Someone attempted to break in to a van in Bridstow, overnight between January 10th and 11th, and in doing so, they caused damage to the side of the vehicle.

Paul Hastings, the owner of the van was furious, and posted an account of what had happened on the Ross-on-Wye Notice Board, on social media, to make other local residents aware.

Paul told the Ross Gazette:?“nothing ever happens where we are, it’s so quiet, I have reported it to the police in case there’s a pattern.”

A police officer visited Paul during the week to give him some security advice, but Paul said that the police could not open an investigation as there is not any evidence.

Paul added:?“I did see a Mitsubishi Challenger 4x4 speed off down the road earlier that evening and the occupants would’ve seen into the van as I was tidying it. Another resident of the Claytons mentioned seeing a suspicious 4x4 too on the same day. It could be nothing, but I mentioned it to the police anyway.”

If you notice any vehicles, with the drivers acting suspiciously, especially in an area where a crime has been committed, you should report it to the police, by calling 101.

The most useful piece of information to pass on to the police, about suspicious vehicles, is the registration number, or a partial registration. Information about the make, colour and description of the vehicle can also be very helpful, especially if the same vehicle is spotted and reported at the scene of another incident.

Paul had some security advice of his own, for other local residents. He said:?“I’ve found out ways of strengthening the back doors by welding the box section on the inside and changing Ford locks for better ones as the normal ones can be picked in under a minute.”