PCSO Haley Harrison said: “Two men were seen looking into the windows of homes in Station Road last month. They made off in a rusty white van when challenged by a member of the public but it was only later reported to police.

“We always want to hear about this sort of incident as it happens – please do call 101 and pass it on.”

PCSO Harrison also appealed for information after the front door of the High Street Salon, Wickwar, was smashed.

It happened overnight Friday January 20 to Saturday January 21 2012. A road-works beacon was thrown through the glass panel.

She said: ” This is a new business, recently opened in the village and it’s such a shame they have suffered this damage. Anyone with any information which can help our enquiries is asked to call Thornbury police station on 101. Alternatively call the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.”

View the story on the website:
http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/newsroom/ViewStory.aspx?nsid=25121

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Recently men falsely claiming to be from the water board have been linked to distraction burglaries.

To protect vulnerable residents from these types of crime, the Priority Service Register has been set up by the Home Heat Helpline. Vulnerable residents can set up a security password for all dealings they have with representatives of utility companies.

To contact the Priority Service Register and arrange a password, contact 0800 33 66 99 or visit the website: www.homeheathelpline.org.uk.

If you have fallen victim to such a crime, contact the Police.

Reports suggest that a user in Scotland received a message on his computer which appeared to have come from the local police force.

It alleged that the I.P address of the computer had been used to access websites which contained scenes of violence and child pornography. The message claimed to have locked the computer to prevent illegal activity, and also claimed to have found video files and illegal content the computer. The message carried the logos of the local police force and other well known internet gateways and advised the unlocking of the computer for a payment of £100 within 48 hrs.

The message is believed to be as a result of downloading a virus from the internet. Internet users are advised to ensure that they are suitably protected with anti-virus software and firewalls. There are many available outlets (some free) for these products and most operating systems come with some in built defences.

A spokesman for the local police force said “an investigation had been launched to trace the source of the scam and asked those affected to contact their local police.

We would like to assure the public that this is internet scam and has absolutely nothing to do with any police force and that our all law enforcement agencies never asks the public for money in this way”.

Virus’s of this nature can be very hard to remove however if you have been affected by this virus then you are advised to contact your internet service provider (ISP) or the company that supports your antivirus software. You are also urged to keep your antivirus software up to date to reduce the risk of becoming an internet victim.

If you believe you are a victim of an internet scam please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

The package entitled ‘Only Yes Means Yes’ aims to prevent teenagers from becoming victims and perpetrators of sexual violence and abuse, and also encourages teenagers aged between 14 and 18 to re-think their views of rape, sexual assault, violence and abuse.

The package, which is the first of its kind the region, will be sent to all secondary schools across Avon and Somerset following research and trial sessions in North Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

The idea for the project was prompted by the fact that acquaintance rape, though not common, is the most prevalent type of rape and research showed that half of all victims of acquaintance rape in the Avon and Somerset force area are aged between 17 and 21.

It was also prompted by research which showed that in Avon and Somerset reports of sexual abuse and violence increased  around school holidays.

It became apparent that alcohol, boundaries and consent were an issue on many occasions and awareness needed to be raised to ensure all were clear on the issue.

Superintendent Sarah Crew said: “If we are truly to make our communities safer from the perpetrators of serious sexual assault, five elements need to be in place. There must be greater public awareness of what is acceptable in sexual relationships and what rape is – everyone must understand that when it comes to consent, ‘Only Yes means Yes’.

“There must also be trust and confidence in the services available sufficient for young people to come forward and seek help when they have been raped, as well as excellent victim centred care, support and advocacy services that help victims get over their trauma – immediately and in the days, weeks and months that follow.”

Supt Crew added: “This package is a valuable tool in tackling these elements. It not only educates young people in a bid to prevent them from becoming victims of such crimes but also signposts them to support services and the help that is available.

“Young people must remember that consent needs to be clear and they should never blame themselves should they become a victim of these crimes, Only Yes means Yes.”

In Avon and Somerset over 62% of rapes are convicted and the force is currently second in the country for bringing offenders to justice.

More help and advice in relation to this subject is available at www.rapeaware.org

View the story on the website:
http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/newsroom/ViewStory.aspx?nsid=25067

Receive any further updates to this story, by using the following link:
http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/newsroom/SubscribeToUpdates.aspx?nsid=25067

• Heritage Education Assistant
• Senior Administrative Officer

We would like to reach as many local people in the community as possible.  The closing date for applications is Friday 3rd February 2012.  Further information about the vacancies and a recruitment pack can be found at www.yatetowncouncil.gov.uk.

Sally Johnston
Administration Assistant
Yate Town Council

Meet at the Town Hall, High Street, Wickwar – we will walk some of the local footpaths.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear – some of walks may be muddy and there might be stiles to climb.

Dates:

• Sunday, 22nd January 2012 at 10am
• Sunday, 19th February 2012 at 10am (walk in the woods)
• Sunday, 4th March 2012 at 10am
• Sunday, 22nd April 2012 at 10am

For further information, contact:

PARISH CLERK: Pat Trull
Tel: 01454 299120
Email: trull@btinternet.com

What makes walking so good?

It has been suggested that walking can help to control or alleviate conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis and raised blood pressure. In addition, there are also links with reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, some cancers and more recently dementia.
The potential benefits of physical activity on mental health are endless, but there are definite links with reduced anxiety, stress and depression, not to mention helping to enhance mood, self-esteem and body image – which is very good news for all of us.

Extract taken from the South Glos Council Web Site (Walking to Health)

Students Molly Chinner and Katie Howell came up with the inspiring idea to hold a fashion week over three days in the summer of 2012.

Molly said ‘Katie and I are so excited to be organising KLBs first Fashion week and we’re really looking forward to the response from the local community.’

Students throughout Sixth Form have been presenting themselves forward to help with this huge event, and with the show creeping up on them it’ll be tough.

Katie said ‘I am pleased to be a part of something so special like this charity work. It’s so great to be helping those with cancer and I really want everyone to get involved’.

Both Miss Chinner and Miss Howell have asked for the local communities support through donations, sponsorships and items of clothing that can be walked down the catwalk.

If you wish to make a donation or a sponsorship please e-mail Katie and Molly on 05mchinner@klbschool.org.uk. – If you are a local business, don’t forget to claim tax rebate for any charitable donations.

The workshop is being hosted for anyone involved with or interested in developing community energy projects in the West of England area (Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bristol).  There will be presentations from established groups about their projects and experiences, and opportunities to share knowledge, network, identify support and identify potential projects and areas of collaboration.

Please complete the attached registration form and send it to Emilia.Melville@BuroHappold.com if you would like to attend.