Filton Journal

Avon and Somerset Police have issued two CCTV images of a man they want to identify in connection with an armed robbery at a convenience store in Filton.

A man walked into the Spar in Filton Avenue at around 7.30am on Monday (2nd October) brandishing a small axe. He threatened staff and stole a quantity of money from the till.

It’s believed he left the store and headed towards Northville Road, where he got into a vehicle.

He is described as white, of average to slim build, about 5ft 7ins, and wearing a dark blue jacket with a grey hood and a black scarf covering his face.

A police spokesperson said:

“The area around Filton Avenue is usually busy with commuters at the time this robbery occurred. Did you see the incident? Do you remember seeing a man matching this description go into or leave the store?”

“We also want to speak to a man who stopped in a vehicle at the scene and said he saw the offender get into a vehicle in the Northville Road area. Was this you?”

Anyone with information is asked to call Investigations on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5217224421.

If you don’t want to speak to the police, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.

Source: Press release from Avon and Somerset Police

Police have arrested a man after a number of burglary incidents in Filton on Thursday 15th June.

Between 4pm and 4.30pm, a householder in Third Avenue was disturbed by a suspicious noise and saw a man in her neighbour’s garden who made off when he saw her. The neighbour’s door was found to have been damaged, but no entry was gained.

At about 4.30pm on the same day, a family were in their garden in Gayner Road when they spotted a man leaving their house. He ran off and they have not yet reported anything missing.

Later that evening, between 7pm and 7.30pm, two laptops and a watch were stolen from a house in Cropthorne Road, Filton, while the householder was watching television.

Overnight Thursday 15th to Friday 16th June a handbag containing cash and bank cards was stolen from a house in Sixth Avenue. The ‘contactless’ cards were later used to buy items in a shop

A suspect was arrested on Sunday night, 18th June, in Filton Avenue, Horfield, on suspicion of burglary. A 25-year-old man from Filton remained in police custody at midday on Monday.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Steve Ives said:

“It’s great that people in Filton are prepared to look out for each other and report suspicious incidents like this – it’s a good deterrent to thieves.”

“While you’re enjoying the sun, do please remember to make sure your doors and windows are secure if you’re in another room or outside. It only takes an opportunist thief a moment to walk away with a handbag, wallet, or other portable valuables.”

More: How to get in touch. Security advice for householders. »

Police in Filton are urging local residents to review the security of outbuildings following a spate of shed break-ins.

Since the beginning of February, push bikes have been stolen from three sheds in Filton, with a further eight incidents in which sheds were entered but nothing stolen and another in which beer was taken.

Most of the incidents have happened in the area around the A4174 Station Road, in the evenings after 5pm or overnight. Locks were forced or windows smashed in order to get into the sheds.

Anyone with information which could help officers track down those responsible is asked to get in touch online or by calling 101, quoting reference 5217025338. Alternatively ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.

Neighbourhood PC Matt Griffin said:

“I’d ask people living in Filton to be aware of this issue and keep an eye out for anyone behaving suspiciously around sheds and garages. Call 999 immediately if you think someone is breaking in, or for any other suspicious activity ring us on 101 straight away.”

“Please review the security of your outbuildings. As most of these break-ins have happened during the hours of darkness, it’s worth installing motion-sensing security lights, but the most important thing is to make sure your shed is sturdy with a good quality lock.”

More: Advice on securing your garden and outbuildings »

Police are appealing for information after a woman had her handbag snatched on Filton Avenue.

The incident happened at around 7pm on Saturday (22nd November). It’s understood that the suspects left the scene on foot, heading towards the Gloucester Road North (A38) junction of Filton Avenue.

Before the incident, the woman used the number 75 bus from Bedminster and alighted at the Filton College bus stop.

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying two men who were travelling together on the bus who may have important information relating to the incident.

Anyone who travelled on the number 75 bus towards Cribbs Causeway at around 6.30pm or was in the Filton Avenue area at around 7pm on Saturday and witnessed anything relating to the incident is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police.

If you have information, you can report it online, quoting reference 121737/14.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or call PC Mike Lynett of the North East Investigations Team on 0117 9286030.