CCTV WITNESS APPEAL - SOMERFIELD, STATION ROAD, AINSDALE

MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives investigating a theft at Somerfield supermarket on Station Road in Ainsdale have released images of a man and a woman they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

The theft took place on 11 November 2009 at 2.55pm when a man loaded a trolley with groceries worth more than £155 and left the store without paying for them.

The couple was seen to leave the supermarket in a dark Vauxhall Astra registration V446 FDX, which is believed to have later been used by two men, of an unknown description, in an attempted theft of a van on Dunbar Road in Southport at 10.15pm last Wednesday, 17 February 2010.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed either incident or who recognises the couple on the CCTV footage.

Inspector Jim McLoughlin, of Formby and Ainsdale Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said:- "Merseyside Police will not tolerate theft of any kind and we would very much like to speak to the couple pictured in the CCTV as we believe they may be able to help us with our enquiries. We are sure that someone will recognise the pair and would ask that they let us know who they are - we treat all information received in the strictest of confidence."

Anyone with information is asked to call Merseyside Police on:- 0151 777 4142 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.

LIVERPOOL RESIDENTS REMINDED IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT

MERSEYSIDE Police in Liverpool are advising elderly and vulnerable people to be on their guard against criminals posing as
bogus officials.  Bogus officials are people who come to the door and claim to be from organisations such as utility companies, housing  associations or even the police. They will con their way into a home using excuses such as reading a meter or measuring for new kitchen units, and while inside will steal cash or other valuables. You can stop you or your family becoming victims with the following simple steps:-

► Remember to close and lock the back door before answering the front door.

► Always ask to see the identification of the person calling.

► If you are in any doubt about the identification shown, phone the company they claim to represent and check - don’t use the phone number they give you, look in the phone book for it. Ask the person to wait outside while you check and never leave your front door open while you do so.

► If the caller claims to be from an electricity, gas or water company, ask them to quote your customer reference number.
A genuine caller from these utility companies will have that information.

► If the caller leaves and you are still unsure about their credibility, write down the details of the person and the registration number of any vehicle and contact us on:- 0151 709 6010.

► For extra security and peace of mind, fit a viewer or spy hole and a strong chain to your door.

Liverpool Mutual Homes is currently carrying out improvement works on many of its properties and some criminals have used this as an opportunity to try and gain access to people’s homes. Garry Croll, Assistant Director of Area Based Services at LMH comments:- “I’d like to remind our tenants that just because someone looks official or is wearing a branded jacket it doesn't mean they are who they say they are. All of our staff and contractors carry a photograph identification card, which they will show you when they call. Check their ID before you let them into your home. You should always be told before we send someone out, but if you are unsure about someone at your door, you should call your local area office and confirm that they are legitimate. A genuine caller will be happy to wait while you do this.”

Chief Inspector Christopher Green from Merseyside Police adds:- “We’d like to reassure people that this type of burglary is  rare, but when it does happen it can have a big effect on the victim, particularly as they are often elderly or vulnerable.  Most people who call at the door will be genuine but the best defence against bogus officials is to remember, if in doubt,  keep them out.”

Anyone with information about bogus officials, whether it is to report a crime or just suspicious behaviour, should call Merseyside Police on:- 0151 709 6010. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.

Britain’s Got Talent meets The X Factor of the Paranormal World!

IN October 2010 Edd Felix, Son of Most Haunted’s, Richard Felix, decided to launch a search for the best medium in the UK. This began with an event in Derby, the most haunted city in Great Britain, with Midland’s Best Medium taking place on Halloween. The winner of this was Heather Dawn Moon who blew the audience away with her show of mediumship on the night. The event was such a success that it has become a nationwide tour.

Throughout 2010 Edd and his team of experts from the paranormal world will be holding regional events around the UK, with the winner of each going forward to a grand final at the end of the year, where they will be declared The UK’s Best Medium!

The second stop for this tour is the North West on Friday, 12 March 2010, at The Prince of Wales Hotel, Southport. 6 mediums from around the North West will take part in the event in front of 3 judges from Most Haunted, Richard Felix, Billy Roberts and Dr. Matthew Smith, and a live audience. They will have to put on a show of mediumship involving psychometry, readings for the audience and many other tests of their mediumistic skills.

As an audience member the public will be the fourth judge on the night and as a result help to find the Best Medium in the whole of the North West.   For further details or to book a ticket please visit:- ukbestmedium.com  or call:- 08000 277928.