Home Watch News March

Crewe & Nantwich News – March 2009

Flying Start New-look local government in Cheshire provides a base for even more partnership action to tackle crime and disorder, says Chief Superintendent Paul McHugh, the Commander of the Cheshire Police Eastern Area. “Working with partner agencies and local communities is now the bedrock of policing in the Area and it has brought dramatic results. The ArcAngel campaign has made great strides in reducing drink-related disorder. Other forms of anti social behaviour have also been targeted and many of the drug dealers who blight local communities have been arrested and sent to prison. Burglary has been reduced by a third over the past two years and vehicle crime is also down. People in the Area have the added reassurance of seeing more Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers patrolling the streets. We will continue our efforts to keep Cheshire as a place where people can “Be Safe and Feel Safe”. We know our partner agencies share that aim.”

Two Charged Two men charged with a “bogus caller” burglary in Nantwich have been remanded in custody to appear at Chester Crown Court in May. The two are also charged with a similar offence in the Congleton area and two similar offences in North Staffordshire. One of the men also faces a charge of burglary in Nottinghamshire.

New Appeal to Missing Man Police have appealed to a man they want to question in connection with an attempted murder at Crewe in August 2007 to contact them. Clinton Reid, aged 30, disappeared soon after the incident, in which a man was stabbed eight times. A car which was used by Mr. Reid has now been found, burned out, at Moston, near Sandbach. Detective Sergeant Paul Williams said, “Mr. Reid should take the opportunity to eliminate himself from our enquiries. Alternatively I would like to hear from anyone who knows where he is or who has any information about his movements since the incident. The contact numbers are the Cheshire Police Information Line 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Beat Sneaky Burglars People in Crewe and Nantwich have been warned not to become victims of “Springtime Crime”. Warmer weather usually brings an increase in the number of sneak-in burglaries as people move in and out of their homes more and leave doors unlocked. Watch Co-ordinator, Hayley Goodwin said, “This is an open invitation to a burglar who will be in and out of your house with a handbag, purse or wallet in seconds.” Detective Inspector Nigel Groom said, “More than thirty per cent of burglaries involve unlocked doors or open windows. This type of crime is easy to prevent. All you have to do is lock up.”

Sentence for Hoax Calls A 21 years old man from Crewe who set fire to a wheelie bin and made hoax 999 calls was ordered to do 100 hours unpaid community work. He was also given a 16 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. The man admitted a charge of arson and a charge of wasting police time by making three 999 calls. The calls included false reports causing apprehension for the safety of the public.

Arrests Follow Attack Three men were arrested after a 32 years old man was attacked and seriously injured in Crewe. The assault took place as the man tried to repair his car, which had broken down. The men were later released on police bail while further investigations are carried out.

Surgery in a Surgery The Rope Green Medical Centre has been chosen as the venue for police surgeries for people in the Shavington, Rope and Wells Green areas of Crewe. Police Community Support Officer Neil Flanagan said he and his colleague Paula Davies had decided on the “surgery in a surgery” idea because of the medical centre’s location. It is at the point where Shavington joins Rope and Wells Green. “We thought it would be handy for everyone and it’s important that plenty of people come along,” said Neil. The first surgery will be on Thursday April 30th from 4pm to 5.30pm. It will be repeated on the last Thursday of each month, at the same time and place.

Good Use for “Cast Offs” Crewe Police Community Support Officer Dave Jinks has welcomed a gift of fishing tackle for the angling competition staged by the emergency services in East Cheshire. Allen Challinor, from Crewe decided to hand over some rods, rod bags, a landing net and keep net which he no longer uses. The competition, spread over more than a week of the school holidays, is designed for children and teenagers. Last year it attracted more than eight hundred entries. Dave Jinks said, “We provide rods and equipment for youngsters who don’t have their own kit. This tackle will be put to good use.”