Wincanton Town Avon and Somerset Constabulary Police Local Neighbourhood

As the summer weather approaches we would like to remind all residents to ensure that doors and windows are kept secure when you are out. Even if you are at home please ensure your doors are locked. If you are working in the back garden keep the front door locked and secure; you don’t want any uninvited guests popping in. Keep your garden equipment locked away securely when not being used. You can’t cut your lawn without a lawn mower but a thief can make lots of money selling it. Should you require any advice on marking such equipment then please get in touch with us by by either phoning 101 or by attending Wincanton Police Station between 10:00 and 18:00 Monday - Friday. You can also contact us by visiting our website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk (click on contact us & then click on general enquiries).

We are receiving reports of people selling household goods door to door in Wincanton and the surrounding areas. A pedlar is someone who travels and trades on foot, going from town to town or house to house selling goods such as pictures and household goods or offering their skills in handicrafts. A pedlar must hold a certificate granted by a chief constable. The certificate is valid for one year and applies throughout the United Kingdom. Certificates cannot be issued to people under the age of 17. The certificate does not cover a person to sell food or drink, flowers, medicines, poisons, gunpowder or tobacco – all are prohibited items. Any person wishing to sell foodstuffs must make application to the local authority for licences to comply with food safety regulations Our advice to residents is this, if you’re not sure who is at your door, don’t open it or let anyone into your home. It’s your doorstep, your decision.

Since the spate of reports in door to door sellers (Pedlars) in April this has abated with no further reports of aggressive selling being reported to police.

A PACT meeting (Partners & Communities Together) was held on 3rd November at SSDC offices in Wincanton. The Aim of the meeting was to discuss any relevant local issues with the Town Council, Police and local groups and set policing priorities for a 3 month period. One of the main concerns brought to our attention during the meeting was antisocial behaviour occurring in the recreation ground, car parks and the town centre. We will be increasing patrols in these areas and taking positive action against anyone causing anti-social behaviour. We ask that residents report any anti-social behaviour to us by either phoning 101 asking to speak with a member of the beat team, or by visiting Wincanton Police station. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They will never ask your name or attempt to trace your call. If a crime is in progress call us immediately on 999.

Reports of anti-social behaviour in the town and open spaces remain low however; with the light nights and school summer holiday’s imminent, anti-social behaviour may increase. With this in mind we will continue with our patrols in those identified hot spot areas and deal with any anti-social behaviour positively.