Police Update;

Weekly crime summary 26 April 2016

Personal safety reminder

There have been several street robberies, particularly at ATM’s, reported in Great Yarmouth over the last few weeks. Although the chances of you becoming a victim of this type of crime are low a few simple precautions when out and about can help to ensure your personal safety:

· When at the cash point stand close to the machine, shield your PIN and do not allow yourself to be distracted. Take the money immediately and secure it in a safe place. Do not count it in public view!

· When possible wear handbags across your body as this makes it harder to snatch and always keep it securely zipped up.

· Avoid carrying your wallet in your back pocket where it can easily be spotted by would be thieves.

· Try not to be conspicuous about the valuables you are carrying and spread them around your body if possible.

· Be aware if using an expensive mobile phone as these are attractive goods to be stolen.
If you see anyone acting suspiciously please call 101 or 999 if a crime is actually in progress.

Witnesses sought after opportunist thief targets an injured elderly lady in Great Yarmouth

Officers are looking for witnesses after an elderly lady has had her handbag stolen following a fall in the Great Yarmouth Market Place.

The incident happened at approximately 3.30pm on Saturday 16 April 2016. The elderly victim was walking near to Poundland, opposite McDonalds, when her legs gave way and she fell to the floor. Whilst on the floor, a woman has taken this opportunity to take the victims handbag which contained an undisclosed amount of money, some medication and various cards.

Anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour in the area between the times stated or anyone with information should contact PC Gary Brown at Great Yarmouth Police Station on 101.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Gorleston assault appeal

Detectives are appealing for information after a teenager was assaulted in Gorleston.

The incident took place in Church Road in the town at around 9.50pm on Wednesday 20 April 2016.

The victim, aged in her late teens, was returning home when she was approached from behind by an unknown male who put his hands over her mouth, grabbed her and indecently assaulted her.

The man is believed to have fled in the direction of Garnham Road. He was described as white, 5ft 6in tall and as wearing a dark top with his hood up and dark bottoms with a white stripe down the side.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Graeme Talbot at Norfolk Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Next of kin appeal – Peter Greenhill

Police are appealing for help to trace the family of a man who died recently.

66-year-old Peter Greenhill sadly died at his home address in Hawkins Close, Great Yarmouth, on Thursday 14 April 2016. There were no suspicious circumstances.

Anyone with information relating to Peter should contact the Coroner’s office in Norwich on 01603 276496.

Police Update:

Weekly crime summary 6 April 2016

There have been four incidents of purse and handbag thefts from female victims in both Great Yarmouth and Gorleston in recent weeks. In one incident a shopper had her bag and purse stolen from a shopping trolley. On another occasion a female put her handbag in the passenger foot well of her car as she got in the driver’s side. A male suspect opened the passenger side door and attempted to remove the bag.

Please ensure that you are always aware of where your purses and handbags containing valuables are and make every effort to keep them safe. Please don’t leave them unattended at any time – even for a short period, for example, leaving purses on shopping trolleys whilst shopping. Small bells can be purchased and attached to bags or purses so owners can be alerted if they are moved.

Please be aware of suspicious people hovering near you. If you notice someone acting suspiciously, move away from them, preferably to a busy area, and alert staff if you are in a shop.

Norfolk Home Watch Association meeting

Please be advised that there will be an EGM on the 21 April 2016 to discuss the name change for Norfolk Home Watch Association to Norfolk Neighbourhood Watch Association, a discussion of the new constitution for the association and for the constitution to be agreed. If all coordinators could attend it would greatly assist them and the association.

The meeting will be held at Town Green Centre, Wymondham NR18 0PW.

The entrance for the venue is up the left hand side of the Methodist Church on Town Green and the timing for the meeting is 19:00 for a prompt 19:30 start.

Church targeted by would-be thieves, Burgh Castle

Police are investigating after suspect(s) targeted a church at the weekend in Burgh Castle, near Great Yarmouth.

The incident happened at the St Peter and St Pauls Church, in Church Loke, on Saturday 2 April between 10am and 1.40pm when offender(s) entered the main building before forcing their way into the rector’s office.

Damage was caused to the door and items were moved around inside but nothing was stolen.

Officers are keen to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have seen anything out of character in the area during the day.

Witnesses should contact AJ Hovells at Gorleston Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Election:

Martham will be going to a poll to elect a new Parish Council on May 5th with 15 candidates standing for 11 positions on the Council.

The last date to register to vote so that you can cast your vote is Monday 18th April and this can be done online at;
https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Alternatively a paper form can be requested by contacting the Borough’s elections team via 01493 846327 or emailing; elections@great-yarmouth.gov.uk

Allotments;

There are currently vacant allotments. If you would like an allotment at the site on Cess Road, please get in touch with the Clerk on 01493 749938

Policing update for the Rural Flegg Villages

Weekly crime summary 29 March 2016

With the lighter evenings and some warmer weather hopefully around the corner many residents will be paying more attention to their gardens. This increases the possibility of forgetting to re-lock sheds and outbuildings after pottering around the garden.

Unfortunately there has been a number of shed break-ins over recent weeks so we are urging everyone to please make sure that sheds and outbuildings are secure at all times and that locks and bolts are suitable for purpose. Higher value items should always be stored out of view and any suspicious activity around these vulnerable buildings should be reported to us using the 101 number or contact us immediately on 999 if you think a crime is actually in progress.

Norfolk opens its doors to new recruits

Police officer recruitment in Norfolk has recently opened and members of the public can apply to become police constables. Police officers will be recruited in a phased process throughout the year, backfilling officers who leave the organisation through retirement or natural turnover.

Members of the public are welcome to apply, with the first public intake due to take place in the summer.

Deputy Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: “I am pleased that we are once again able to welcome new officers into our organisation.

“Policing provides a varied, rewarding and challenging career and I hope that members of the public from a variety of backgrounds will consider applying.

“Our officers demonstrate a range of skills, specialisms and experience in the work they deliver and I look forward to welcoming new recruits who will bring yet more talent and diversity to our teams.”

Those interested in applying are asked to visit the Constabulary website atwww.norfolk.police.uk for further information on how to apply and to request an application pack.

Appeal following burglaries in Great Yarmouth

Police are appealing for information after two homes were targeted by thieves in a Great Yarmouth street.

Both incidents happened on Friday 25 March 2016.

A property in Jury Street was broken into between 2.30pm and 9.10pm. An Xbox 360, Xbox games, a watch and some DVDs were among the items stolen.

In the second incident suspect(s) attempted to gain entry to a property near-by sometime between 4.30pm and 8.45pm damaging a gate and a door.

Anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area between the times stated or anyone with information should contact DC Richard Wallis at Great Yarmouth CID on 101.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111
Woman suffers serious injuries in A47 crash, Postwick

Police are appealing for witnesses following a collision on the A47 at Postwick, near Norwich.

The incident happened on Sunday 27 March at about 3.45am in the Yarmouth bound carriageway just prior to the Postwick turning when a black Renault Clio left the road, colliding with the barrier before overturning coming to rest on the roof.

The driver, a woman in her 20s, suffered serious life-changing arm injuries as a result and was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

The A47 was closed in both directions while emergency services dealt with the incident; the westbound carriageway reopened at 6.25am while the eastbound was open by 8.20am.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information concerning the driving manner of the vehicle prior to the crash.

Witnesses should contact PC Philip Higgins at Wymondham Roads Policing on 101.

Detectives appeal after Gorleston burglary

Detectives are appealing for information following a burglary in Gorleston.

The incident occurred at an address in Almond Road sometime between 8.40am and 3.30pm on Wednesday 23 March 2016, when suspect(s) have gained entry into the property and stolen some electrical items.

Anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area between the times stated or anyone with information should contact Det Con Richard Wallis at Great Yarmouth CID on 101.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police investigate garage burglaries in Belton

Police are investigating after a number of garages were targeted by thieves in Belton.

Four garages in Paddock Close were broken into between Saturday 19 March and Monday 21 March 2016. A bicycle, bicycle accessories, fishing equipment and some speakers were among the items stolen.

Officers are linking the incidents and would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard any suspicious activity in the area between the times stated.

Anyone with information should contact PCSO Laura Allen at Gorleston Police Station on 101.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.