The South Glos Post

Police across South Gloucestershire say they worked hard with local communities to ensure a horror-free Halloween.

Across the district, officers visited local schools and youth clubs to talk to young people about ‘Trick or Treating’ safely and responsibly. The talks reminded youngsters not to go into people’s homes and explained that they could be arrested if someone’s property was damaged in a prank.

Police also gave out posters for people to display in their homes either welcoming callers or asking ‘Trick or Treaters’ to leave them in peace, through Neighbourhood Watch and to sheltered housing accommodation.

Local shop workers also played a part, refusing to sell flour and eggs to children in the run-up to Halloween at the request of neighbourhood teams.

The hard work paid off with the lowest number of 999 and non-emergency calls to Avon and Somerset police since 2008.

On the night, uniformed police officers were joined by Police Community Support Officers, Special Constables and volunteers to provide a reassuring presence on the streets, while officers also patrolled in plain clothes.

Read on for details of selected incidents reported by the police teams »

Source: Avon and Somerset Police

Volunteers from the community are helping neighbourhood police keep Little Stoke and Stoke Gifford safe.

Since the volunteers signed up in autumn 2009 they have helped police identify anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspots, enabled officers to seize alcohol from underage drinkers, identified 60 speeding vehicles and carried out community clean-ups.

Neighbourhood PC Mark Graham said: “We asked for volunteers to help us tackle the three issues that the community had told us were their priorities: speeding, ASB and littering.

“These people are making a real difference to their community. Making the neighbourhood safer and stronger is a team effort. Police work with other agencies like South Gloucestershire Council, but we need the support of local people as well.”

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Source: Avon and Somerset Police

Police in South Gloucestershire are appealing for the public’s help to trace Mark Stott, who has gone missing form his home in Little Stoke.

Forty-two year-old Mark was last seen at his home address in Silver Birch Close at around 8.15am this morning but it’s believed a neighbour later saw him at around 10am on Little Stoke Lane. Police and Mark’s family and friends are now growing increasingly concerned for his welfare and are keen to trace him.

Mark is described as a white male, 6ft 1in tall, of heavy build with dark brown collar length hair and is clean shaven. He was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone who thinks they have seen Mark, or Mark himself, is asked to contact officers in South Gloucestershire on 0845 456 7000.

Source: Avon and Somerset Police

South Gloucestershire Police have charged a man in connection with a burglary at Little Stoke Youth Club in September 2009.

Officers arrested five men on the same night as the reported break-in and recovered a cash till, cash and a hi-fi system believed to have been stolen from the centre.

Following further enquiries, three men were released without charge, and a fourth remains on police bail.

However a 20-year-old man is now due before Northavon Magistrates on February 01 2010 charged with burglary.

Source: Avon and Somerset Police