The Bradley Stoke Journal

Avon and Somerset Police report that they arrested two men aged 18 and 21 in the early hours of  Monday 27th June, in connection with a burglary at a home in Bradley Stoke.

The news comes after a number of residents complained on the social networking site Twitter of being woken by a police helicopter hovering over their homes at around 2am.

After a scorching day on Sunday, it is thought that many house owners would have had bedroom windows open because of the heat, making them more likely to be disturbed by the “eye in the sky”.

Police say the helicopter was involved in a search of the area after the break-in.

The two men were later released on police bail pending further enquiries.

The burglary follows a similar incident in the Abbeywood area on Wednesday 22nd June, when five men were arrested on suspicion of stealing property from sheds and garages.

Neighbourhood Inspector Bob Evely said:

“It’s important to remember to lock up your home and secure doors and windows if you’re not in the same room.”

Read on for more crime prevention advice from Insp Evely »

A Bradley Stoke woman has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the local police force.

Sue Dauncey, Director of Legal Services for Avon and Somerset Police, has been appointed Member of the British Empire (MBE).

Chief Constable Colin Port said:

“I’m delighted that Sue’s hard work and commitment has been recognised in this way. She has worked tirelessly over the years not only for the people of Avon and Somerset but on a national basis, advising other lawyers in the public sector.”

“I think this is a recognition of the work that people do day in day out within policing and I know that many of our colleagues will join with me in congratulating Sue on this wonderful achievement.”

Within police forces, the in-house legal service is an area that is relatively unknown. The legal service in Avon and Somerset covers over fifty different areas of work spanning all areas of legal work apart from criminal prosecutions and property law.

Read on for Ms Dauncey’s reaction to the news »

Bradley Stoke residents should find it easier to speak to a police officer in person following the official opening of a ‘beat post’ at the Willow Brook shopping centre earlier this month.

The new office, accessed from the shopping mall via a short passage between the Santander bank agency and Reflections hairdressers, gives police a local base meaning that they no longer have to spend time returning to Filton police station in order to perform administrative tasks.

Residents can now make an appointment to speak to a police officer in person at the local office. A weekly ‘drop in’ session will also be held on Wednesdays between 1pm and 3pm, when officers will be available to “discuss any issues or concerns and give advice” without a prior appointment being made.

The office for the beat post has been provided free of charge by the Willow Brook Centre, which will also pay all associated utility costs. Bradley Stoke Town Council is also supporting the venture up to the tune of £750 per annum (approved until April 2012) covering business rates and other ancillary charges.

Speaking at the official opening, Bradley Stoke Mayor Ben Walker said:

“I am delighted to be able open this beat post from which our neighbourhood policing team will operate, to further improve the town’s policing. We continue to work with and support our policing team to ensure Bradley Stoke benefits from some of the best services available throughout South Gloucestershire.”

Continue reading to find out how to make an appointment »

Police are appealing for the public’s help to find 13-year-old Jade Evans.

Jade has been missing from her home in Bradley Stoke since the early hours of today (Monday 13th December 2010).

Her disappearance is said to be very out of character and officers are very concerned for her welfare.

It is thought she may be in the Pilning or St George areas, where she has friends.

Jade is described as of mixed heritage with a pale complexion and died plum red dark hair which is straight and just past shoulder length. She is of medium build and 5ft 4ins tall. She normally wears leggings and jumpers with grey ‘UGG’ boots.

Anyone who has seen Jade or knows of her whereabouts is asked to contact police at Trinity Road on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

More info: Photo of Jade Evans [Avon and Somerset Police]

A Bradley Stoke man has been appointed Vice Chair of a group which advises South Gloucestershire Police on how they can best serve under-represented people.

The Independent Advisory Group (IAG) includes representatives from a range of different sections of the community who can face prejudice because of their disability, age, ethnicity, faith or sexual orientation.

Sachin Singhal (pictured above, centre), who unsuccessfully fought for a seat on Bradley Stoke Town Council in a by-election last year, was himself a victim of a racially-aggravated attack in 2005 when acid was poured over his car as it stood outside his Ormonds Close home.

More recent crimes with a race hate element in Bradley Stoke have included a man being pushed off his bike near Tesco in August 2008 and a 14-year boy being attacked by a gang using a python as a weapon in August 2009.

IAG Chair Amarjit Singh (pictured right) said:

“The South Gloucestershire IAG is looking for new members from minority community groups to make sure we are representative of the communities we serve. Joining the IAG gives people chance to bring a real benefit to their community as well as the police.”

Read more about the work of the IAG and how to report hate crime »