🌟 Colville Ward – Your Community Crime & Safety Update

Hello everyone! 👋

I hope you’re all doing well. I took a week off for a much‑needed recharge (yes, even Sergeants need sleep occasionally 😄), but the team kept Colville safe and busy in my absence. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s been happening locally.

🚓 Policing Highlights – The Best Bits

📅 2nd March – Operation Martello Strikes Again!

Melissa, Rahul and I were out on Portobello Road as part of Operation Martello when we got word from detectives that a wanted shop burglar might be around.

Well… he was! 👀
A few minutes later, we spotted him, moved in, made the arrest, and he was charged and remanded to court the very next morning.

Another tidy result for the team and one less burglar on our streets.

📅 6th March – The Coat Thief with Terrible Timing

A local shop reported the theft of a very expensive ladies coat (the kind most of us only look at through the window ).

Within 24 hours of being provided with the CCTV and statement from the shop:

He appeared in court the next day, pleaded guilty to two thefts, and now has conditions banning him from Portobello Road — probably for the best!

🔐 Crime Prevention Spotlight – Beware the Courier Scam!

We’ve seen a worrying case on the borough where a resident was tricked into handing over bank cards to someone pretending to be both the bank and then from the police.

Scammers are getting smarter, so here’s what to watch out for:

How These Scams Work:

🚩 Calls from withheld or fake numbers
🚩 Claims that your card has been cloned
🚩 Pressure to log into your banking app
🚩 Someone pretending to be “Manchester Police” or another force
🚩 A fake courier turning up to collect your cards or PIN

Remember:

✨ Banks and police will NEVER send anyone to collect your cards.
✨ If in doubt, hang up and call your bank using the number on the back of your card.
✨ Report suspicious activity to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040
✨ If a crime is happening right now, call 999

Please share this with neighbours, friends and relatives — especially those who may be more vulnerable to scams.

👮‍♂️ Weekly Drop‑In Sessions – Come Say Hello!

Want to talk about local issues, ask questions, get advice, or just have a chat?
We’re here for it!

📍 The Hub, Thorpe Close
🕧 Every Wednesday, 12:30–16:30

A local PC or PCSO plus a friendly council representative will be on hand to help with anything from community concerns to crime prevention advice.

💬 We’re Always Happy to Hear from You

Thank you to everyone who reached out via Met Engage this week — I appreciate your messages.

If calling 101 feels like it takes forever (we hear you!), messaging us for non-emergency matters is a great alternative. We aim to reply as quickly as possible.

Whether it’s a concern, a suggestion, a bit of local knowledge, or just a hello — don’t hesitate to get in touch. The Colville team is always here to support you.