Local News

E-Fits Issued After Distraction Burglaries

E-Fits Issued After Distraction Burglaries

Computer-generated images of a man have been released by detectives investigating a spate of distraction burglaries in the Sittingbourne and Newington areas.

All three burglaries, which are being linked by detectives, were reported to Kent Police on Monday 12th August.

The first was reported to have happened between 3.30pm and 4.10pm when two men tricked their way into a property in Callaways Lane, Newington. The men claimed they were doing a survey in the area about blocked drains due to oil being poured down sinks. After being allowed entry to the property, they asked the property owner, a 76-year-old man, to mix some water and bleach in a saucepan to help clear the drains. After a short while both men left the property. When the pensioner went upstairs he realised his wallet with about £120 cash was missing.

The two offenders then struck again, both at properties quite close together in Sittingbourne. Between 4pm and 4.55pm two men knocked at a property in Kenilworth Court and were allowed entry after claiming they were fitting a kitchen nearby and the drain was blocked. They asked if the home owner, an 80-year-old man, would run his tap for five minutes to check. The two men left soon after and when the victim went upstairs he noticed some cabinets and a jewellery box had been moved. He then checked his wallet and realised £30 cash was missing.

At a similar time, between 4.40pm and 4.50pm, the two burglars used a similar excuse to trick their way into a house in Homewood Avenue. The occupant, an 87-year-old woman, was told the two men were fitting a kitchen but were experiencing problems because some fat had been poured down a drain. They offered to check the elderly woman's drains and one man went out in the garden to check, while the other remained in the house. The woman's chiropodist then arrived at the house and the two men left through the back garden. It has since been reported that a large amount of cash in £20 notes is missing.

The main offender has been described as a white man, aged between 35 and 45, between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build with short black hair and he spoke with a Yorkshire accent. He was wearing a white shirt with stripes and dark trousers and shoes.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Sasha Monck of Kent Police, told SFM News that "these two men have tricked their way into the homes of elderly and vulnerable people with the intent to deceive them and steal money. This time of crime is not common in these areas, but they can cause a great deal of distress to the victims. If you have any information, I would urge you to get in touch with us. We would always advise anyone to close the door if they have any doubts, or tell callers to return at another time when there is someone else there".

If anyone has any information, they are asked to call DC Monck on 01634 792166 quoting reference XY/25160/13 (Newington), XY/25168/13 (Kenilworth Court) or XY/25165/13 (Homewood Avenue) or alternatively they can contact Kent Crimestoppers, free (from any landline) and anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Body Found On Railway Line

Body Found On Railway Line

A body was found on the mainline near Sittingbourne railway station last night (Monday 12th August) at around 11.15 pm.

British Transport Police have told SFM News: "Officers attended the scene last night and located the body of a man with injuries consistent with having been hit by a train. Medics from the South East Coast Ambulance Service attended but the man, thought to be in his fifties and from the local area, was pronounced dead at the scene. The death is currently being treated as non-suspicious."

Some trains had to be cancelled but the line was re-opened shortly after 2.00am.

 

Detectives Name Sheppey Murder Victim

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, investigating the murder on the Isle of Sheppey, have named the victim as 34 year-old Gary Pocock from London.

Police have also confirmed today that a third suspect has also been arrested.

Officers were called at just before 6am on Wednesday (7th August) to Warden Bay Road in Leysdown after a body was found on the beach between Little Groves caravan site and Isle of Sheppey Holiday Village. A post mortem examination concluded that the man, identified today as 34 year-old Gary Pocock, died of significant head injuries.

A third person, a 29-year-old-man from London, was arrested earlier today (Friday 9th August) and is currently being questioned by detectives.

A 44 year-old man and a 43 year-old woman arrested in connection with the offence have been released from custody without charge.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Clayden, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, is eading the investigation and told SFM News "We have released this photo of Mr Pocock in the hope that it might jog memories, and that someone might have seen him in the days and hours leading up to his death and may have information that can help us. We continue to run an incident room out of Warden Bay Village Hall, so I would welcome the opportunity to speak to anyone who has information, or who saw Gary prior to his death."

Anyone with any information, is being urged to speak to officers in person at Warden Bay Village Hall, Warden Bay Road, Leysdown between 08:00 - 18:00 or they can call 101 quoting CAD 07-0167. Alternatively they can call Kent Crimestoppers free (from any landline) and anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Youngsters Invited To Enter Film Awards

Youngsters Invited To Enter Film Awards

Youngsters from the Isle of Sheppey's Bay Kidz Club and Cheyne Middle School receive a Highly Commended prize for their film "Seen But Not Heard" from Cllr John Morris (right) and former Cllr Trevor Fentiman, at the previous Awards.

The organisers of Kent Film Awards, part of this year's Swale Film Festival sponsored by 106.9 SFM, are inviting all local youngsters to make a movie during their summer holidays for the chance to win film making equipment and a trip to the world-famous Pinewood studios.

You can enter on your own or perhaps get together as a group ie: your school, youth group, church group or maybe even just a few friends. You can select any theme as a basis for your film and all you have to do is get hold of a camera, or If all else fails, why not just use your mobile phone. Get together and devise a script of five to ten minutes long. You may need help from someone to produce your final DVD. 

There are two age groupings this year - Ages 10 to 15 years and Ages 16 to 21 years (or 25 for special needs groups).

There is also a third ‘open' competition which is for previously made films up to five minutes long. Entrants here can be aged 10 to 21 (or 25 for special needs groups) and there are no film theme restrictions.

For more information please visit:- http://www.kentfilmawards.org.uk.

 

Arrests In Sheppey Murder Investigation

Arrests In Sheppey Murder Investigation

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the discovery of a body on the Isle of Sheppey in the early hours of Wednesday (7th August) morning.

A 44-year-old man and 43-year-old woman from the London area are currently in police custody.

The body of a man, thought to be in his 30's or 40's, was found on the beach between the Little Groves caravan site and Isle of Sheppey Holiday Village.

The death is being treated as suspicious and a murder investigation had been launched by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

The investigation continues and officers would still like to hear from anyone with information. They are asked to call Kent Police on 101, quoting CAD 07-0167 or alternatively they can call Kent Crimestoppers, free (from any landline) and  anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Image Of Ring Issued In Murder Investigation

Image Of Ring Issued In Murder Investigation

Kent Police have issued a fresh appeal for witnesses following the discovery of a man's body on the Isle of Sheppey yesterday.

A post mortem examination concluded that the man, who has yet to be identified, died of significant head injuries.

The man has been described as white, aged between 30-40 years old, around 5ft 6ins tall and was bald.

In a bid to help identify the man, detectives have released an image of a ring the man was wearing on his wedding finger.

Anyone with any information is being urged to speak to officers in person at the Warden Bay Village Hall on Warden Bay Road in Leysdown, or they can call 101 (quoting CAD 07-0167) or Kent Crimestoppers free (from any landline) and anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Murder Appeal Following Attack In Warden

Murder Appeal Following Attack In Warden

Kent Police are appealing for witnesses following the discovery of a man's body, by a dog walker, at 6.00am yesterday morning (Wednesday 7th August), on the Isle of Sheppey.

Officers were called to Warden Bay Road, in Leysdown, to a private beach between the Little Groves caravan site and Isle of Sheppey Holiday Village. 

The death is being treated as suspicious and a murder investigation was launched by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate yesterday (Wednesday 7th August)

Detectives have revealed that the victim, who is believed to be in his 30's or 40's  had been "savagely beaten" and left naked from the waist down. He was described as being white, bald, around 5ft 6ins tall and was wearing a ring on his wedding finger. It is not known whether the man is local or a holiday-maker and police say the cause of death is "yet to be determined" as a post mortem has not  yet been undertaken.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Clayden, leading the investigation, told SFM News: "We would like to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything on or near this stretch of beach between 8pm on Tuesday night and 6am on Wednesday morning. They can come and speak to our officers, who will be based at Warden Bay Village Hall, or they can call us 101 (quoting CAD 07-0167) or they can call Kent Crimestoppers free (from any landline) and anonymously on 0800 555 111".


Appeal After Serious Collision On The M2

Appeal After Serious Collision On The M2

Officers are appealing for information following a serious collision on the M2 earlier today (Friday 2nd August).

Kent Police were called just after 6.00am to a report of a two vehicle collision on the coast-bound carriageway of the M2 between junction 6 for Faversham and junction 7 at Brenley Corner.

The incident involved a white Renault lorry and a black Ford Transit.

On driver had to be cut free from his vehicle by the Kent Fire & Rescue Service was taken to the Royal London Hospital via the Kent Air ambulance with injuries described as serious. The other driver was taken to the William Harvey Hospital, in Ashford, with injuries described as minor.

The coast-bound carriageway of the M2 was closed for around six hours whilst the vehicles were recovered and for debris and fuel to be cleared from the carriageway. 

Witnesses to the collision, or anyone who may have seen the vehicles prior to the collision, is asked to contact the Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538, or alternatively they can contact Kent CrimeStoppers free (from any landline) and anonimously on 0800 555 111.

Local Bus Drivers In National Annual Awards

Local Bus Drivers In National Annual Awards

Two bus drivers from Sheerness took the top places in the regional final of the Bus Driver of the Year competition, at North Weald Airfield in Essex, on Sunday 28th July.

They were part of a ten-strong contingent from Arriva's Southern Counties region that took part in a series of manoeuvring and theory tests designed to find the best three drivers to represent the company at the national finals of the competition to be held in Blackpool in early September.

Top marks were awarded to Philip Kennedy from Sheerness who also won £1,000, closely followed by his colleague Daniel Purchase with a £500 prize. 

Arriva's Regional Publicity Manager, Richard Lewis, told SFM News "the competition is an opportunity for our drivers to display their driving skills to friends, families and members of the public in a prestigious competition that has been supported by the bus industry for many years. We would like to thank our other contestants for taking part and hope that our local winners will do well at the national final in September."

 

E-Fit Appeal Following Robbery In Lynsted

E-Fit Appeal Following Robbery In Lynsted

Kent Police officers at Sittingbourne have just released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the robbery of a 93-year-old woman in Lynsted.

They are investigating a reported robbery in Cellar Hill that took place between 1.55pm and 2.07pm on Tuesday 16th July. The victim was sitting in her living room when a man walked through her kitchen door and told her he was there to collect money for the window cleaning. Knowing he was not her window cleaner, the lady stood up from her chair. The offender then pushed her back down and forcibly held her in place before stealing her black purse out of her knitting bag. The purse contained bank cards and £300 in cash. He then ran out of the front door.

The offender is described as white, with dark short hair and a longish face. He was clean-shaven and is estimated to have been in his late 20s.

Detectives have now released the image (above) of a man they believe would be able to help them with their enquiries.

Senior investigating officer, DCI Ann Lisseman, told SFM News: "While the victim suffered no injuries, we are classing this as robbery because the offender used force to restrain his vulnerable victim.
Someone out there must recognise this man and I'd ask you to call into us as soon as possible. Targeting an elderly lady and stealing her belongings is a despicable thing to do and we are following up every possible line of enquiry to find the offender and bring him to justice. Despite her ordeal, the victim has shown remarkable courage and fortitude in helping us compile an e-fit, and I'd like to commend her for her bravery."

Anybody with information is asked to call 01795 419230, quoting crime reference XY/021845/13 or, alternatively, they can call Kent Crimestoppers free (from any landline) and anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

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