Security Messages

Neighbourhood Watch group coordinators receive email messages from Thames Valley Police about crime in their general area. This service is known as Ringmaster.

Recent Ringmaster and other messages that are of particular interest to residents of Whitchurch are shown below

Burglary in Hardwick Road

[THAMES VALLEY COMMUNITY MESSAGING - Abingdon - M 25/08/078]

This is a Ringmaster message from Thames Valley Police.

On Monday 24th August, between 08:30hrs & 19:15hrs, a property in Hardwick Road, Whitchurch, was burgled. Entry was gained by throwing a brick through a ground floor window. Property stolen included laptop computers, a camera and jewellery.

If you have any information relating to this message, please call the police on 08458 505 505 and quote URN 1332 of 25/08/09.

Sales tactics

[THAMES VALLEY COMMUNITY MESSAGING - Abingdon - M 14/08/051]

This is a Ringmaster message from Thames Valley Police.

High Pressure Sales calls by a Mobility Aids company Trading Standards has received a number of complaints from residents in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse about the sales tactics of a mobility products company that makes initial contact with vulnerable, elderly and disabled people by telephone. During the call the impression is given that the caller is from "social services" and is calling to arrange an assessment of needs visit.

When the visit is agreed to, a high pressure sales visit will take place at the resident's home. This visit will often last a number of hours, The end result is that resident's often sign agreements for the supply of expensive mobility equipment.

Oxfordshire Social Services Access team has confirmed that it does not approach clients by telephone in the way this company behaves

If anyone receives such a telephone call the advice of Trading Standards is not to accept a visit. If a visit is accepted, a resident is at liberty, at any time to insist that the salesman leaves. Failure to do so, upon request, could cause the salesman to commit a criminal offence. If a salesman will not leave upon request, residents can call Trading Standards between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday on 0845 051 0845 (option 1) or the police outside those hours on 08458 505 505 or 999 for an immediate response.

If an agreement is signed the customer will still have 7 days to cancel the agreement and get their money back. Trading Standards can advise on this process.

Rogue traders

[THAMES VALLEY COMMUNITY MESSAGING - Abingdon - M 23/07/094]

This is a ringmaster message from Thames Valley Police.

This message is to make people aware of reports that have come in to the Police about a gang of "Rogue Traders" who have been travelling into the area from Swindon each day. The company have had numerous complaints about the way they conduct their business and the quality of their work. For example they have been failing to give the statutory 7 day cooling off period, giving verbal quotes for the whole job and then getting customers to pay for materials on top of this. They have been bullying customers in to paying cash and causing confusion over bills, especially the elderly. They have done work in the Oxford Area and have now been going to the Wallingford and Benson areas. Please be extra vigilant and do not employ traders if they are cold calling. If you are in any doubt, please contact the door step crime team on 0845 0510845 or call the Police on 08458 505 505 and say you are responding to a Ringmaster message. Thank you. Message ends.

Burglary in High Street

[THAMES VALLEY COMMUNITY MESSAGING - Abingdon - M 30/06/083]

This is a Ringmaster message from Thames Valley Police.

Between 0730 and 1655 hours on Monday 29th June a property in High Street, Whitchurch was subject to a burglary. Offender or offenders have used a brick as point of entry by breaking glass to the front door. Jewellery taken. Please be extra vigilant and report any suspicious people or vehicles in the area to the Police. If you have any information relating to this message, please call the Police on 08458 505 505 and quote URN 1103 of 29th June. Message Ends.