a recent spate of thefts of ride-on mowers and hand tools such as petrol strimmers.  In some cases scrap metal and old vehicle batteries have also been taken.

These thefts may be linked to a visit a few days earlier from someone offering to remove scrap and batteries.  They may leave a business card in case owners change their mind about disposal.

If you have had callers such as this, or have suspicious visitors to your premises please could you let the Taunton Targeting Team know by calling 0845 456 7000 and asking for information, in particular vehicle descriptions, to be passed to PC 2277 Adrian Johnson of the Taunton Targeting Team. 30/6/08.

Garage Break - ins

This message relates to Police Log No. 133 14/04/08.  There has been a series of garage breaks in Honiton.  Whitebridges, Highfield, Buttishorne Park and Glanville Way has experienced most of these but any area could be the next target.  The police are asking you to be vigilant overnight, if you see any suspicious activity around the garage blocks near you call the police, note any details you can such as vehicle registration no.s but do not challenge anyone.  Call 999 straight away if you notice anyone acting suspiciously and 08452 777 444 if you have information.  Quote police log 133 14/04/08.  Thank you
Please phone us with any information on 08452 777 444. Do not reply to this email address as this in an unmanned account.

Yarcombe Attempted Theft

Thieves tried to steal a covered trailer from the rear of the Village Hall car park some time just before Easter.  The attempt has only just been spotted and we are not sure of the exact date. The thieves removed the contents out of the trailer and  quite neatly piled them up next to the big shed.  They tried to force the lock of the ball hitch but failed, but not without causing considerable damage to the lock. It appears they then left the scene.

They are likely to be back for this trailer or any others they can find.  Please keep an eye out for anything suspicious and call the police.

It has also been reported that the padlock to the shed at the rear of the Hall has been forced but nothing was stolen.  

Shed Break - In

An break - in to a shed took place in Marsh on the 18 March. Damage to the door and handle occurred but fortunately nothing was stolen.  There have been other similar break - ins recently in the Blackdown area were tools and equipment have been stolen.  Take care and be vigilant on suspicious cars in your area.

Burglaries

You may have already heard that the New Year was not good for one resident in Yarcombe. Whilst they were out celebrating on New Years Eve, someone has broken into their house and stolen numerous items. The door  to the house was forced and the dog shut in the conservatory to keep it out the way.

Across the rural area we have been hit with the breaks to sheds and outbuildings and more recently a few house burglaries. On the whole Christmas saw a downturn in the number of crimes, with domestic related issues being the main problem.

This message relates to Police Log No. 546 27/12/07.  There has been a spate of burglaries in the East devon and Exeter area where the entry has been made via patio doors and conservatories at the rear of properties.  Please check your overnight security.  If you notice any suspicious activity to neighbouring properties whilst the owners are away over this festive period note any vehicle registration no.s and call 08452 777 444 quoting police log 546 27/12/07.
Please phone us with any information on 08452 777 444.

More Yarcombe Burglaries - December 2007

There have recently been a number of house and outbuilding burglaries again in Yarcombe.  The most recent concerned a barn break – in near the center of the Village.  Fortunately the burglary alarm went off disturbing the thieves and nothing was stolen.

Perhaps this does show the benefits of having a fitted alarm in sheds/garages etc.  Fairly cheap battery operated remote alarms are available for these sort of buildings.

The police do warn us to take all care with security and not to make it easy for thieves to gain access to property.

Please phone us with any information on 08452 777 444.

Local Thefts

This message relates to 3 incidents that have happen recently in the Yarcombe and Marsh area of Honiton.  2 were burglaries one to an empty property and the other during the day. The 3rd incident was the theft of Diesel from a farm premises, this took place over a 3 day period,19th to 21st Oct. 

There have been other local shed/garage break – ins recently in Marsh and Luppitt plus across the county border in Pitminster. The Police  would like to remind us all to check the security of your property and note any suspicious activity you see in your area, vehicle registration no.'s go a long way in helping us with our enquiries. 

A shed break – in Yarcombe occurred Wed/Thur night with £3500 of equipment stolen. Padlock, mortice lock, security anchor chain all cut or forced, plus remote burglar alarm transmitter wires cut
Please phone us with any information on 08452 777 444.

Neighbourhood Watch

The spat of burglaries, garage/shed  break –ins, thefts has continued around the Parish with the Police making virtually no progress with solving the crimes.  In respect of garage/shed burglaries these types of crime are given a very low priority rating by the Police.  Apart from taking an initial statement they will not be expected to take any further direct crime investigation.  This approach is enshrined in some Home Office crime priority strategy to which the police have to operate to.

To us the public this is not a satisfactory situation and a cause of great concern.  It means we should give extra urgency to ensuring that our security precautions are as burglar proof as possible.

Yarcombe Distraction Burglary

This message relates to police log 794 of the 29th June 2007. A bogus caller incident happened in Yarcombe Honiton on Friday 29th June 2007. A male described as quite smartly dressed with a foreign accent and wearing a trilby type hat, accompanied by a female of medium build with mousey short bobbed hair wearing a blue coat and jeans called at a property in Yarcombe Honiton.The male distracted to householder and the female is suspected of stealing from the property. Please be suspicious of all cold callers however plausible and report your suspicions to the police.
Please phone us with any information on 08452 777 444.

The Devon Police Force took the matter seriously- finger prints and house to house enquiries.  But no one saw anything

There is a suspicion that the area was watched on the previous day from a car parked in an odd place but no one took the  details, "perhaps maroon" is all the police have to go on.

Yarcombe Shed Theft

A ride on mower was recently stolen from a property in the centre of the village on 1 June in the early hours. Forced entry was used to gain entry.  Security to the shed was fairly minimal – one padlock.

More Burglaries in Yarcombe & Upottery

There have been more shed and farm building break - ins in the last few weeks and very valuable items stolen.  The Police have been unable to collect any clues or leads and can offer no real chance of recovery.  What they need for a break through is our help – eyes and ears etc and any unusual observations.  Please be extra vigilant with security and if you notice anything odd or suspicious inform the Police immediately on 08452 777 444.

Honiton Distraction Burglary

This message relates to Police Log No. 511 dated 13/06/07.  The police would like the public to be aware that there has been a distraction burglary in the Honiton area. Two men stopped an elderly gentleman outside his home and 1 male kept him talking, it is thought that the other male entered the property.  Money was found to be missing.  Their descriptions are 1st white male with dark hair aged between 18 - 20 years wearing a dark blue jacket, the 2nd a white male aged between 18-20 years with a shaved head white T-shirt and dark trousers.  If you have a visit from these gentlemen please note the registration no. of the vehicle they are using and contact 08452 777 444 quoting police log 511 dated 13/06/07.
Please phone us with any information on 08452 777 444. Do not reply to this email address as this in an unmanned account.

Yarcombe Garage Break ins

3 garages in Pound Lane were broken into during the night of 10/11 May – padlocks were cut off to gain entry.  Fortunately nothing was stolen.

This is the 6th or 7^th crime we have had in the last 2 months and it seems as if Yarcombe has become a real target for property and car break ins.

The Police have warned again to make sure we keep all our property as securely locked as possible and  to ensure we don’t leave valuables in view in garages and vehicles.

The crime numbers are TCH/07/540,541, and 542. Please phone the Police with any information on 08452 777 444.

Pushy Cold Caller

This message relates to police log 468 of the 1st May 2007.A male has been cold calling in the Uplyme area of E Devon, selling Handkerchiefs from a rucksack. Our information is that he is very pushy and will take advantage of the elderly. Please be advised not to let him in and this goes for all cold callers. Description is Male, white, aged late teens, tall, of smart appearance with an English accent. If he calls on you please let the police know via 08452777444 quoting log 468 of the 1st May 2007.Please also warn your neighbours about him.
Please phone us with any information on 08452 777 444.

 

House Burglary in Yarcombe

A house in the centre of the village was broken into sometime between Mon 30/4 in the morning and Tues 1/5 in the afternoon and a handbag was stolen from a bedroom.  The bag contained money, bank cards etc.

If you saw or heard anything suspicious around these times in the vicinity of the lay bye opposite Old School House please get in contact with the Police  on   08452 777 444.

Do remember to keep all doors locked and be vigilant of property security.

Car Break – ins

During the weekend of the 14/15^th April 2 vehicles were broken into in the parking bay below Hillhouse opposite the Village Hall.  A white Suzuki van had the door lock forced open and a number of valuable power tools were stolen.  In the second incident involving a yellow Vauxhall pick – up a window was broken but fortunately nothing was stolen.

During the same weekend there were also a spate of similar car break ins in Honiton and Sidmouth.

If you heard or saw anything suspicious that may relate the these crimes please call the Police quoting Crime Reference  KH 07452 or KH 07450 on 08452 777 444.

Please ensure all vehicles are fully locked and whenever possible ensure all valuables are not left in them.

Bogus Callers

This message relates to Police Log 958 dated 20/03/07.

 There have been 2 incidents of bogus callers in the Axminster area of Devon.  Three males seem to be working together trying to gain access to properties under the pretext of needing to turn off the electricity, but other excuses have been used. These people are thought to be travelling to other areas in Devon and we ask you to be vigilant. The descriptions of these men varies, but one wears a Hi-vis jacket, another was wearing a khaki suede jacket and another has an Irish sounding accent, their ages are between late 20's to mid 30's.  We are interested in the car they are travelling in. If you have a call from these gentlemen please do not allow them into your home but note their vehicle registration no. and call us on 08452 777 444 quoting police log 958 dated 20/03/07.   
 

Distraction Burglary

This message relates to Police Log 803/26/02/07.

There has been a suspicious incident in the Northcote Lane area of Honiton.  A man has called at a house claiming to have knocked down a cat.  Once he had distracted the occupant a further man has searched property for valuables.  The description of one of these men is late 30's early 40's wearing a white shirt, black trousers and a long black coat.  Please do not let anyone into your property you do not know. 

If you have a visit from these gentlemen, note the vehicle they leave in and contact 08452 777 444 quoting police log 803 dated 26/02/07.

Bogus Callers

This message relates to Police Log 342 dated 26th January 2007.  There have been several incidents in the last few days carried out in the Mid, East Devon and Exeter area of bogus callers at the  doors of elderly occupants. They have been claiming to be either carrying out water board work or that they are from the council.  Please do not allow anyone into your home you do not know.  Always ask for ID. If in doubt ask for their head office to arrange a offical appointment by phone.  If you have a call from someone who you are suspicious of, note their description and any vehicle they may be driving and contact 08452 777 444 quoting log 342 dated 26th January 2007.
 

 

Burglary  Bishopswood

On the night of 9/10 Jan a resident from Bishopswood Hill reported a break in to a van and shed from which the thief made of with various  power tools. There is a possibility that they were also trying to take the van: the Police have been informed but not yet visited the property. This sounds remarkably similar to the incident in Yarcombe 2 nights ago.

If anyone saw or heard anything odd during the night please   inform the police. Please also check your own sheds and vehicles just in case.

Bogus Builders

This message relates to Police Log 409 dated 12th January 2007.  There has been 2 incidents, one in the Topsham area, the other in Honiton, of 2 males calling on home owners posing as builders working in neighbouring properties.  This of course is bogus and money has taken.  Their descriptions are 1. white male aged late 40's large face, tubby build wearing a beige /camel coat.  The second white male wearing a dark coat.  These gentlemen could have an Irish type accent.  Please be vigilant. If you notice anyone suspicious or any out of place vehicles in your area, note their descriptions and registration no's and contact 08452 777 444 quoting police log 409 dated 12/01/07.  Remember do not allow anyone into your home you do not know.  Thank you

Theft from Mole Avon

There has been a theft of a large quantity of HT stock wire, mild steel barbed wire. 300 off 5ftx 4ins wooden stakes , 2 lamb weighers and a security padlock.

If you are offered an of these items please inform the police 08452 777 444 quoting KA/07/16.

It is understand that the break-in was at Mole Avon in Axminster over the weekend.