More arrested in drive
against travelling crooks
by David Skentelbery
POLICE in the Warrington area have arrested four more suspected offenders as part of the ongoing campaign against travelling crooks.
The total number of people now arrested since the campaign start on June 1 is 26.
Uniformed officers and detectives from a number of different units are working together as part of the operation.
Det Insp Martin Cleworth, who is leading the campaign, said: “Overall the operation is helping to reduce the amount of crime, including theft of and theft from motor vehicles.
“The message should be clear to offenders – if you enter the area to commit crime you will be caught.”
The arrests were for a variety of offences, including suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and disqualified driving.
A total of 117 Fixed Penalty Notice tickets of varying amounts up to ?200 were issued – the vast majority to people driving without insurance and without tax or driving without a licence. Research shows that many of those driving without licenses and insurance are also engaged in other forms of criminality.
As part of the campaign officers have been handing out crime reduction leaflets to vulnerable premises.
Det Insp Cleworth believes even more vehicle crime offences could be prevented if motorists themselves took a few simple crime reduction measures to prevent them from falling victim to thieves.
He added: “Despite our repeated warnings about the importance of vehicle security and campaigns such as this, people are still leaving valuable items such as laptops and mobile phones, as well as other desirable valuables on display in their vehicles. Always lock your vehicle when leaving it unattended and take your valuables with you.”
TA soldier in
winning team
by Lesley Wilkinson
SOLDIERS from the Territorial Army in Warrington joined others from the region when they took part in a multi-national military contest in Italy. Members of The North West Territorial Army unit finished the gruelling 12-hour competition ranked highest out of 25 UK teams. Two teams of four from B Company of the Lancastrian and Cumbrian Volunteers (LCV) – which included a Warrington man – took part in the Lombardia Patrol Competition, in the mountains of northern Italy. Joining the TA team was Lieutenant James Page, 25, of Warrington. He is originally from Leeds but now works as a mechanical engineer with British Nuclear Fuels, Warrington. The volunteers had to compete a series of 12 tasks including attack on enemy building, grenade throwing and pistol shooting, over the 22km track. Lt Page said: “Out of the 90 teams, the team from the TA centre at Bury finished 46th and the team based at the TA Centre in Blackburn finished 12th. “This was one of the most demanding military skills competitions any of us have ever been involved in, but we would jump at the chance to do it again next year. It was a fantastic opportunity for all of us to meet and work with fellow officers and soldiers from a range of other countries, including Germany, the United States and Italy.”
Medieval spectacular
for the town centre
by staff reporter
TOWN Centre retailers are set to take part in a medieval spectacular to celebrate 750 years of Warrington Market.
Golden Square, Cockhedge Shopping Park, Hatters Row and the Postern Gate public house are among those who have teamed up with the Market to organise “Medieval Warrington” on July 22 and 23.
A large programme of activities is planned throughout the town centre over the two days, including medieval displays, demonstrations, family entertainment and a host of award winning characters who will be interacting with shoppers.
Market manager Stephen Pickering said: “I am really pleased to see so many people joining in with our celebrations, it shows how fond everyone is of the Market.”
Town centre manager Nick White said: “The town centre partnership, which includes all major stakeholders, has become very effective in co-ordinating their activities. Warrington is fast becoming the place to be, and this event is one of the many reasons why.”
Gardeners asked: “Think
before you dump waste”
by Lesley Wilkinson
GARDENERS in Warrington are being urged to think before they get rid of rotting waste.
Warrington Borough Council hopes to encourage gardeners to take up home composting as an environmentally-friendly way of getting rid of rotting waste.
It has launched a subsidised composter scheme in conjunction with compost bin manufacturer Blackwall and Bents Garden Centre, Glazebury – where composters are available at a reduced rate and with the option of home delivery.
Coun Jeff Richards, the council’s executive member for sustainable environment, said: “Home composting is an environmentally friendly way of reducing the amount of rotting waste in bins and will ultimately produce something useful for your garden.
“It also helps you to save money by cutting the costs of soil improvers and fertilisers so I would encourage everyone to use a composter.”
Leaflets on the scheme are being delivered to householders and further details are available from the council on 01925 443000.
Offenders given
health tips
by staff reporter
OFFENDERS have been given tips about keeping healthy at two awareness days held in Warrington’s two prisons.
They were also given health checks, including fitness testing, blood pressure checks and lung capacity checks.
In addition, prisoners at Risley Prison and trainees at Thorn Cross Young Offenders’ Institute, Appleton Thorn, were given information about the effects of drink and drugs.
In one test, participants were asked to walk in a straight line while wearing glasses that simulate the feeling of intoxication.
Katie Roberts, Warrington Primary Care Trust’s Health Improvement Specialist: Prisons, said: “As part of men’s health week we thought it would be important to raise awareness of men’s health in the two male prisons in Warrington. There are many men within our communities who have difficulty talking about health issues and this was a fun and interactive way to break down some of those barriers. This in turn will hopefully increase the individuals’ knowledge so they will go on to make more informed choices.
“The prisoners and staff seemed to really enjoy the days and get a lot from them.”
In an evaluation form, one of the trainees said: “I think the day was a success and I would like to go to another one. I’ve learned things today that I didn’t know before.”
The organisations involved on the days included Warrington PCT, Warrington Disability Partnership, Job Centre Plus, the NSPCC and Connexions.
State-of-the-art
technology day
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON audio-visual firm Tiger AV, will present state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and know-how at a “Technology Day” at the Halliwell Jones Stadium today (Wednesday).
The company, which specialises in the design, supply and installation of innovative audio-visual systems, is organising the event with procurement specialists in mind, introducing the next generation of technology in the audio-visual industry.
Some of the world’s leading manufacturers will be showcasing their latest products on the day, including JVC, Panasonic and Sanyo. Experts will be on-hand to provide visitors with technical advice on high-tech equipment ranging from plasmas and projectors to DVDs and digital signage.
David Morris-Jones, Managing Director of Tiger AV, said: “This annual event is key in keeping the procurement industry up-to-date with the latest developments in audio-visual technology.
“As well as understanding what is out there, it is just as important to know how and why the various products can be applied to benefit any given industry. This event will give visitors a real insight which will be combined
with comprehensive advice, product demonstration and the opportunity to discuss individual requirements with the experts.”
Wolves’ fans urged
“Get on your bikes”
by John Hendon
WARRINGTON Wolves’ fans are being urged to get on their bikes to go and watch their team play local rivals Widnes at the Halton Stadium on July 3.
It’s all part of Wolves’ commitment to “green” travel – and club chiefs say it could also leave many fans fitter.
A “cycle train” will leave Warrington and proceed to the Halton Stadium where Widnes have agreed to make safe parking space available.
The ride is about nine miles and should take between 45 minutes and an hour.
The “train” will be leaving The Halliwell Jones Stadium at 1pm, calling at The Sloop, Sankey Bridges, at 1.15pm and The Red Lion, Penketh, at 1.30pm before continuing on to Widnes.
Protective headgear is recommended but is not compulsory.
