Police report

As we head toward Christmas, life in the village naturally gets a little busier — and sometimes a little more rushed! Please take extra care with your speed when driving through the village. The darker mornings and earlier evenings make it harder to see, and we often have excited children about.

I’ll be around the village over the coming weeks, keeping an eye on speeding and parking. I’ve also been working closely with the Parish Council to address some parking concerns that have been raised - particularly around junctions where poor parking can cause real safety issues. Please remember that buses, HGVs, and other larger vehicles still need space to move safely through the village.

Fraud Awareness: Unfortunately, there have been a few recent reports of fraud in our local area. Please take a moment to read these reminders and share them with friends and family:

Police Impersonation Calls: A genuine police officer will never ask you to act on their behalf or assist in an ongoing operation. If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately and do not engage further. If the police genuinely need to speak with you, we will visit in person. If in doubt, contact a friend or call me directly — together, we can help stop these scams from spreading.

Fake Parking Tickets: If you receive a fine for parking somewhere you’ve never been, your vehicle registration may have been cloned. Please do not pay the fine —, report it to the police straight away.

Door-to-Door Sales: Be cautious of uninvited sellers offering services such as gardening, roofing, or property maintenance. As a rule, if you didn’t ask for them to visit, it’s safest not to open the door. If you do need work done, research local traders and always get a written quote and invoice. If you feel pressured — or think a neighbour might be at risk — call 101 or email me directly.

A Few Final Safety Tips: As Christmas approaches, please make sure your home is secure when you go out — lock all doors and windows. We’ve had some daytime burglaries in the Downton area previously so a few extra precautions can make a big difference.

Thank you for your help in keeping our community safe, friendly, and mindful during this busy season.

Pc Evans Email: Marc.Evans@wiltshire.police.uk. Mobile 07876 817927 when on duty or call 101.