A RECENT police report states that the Westbury Area currently has the following matters;
OP KARINE – Pro-active work and patrols to look at specific people and address which may be targeted by out of county drug dealers (Country Lines Networks) which seek out low level drug users or vulnerable persons to “cuckoo” their address to operate from for a while. We have done work to identify specific people and addresses that may be vulnerable to this practice.
*UPDATE* as a result of pro-active work and partnership working with Selwood Housing and Wiltshire Council, we were successful in obtaining a partial closure order from the courts on the 27th November for an address in Queens Court, Westbury. The order is in force for three months and it states no person other than the tenant is allowed inside the property. Anyone found on the premises can be arrested for a breach of the closure order.
On the 3rd December a male breached the order and was arrested. After interview it was decided that he would be released with no further Police action, but was verbally warned not to return to the property while the closure order is in place.
We would encourage members of the public who are aware of the closure order to report suspected breaches by phoning us on 101 at the time the breach is suspected to be occurring, to allow us to attend and investigate and take appropriate action.
OP ARTEMIS – Poaching and Hare Coursing. Rural and remote locations and farms around Westbury and surrounding villages are at risk from poachers damaging fences and gates to access land to hare course and poach. This sometimes leads to cattle and sheep escaping out onto the roads, causing issues for motorists and for the farmers. Crops and fields are also being damaged. We are conducting pro-active patrols to reduce this type of crime.
Theft from Motor Vehicles. We have seen a small increase in the targeting of particularly work vans and vehicles parked up overnight in Westbury and Warminster, and across wider West Wiltshire. They are being broken into and work tools and equipment stolen. It is likely the offenders are using a van-sized vehicle themselves to travel around and commit these crimes and using tools to damage locks to gain access. We have been conducting high visibility pro-active patrols to reduce offences and to try to identify potential offenders.
As a part of crime prevention advice, were are asking people not to leave valuable items such as tools and equipment in vehicles, ensure they are securely locked and preferably alarmed. Report to the police any suspicious activity or vehicles in your area. Consider the use of home CCTV to cover your property and driveways.
