Police in Ross-on-Wye are concerned over recent spate of arson attacks
West Mercia Police officers in Ross-on-Wye are concerned about a recent increase in the number of arson attacks in the town.
Police have taken to social media to appeal for information in finding those responsible.
PC Merrick from Ross-on-Wye SNT said:
“Police in Ross-on-Wye are keen to speak with anyone who has any Information in repation to a spate of arson attacks in the Town over the last few evenings. Please contact PC Merrick 07970544453.”
Police search for owners of over 80 stolen dogs discovered in Suffolk
Six people who were arrested as part of a police operation on the outskirts of Ipswich, during which over 80 dogs were seized, have been released on bail as enquiries continue.
A large deployment of officers – assisted by partner agencies – attended West Meadows yesterday afternoon, Saturday 20 March, and executed a number of search warrants at the location as part of an investigation into a series of dog thefts.
Officers were present at the site for almost 10 hours as they conducted thorough searches and as a result they recovered 83 dogs of various breeds and ages, which are suspected to be have been stolen.
A 38-year-old man, two 34-year-old men and three women aged 46, 41 and 35 – who are all from Ipswich – were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal following this operation.
They were all taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and have subsequently been released on bail until Friday 16 April pending further enquiries.
Officers have been working today to identify the owners of the dogs as quickly as they can, primarily through the use of scanning them for microchips in the first instance.
This work is ongoing and will involve liaison with other police forces, as many of the dogs are suspected to have been stolen from outside of Suffolk.
Detectives would like to reassure all those people who have contacted Suffolk Police today to enquire as to whether their dog has been recovered, that everyone’s call or email will be acknowledged if it has not been already.
Officers are aware that many people will be anxious to know if their dog has been recovered and politely ask for victims to bear with them as they expedite these enquiries.
Anyone who may have information regarding dog thefts is asked to contact South CID at Landmark House in Ipswich, quoting reference: 13719/21.
Website – www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/existing-report-update
Phone – Call 101
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999
Cannabis cultivation seized by West Mercia Police
West Mercia Police Officers visited a property on Drovers Way, Worcester yesterday afternoon (Thursday 18 March) to find the substantial grow of cannabis with over 150 plants.
Safer Neighbourhood Inspector, Dave Troth, said: “Acting on information from the community we have disrupted a large cannabis cultivation of over 150 plants in Worcester.”
He continued: “We want to make our communities even safer and when members of our communities help us by providing this type of valuable information it enables us to tackle serious and organised crime together!”
If you are aware or think you know of any criminality such as this, or if you think someone is growing or selling drugs please contact your Safer Neighbourhood Team. If you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or I.P address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.
Police respond to reports of suspicious behaviour in Sutton St Nicholas
West Mercia Police have responded to a social media post that highlighted concerns over a man acting suspiciously in Sutton St Nicholas.
The post that appeared on Facebook yesterday said:
“On Wednesday 17th March 2.50pm a unnerving incident happened on the Hereford to Sutton road at the bridge over the Lugg.
“A lone women was walking her dog when a passer by spotted a man in black with a peak cap close to the dog walkers vehicle looking into the field. The dog walker turned around and saw the man duck low to hide by her car. The man’s presence seemed strange and the passer by turned their vehicle around and pulled into the same layby. With this, the man ran away and jumped over the barrier down to the river. After a few minutes of making sense of what had happened the passer by and dog walker went to see which direction the man had headed so as to report to the police. Shockingly they came face to face with this man hiding down the bank. Instantly realising the danger they possibly could be in the pair retreated to their cars and drove off. The incident was reported to the police and the police saw fit to search the area. However no one was found. Other people witnessed this man on the bridge at 2pm. It was said he was seen walking towards the village Sutton St Nicholas following the incident at 3.10. He had been watching for 20 minutes before being disturbed.
“The mans intentions are unknown but his behavior would suggest he has something to hide or is in fear of something himself. It was suggested the male sounded familiar to a local resident in Sutton however the police have said they do not believe it to be the same individual.
“The past year has been a struggle for all and everyone would agree our beautiful outdoor space has been a saving grace. Lets maintain the safety of our local communities.
“Stay vigilant and please if you have any information or reassurance on this matter or future occurrences contact 101.”
West Mercia Police have since responded by saying:
“The incident you have reported and the reason behind it are unknown to the police and we cannot give you any answers on this. I know Sutton do have a Facebook community page therefore you are more than welcome to report your incident on there to warn others. Other than that SNT will conduct patrols of the area and any suspicious persons will be challenged. We also recommend any further information or activity to be reported to us via 101 at the time.
“If you are concerned about walking your dogs, I would recommend going out with a friend to keep you company.”
