Thursday, February 27, 2014

Owners distraught after French bulldog stolen from garden


A French bulldog puppy has been snatched from a garden surrounded by a 20ft wall only a few months after moving in with her new family.
Seven-month-old pup Paris was swiped from the back garden on Commerce Place, Aberdare, while her family were in the house.
Now it is feared the playful pooch has either been sold on or forced to fight against trained canines in illegal “dog-baiting” bouts.
Paris’ owner Claire Dillon said the family are devastated by the crime.
“I had gone inside the house with the kids to watch a helicopter from the window,” Claire, 38, said.
“Paris had only been out there for about ten minutes and she is normally waiting for me at the door.
“As soon as I walked out there, I had a feeling something was wrong.”
Mum-of-four Claire knows that pedigree pets like Paris can fetch up to £1,500 on the black market.
“I can’t believe this has happened to us,” she said.
“It’s unbelievable the way they have taken her.
“There is literally a 20ft wall at the back of the house with 6ft and 7ft fences around the garden.”
And now charity Rhondda Animals in Need has warned stolen dogs may be used as bait for brutal blood sports.
Linda Webb, who has worked at the Penygraig-based charity for 23 years, said: “There have been so many dogs stolen in the area recently. I can’t believe it.”
And Linda advised that dog owners can do simple things to protect their pets.
“It only takes two minutes to steal a dog,” she said.
She advised owners to fit them with a dog tag and not to leave their dogs unattended in the garden.
South Wales Police (SWP) said they are aware of the theft and are urging people to come forward with any information.
“It is obviously distressing to have a loved pet stolen,” an SWP spokesman said.
Paris has a distinctive bald patch near her left rib. Anyone with any information can contact SWP on 101.

(Reproduced from WalesOnline, 27th Feb)

Gardien Comment:  Keep them out of your property. See the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/walls-fences-security.aspx

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

£4,000 bike stolen from garden in Taunton

         

A DISTINCTIVE £4,000 mountain bike has been stolen from a garden in Taunton.

The hand-built bike was taken on Monday (February 10) from Maxwell Street.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: “Enquiries suggest that the stolen bike has already been sold and we would appeal to anyone who has bought the bike, or seen it being ridden, to contact us.”

It is a full-suspension Specialized mountain bike with a black, white, green, red and blue frame.

It has a white, red and grey seat and various stickers on it including one which says ‘Bike Tart’.

It has blue handlebars and a white Canadian leaf on the brakes. The wheels have a single red spoke with ‘All American Classic’ written on the wheels, hydraulic disc brakes and fox rear suspension.

The spokesman added: “There are some easy steps you can take to secure your garden and reduce theft.

“Restrict access to your garden by using gates on side passages and securing them with strong hinges and a decent padlock, and consider prickly plants within shrubbery to deter thieves.


Anyone with information about the theft should contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101 and quote 14273/14.

Alternatively, phone the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. They never ask your name or trace your call.

(Reproduced from ThisistheWestCountry, 14th Feb 2014)

Gardien Comment:  See the article on Bike Security at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/bike-security-print.htm

Bideford police appeal after series of garden ornament thefts

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a number of thefts of garden ornaments in the Bideford area over the last fortnight.
The first incident occurred in Bideford when a concrete bird bath with a stand design of two otters was taken from a garden between 7pm on February 12 and 9am on February 13 (crime ref: CD/14/318).
In Appledore some time between 5pm on Thursday and 5pm on Friday, a small gold and white pergola made of concrete was taken (crime ref: CD/14/376).
Between Wednesday at 1pm and Thursday at 1pm in Westward Ho! a green coloured statue of a Romeo and Juliet design was taken from a garden (crime ref: CD/14/375).
And in Westward Ho! a black sea serpent ornament approximately three feet long was taken between Thursday at 4pm and Friday at 8am (crime ref: CD/14/374).
Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward by calling non-emergency number 101 quoting any of the above crime references.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

(Reproduced from North Devon Gazette, 26th Feb)

Gardien Comment: See the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/garden-antiques-security.aspx