Filton Journal

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.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a robbery at Filton Post Office on Thursday 17th July.

Two men went into the branch in Church View, just off the A38, just before midday, and demanded money.

Both were wearing motorcycle helmets, one had a large knife and the other a wooden baton. One of the men forced the till and took a quantity of cash.

Witnesses described two men riding away from the store on a red motorcycle.

Officers, supported by the police helicopter, immediately attended and searched the area. Within minutes a motorcycle was found abandoned at BAWA on Southmead Road.

Witnesses have come forward who saw two men, at least one wearing a motorbike helmet, as passengers in a black car in the area around BAWA. Police enquiries also suggest the car may have been in the Station Road area of Henbury between midday and 1pm.

A man was arrested on suspicion of robbery on Thursday evening and police say their enquiries are continuing.

More: Red Honda motorbike recovered by police. Witnesses sought »