Police are investigating a theft of a fir tree that occurred overnight Monday 12th December. Investigating Officer Constable Alan Shimmin said, “A 12 foot fir tree which was stood on the roundabout was sawn down and removed. This tree was planted in the mid 1990’s by the Douglas Corporation. It is clear someone has stolen it to use as a Christmas tree. I would like to appeal to anyone who may have seen someone committing this un-festive act or believes they know the whereabouts of the tree to contact me” Constable Shimmin can be contacted at Braddan Police Station on 852999 ENDS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Police in Douglas are continuing their preparations for a busy Christmas period in the town. As usual, there will be an increase in people visiting Douglas to go shopping or to socialise and local officers are focused on ensuring that everyone has a safe and prosperous Christmas. Head of the Douglas Neighbourhood Policing Team, Inspector Phil Shimmin, said: “There’s much to enjoy in Douglas at this time of year. In view of the increased number of shoppers and revellers, extra police officers will be deployed in key locations at key times with the objective of keeping everyone safe. In the past week or so, officers have been visiting shops and businesses to provide advice on how to avoid becoming victims of crime. The local Shop Watch scheme, which is a partnership between traders and the Constabulary, ensures that anyone intent on shoplifting is much more likely to be caught and prosecuted. Additional officers will be patrolling the town centre, both to prevent offences and to detect any offences reported. Ends -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Constable Tom Gascoyne from Douglas Neighbourhood Policing Team is investigating damage to the stone wall adjacent to St Thomas’s Church, Church Road Marina, Douglas. It is believed that the damage is the result of a collision from a vehicle, and it is known to have occurred between 4 pm Saturday 11th December and 9 am Sunday 12th December. Pc Gascoyne is requesting that anyone with information regarding this matter, please contact Douglas Police Headquarters on 631212. ENDS. I would appeal to people who have been drinking not to get behind the wheel of their car as the chances of being caught are high. The Christmas drink drive campaign will see additional patrols out and about at key times. In recent years there have been plenty of people who haven’t heeded this advice and have ended up losing their driving licence, their jobs and their liberty. We will also be working closely with licensed premises in order to encourage responsible drinking. Those who drink to excess and cause problems are highly likely to be arrested and can expect to face a court where they will be held to account for their behaviour. This may result in a variety of punishments, including imprisonment, and bans from licensed premises. On behalf of all of my team, I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas.” Ends