Police in Hereford investigating a ‘barbaric incident’ that is reported to have taken place on Saturday
West Mercia Police officers in Hereford are investigating a report of potential badger baiting in the Lower Lyde area of the county on Saturday.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police (Hereford Rural North Safer Neighbourhood Team) said:
“We are investigating reports of possible badger baiting on land near Lower Lyde.
“The incident took place on Saturday 22nd January at 3.30pm.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information relating to this incident or that may have been in the area around the time of the incident and heard or seen anything suspicious. We are also keen to hear from anyone who might have seen a dark coloured pick up truck in the area around the same time.
“If you have information this please let us know using the online ‘Tell Us About’ form on our website www.westmercia.police.uk quoting incident reference 319 of 22/01/2022.
“If you aren’t comfortable contacting us directly, you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111or by visiting their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org
“Badger sett disturbance is commonly linked to badger baiting. This is a barbaric activity, involving dogs such as terriers being sent down a sett to hold the badger while offenders dig out the sett. A badger will attempt to fight back which often leaves the dogs injured and scarred. The dogs are usually called off the badger part way through the fight and the badger is then disabled by way of stabbing or a leg broken using an implement such as a shovel. This apparently gives the dog a better chance in the fight.
“The owners and spectators have little or no care for the welfare of dog and often view injuries to the dog as an irritation and interference of their activity. If a dog dies or its injuries mean that the animal cannot perform, the owners will simply get another dog and possibly abandon the injured one. Anyone who is suspected of or has committed such offences of causing a dog to fight badgers or causing unnecessary suffering will face prosecution under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
“Thank you for your help. It is only by the police and the public working together that we can prevent and detect crime.”
Police in Hereford issue advice after woman was tracked by an unknown user using an “Air Tag”
Police in Hereford have shared an alert after a woman in the West Mercia Police force area was tracked by an unknown user using an “Air Tag”.
PCSO Howard of West Mercia Police shared the following details:
“Recently I have dealt with an incident on our Policing area whereby a lady who had an Apple iPhone was tracked by an unknown user using an “Air Tag”.
“This is not something that we have come across before and as you can imagine it was very concerning for all involved.
“We have since found out that the company Apple have developed a device to keep track of your luggage, keys or any of your items that you wish. It is very similar to “find my iPhone”. You would put the little round device (like a magnet) on to your luggage when you go away and you would be able to keep track of it on your phone and also find out where it was if your luggage went missing.
“This sounds like a really good idea but unfortunately it seems that the air tags are now being used for criminal activity. Reports are starting to come in (mainly in the US) that the air tags are being used for stalking. This could be where someone puts an air tag in your car or in your handbag and that user would then be able to keep track of where you go.
“One positive on this is that Apple have had to install a security alert which means that if there is an unrecognized air tag near you, your iPhone will receive an alert to let you know.
“This message is not meant to alarm you but I feel that knowledge is power and the more people that know about this, the better.
“For more information, please see the link from the BBC news below: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-60004257”
Police investigation after receiving reports of criminal damage in Kingstone
West Mercia Police officers are investigating after receiving reports of criminal damage in Kingstone.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said:
“We are investigating criminal damage to a garage door in Coldstone Cross, Kingstone, Hereford and are appealing to local residents for information.
“The garage door was damaged between 12/01/2022 and 19/01/2022. The garage door had been forced open, however, nothing is suspected to be stolen. This door also had graffiti sprayed over it.
“If you have information about the damage please let us know using the online ‘Tell Us About’ form on our website www.westmercia.police.uk, quoting incident reference 00290_i 19012022.
“If you aren’t comfortable contacting us directly, you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111or by visiting their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org
“Thank you for your help. It is only by the police and the public working together that we can prevent and detect crime.”
Police in Hereford warn of ‘beaning’ incidents in South Wye area of the city
Police in Hereford are warning of a new craze called ‘beaning’ that has been occurring in the South Wye area of Hereford.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said:
“During the past few months Southside SNT have received calls relating to various food items eg tins of baked beans, ketchup etc being emptied or the contents thrown at their houses and vehicles.
“Inquiries have been made regarding “Beaning” – it is the latest TIK TOK trend – Parents are you aware where your children are when they’re not at home? Do you know what they’re up to? Do you check they’re Social Media especially TIK TOK?
“SNT are continuing to make enquiries. You’ve “BEAN” advised 🙂
“We ask that anyone with any information to contact us on Herefordsouthside.snt@westmercia.police,uk”
West Mercia Police issue appeal following the theft of a bird from a property in a Herefordshire village
West Mercia Police officers have issued an appeal following the theft of a bird from a property in the Herefordshire village of Longtown earlier today.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said:
“I’ve been made aware of the theft of a Harris Hawk today (Thursday 13 January 2022) from the garden of a property just up from the school. The bird was contained within a secure pen and was stolen somewhere between 8.30am and 4pm. If you saw anybody acting suspiciously in the village today please contact me and pass on details of what you saw.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Jeff Rouse 3687
Investigations ongoing after reports of a man acting suspiciously near a school in Hereford
West Mercia Police say investigations are ongoing after reports of a man acting suspiciously near a school in Hereford.
A member of the public took to social media to say that a man had reportedly sounded his vehicle horn and attempted to get a young girl to approach his van in the Hampton Dene Road area of Hereford on Wednesday 19th January. The incident is reported to have occurred at around 8.30am.
Your Herefordshire contacted West Mercia Police and a spokesperson shared the following short statement with us this morning:
“I can confirm that a report was made to police and the incident number is 00370_I_19012022
“Officers are investigating the report and their enquiries are ongoing.”
