Here's the latest news from Avon & Somerset Police's website. Click on a headline for the full story:

Appeal after thieves break into outbuilding (Thornbury)

We're appealing for witnesses and information after thieves stole fuel from a van and broke into an outbuilding in Thornbury.

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Thornbury Police Station - Update (Thornbury)

Thornbury police station is now 'under offer'

Domestic Abuse Directory (South Gloucestershire)

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, download the <a href="http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/information/Documents/Section.aspx?s=407#DID_6677" title="Domestic Abuse Leaflet">Directory of Domestic Abuse Services</a> for help and advice.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Liaison Team ()

LGBT Liaison Officers are a mix of police officers and police staff members who have special understanding and training on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. For further information link to <a href="http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/community_safety/LGBTLiaisonTeam/index.aspx"><strong>LGBT Liaison Team</strong>.</a>

Stray dog? (South Gloucestershire beats)

For 24/7 help with stray dogs, call South Gloucestershire Council on 01454 868009. Don't bring it to a police station - we haven't been able to take in strays since 2008.

Your Safer Stronger Community Group needs you! (Thornbury and Alveston beat)

South Gloucestershire's 20 Safer Stronger Community Groups (SSCGs) are all about working together to improve your local community. The groups also enable you to have your say about the services that your community receives. For further information link to <a href="http://groups.southglos.gov.uk/inovem/inovem.ti/thornburyandalvestonssg/groupHome" target="_blank" title="This link will open in a new window" onclick="WF_ExternalLinkWarning();"><b>Thornbury and Alveston SSCG.</b></a>

PC Neil Whyman

PCSO Dawn Golding

PC Natalie Draper

In emergencies, call 999. Use only if a crime or incident requiring an urgent response is in progress or is about to be committed.

For most calls, including the reporting of crimes and any incident requiring a prompt, but not urgent, response: phone 101.

There's a local beat page, with recent news and crime statistics on the Avon & Somerset Police website.

You can now read your local police newsletter online - Avon and Somerset Police are making their newsletters available on the Internet, as well as through other cost-free outlets, to save money and still stay in touch. Visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/newsletters to read the latest version...

The role of a Police Community Support Officer

My main role is to be on high visibility patrol, mainly on foot, but also sometimes on bicycle, helping to deter crime, reassuring members of the public and dealing with various areas of lower level crime and anti-social behaviour.

My powers vary greatly, I deal with many issues like traffic offences, which include parking offences, issuing fixed penalty notices for anything from parking to throwing a firework.

I talk to members of the public about any issues they may have and take action to deal with it, and if I can't help, I then pass it on to the appropriate authority.

I visit community groups and schools, attend meetings and get to know as many people in the Thornbury area as possible. I aim to be a familiar friendly face who people of all ages can talk to, whilst still representing the Police Force.

Other issues that I help with, can be anything from graffiti to abandoned bikes, damaged signs etc...

On a more Police side, I assist in different ways, such as help Police with offenders, road traffic collisions, house to house enquiries, seize items and obtain peoples details, and much more, too much to list.

When you see me out and about, don't be shy, say hello, I look forward to meeting you.

Tony Blackmore, PCSO 8752, Thornbury Police Station

The Safer South Gloucestershire Community Safety and Drugs partnership website

This site is devoted to answering your concerns about drugs and alcohol, crime and disorder (including hate crime and domestic violence), anti social behaviour and making your communities safer.

If you live or work in South Gloucestershire, you can use it to find out how you can get help or information about any of our services. You can also read about our wide-ranging services, projects and initiatives.

The partnership also welcomes any comments, feedback or suggestions you have on how they can help improve safety and well being in your community.

www.safersouthglos.org.uk

South Gloucestershire's Safer and Stronger Community Groups:

• work together to ensure that their areas are safe and pleasant places to live, work and play
• give local people a greater voice and influence over local decisions and priorities
• fund and support a number of initiatives that help the local community, such as shop-radio schemes, CCTV, young people’s and older people’s projects and community engagement projects

Call 01454 868760 to find out about the work of your nearest group and to have a say in local issues.