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Since Christmas 2004, West Mercia Constabulary has run Operation Christmas Presence each year, a campaign d text

esigned to makes our towns and cities safer places to enjoy over the festive period.
            This year is no exception and Operation Christmas Presence 2008 will continue to build on the good work and results achieved in previous years.
            Chief Inspector Shane Hancock, leading the initiative in Herefordshire, said, "West Mercia wants people to have a fun but safe Christmas. To ensure this, we will be cracking down on alcohol-related crime such as drink-related violence, drink spiking and drink driving."
            "There will be a visibly higher presence of officers on the streets on key dates - Fri 19th, Sat 20th, Wed 24th, Sat 27th and New Years Eve - to reassure revellers and prevent problems."
            "We will also be working with colleagues from the Fire Service and Herefordshire Council on these days to ensure that fire and licensing regulations are being adhered to."
            He said, "The police have five top tips for a safe and happy Christmas - don’t drink too much, be aware of drink spiking, look after your friends, don't drink and drive and walk away from trouble."
            West Mercia are encouraging people to think about their actions when out by using the "If you could turn back the clock" theme, as one of the three posters being used shows.
            In 2008, Herefordshire will be a safe place to enjoy a cracking Christmas. Let's keep it that way!

Jingle Bells

To highlight the need for vigilance with bags and purses when shopping, particularly in the very busy pre-Christmas period, the Herefordshire Crime Prevention Panel have purchased a number of purse bells, which have been kindly donated Jingle Bells

to the local policing teams across the county to issue free to shoppers with trolleys and mums with prams and buggies.
Whilst purse and wallet theft is not a problem in Herefordshire, people do need to be aware that it does happen occasionally. By clipping the bells to the zipper, the bells will jingle if they are disturbed in your bag or jacket.
Inspector Nick Semper, responsible for Local Policing in Hereford City, said, "People are reminded to be vigilant when shopping, be wary of other shoppers who 'crowd' you, keep your bags closed and don't leave your purse in view."
The bells can be obtained by contacting your Local Policing Team on the new 0300 333 3000 number.

During the month of November there were a total of 23 arrests relevant to the Ross-on-Wye area, outlined below:-

                                                Burglary                                       1
                                                Assault and Public Order            10
                                                Shoplifting and Theft                   4
                                                Damage                                       0
                                                Drugs                                           0
                                                Drink/Drive                                   1
                                                Other                                            7

A 39 year old man from Coleford was arrested for disqualified driving, driving whilst unfit and resist arrest. He was charged and bailed to court.
A 55 year old man from Hereford was arrested for burglary. He was charged and detained for court.

On Wednesday 26th November two distraction type burglaries occurred in Ledbury and Bromyard. The offenders targeted elderly residents at home and obtained considerable quantities of cash. The stories used by the offenders to gain entry centred on checking the washing machine and checking the TV for fire risk. The offences occurred around midday/early afternoon.

Both offences involved at least three males. The Ledbury offence may have involved a blue coloured Suzuki Swift type car but this cannot yet be confirmed.

The Bromyard offence involved a silver coloured car which contained at least three males. Recently a silver coloured VW Golf containing three males has been committing offences in the Herefordshire area and other similar offences have occurred in other parts of the area.

Please can you make people aware of these offences and encourage anyone to report immediately any sightings of a strange silver car containing three or more males, or parked nearby to an elderly persons house.

                  PC Mark Murphy                                 07816 969674
                  CSO Paul Cowmeadow                       07971 642862
                  CSO James Cooke                                    “           “

                  PC Wendy Powell                                 07811 131525
                  CSO Paul Leighton                               07970 602441
                  CSO Lisa Austin                                      “               “

         Victim Support                                                  01432 347208
         Childline                                                           0800 1111
         Domestic Violence Helpline                              0800 7831359
         National Drugs Helpline                                    0800 776 600
         National Neighbourhood Watch Association     02079 630160
         Herefordshire Road Safety Hotline                   01432 364582
         Website: www.westmercia.police.uk
         Herefordshire Neighbourhood Watch: www.communigate.co.uk/here/hfdsneiwatch/