WPC 4180 Rowan HAWKINS Avon and Somerset Constabulary is divided into Districts and this area is covered by Somerset East (or 'F' District). Each District is subdivided into Sectors and North Wootton falls within the Wells Sector which in turn covers the three local Police Stations at Wells, Shepton Mallet and Street. North Wootton is policed locally by the Shepton Mallet Rural Beat Team. The Shepton Mallet Rural beat team is comprised of WPC 4180 Rowan HAWKINS (pictured above) and 
PCSO's Sheila THOMPSON & Beverley SEARLE. These officers are dedicated to dealing with community issues affecting villages surrounding Shepton Mallet. If you have a non-urgent issue which you wish to raise with your Local Beat Team you can contact them by telephone on 0845 456 7000 or via email to rowan.hawkins@avonandsomerset.police.uk In the event of an emergency or immediate/urgent need to speak to a police officer then use 999. If you know of anyone in the village without internet access, please let them know of any warnings that appear within these pages. 
CRIME UPDATE 
MINDFUL OF OTHERS ON COUNTRY ROADS (August 2006) At 3.22pm on an afternoon at the end of July, there was an Road Traffic Collision about a mile north east of North Wootton near Worminster involving a 15 year old child who was out riding his bike with a group of friends. The boy was injured when one of the group rode across a junction and was narrowly missed by a car, unfortunately the second boy who followed was struck and was thrown over the bonnet. The boy received three broken ribs, a graze on his arm and a bruised ligament. The mother of the boy, who is from Dinder, said that she felt sorry for the woman that was driving the car, "I have told the boys many times to be careful, stop at junctions and to wear helmets. My son is lucky not to have been more seriously injured or killed. I hope that this serves as a warning to others". Police always advise road users to be extra vigilant when driving, cycling or walking along country lanes, with less opportunity to stop or take evasive action it is essential to always be mindful of what might be just around the next bend. During a recent targeting of environmental crime a fly tipping site was identified about a mile outside of North Wootton. A subsequent Police investigation has resulted in the identifying of the source. If you are aware of any other sites in the area please let the rural beat team know. DISTRACTION BURGLARIES (July 2006) Current Issues / Advice:-
There have recently been a number of reports of attempted distraction burglaries with persons claiming to be from Utility Companies. If you do receive a caller to your house then Police urge you to confirm that the person is legitimate by asking to see identification. Genuine callers will be able to supply proof of identity. If the caller cannot then by contacting the company involved they will be able to verify if the call is genuine. Please notify suspicious incidents to the Police on 0845 456 7000 or via the 999 system if circumstances warrant. PLEASE LOOK OUT FOR THIS CAR (June 2006) The following car has been sighted in suspicious circumstances following distraction burglaries. A BLUE PEUGEOT 406 LX ESTATE registration plate number R998 LAM If you see this car please report it immediately to the Police using the 999 system if necessary. THEFTS FROM PROPERTIES UNDER CONSTRUCTION There have recently been a high number of thefts of fittings and equipment from properties that are both under development and being newly constructed within the area. North Wootton is currently similar to many other villages in the area and has a number of such properties that are either being worked on or are about to be. Please report any suspicious activity around these sites and to note the registration numbers of any vehicles acting suspiciously immediately to the Police using the 999 system if necessary. 
ALL ABOUT THE MOST COMMON SCAMS February 2006 The Office of Fair Trading is running a 'Stamp out Scams campaign' CLICK HERE to take a look at the Government Web Site that provides all the information that you need to know about the most common Scams that fool people every day. It Shows how to recognise them, how they work and what to do if you receive one. Including information on: LOTTERIES SCAMS, PYRAMID SELLING, FOREIGN MONEY OFFERS (as mentioned below in the January crime update) CHARITY PUBLISHING, ONLINE DATING SCAMS, PHISHING, and MIRACLE HEALTH CURES. CLICK HERE
Distraction Burglaries January 2006 The Police wish to warn members of the public that distraction burglaries are occurring throughout the area. Many of these burglaries are being committed by people claiming to be from the Water Board or other utility companies. Please make neighbours aware, (particularly with the amount of repair work that appears to be undertaken at present) that genuine utility workers if they need to enter your premises will always carry Identification . . . EVEN IN EMERGENCIES! Please ensure that any suspicious callers are reported immediately to the Police. Sheds & Out Buildings January 2006 Recently there have been an increased number of sheds and out buildings broken into. Although these crimes have mainly been in the Wells area it is always worth checking any such structures that you may have to make sure that your security measures are adequate. Good quality padlocks may cost a little more, but are worth it if they prevent somebody from getting in and stealing something that cannot be replaced. Shed alarms are a good deterrent. These can be obtained from most D.I.Y. stores and are fitted quickly and easily. In most instances, as long as you (or a neighbour) can fit a battery and fix the unit to the door you (or they) can fit the alarm. Do Not Respond! January 2006 Still doing the rounds (with little sign of slowing) are unsolicited letters and e-mails purporting to be from people who desperately need your help to get large amounts of money out of their particular country. If you receive such a request for 'help' (or know of anyone else that does) DO NOT RESPOND. You will simply be helping them to get richer while making yourself poorer. WAYS TO CONTACT THE LOCAL POLICE 
All Enquiries: 0845 456 7000 This number is to be used for all calls to the Police that are non urgent (crime reporting, lost property). Please tell the person who answers the phone exactly why you are calling and let them decide who to put you in contact with. Emergencies 999 This number is to be used for all Emergencies. An Emergency is: Where there is danger to life or a risk of injury. Where a crime is in progress or believed to be in progress Where an offender is still at the scene or has just left.
Crimestoppers: Call 0800 555 111 If you have information about a crime, telephone West Country Crimestoppers. Your call is free. You do not have to give your name and you may qualify for a award Voice mail: If you know the staff/collar number of the person you wish to contact, you can leave messages on their voice mail system. This will allow you to contact them without having to go through the standard telephone switchboard. Dial; 01935 402268 and when prompted dial 7 followed by the staff/collar number (if the number has 3 digits put a 0 in front). BACK | 