Halloween no excuse

It’s October and already we are starting to see advent calendars and Christmas decorations in the shops.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We have Halloween and Bonfire Night to come before then.

Last October we experienced an increase in criminal damage in West Bassetlaw. In a bid to prevent damage or antisocial behaviour this time, we have planned extra patrols in the areas that were subjected to increased crime levels last year.

While traditionally Halloween is a time to celebrate monsters and mischief it is not an excuse to break the law. Anyone caught causing damage or making a nuisance of themselves over this period will answer to the police.

Those who recall last month’s column from the Town Centre Beat Team will remember we had been investigating a burglary at the British Heart Foundation shop in Bridge Street on 17th September. It was targeted again on 1st October.

As a result of our enquiries and additional patrols we arrested Jamie Lee, of George Street, Worksop, on Monday in connection with the break-in on 17th September. He was charged with burglary and theft and bailed until his appearance at Mansfield Magistrates on 22nd October.

He was also arrested and charged with burglary following a break-in at Sherwood Mortgages, in Bridge Street, on 21st September.

On 5th October we arrested Martyn Hart, of no fixed abode, in connection with the break-in on 1st October. The 33-year-old was charged with burglary and theft and was remanded into custody.

Mark Potts-Pimperton, of Garside Street, Worksop, was arrested on 4th October also in connection with the incident at Sherwood Mortgages. The 38-year-old was charged with attempted burglary and bailed to appear before Newark Magistrates on 25th October.

We undertake significant partnership work to tackle crime. Our arrest and interview teams work closely with the town centre CCTV department at the district council, as well as crime scene investigators, to ensure we gather all the evidence we can in the pursuit of justice.