Police have taken a couple of calls this week about suspicious transit pick-up type vehicles pulling into yards and farms. Fortunately, the property owners have challenged the occupants who have given excuses such as 'looking for scrap metal' or looking for a particular address. Most legitimate trades' people will have their company name, a local landline telephone number and other local references on their vehicle. If you see unfamiliar works vehicles, particularly with only a mobile number listed on the side, near your or a neighbours premises, please take a note of its details and if appropriate for you to do so, challenge them about their presence. Any legitimate trades' person will not mind such a challenge!
Police are aware of a small number of incidents in particular areas of Christleton and Farndon (not believed to be linked.) Extra patrols are being conducted in these areas at the relevant times in order to deter any further offences and to catch the offenders.
There has been a report about eggs being thrown over a parked car in Cuddington. Unfortunately, some youths see Halloween as an opportunity to engage in this type of 'mischief'. Local officers are working with shops and schools in order to try to get the message across that such behaviour is not acceptable and will be dealt with by the police and also to try to reduce the opportunity for produce such as flour and eggs getting into the hands of youths who do not adhere to acceptable standards of behaviour at this time of year.
I would like to remind motorists to be particularly mindful of some of the seasonal hazards on the roads at the moment. Wet autumn leaves and mud left by farm vehicles collecting harvests can make the roads particularly slippery in localised areas, which may take motorists by surprise on country roads. Also, high winds are not uncommon at this time of year, which often bring branches down. Please keep your speed down and make sure that you can always stop safely within the distance that you can see to be clear.
I am pleased to report that there has been a significant drop in the number of reports about barns and outbuildings being broken into this week. I very much doubt that the offenders have changed their ways and so would like to remind landowners to make sure that equipment is kept locked securely away and that appropriate security measures are in place to deter prowlers.