Brettenham and Kilverstone Parish Council

Brettenham and Kilverstone Parish Council represents the villages of Brettenham, Kilverstone and Rushford, the residents at Arlington Way and surrounding communities. It is a largely rural area bordering Thetford to the west and the County of Suffolk to the south. It lies in the Guiltcross Division of Norfolk County Council and is currently part of the Harling and Heathlands Ward of Breckland District Council.

 

Overview from the Breckland District Policing Commander

“The New Policing Model is currently imbedding well within the Breckland district with a number of new officers familiarising themselves with the area.  A key focus for staff is
rural overnight crime, and I would ask anyone who lives in the rural area to contact police about any suspicious vehicles not linked to the local community.

“South Breckland over the last week has been subject to a small number of garage breaks within the Thetford area where tools and fishing equipment have been stolen – we would ask local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity overnight in the Thetford area.

“The North of the district has seen a slight increase in shoplifting within Dereham Town Centre – we have identified two suspects who have been arrested and charged with the offence of theft.  We will continue to patrol the market town and engage with the local retail premises regarding security.”

Regards, Chief Superintendent Paul Durham.                                         25 Januray 2012

There are no emerging trends of anti-social behaviour from the Operational Partnership Team

 

 

Two people who plotted to rob a North Suffolk Post Office will be spending a total of 16 years in prison, after being sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court today, Wednesday 18 January 2012.

On the morning of Wednesday 28 July 2010, police were called to Thelnetham Road in Hopton where a man had entered the Post Office with a handgun and a knife. He threatened staff and was given an amount of cash before leaving the shop on foot. No-one was injured.  A thorough search of the village and surrounding areas was carried out, and it was established that the man got into a dark-coloured people carrier, which drove off.

From speaking further to witnesses, officers established that the vehicle was extremely distinctive – a maroon Toyota Previa around 15 years old. One of the other occupants of the car was a second man.

CCTV images from the Post Office were circulated to the media with a description of the offender, and a number of calls were received from potential witnesses. Work continued to try to identify the vehicle used, and other Post Offices in the area were visited to offer reassurance as well as to establish if the offenders may have also visited these stores. Around 60 people were spoken to during anniversary checks a week on from the robbery.

Following these checks, information was received about a vehicle which may have been involved, which was owned by Adam Fairbrass.  The 29-year-old, who was living in Walsham-le-Willows, was known to police.  On Friday 6 August 2010 he was arrested, along with 28-year-old Trevor Summers, of South Ockendon in Essex.

Both men knew each other – whilst neither of them admitted their parts in the robbery in interview, it emerged that they had gone shopping together in Essex just hours after the robbery was committed.  They were released on police bail.

Further inquiries were carried out, and on 26 January 2011 Fairbrass, now of Queen’s Way in Ipswich was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. Summers was at that point remanded in custody for other matters so was issued with a summons for the same offence.

They were listed for trial at Ipswich Crown Court, but pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit armed robbery and today returned to court for sentencing. Both received custodial sentences of eight years.

Senior Investigating Officer, Superintendent Louisa Pepper said, “This incident was extremely frightening for the staff and customers of the Post Office, and caused great concern amongst the residents of this usually quiet village. A large police response was mobilised because of the actions of this pair and they are now facing a lengthy spell behind bars.

“The community joined together to support the Post Office and the investigation, and I am grateful to those who came forward to assist our inquiries. CCTV and eyewitness accounts giving very good descriptions of the Toyota and its occupants were key to locating Fairbrass and Summers, and bringing them to justice. We have continued to work in this community to help residents feel safe and with the Post Office itself to offer crime reduction advice.

“This type of offence is extremely rare in Suffolk, and those who target community locations using unnecessary violence such as this can expect stiff penalties as we have seen today.”

 

Heating oil thefts – Great Hockham

Police are appealing to residents after a two reported heating oil thefts in Great Hockham.

The first incident occurred between 9 and 9.20pm on Friday 6 January. An unknown male offender entered the rear garden of an address in the village and began to steal oil from the tank. An alarm disturbed the offender and he fled the scene.

Another offence occurred the following evening between 4pm on Saturday 7 January and
8.30am Sunday when unknown offender(s) stole around 400 litres of heating oil from an address in the village.

PCSO Virginie Tribut of the Attleboroguh Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) said: “Unfortunately, heating oil theft can be a real problem for rural communities. Norfolk Police remain committed to identifying and targeting offenders but there are also some simple crime prevention measures that should be considered by residents. The fact that once offender was disturbed by an alarm in one of the recent incidents shows just how effective these methods can be.

“We’d like to remind people to consider dusk to dawn lighting around the tank so anyone can be seen just be sure your lighting is considerate to neighbours.  A wooden or metal fence, trellis or wall can offer additional protection and defensive planting can have a similar effect.

“Specialist quipment such as oil level gauges sound an alarm if the oil level in your tank
suddenly drops or falls below a quarter full and control switches can stop the low of oil when the tank is not in use. A good quality padlock is always a ood investment.”

Anyone with any nformation on these incidents should contact PCSO Virginie Tribut at the
Attleborough SNT on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

Motorists travelling on the main routes through Suffolk are being asked to report any suspicious activity following a series of incidents in which objects have been thrown from road bridges.

Posters are being placed at a number of bridges over the A14 and A12 from Monday (January 9), bearing the message: Spot Anything Suspicious? Call 999.

The posters also have a bridge reference number, which motorists can quote to help the police arrive quickly on scene.

They are the latest response by the emergency services,local councils and the Highways Agency who are working together to tackle the issue.

Extra patrols are taking place in areas around bridges on the key routes in the county – and an investigation lead by a detective superintendent has been launched to catch those responsible.

Suffolk’s County Policing Commander, Chief Superintendent David Skevington, said: “Our investigations are continuing into these incidents – and motorists using the key route network in Suffolk could provide us with important information.  Hopefully, these signs will prompt motorists who see anything suspicious to get in touch immediately, after finding a safe place to stop and make a call to us.  We are taking these crimes extremely seriously.  Fortunately, no one has been injured in these incidents – but it goes without
saying that throwing anything from a bridge onto a busy road has the potential to result in road traffic collisions causing serious injury – or even death.”

The signs have been provided by the Highways Agency.  Dave Gingell, Highways Agency Regional Director in the East, said: “Safety on our roads is our top priority and we are doing everything we can to assist Suffolk Police in bringing these dangerous and irresponsible activities to an end.  Arrangements are being made for the new posters to be
put in place on 31 bridges crossing the A14 and A12 early next week and we would urge members of the public to report any suspicious activities to the Police without delay.”

 

The next Brettenham and Kilverstone Parish Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday 18 January at 1930 in the Beaters’ Hut.

 

Victim in Thetford assault dies

A 65-year-old man who suffered serious head injuries following an incident in Fir Road, Thetford, shortly before 2am on Sunday 4 December 2011 has sadly died.

Ronald Beacham, of Ulfkell Road, Thetford, died late on Thursday night (December 8th) in Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge.

Michael O’Leary, aged 56, of no fixed address, was charged with Section 18, GBH with intent and will next appear at Norwich Crown Court on Tuesday 20 December 2011 at which point his charge may change to reflect the seriousness of the offence.

 

Criminal damage – Old Buckenham

Police in Attleborough are appealing for information following three incidents of criminal damage in Old Buckenham.

The ncidents happened overnight on Saturday 10 December in St Andrews Close when suspect(s) slashed the tyres of a Renault Clio, Ford Mondeo and Rover 25, all parked in a communal parking area.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or noticed
people acting suspiciously in the area around the times stated.

Anyone with information should contact PC Jacquie Tobin at Attleborough Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

Positively policing our borders

An innovative approach to tackling cross border crime is being introduced this week across the county boundaries of Norfolk and Suffolk.

Operation Breakout, a joint initiative piloted by both Norfolk Constabulary and Suffolk
Constabulary, is designed to combat overnight crime along the county boundaries of  Breckland, South Norfolk, Forest Heath and Mid-Suffolk.

The operation is in response to analysis which shows that rural areas are often targeted by criminals.

It will involve:

  • High visibility patrols, with officers from both forces patrolling together.
    These will be carried out between 8pm and 4am along the border area.
  • Targeting those suspected in involvement of rural crimes including burglary,
    vehicle crime, theft of metal and fuels.

A spokeswoman said: “Operation Breakout will combine the knowledge and experience
of local officers from Norfolk and Suffolk, who will work together to enhance the policing service to rural communities by disrupting those who carry out crime in the areas around our border.

“This intelligence-led operation is a local policing solution to a local policing problem.  We have designed it to make the best use of our available resources, for the benefit of local communities.”

The operation is currently running as a pilot in the run-up to Christmas.

 

Drug suspects arrested in dawn raids

An operation to crack down on drugs in local communities and disrupt illegal drugs
activity across Norfolk and Suffolk has taken place today. (6 December 2011)

Properties in Norwich, Hethersett, Foxley and Shropham in Norfolk and in Erwarton,
Woodbridge, Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich, Harkstead, Elmswell and Holton St Mary
in Suffolk were targeted as police continue their efforts to tackle the supply of drugs across the region.

A team of officers from the Eastern Regional Special Operations Unit (ERSOU)*,
along with officers from specialist search teams and dog units, were involved in the execution of a total 15 warrants across the two counties.

Following the raids, officers from local Neighbourhood Policing Teams have been carrying
out patrols in the areas where they took place, providing reassurance,
information and support to residents.

As a result of today’s activities, six men and one woman in the two counties, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and money laundering.

T/Detective Superintendent Mark Lay, Deputy Head of the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, who is leading the investigation, said:  “Today is the culmination of months of painstaking work undertaken by ERSOU officers throughout the region and beyond.

“It should send a message that anyone engaged in the unlawful supply of drugs within the region can expect the full force of ERSOU and its partners to bring them to justice.”

“We are sending a clear message to the residents that dealing in drugs will not be
tolerated and we will continue to tackle it robustly.”

T/Det Supt Lay added: “A major part of the success of today’s operations has been the
intelligence provided by members of the public. It is their information and their positive action that has enabled us to carry out these raids with a successful outcome. I would reiterate the message that the more the public tells us, the more we can do to help tackle drugs and track down the people involved.

“The raids today will have seriously inconvenienced the drug dealing networks, but there is still more to be done – and I can assure those individuals that persist in this type of illegal activity, they will be tracked down, arrested and their assets seized.”

ERSOU (Eastern Regional Special Operations Unit) is a regional crime squad to tackle
serious and organised crime across six force areas became operational in July 2010.

ERSOU was formed to increase and improve operational capacity and capability in dealing  cross-border criminals and is resourced by Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex,
Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk forces. ERSOU is committed to serving residents cross the region and carries out proactive operations to tackle cross-border organised crime.

 

Thetford serious assault – update

A 56 year old man has been charged following a serious assault which took place in Thetford over the weekend.

Police were called to an address on Fir Road shortly before 2am on Sunday 4 December
following reports of a disturbance.

A 65 year old man suffered serious head injuries and was treated by paramedics at
the scene. He was later transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital where his condition remains critical.

Micheal O’Leary, of no fixed address, was charged with Section 18, GBH with intent and will appear at Bury Magistrates Court tomorrow (Tuesday 6 December 2011) morning.