Appeal to help catch burglars who terrified elderly Exmoor couple

AN elderly Exmoor couple were robbed in a terrifying ordeal last night by three masked men who burst into their home armed with wooden clubs.
The aggravated burglary happened between 7 pm and 7.30 pm at a secluded property near Exford in Room Hill Road - the B3223.
The couple were restrained by the raiders, who then searched the premises before they were believed to have left in a vehicle.
Although unharmed in the incident, the couple were badly shaken by the experience.
They managed to alert police shortly after the three men had gone.
Police were today still trying to establish what items had been stolen in the burglary.
They appealed for any information from the public which might help to catch the raiders.
The three burglars were similarly dressed in dark ‘walking’ or ‘ski-type’ jackets, dark trousers, gloves, training shoes, and dark balaclavas or ski masks.
They were described as having an untidy appearance.
Police would like to hear from anybody who may have seen any unusual people, vehicles, or activity in the area, or who may have other information about the incident.
Anybody who thinks they can help should contact CID at Bridgwater Police Station by calling 0845 456 7000.
Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where they do not have to give their name and where they could receive a reward.
A secure Crimestoppers contact form is also available over the internet at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimestoppers/ContactForm.aspx

Lock up village homes warning from police after spate of attempted burglaries

RESIDENTS of Nether Stowey were being warned to take extra precautions to secure their homes after a burglary and a series of attempted break-ins were discovered in the village.
The incidents all occurred during a single night and were thought to be the work of the same gang of thieves.
They all happened in the Banneson Road area during the early hours of yesterday.
Police are anxious to trace a group of men who were seen repeatedly driving along the road shortly before 5.30 am yesterday.
Their presence coincided with a break-in at one property, which the householder said had happened some time between 10.50 pm on Tuesday and 8.40 am yesterday.
The intruders searched cupboards and drawers, although it remained unclear whether anything had been taken.
During the same timeframe, several other properties were disturbed as somebody tried the locks on doors and windows after entering people’s gardens.
Police said although such incidents were rare, residents should be extra careful to ensure they secured their homes and kept any valuables out of sight.
Anybody with any information about the incidents should contact police by calling 0845 4567000 or using the confidential free Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.

More than 200 arrested in drink-drive crackdown

A TOTAL of more than 200 drivers were arrested in a Christmas drink-drive crackdown by Avon and Somerset Police.
The arrested drivers included 30 from across the West Somerset policing area.
The campaign was part of a national move to target irresponsible and dangerous drivers, and ran from December 1 to January 1.
The total of 202 arrested motorists was slightly down on last year’s campaign, when there were 216 arrests.
Of those arrested this year, 62 were under the age of 25 years.
Supt Andy Pullan, head of the constabulary’s road policing unit, said: “This campaign was about reminding people that drinking alcohol and driving is a lethal combination.
“Everybody is aware of the dangers, but there are still the reckless few who are prepared to gamble on others and their own lives.
“Each year, 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured nationally on our roads in drink-drive related crashes.”
This year’s campaign saw about 2,000 drivers stopped across the force area every week.
Those arrested now face a criminal record, a fine of up to £5,000, a 12-month minimum driving ban, and an 11-year wait for a clean licence.
Supt Pullan said: “Campaigns like this reinforce the message that drinking and getting behind the wheel of a car is unacceptable.
“However, I would like to remind drivers that the message of not drinking and driving applies all year, not just at Christmas.
“It is very important that the public do their bit by telling us about people they suspect regularly or intend to drink and drive.”
Police have urged people to report drink-drivers by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Police hunting two men after armed robbery fails

POLICE are appealing for information and witnesses after an armed man tried to rob a Spar shop in Alcombe, Minehead, last night.
The man used a hand gun in the attempted robbery, which happened at about 6.30 pm.
He entered the store in Alcombe Road and pointed the gun at a shop assistant’s face while demanding money.
The man made repeated demands for money but the assistant was unable to open the till.
The robber then panicked and left the store empty-handed.
He was described as white, 5 ft 10 ins tall, of average build, with fair coloured hair and was wearing a light coloured jacket.
The raider’s face was hidden under a ski mask which he wore during the attempted robbery.
It is believed he had an accomplice waiting outside, who was described also as white, 5 ft 10 ins tall, of average build, and with dark hair and wearing a dark coloured jacket.
Anybody who witnessed the incident, or saw two men matching these descriptions acting suspiciously in the area, should call police on 0845 456 700 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where they do not have to give their name but could receive a reward.
Alternatively, they can contact police through the secure Crimestoppers contact form which can be found on the internet at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimestoppers/ContactForm.aspx.

Christmas drink-drive campaign catches more than 100 drivers

MORE than 100 motorists have been arrested by Avon and Somerset Police for drink-driving offences since the launch of a Christmas crackdown at the start of the month – 15 of them in the West Somerset policing area.
The arrested drivers have failed breath tests or refused to provide a specimen, or were driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
With the Christmas party season well under way, police today reminded people not to drink alcohol before driving.
Supt Andy Pullan, head of the road policing unit, said: “There is no failsafe guide as to how to stay under the legal drink-drive limit, or how much you can drink and still drive safely.
“That is why we are urging people to not drink at all if they have a vehicle with them.”
Police have been carrying out high visibility roadside checks across known drink-drive hotspots throughout the force area and at the same time have taken the opportunity to provide law abiding motorists with some car crime prevention advice.
They estimate that officers will have stopped 10,000 motorists by the end of the festive period.
The crackdown is part of a nationwide initiative led by the Association of Chief Police Officers throughout the month of December.
However, Supt Pullan said although there was a focused campaign at this time of the year, the drink-drive message applied on all 365 days of the year.
Supt Pullan said: “Of course, it is recognised that over the festive period there is a greater risk, which is why we are putting extra resources in place throughout the next six weeks.
“But it will not stop there and our efforts will continue throughout the year.”
Anybody with information about drink-drivers should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where they do not have to give their name and could receive a reward.
In urgent cases where it is suspected somebody is driving or about to drive while drunk and thereby putting life at risk, people should dial 999.

• Our photograph shows a roadside breath test being carried out by a police officer. Photo submitted.

Young drivers arrested in police crackdown on drinking and driving

WITH the Christmas party season well under way, police have reminded people not to drink alcohol before driving.
A forcewide anti-drink-drive campaign began on December 1 and so far 69 people have been arrested for drink driving – eight of them in the West Somerset policing area.
More than one-in-five of the arrested drivers was aged under 25 years.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary road policing unit head, Supt Andy Pullan, said: “These young people will start the New Year without a driving licence and with a criminal record.
“They could also be fined up to £5,000, be imprisoned, lose their jobs, and the endorsement will stay on their licence for 11 years.”
Police officers have been carrying out high visibility road-side checks across known drink-drive hotspots throughout the force area and taking the opportunity to provide law-abiding motorists with some car crime prevention advice.
It is estimated that police will stop more than 10,000 motorists by the end of the festive period.
The crackdown is part of a nationwide initiative led by the Association of Chief Police Officers throughout the month of December.
However, Supt Pullan said although there was a focused campaign at this time of the year, the drink-drive message applied on all 365 days of the year.
Supt Pullan said: “Of course, it is recognised that over the festive period there is a greater risk, which is why we are putting extra resources in place throughout the next six weeks.
“But it will not stop there and our efforts will continue throughout the year.”
Anybody with information about drink-drivers should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where they do not have to give their name and could receive a reward.
In urgent cases where it is suspected somebody is driving or about to drive while drunk and thereby putting life at risk, people should dial 999.

• Our photograph shows a motorist being stopped and spoken to by a police officer. Photo submitted.

Police appeal after Dulverton Land Rover is vandalised

POLICE in Dulverton have appealed for help from the public after a grey Land Rover Freelander was vandalised.
The vehicle was parked overnight in Northmoor Road, Dulverton, on November 21-22 when the attack happened.
An object was used to scratch the entire length of the vehicle’s panels on one side, causing several hundreds of pounds of damage.
Neighbourhood beat manager PC Clare Adams has asked for anybody with any information about the incident to contact her at Dulverton Police Station by calling 0845 4567000.
Alternatively, they can use the Crimestoppers confidential freephone line on 0800 555 111.
Photo illustrative only.

Police advice for butchers after illegal poaching complaints

BUTCHERS in Minehead and Porlock have been visited by police and environmental health officers following complaints about illegal poaching in the area.
The police officers and district council staff discussed with the butchers where they obtained any local game they sold.
A police spokesman said the visits were intended to ensure correct procedures were in place for selling meat such as venison and pheasant.
As a result of the operation, a working guide is to be produced and distributed to everybody involved in the trade.
The police spokesman said the butcher shop visits, which were carried out on Tuesday, were ‘in direct response to a number of complaints received about illegal poaching’.
He said: “It was an ideal opportunity to demonstrate to those involved that the police and environment department work closely together and take the issue of poaching seriously, and that those involved in the meat industry need to be aware of exactly where they obtain their game from.
“A number of issues were raised by both the police and environment department as well as the local butchers, and a working guide will now be produced and distributed to all concerned.”
Anybody with any information on poaching is being asked to call the Crimestoppers confidential freephone line on 0800 555 111 or contact Sgt Andy Whysall, of Dulverton Police Station, on 0845 456 7000.

Expect the worst if you drink and drive this Christmas, say police

EXPECT to be stopped, expect to be breathalysed, and, if you are over the limit, expect to lose your licence - is the robust message police are sending out to motorists who drink and drive.
As officers launch their annual Christmas drink-drive crackdown today, they are sending out a clear message:

• If you drive on the roads of Avon and Somerset this Christmas and you have had a drink, expect to get stopped, expect to be breathalysed, and if you are over the limit, expect to lose your licence, possibly your job, and in some cases your liberty.


• Ask yourself, is it really worth it?

With young men making up the bulk of drink-drive offenders, police are seeking to drive home the message that unless they resist the temptation to drink, or make other arrangements to go home safely, they risk wrecking their future for the sake of one night out.
Supt Andy Pullan, the officer in charge of the force’s road policing unit, said: “Although drink-driving is a year-round problem we tackle day-in, day-out, the temptations of Christmas parties and impromptu drinks after work can mean people who might otherwise be more organised and make arrangements to get home are tempted to get behind the wheel when they should not.
“Rather than getting hung up on ‘safe limits’, our advice is that if you are driving, do not drink at all.
“One drink alone is enough to have an effect on your reactions and perceptions and put your own and other, innocent, people’s lives at risk.”
Police plan to stop and check an estimated 10,000 motorists during the festive period and will take the opportunity to speak to each one about the dangers of drink-driving and provide general crime reduction and personal safety advice.
Last Christmas, a total of 216 motorists were arrested for drink-driving across the force and 549 of those breathalysed were involved in a collision.
Supt Pullan said: “A really important part of this campaign is our appeal to members of the public to do their bit by telling us about people they suspect regularly or intend to drink and drive.
“If people do not feel confident to challenge the driver themselves, then it is imperative they contact us so we can take action.
“Nobody should risk having the death of somebody on their conscience for the sake of a phone call.”
Anybody with information about drink-drivers should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where they do not have to give their name and they could receive a reward.
In urgent cases where it is suspected somebody is driving or about to drive while drunk, thereby putting life at risk, people should dial 999.
Anybody caught driving over the limit faces a minimum punishment of:

• A conviction in court


• A driving ban of at least 12 months


• An endorsement of their driving licence for 11 years - meaning it will be 11 years before their licence is ‘clean’ again


• A criminal record


• They could also face a fine of up to £5,000 and a six-month prison sentence

Supermarket CCTV pictures show suspects in fraud and forgery inquiry

POLICE are appealing for help to identify two men suspected of carrying out fraud and forgery offences in West Somerset.One case occurred when the pair entered the Co-operative supermarket, in Fore Street, Williton, at about 8.48 pm on Saturday, August 23.
CCTV pictures of the pair were released by police today in an effort to aid their inquiries.
One is described as a white man with ginger hair and wearing khaki/green coloured jumper with a shoulder strap over his left shoulder (pictured, right) and similar colour trousers.
The other is a white man wearing dark clothing with white trainers (pictured, left).
Anybody with any information regarding the men or the offences should contact Crimestoppers immediately on 0800 555111.

Appeal for information after ride-on lawnmower stolen

POLICE are appealing for information after a ride-on lawnmower was stolen from an outbuilding on the Quantock Hills.
The John Deere X410 (pictured) was taken from a barn in Spaxton, between 9 pm on Monday, October 27, and 8 am on the following morning.
Suspects forced entry to the building and took the lawnmower, although no other property was reported to have been taken.
Police are appealing for witnesses, who may have seen anything suspicious to contact them.
PSCO Katey Wells said: “Securing rural garden buildings and out houses is a priority. Make sure all doors and windows are secured, with visible locks.
“It is also beneficial to join the rural watch scheme, a security marking initiative.
“For more information you can contact the beat team via www.avonandsomerset.police.uk.
“Alternatively, you can speak to the crime reduction team at your local police station.”
Anybody with information which may help police with their inquiries in the lawnmover theft should contact the Bridgwater police station on 0845 456 7000.
Or, they can use the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously and confidentially on 0800 555111.
A secure Crimestoppers contact form is also available online at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimestoppers/ContactForm.aspx.

Police investigate as poster campaign brands six youths as 'murderers'

POLICE have begun an investigation after posters naming six West Somerset youths under the heading ‘Minehead Murderers’ were found displayed in several areas of the town.
The six young people were all questioned by police earlier this year during inquiries into the killing of Minehead gardener Tim Chilcott (pictured), aged 36.
Mr Chilcott was attacked in the town centre in the early hours of Sunday, January 20, and died 36 hours later in Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, after being on a life support machine.
Daniel Cain, then aged 16, of Porlock, and Sean Wylds, 20, of Minehead, were originally arrested on suspicion of Mr Chilcott’s murder but were only charged with the reduced offence of manslaughter.
An Exeter Crown Court jury found them guilty in July of the alcohol-fuelled killing and both were later sentenced to three years in custody - Cain to serve his sentence in young offenders’ institution because of his age, while Wylds went to prison.
Now, Fred and Sylvia Chilcott - Tim’s parents - have expressed their disappointment and regret at the posters which have appeared in the town with references to their beloved son.
They appealed for those responsible for the posters to stop their campaign and let Tim’s memory to ‘live in peace’.
Police appealed for anybody with information about the posters to contact Taunton Police Station on 0845 456 7000, or to use the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively a secure Crimestoppers contact form was available at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimestoppers/ContactForm.aspx.

Appeal for information after Subaru is stolen

POLICE are appealing for information about a car theft from Minehead which happened overnight on Saturday-Sunday, July 26 to 27.
A red Subaru Imprezza was stolen from Selbourne Place, and recovered later that morning in Tiverton.
The Subaru was damaged by the time it was found, and there were items stolen from it.
Police would like anybody who may have any information about the incident to contact PC Creech at Minehead police station by calling 0845 4567000 or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where reports can be made anonymously.

• Our photograph shows a Subaru Imprezza (illustrative only).

Information appeal as arsonist torches empty cottages

POLICE have issued an appeal for witnesses following a suspicious fire which destroyed two homes on the edge of the Quantock Hills during the early hours of today.
The properties, two cottages in Stockham, near West Bagborough, were believed to have been empty for several months.
The alarm was raised at 2.30 am, but police are keen to hear from anybody who may have been driving along the lane between West Bagborough and Triscombe and the junction of Rock Lane and Kennel Lane - where the cottages were located - any time from 8pm onwards last night.
In particular, officers would like to hear from anybody who may have seen a vehicle parking in the area, especially if it was near to the cottages.
Fire and rescue crews from Williton, Wiveliscombe, Taunton, and Bridgwater, as well as two officers, were called to the blaze
They started to arrive from 2.28 am and found two adjoining derelict properties were well alight.
The crews used compressed air foam and three hose reel jets to extinguish the fire and dampen down the buildings.
Arson was suspected, although officially the cause was unknown and was said to be still under investigation.
Anybody who may have any information about the incident is asked to contact Taunton police by calling 0845 4567000, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where reports can be made anonymously.

Car crime appeal at old people's home

POWER tools and a purse and keys have been stolen from a vehicle parked at an old people’s care home in Periton Road, Minehead.
The white Renault Kangoo was broken into some time between 8 am and 11 am on Monday, October 20.
At about the same time, an unsuccessful attempt was made to break into a white Peugeot Partner van.
Police would like anybody who may have any information on the incident to contact them at Minehead police station by calling 0845 4567000 or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where reports can be made anonymously.

• Our photograph shows a Renault Kangoo (illustrative only).

Silver candlesticks are stolen from castle

TWO silver-plated candlesticks valued at £500 have been stolen from a roped off area of Dunster Castle.
The Castle is open to the public between 11 am and 4 pm, and the theft occurred between 10.30 am on Saturday, October 18, and 10.30am on Sunday, October 19.
The pair of candlesticks, one of which is pictured here, are described as having square bases, cluster columns, and palmated capitals at the top.
Police would like anybody who may have any information about the theft to contact PC Mark Curran at Minehead police station by calling 0845 4567000 or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where reports can be made anonymously.

Reward is posted to catch Watchet graffiti attacker

POLICE in partnership with West Somerset Council have appealed for the public’s help following a number of incidents of graffiti in Watchet last month.
On at least four occasions the damage was caused by using spray paint on walls and houses in Goviers Lane, The Esplanade, and the Henry Davey playing fields.
Police said there was no distinct pattern to the graffiti attacks.
The council has agreed to offer a reward for information leading to the identification of the offenders, subject to a successful prosecution.
Police would like to hear from anybody who may be able to assist with information about the incidents.
They should contact Watchet Police Station on 0845 456 7000 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, or use the secure Crimestoppers form available online at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimestoppers/ContactForm.aspx.

Thieves nab leaf blower while council workers' backs are turned

A STIHL leaf blower valued at £600 has been stolen from the rear of a West Somerset Council truck.
The theft happened while council workers were cutting grass in the Hopcott Close area of Minehead between 9.20 am and 9.30 am on Thursday, July 24,
Police would like anybody who may have any information about the theft to contact PC Clive Darch at Minehead police station by calling 0845 4567000 or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where reports can be made anonymously.

Woman in her 90s seriously injured in A39 collision

A WOMAN in her 90s has been seriously injured by a car which hit her on the A39 near Selworthy.
The accident happened at 3 pm on Thursday, March 27, at Budleigh Hill, which is between Minehead and Porlock.
A blue Peugeot car travelling towards Porlock from the direction of Minehead collided with the woman. The driver stopped at the scene.
The woman suffered a serious leg injury and was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital, in Taunton, where she remained in a serious condition.
Police are appealing for information and are keen to speak to anybody who witnessed the collision.
Anybody who can help should call the force’s collision investigation unit on 0845 4567000 or contact the police through the secure Crimestoppers contact form at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimestoppers/ContactForm.aspx
Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where they do not have to give their name but could receive a reward.

Police seek man after railway station burglary

THE man pictured in this grainy black and white CCTV photograph is being sought by police in connection with an overnight burglary which happened at the West Somerset Railway Station, in Minehead.
Police believe he can help their inquiries into the crime, which happened between 6 pm on Thursday, January 10, and 6.45 am on Friday, January 11.
An unknown sum of cash was stolen from the station premises.
Anybody with any information about the man or the burglary is asked to contact Crimestoppers immediately by calling 0800 555111 or using the secure online form at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimestoppers/ContactForm.aspx.
They do not have to leave their name, but they could receive a reward.