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Window boxes - Allan (28th Jun 2005 - 10:38:01) Am interested in sourcing three window boxes 89cms long, well stocked with begonias, petunias and trailing lobelia. Ideally, they should look just like the ones that some low life nicked from the Black Fox Inn sometime last night! Makes you wonder, doesn't it? Seriously though, if anyone hears of or sees boxes as described becoming available for purchase or appearing somewhere, I would LOVE to know. Allan

Re: Window boxes - Finchie (28th Jun 2005 - 14:46:07) Allan, They may well have been destroyed. I was out last night at 3am - as you do - don't ask ! (but if you did - just trying to get a feverish/asthmatic 11 month old to sleep). An open backed van was on fire at the bridge on tunbridge lane. Apparently had an urn in the back also what looked like various garden stuff. I have never come across a ruder constable. When I asked what happened he curtly replied "Its just as you see it". Didn't bother asking what I was doing, if I had seen any petrol covered suspicious characters leaving the scene, etc. To give him the benefit of the doubt, I suppose he was probably dreading the amount of paperwork he would have to fill in. The much more helpful neighbour who had called the fire brigade said that he thinks the van broke down so was set alight. And yet again our great Liphook retained fire service did the business. While 6 sets of flashing lights didn't send the little munchkin to sleep - at least it stopped him crying ! Cheers, Finchie

Re: Window boxes - Allan (30th Jun 2005 - 12:42:27) Finchie, What a wonderful fellow you are! looks like you are spot on with your observations. The police tell me I might even get them back. Currently they are in a vehicle recovery yard. However, I am told that the blue pick-up truck they are on was seen cruising around Liphook and surrounding areas on Monday evening (presumably selecting their pickings for later on). So, fellow residents, did anybody take sufficient notice and, perhaps, recognise whoever was in it? If so , call 0845 0454545 and let the police know. Allan

Re: Window boxes - The policeman (6th Jul 2005 - 17:20:46) I was that policeman - and I am still trying to trace the loser of a white stone pedestal statuette/support in the form of three Grecian-type women with arms upheld as support to some form of dias or urn (which was not present with the recovered items). It stands about three feet tall. All the other item are now recorded as stolen on Sussex police crime records. Thanks Alan for drawing my attention to the possibility that someone knew a similar vehicle had been seen in the area earlier in the evening, am I reading it right that this was one of the firemen? - I'd have thought they might have told me at the time but this enquiry is now in hand. Incidentally, I am sorry for any offence that was taken by Finchie, it was not intended. I would like the opportunity to reply though since I'm also hurt that he chose such a forum to make the remark when he would not have anticipated I would ever learn of his views. I am concerned and perplexed as to why Finchie did consider my manner rude - (could it have been mentioned at the time if it was an issue?). I remember the encounter, I approached him as he arrived, greeted him and when he asked what had happened, smiling I pointed out what was in truth, glaringly obvious - but I apologise if offence was taken here. Having then learned from him why he was out at that time of night I was perhaps in some haste to end the conversation since it was not a safe place for members of the public, let alone very small children to be just then and I needed to make the whole area safe, close the roads, communicate what was taking place, request the highways inspector attend to examine the bridge for possible structural damage, make enquiries with local residents, learn what I could from the Fire officers about how the blaze might have started, organise recovery for the vehicle (having established from the fire officer how long it might take for the truck to be cool enough to safely recover), get other officers circulating to look for the (possibly petrol soaked) 'known suspect' (because I already knew who used the truck even though it wasn't registered to him), yes and agonise about the mountain of paperwork it was about to generate AND rationalise that it would have to wait a while because until ten minutes before I was told of the vehicle on fire I had that evening been dealing with (what did turn out to be) the rape of a teenager. I also had to get back to the station to complete other prority tasks for other jobs since it was my last night shift and I wasn't going to get the opportunity again for over a week because all bar one of my rest days were taken up with duties working in Portsmouth at the Festival of the Sea and I wasn't in the office again until the following Saturday which is not the best day to make office inquiries on - so I probably did have a bit on my mind. I am puzzled though, as to why Finchie, having been told by me that the road was impassable owing to the truck on the bridge and the very large fire engine beyond (the one with flasing lights on) then apeared at the opposite side of the road closure a short time later and asked the same questions of my other police colleagues?

Re: Window boxes - Allan (8th Jul 2005 - 14:44:38) Touched a nerve there then, Finchie! Still, good to know that our intrepid constable is aware of who was driving the truck ( and presumably nicked my window boxes) and I await a witness summons to the legal proceedings which, no doubt, will follow! Cheers, Allan.

Re: Window boxes - Finchie (12th Jul 2005 - 11:42:17) Hi "The policeman", Ah ! there were two policemen I spoke to. One very polite which was clearly you at the beginning (and I should have pointed this out) and the other one when I later returned and hour later ! (having driven around for an hour looking for petrol stained oikes, while trying to get the nipper to sleep). I thing Sgt. Happy wanted his bed and was focused on putting the road block up. Problem is - I am far too nosey, curious and wanted to know much more. I always wanted to be in the police force, just never really made it ! Show me flashing lights and an incident I am always the one trying to find out what has happened !! Trying to get info on the most exciting event that has ever happened down the lane was a challenge. Bearing in mind (fortunately), the only other event we have had was when the "excitable" red landrover driver got wedged between an articulated lorry on the single track, after refusing to reverse. My how I chuckled. Never know, they might read this forum and I'll have another enemy ! However, I am pleased to see these forums are actually read. And I am pleased to see that they are a good forum to exchange useful info. !!! And finally, I will give Alan a plug as we enjoyed a great roast and fantastic Jazz with a bouncy castle after taking part in LIBDA. Hanging baskets also looked great :-) Same again next year please... Cheers, Finchie

Re: Window boxes - Allan (13th Jul 2005 - 01:43:52) Finchie, Thanks for the plug and the compliments on the h/baskets which are, miraculasly still there. Actually, I personnaly know the constable you are referring to; he is o.k. Know from family experience the rigours and travails of that job. Wouldn't want it for Abramovich's money! Next year, after the bike ride, even better! Pink Floyd's next reunion? Who knows. More likely Frank the fish though. Cheers, Allan

Re: Window boxes - The Policeman (14th Jul 2005 - 10:47:16) Allan, Have you have been able to retrieve your window boxes since we last spoke or is it your blooming baskets that have thus far distracted admirers eyes from their absence? If it is the latter then I'll be back in the office on Monday & I'll try and arrange their release then; if you could let me know by this medium I will be able to act that much sooner. Incidentally, since it is West Sussex police who are handling the theft it is to them that I am forwarding information about the suspect. I can tell you that in my recent absence a very clever colleague in Hampshire has been making some inquiries on my behalf which may provide a key to investigations. I shall be more than happy to make an arrest on behalf of my Sussex colleagues if they are prepared to deal with the matter.

Re: Window boxes - Allan (14th Jul 2005 - 15:58:22) Hello Mr. Constable, Have not got them back yet.The recovery co. you said you would ask to contact me have, so far, not done so.(Would I be being foolishly optimistic to hope that they have been diligently dead heading and watering whilst in their care. Thought so!) Seems strange, though, that if you know who the villain of the piece is, why ain't he had his collar felt yet? I look forward to the next installment upon your return. Cheers, Allan.

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