Thieves look to add to the flooding misery

POLICE are appealing for people on the flooded Somerset Levels to keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously amid fears that thieves will try and add further misery for beleaguered villagers and farmers.

Officers are asking people across the Levels to be on alert – especially during the hours of darkness.

It follows the theft of around 600 gallons of domestic heating oil from a farm in Moorland, near Bridgwater, probably overnight January 31 and February 1.

Anyone with information or who sees anything suspicious is asked to call 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Police horses are now being deployed on the Somerset Levels as part of the police’s continuing effort to help and reassure residents affected by the floods.

A police spokesman said: “They are joining increased numbers of neighbourhood officers in the area, as well as Special Constables.

“It has also been arranged that officers will make regular patrols day and night to provide a high visibility presence and reassurance to residents.”

Volunteers yesterday (Sunday, February 2, 2014) went from house-to-house across the Levels knocking on doors to check on occupiers and see if there were any concerns or needs like fuel and water.

A public defibrillator, meanwhile, has been installed in the church hall at Muchelney by the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

It is hoped the equipment will provide extra reassurance to residents that help is available should there be a medical emergency.

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