A community web site for villagers in and around Arnesby, Shearsby and Bruntingthorpe

MARKET HARBOROUGH NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ASSOCIATION

For many years, Shearsby has been a member of the Market Harborough Neighbourhood Watch Association, with notices to that effect displayed at both entrances to the village.

There are a number of people acting as contacts, who receive news letters and weekly crime updates for Beat 49, quite a large area, stretching from Broughton Astley, through Gilmorton, over to the A5199.

They also receive telephone warnings about criminal activity heading our way - details below.

New Police Contact Number for Non Emergencies

The Police Service have issued a different telephone for non emergency use.

Please dial 101 to report these issues, instead of 999.

Distraction Burglary in Shearsby

On Thursday evening, a pensioner in Shearsby was a victim of a distraction burglary.

A young man entered the house advising that a fence had been vandalised, and urging the occupant to "come and have a look".

While the occupant was engaged in conversation, a companion entered another room and stole a significant amount of money.

Please remember - keep all outside doors locked, and only open the door if you are sure that you know your visitor.

Warm Weather Warning

Market Harborough police ask that you think carefully about leaving windows and doors open in this spell of warm weather. These can be a means of easy access to any opportunist burglar.

Distraction Burglaries

Over the last few months, there has been a rise in the number of attempted and actual distraction burglaries. Everyone needs to be vigilant and stay alert.

Follow these few, simple rules and you need not be a victim of these callous people.

Put the door chain / door bar on before opening the door.

Make sure that back doors and windows are secured.

Check identity cards - genuine people will not mind waiting while you ring to check them out.

Don't trust people with only a mobile phone number, official callers will have a land line number.

1st February 2007

A distraction burglary is being reported in the Shearsby area.

2 men, selling handkerchiefs, approach householders. One asks to use the bathroom whilst the other talks to the householder. The robbery occurs while the householder's attention is engaged.

Do not open the door. Dial 999 as soon as possible.

20th October 2006

Leicestershire Constabulary is warning members of the public about a postal scam which is operating nationally.

Cards are being posted through letterboxes from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service). The cards suggest that the company was unable to deliver a parcel to your address and urge you to contact them on 0906 6611911, which is a premium rate number.

DO NOT call this number. If you dial the number and you start to hear a recorded message, you will already have been billed £15 for the 'phone call.

This postal scam is currently under investigation by ICSTIS (the premium rate service regulator).

People who receive a card with these details are urged to contact Royal Mail Fraud on 0207 239 6655, ICSTIS at www.icstis.org.uk or your local trading standards office.

6th June 2006

A gang of distraction burglars has been active in the Melton area, where they offer older householders help with gardening or odd jobs. While they are with the householder, the accomplice enters the house.

Because of this early warning system, people are refusing to open their doors to the would-be burglars.

Should you be approached, do not open the door. Try to get a description and number plate, then telephone 999 straight away.