PCSOs: Success in Castle Cary and Theft Report from Galhampton

PCSO Dan Arthur:

The Castle Cary Neighbourhood Policing Team has recently successfully concluded a three month investigation into a burglary which occurred at a factory in Torbay Road, Castle Cary. Over the weekend of Friday 23rd September - Monday 26th September the factory was entered by a number of local school children.

The factory building was accessed by the nimble youngsters by clambering up a series of three storey high scaffolding and entering through a top floor window. Once inside the youngsters caused considerable damage to a weaving loom, threw items from the top floor to the ground below and then proceeded to remove a small number of tools and equipment used by the factory personnel.

Investigations into the incident began after local intelligence led the town Police Community Support Officer, Dan Arthur towards an offender. At first it was believed to be just one youngster involved. In total fourteen local school children have been found to be involved directly or indirectly. The reckless damage caused by the youngsters created two days worth of work for factory staff to repair and cost the business almost a thousand pounds.

PCSO Dan Arthur said: "The investigation of this incident has built up like a jigsaw puzzle. Each day I was uncovering more and more names and offenders who had taken part in this burglary. Eventually five youngsters had to be arrested and formally dealt with; another child attended to speak with police on a voluntary basis having entered the property.

"During an interview all those arrested admitted to entering the property over that weekend and causing damage or removing items. The remaining seven youngsters did not enter the premises, however were trespassing on the site which is private property."

The neighbourhood beat team has rounded off the investigation by holding a conference style Restorative Justice hearing with all those involved with the case. The use of Restorative Justice gives the victim a chance to meet with the offenders and express to them how they have been affected by their actions. Hearing Facilitator PCSO Thelma Mead said "Using Restorative Justice enables the Police to offer victims better support and closure after incidents like this. The victim takes an active role in the Restorative Justice process, while offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and to repair the harm they've done, by apologising or returning losses to the victim."

The Castle Cary Beat Team called the hearing primarily to make the offenders accountable in front of the victim and to demonstrate that the building is not derelict. It is hoped that the Restorative Justice Session will also prevent further re-offending by the involved parties and will send out a clear message that this behaviour is unacceptable. To find out more about what your local beat team is doing in your area, visit the local pages of the force website at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk.

PCSO Thelma Mead:

Avon and Somerset Constabulary are appealing for information from the public following a lead theft from the church porch in Galhampton. Sometime between 2100hrs on Saturday 17th December 2011 and 1045hrs Sunday 18th December 2011.

Unknown offenders have accessed the Church grounds and stolen approx one metre of lead from one side of The Church Porch and attempted to steal further lead from the other side of the porch. PCSO Thelma Mead commented, "This incident occurred over night. Local enquiries are ongoing to establish an offender and I would reiterate to local residents to be vigilant and ensure that their property is secure to prevent further offences, in particularly when leaving the address for any period of time. To prevent further victims of crime the police offer free crime prevention advice, please contact us if you feel you would benefit or visit our website at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk".

Anybody with any information that can assist the police with their enquires is urged to contact the non-emergency contact number 101. Calls to the 101 service are charged at a flat rate of 15 pence per call. Alternatively the public can provide information anonymously by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers for free on 0800 555 111. They never take your name or trace your call.

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