Police Report

Inquiries carried out by police financial investigators have resulted in two convicted criminals from Warwickshire being stripped of thousands of pounds.

The two investigations by the Warwickshire and West Mercia Police Economic Crime Unit are the latest in a long list of successful applications granted by the courts under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Both applications were heard at Warwick Crown Court. In the first case, the police secured a confiscation order of just under £2,300 against Genavieve Meredith (28), formerly of The Fordway, Lower Quinton, Stratford-on-Avon.

Meredith was given an eight-month prison sentence in September last year for offences involving cashing fraudulent cheques which she stole from a vulnerable 87-year-old woman she befriended.

Sadly, her victim died before the conclusion of criminal proceedings. The money obtained from the confiscation order, together with a further £8,000 surrendered to police at an earlier date, will now go as compensation to her family.

The second police application, secured a confiscation order against Tristan Welsh (33), of Grafton Lane, Bidford-on-Avon for £15,000. It followed his conviction last year for possessing heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply. He was jailed for four years nine months.

The confiscation hearing was told that a search warrant executed at Welsh’s home in September 2011, discovered Class A drugs with a street value of more than £3,500 together with £1,380 cash.

Examination of his bank accounts by police financial investigator Kaye Williams, identified a suspicious volume of cash deposits totalling nearly £25,000, as well as balances of more than £12,000 across four accounts.

During a second incident in February, 2012, Welsh was arrested again on suspicion of drug offences when a search of his vehicle revealed drug dealing paraphernalia and about £1,700 in cash.

Bob Turner, of Warwickshire and West Mercia Police Economic Crime Unit, said: “These two cases illustrate our commitment to ensuring criminals are not allowed to enjoy the fruits of their crimes and also the strenuous efforts we will go to on behalf of victims to secure compensation.”

Heating Oil Thefts

Shipston SNT has suffered with an increase of heating oil thefts. We wanted to offer the below advice and request that people are vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the team or ring 101.

About the tank

OFTEC or the "Oil Firing Technical Association" and offers advice and guidance for those who use and store oil at their premises. There are certain rules and regulations that may apply to you and OFTEC will help you clarify these. Visit their website at www.oftec.org.uk for more information. The leaflet domestic oil storage provides guidance on siting and maintaining your tank.

Where can you put the tank?

The position of the tank can have a significant effect on how hard a target it is in the eyes of the thief. * If the tank is close to the house, with one or more windows capable of giving a view of it, then the thief may consider the chances of being seen too high.

* If the tank is close to a road, path, drive or alleyway then it will be a far easier target for the thief.

* Hiding the tank behind the garage, shed or some other type of outbuilding is fairly commonplace, but it does give the thief the advantage.

Tanks need to be within a reasonable distance of the road otherwise the oil supply company may not be able to refill it for you. Hiding the tank behind the garage, shed or some other type of outbuilding is fairly commonplace, but it does give the thief the advantage.

Locks

A good thief will come equipped with a limited range of tools to attack your tank so its worth spending a little more on good quality locks. Close shackle padlocks are the best as they offer most resistance to the most popular of burglar tools - the bolt cropper. Due to their design, close shackle padlocks have very little of 13

the metal hoop (shackle) exposed and bolt croppers cannot get a good grip. Remember that buying a padlock is like buying a car the more you pay the better the quality you get and the longer it will last.

Monitors

Remote electronic oil level gauges are now available which will set off an audible alarm if the oil level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a quarter full. These gauges can be located in the kitchen or perhaps a utility room to warn of any potential problem. There are two or three different versions on the market at the moment and cost between £70 and £100.

Security lighting

Security lights can have a very positive effect and make any property a much harder target for the thief. It’s not always necessary to floodlight the area with high power beams, as a more subtle level of lighting may be all that is needed. Low energy "dusk til' dawn lights positioned close to the tank should, in most cases, provide sufficient light to illuminate any suspicious activity. This type of light can be both effective and inexpensive. High powered lights can be used but care should be taken not to cause any nuisance to neighbours or road users.

Defensive Planting

This is natures way of helping to reduce crime. Thieves will not wish to force their way through or over a prickly hedge. The smallest trace of blood or shred of ripped clothing could help the police identify the offender. Prickly shrubs and bushes can, if planted around your tank, provide an effective and decorative thief proof barrier.

Fencing

Fences and walls can also make life difficult for the thief. A wooden or metal fence, trellis or wall can give significant protection to the tank but it must be remembered that the oil tanker driver will need access to fill the tank. A metal grill or cage with a lockable access point across the top of this wall or fence can further improve security.

CCTV

The use of CCTV as a crime prevention and a crime detection tool has grown massively in recent years. It could play a part in the protection of oil tanks but before you spend lots of money on equipment make an assessment of your needs. Ask yourself:

* What do I hope to achieve by using CCTV?

* How much am I prepared to spend?

* Is there a reasonable level of light where the cameras will be operating or do I need to think about using cameras with low light capability? (most thefts take place at night).

* What am I going to record the captured images on - digital recording is best?

* How am I going to provide the police with any evidence I may capture?

Be vigilant

If you notice tankers or large vehicles close to your property - take down any details if you think they may be suspicious and report to the police. Regardless how minor you might think the information is, please let us know. It might just be the piece of the puzzle we are missing.

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Send mail to the editor of the Oxhill News at news-editor @ oxhill.org.uk.

Last modified: April 02, 2014