CHOOSY BURGLARS HIT RURAL HOMES

Scunthorpe Telegraph Saturday 25th November 2006

Valuables worth £17,500 have been stolen in a spate of burglaries targeting rural areas.

Items including jewellery, electronic goods and a Rolex watch (similar to the one pictured), valued at £11,000 have been taken in the thefts.Since the end of October, there have been 13 burglaries stretching across out-of-town areas.

And police believe it may be the same group of people. Det Chief Insp Chris Baker, of Scunthorpe police, said they were keeping an open mind, but added: "They could be loosely linked and using different vehicles."

Homes in Wrawby, Burton-Upon-Stather, Graiselound, Winteringham, Thealby, Burringham, Gunthorpe, Epworth, Laughton and Northorpe have all been hit.

Det Chief Insp Baker said all the properties had a rural location in common.

"Every premises which has been attacked is either in an isolated location, or the means of getting to it is isolated, such as backing on to fields," he said.

The means of entry for every crime, all of which happened during the day, was forcing a back door.

"A variety of goods were taken, including a mountain bike, an air weapon, a Rolex watch, a wide-screen TV and valuable jewellery," he said.

"It looks like the burglars are being quite selective about where they're going, but not what they take. They are clearly looking for jewellery, and they took a cash card and used it.

"They're taking things which can be turned into cash."

Det Chief Insp Baker said it was important people living in rural areas reported anything suspicious.

"If you see anything suspicious in an isolated location, when your neighbours are out, report it," he told residents.

"If you've got an alarm then use it, and make sure your house is made as secure as possible. For example, use bolts on back doors."

And Det Chief Insp Baker encouraged a good neighbour scheme in rural areas.

"Ask a neighbour to keep in touch and keep an eye out," he said.

He also warned people to report suspicious activity involving vehicles, as several were spotted parked on driveways while the burglaries were taking place.

Those sighted include a Blue Mondeo, a 4x4 and a white Ford Transit van.

"There's a stereotypical view burglars go out at night, but this is not the case," Det Chief Insp Baker said.

"We're following a number of lines of enquiry."

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact officers on 0845 60 60 222.
 

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Scunthorpe Telegraph Tuesday 21st November 2006

The behaviour of youngsters using Winteringham's teen shelter is causing concern for residents.

Pc Jeff Sewell and community support officer Shaun Black told members of the parish council on recent visits to the shelter, alcohol and cigarettes had been confiscated.He said letters had been sent to parents and he was asking for their support, not a confrontational attitude, and added officers would continue to visit the shelter on a regular basis and any drugs, alcohol and cigarettes would be seized.

He suggested if the problems persisted then the walls of the shelter should be removed.

Parish councillors also heard there had been a spate of burglaries in the area and householders were urged to ensure their property was securely locked. Car keys should not be hung near the entrance door and it was not a good idea to display Christmas presents under the tree. It might look very attractive, but it was an invitation to burglars.

The clerk reported a reply had been received from the insurance company and insurance for the councillors would be provided at no extra cost.

Highway matters were discussed and the clerk was asked to contact North Lincolnshire Council to report a couple of new issues and to once again chase up the request for traffic calming measures near the school entrances.

There were just two new planning applications, but several permissions granted had been received. These included permission to quarry, stockpile and process silica sand and gravel at Part of field 0084, off Ermine Street; permission for the erection of a detached dwelling on land next to 7 Meggitt Lane and permission for a detached dwelling to be built on land behind 16 Silver Street.

The monthly inspection of the playing field had been carried out. The broken seat in the teen shelter had been repaired. The clerk was asked to contact North Lincolnshire Council to find out if they had carried out the requested inspection.

The councillors unanimously agreed to accept the quotation from Don Johnson for the cutting of the grass on the playing field during the 2007 season.

The next parish council meeting will be Tuesday, December 5 at 7.30pm, in the council room at the village hall.

All parish council meetings are open to the public and time is allowed for members of the public to speak.
 
 

SHOTGUN TAKEN IN BURGLARY

Scunthorpe Telegraph Monday 6th November 2006

A Shotgun was among a large quantity of items stolen in a burglary.

But no ammunition was taken from the property on Winterton Road, Winteringham, during which jewellery and motorcycle clothing was also stolen.Humberside Police spokeswoman Gemma Bell said: "Clearly, shotguns are weapons and can be dangerous if they get into the wrong hands."

Mrs Bell added the police would like to hear from any witnesses or anyone with information about the burglary, which happened between 4.45am and 3.15pm last Wednesday.

Anyone with any information should contact Humberside Police on 0845 60 60 222, quoting log number 362 of November 1.

BONFIRE DATE

Scunthorpe Telegraph Saturday 4th November 2006

The firework night being held at Winteringham Village Hall is tonight, and not tomorrow, as stated in our bonfire round-up in What's On.

The entry on our listings page is correct. Entry is free, with donations accepted and refreshments will be available.The bonfire starts at 7pm, and fireworks at 7.30pm.