Police Update on Local Crime

Message from Inspector Keith Curbishley

I am very pleased to be able to report that at the time of writing, a number of suspects have just been arrested, who are believed to have been responsible for approximately 100 house burglaries across the Rural and Chester areas, on the run up to and over the Christmas period. Those of you who receive my weekly reports will be aware that many of these burglaries occurred during the late afternoon and early evening periods. Cheshire officers have worked extremely hard to secure evidence in order to make the arrests. As always, the assistance of the general public has been paramount in helping the police to combat these offences, and secure the arrest of the suspects. Whilst this is excellent news, it would be naive to think that these are the only burglars active in our area! Please continue to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.
Large public events are common occurrences at various locations across our area. We saw the Essar Helsby half marathon take place this month, which necessitated the closure of some local roads. I am grateful that our local populous is generally supportive and tolerant of such community events. The 82 year old who completed the course deserves great respect and illustrates why we should all continue to support these events.
It is a sad fact that there are a significant number of serious vehicle collisions on our road network. Rural police officers will be carrying out an increased number of road safety initiatives throughout the coming year. A number of Driver Engagement Days, run in partnership with the local fire service are planned for February. These aim to educate drivers committing common driving errors. Please support local officers carrying out this important work.
Local News
Tarvin
-30/12/2013 outbuildings at a property on cross lanes, Tarvin were broken into and power tools stolen.
-06/01/2014 offenders carried in a blue Subaru Impreza were caught on CCTV shoplifting in the Co-Op in Tarvin, did you see anything?
-About midnight on 12/01/2014 an unidentified male was disturbed trying to steal a motocross motorcycle from a farm in Cross Lanes

Duddon
-17/01/2014 Michael Neil a resident of Fieldside, Duddon pleaded guilty to 2 charges of assault on another resident of Fieldside. He will be sentenced in February.
We have issued fixed penalty notices for parking obstructions on pavements in New Road and Fieldside. Please do not park on pavements, leave enough room for pushchairs and wheelchairs otherwise a ticket will be issued and the vehicle could be towed away at considerable cost.
Parking problems continue at peak times near to Duddon primary school. Council CCTV enforcement vehicle has been requested to attend the location as our previous advice is being ignored by some parents who think it is acceptable to put others at risk by parking badly

Ashton Hayes
-On 8th 9th 10th of January 3 bungalows were burgled at Vicars Close. CID are investigating these crimes. Local police officers and community support officers are increasing their patrolling in the village. Please call 101 if you see anyone acting suspicious in the village.
Officers have been engaging with Ashton parish council regarding the much awaited Speed indication signs. 2 devices are due to arrive to be installed one at each end of the village. We anticipate the signs will reduce the amount of speeding incidents through the 30mph area

Kelsall
-23/01/2014 a property on Quarry lane was subject to a garage burglary. 2 bicycles were stolen. Please be vigilant in the area and report to us any suspicious activity on 101.
Our Kelsall milk thieves have progressed to stealing cash left out for the milkman, I have taken a couple of reports on Flatt Lane of such crime. Please do not leave cash out for the milkman, please make an alternative arrangement to pay your milk bill to avoid being a victim of this type of crime.
Suspicious activity previously reported on Hallows close seems to have ceased, however I continue to monitor the location and carry out observations in the area.
I have had complaints from Kelsall residents over the state of the roads covered in mud around the new development on Hallows drive. I have called out highways to clean the roads and asked them to liaise with the developer to ensure they clean up after themselves whilst the site is under construction. Road cleaning can be requested by the public and does not need to go via the police. Please report such matters directly to the council.