3 Police Appeals

1. We are asking people to call us if they see suspicious activity following the theft of a number of drain gully covers across Avon and Somerset. In recent weeks incidents have been reported in areas, including Dundry, Wrington, Nailsea, Southville and across the Chew Valley.

 

Detective Inspector Angela Burtonwood said: “We have had several calls from members of the public providing us with information and we are grateful for those details, which we’re reviewing and assessing.

“With crimes of this nature, the best way of apprehending the offender or offenders responsible is by catching them in the act. So we would ask members of the public who see suspicious behaviour, including people in his-vis jackets seemingly lifting or inspecting drain covers late at night, to call us right away.”

Police are also working with scrap metal merchants across the force area asking them to call if they see anyone trying to offload the covers.

Det Insp Burtonwood added: “Not only will it cost taxpayers money to have these covers replaced, but there are also clear health and safety concerns with drain gully covers being removed. We are working with local authorities across the force area to help mitigate those.”

If you see any drain covers being stolen, please call 999 and give reference number 5222091286. Or if you have information relating to the thefts call 101. You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111or via their Anonymous Online Form. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.

2.

Two men have been jailed for drug offences after being stopped by patrolling police officers in Dunster on 28 April 2020. Officers carrying out targeted patrols as the result of intelligence stopped the two men in a vehicle and found drugs, a lock knife and a knuckleduster. Further enquiries led officers to find more drugs at the home of one of the men, Jared Tappin. In all officers seized cocaine with an estimated street value of more than £16,500 and cannabis worth more than £9,500.

 

Appearing before Taunton Crown Court on Thursday 14 April, Patrick Shelley, 26, of Pixton Way, Dulverton, was jailed for a total of 30 months after previously admitting possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, possessing an offensive weapon in public, possessing a knife in public and acquiring/possessing criminal property.

On the same date Jared Tappin, 31, of High Street, Dulverton, was handed a jail term totalling 26 months after admitting possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply and acquiring/possessing criminal property.

The officer in the case, Neighbourhood PC Jamie Munro, said: “This targeted police stop during the midst of the first Covid lockdown was thanks to the community providing us with quality intelligence about drug crime. “The investigation has necessarily been lengthy but by working with the community we’ve ensured two drug dealers now are behind bars. “Sadly the impact of drug crime is still felt in rural communities like ours on Exmoor. We welcome information to help us target dealers who often take advantage of the most vulnerable in society.”

You can talk to your neighbourhood team, report using our online form or call 101.

If you don’t want to talk to us directly, ring Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form.

If you or someone you care about is affected by drug use, Somerset County Council’s website has information on the support and advice available.

3. A motorcyclist sadly died in an incident on the B3223 in West Somerset yesterday (Sunday 24 April).

Emergency services were called to the Simonsbath area at about 2.15pm following reports of a motorbike striking a grass bank.

The motorbike rider, who was a man in his 70s, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed of the tragic news and specially trained officers will be providing them with support at this difficult time. Our sympathies and thoughts are with them.

The road was closed for several hours while collision investigation work was carried out. It reopened at approximately 9.30pm.

We want to hear from any witnesses or other motorists driving in that area yesterday who may have dashcam that could be relevant to our enquiries.

If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5222096762.

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