In the last month we have seen an increase in van break-ins. Unknown offenders drilled holes in vans and removed high value tools. I am treating these incidents as a priority and have increased patrols made by officers to try to prevent more offences taking place.
A dedicated operation has also been put in place to try to identify the offenders. We know these types of offences can often be across borders so are also working with other local police forces.
The main areas which seem to be targeted include: Marsh Street, Upper Marsh Road, Wessex Court, Wyle Road, and The Dean. Warminster’s Neighbourhood Policing Team now have full oversight of the reports and are carrying out investigations.
A PCSO from my team is working with all the victims to offer crime prevention advice and selecta DNA (tool marking technology).
If you have been a victim of a break-in, please report the theft as soon as possible and preserve as much evidence as you can. If you notice someone acting suspiciously or see any suspicious vehicles report it by calling 999. If you have any information to aid enquiries, contact WarminsterAreaNPY@wiltshire.police.uk.
Coming up, we have a drop-in session with PCSO Roland on Tuesday 27th May in the Aldi car park in Westbury between 11am and 1pm, and PCSO Kolasinski will be at the Military Coffee Morning at the Garrison Community Centre on Firbank Crescent in Warminster on Thursday 29th May from 10am to 12pm.
We’ll also have Wiltshire Police’s Mobile Police Van between 9th and 15th June. If there are any locations you would like us to visit, please email us.
Inspector Lou Oakley
