POLDEN NEIGHBOURHOOD
e-WATCH GROUP
Linking: Woolavington, Bawdrip, Cossington, Chilton Polden, Edington, Catcott, Shapwick, Moorlinch
Supported by the police Sedgemoor South Neighbourhood Team
The Neighbourhood eWatch service was pioneered by Woolavington Neighbourhood Watch and introduced in January 2007. In 2008 it gained the Police Neighbourhood Watch Innovation award and has since been refined and developed, currently providing an e-mail based information service that is compatible with smartphones, tablets and computers.
The Polden E-watch service provides the means to easily and quickly ciculate information about local criminal activity, and also to share advice.
● You can report a crime or incident on-line at:
https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/crime-or-incident/#/
● If you wish to contact a scheme Leader, simply ‘reply’ to this message, or email
co-ordinator@ewatch.org.uk and your message will be forwarded to her/him.
● If you see someone acting suspiciously around a neighbour’s property, call the police
straight away. If they’re obviously breaking in, ring 999. Otherwise, call the non-
emergency number 101: police operators are on hand 24/7.
● If you have information about any crime, phone 101 or call anonymously CRIMESTOPPERS
● 0800 555 111
● In an emergency dial 999
● www.ewatch.org.uk
Ewatch is currently used by the following village schemes:
Bawdrip – Cossington – Stawell & Sutton Mallet – Chilton Polden – Edington – Catcott – Moorlinch – Shapwick – Woolavington – Puriton.
Recent Messages
Vehicle Theft – Shapwick
A vehicle was stolen whilst parked on Northbrook Road, Shapwick, overnight on the 15th May. The owner of a black Toyota Hilux returned to find the vehicle missing.
The keys had not been left with the vehicle at the time of the incident.
If you have any information or CCTV footage that may assist, please contact the Police on 101, quoting reference 5226134072 and stating Neighbourhood Watch.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Thank you for your support in keeping our community safe.
Message posted 20th May
A Catcott resident has reported the following burglary
At some point over the past week a house in Weares Lane, Catcott was burgled. An upstairs window was accessed via a flat roof and broken to gain entry. The police have been informed.
Message posted 11th May
Some scams reported recently by ‘Which’ magazine
Latest scam warnings
Our team of fraud experts is always on the lookout for scams targeting people across the UK.
Recent tactics to be aware of include a TV licence scam email, dodgy car finance texts and fake messages from Apple. Check out the full list, (click highlighted words to reveal link) based on reports to our Which? Scam Action Alerts Facebook community and scam sharer tool.
Free scam-checking tools
Scams evolve and often become more sophisticated over time, but so do the tactics for detecting them. Whether it’s a suspicious phone call or a potentially AI-generated image online, there are tools that can help you spot a con.
We asked our Which? Scam Action and Alerts Facebook community to tell us their favourite tools for spotting scams.
5 scam calls and texts to watch out for
You’re much more likely to answer a call or text that comes from a familiar contact, but criminals can use software to change the number displayed on your phone – they can even mimic your bank’s phone number.
This is known as number spoofing, and despite efforts by the government and mobile networks to stop it, fraudsters continue to exploit loopholes to carry out their schemes. We reveal the latest tactics and give you four ways to avoid number-spoofing scams.
The rise of fake days out on social media
We’re warning social media users about a growing trend for fake days out. From Buckingham Palace markets to hot air balloon festivals, scammers are using AI images and videos to lure visitors to attractions that don’t exist.
Our travel experts have investigated – they explain how to identify fake or AI-generated social media posts, plus tips to buy event tickets safely
Message posted 11th May
Rogue Traders
A Message from Avon and Somerset Police
Rogue traders often target homes by cold-calling, offering repairs or services you didn’t ask for. They may pressure you into quick decisions, exaggerate problems, or demand cash up front.
Protect yourself:
• Don’t agree to work on the doorstep – reputable traders don’t need to cold-call.
• Use traders recommended by someone you trust – ask a neighbour, friend, or relative for recommendations they’ve used before.
• Never feel rushed – take time to think and get at least two written quotes.
• Check credentials – ask for ID and verify registered businesses independently.
• Avoid paying cash upfront – use traceable payment methods only once work is complete and agreed.
• Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, say no and close the door.
If you’re concerned:
• In an emergency or if you feel threatened, call 999.
Look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours — rogue traders often target people living alone.
Remember: It’s OK to say NO.
https://ewatch.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4bf39f9ef8b8ce466d04a6713&id=ea4a6f1b17&e=22f34a180e
Message posted 18th April
Recovery of Stolen Jewellery
Images of a number of pieces of jewellery which are believed to have been stolen in burglaries across the South West are being released in a bid to reunite them with their owners.
The jewellery was recovered by detectives as part of investigations into burglaries across the Avon and Somerset and Devon and Cornwall policing areas.
Some of the pieces, which include bracelets, necklaces, and pendants, were found with significant fire damage, but we are keen to try to trace the rightful owners of the various pieces.
If you think any of the items pictured are yours, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5226014936.
Attachments:https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/news/2026/03/can-you-help-us-find-rightful-owners-of-suspected-stolen-jewellery/
Message posted 31st March