Shropshire-wide Purse Thefts Warning
Police across Shropshire today renewed warnings for people to be alert and keep a close eye on their valuables, especially purses and handbags, while shopping.
The advice comes after a number of purse thefts reported in various parts of the county in recent days, where purses were ‘dipped’ from bags.
Officers urged people to keep handbags securely fastened and to be aware of persons standing around or close to them at all times while out and about.
Police Warning Over Garden Sheds
Police are urging garden shed owners in Shropshire to maintain security to protect gardening equipment and other valuable items. The warning comes as gardeners prepare for the new season and are likely to be checking lawnmowers, power tools and other major equipment.
Several shed burglaries have already been reported around the county in recent weeks and police are anxious owners step up security wherever necessary.
Shropshire Division’s crime prevention manager, PC Tim Weaver has issued a series of tips under the catchphrase “Sheducate”.
Bogus phone calls
Police in Shropshire have warned people to be on their guard against telephone callers claiming to be selling security alarms on behalf of West Mercia Police.
The warning follows several reports where members of the public in the Whitchurch area have reported receiving such calls.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said today: “It would seem these are bogus calls and have nothing to do with the Force. We do not call people offering to sell merchandise.”
Possible Congestion warning during Funeral of Shropshire Teenager
Police today urged drivers to be prepared for traffic congestion in a village near Shrewsbury while the funeral of a teenager killed in a road collision takes place.
A large amount of people are expected to attend St George’s Church in Pontesbury on Friday (FEB 5) afternoon for the funeral of Sophie Rowlands, who died on January 25th after her car was in collision with a lorry on the A53.
Dog fouling warning from police
PC Mike Evans, Madeley’s Local Police Officer, has issued a warning to local dog owners who allow their pets to foul the footpath and playground on Upper Road and are not then clearing up the mess.
The warning comes after the South Telford Local Policing Team (LPT) received a number of complaints through PACT (Partners and Communities Together) from local residents who are worried about the health and environmental problems dog fouling can cause.
Assault near Wonderland
Police in Telford are appealing for information following an assault in the town park. The incident occurred close to Wonderland on Monday 18th January.
Sometime between 5.30pm and 6pm, the victim – a 15-year-old male – was walking through the park with some friends when an unknown group of youths – all of whom were males - approached them.
Police news briefing
Robbery in Wellington
Police in Telford are appealing for information following a robbery in Wellington. The incident occurred close to the new bus station on Victoria Avenue on Sunday 17th January.
At around 3.20am, as the victim – a 19-year-old man – made his way home, he was approached by a group containing around 5 unknown men. Without warning the victim was punched a number of times before falling to the floor.
Police issue warning after vehicle crime sprees
Police in Telford have issued a stern warning to thieves after parts of South Telford and Wellington suffered a significant increase in vehicle crime incidents over the weekend.
Since Friday 15th January, 8 theft from vehicle incidents have been reported in Sutton Hill – the majority on Sunnymead – while 9 incidents were reported to police as happening in Wellington. This includes 3 incidents on Severn Drive.
Stay off lakes and other frozen water: Police warning
With freezing temperatures continuing, police in Telford today once again warned people to stay off frozen lakes, rivers, canals or ponds for their own safety.
The latest warning comes after police were called to an incident in Trench where two men in their mid 20s were spotted on the ice on Trench Pool at just before 4.30pm on Tuesday 12th January. Both men had ventured to the middle of the pool - which in places is almost 200 metres from the bank - and appeared to think it highly amusing to jump up and down on the ice to see if they could crack it.
Check local conditions, plan route and drive slowly
Road users across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire are reminded to plan their route, drive slowly and allow extra time to carry out manoeuvres as overnight snow fall continues to make driving hazardous throughout much of the region.
Many routes that may have cleared at the beginning of the week may now be difficult once again so motorists are advised to check local conditions before making the decision to use the roads.