Woman locked in her fast food trailer one of 18 traveller-related incidents investigated by Daventry police

Daventry police were called to 18 traveller incidents in five days, including one that saw the operator of a fast food van being locked in her trailer.
Travellers have camped several times in Daventry this year - here they are pictured queueing to get into the country park in mid-SeptemberTravellers have camped several times in Daventry this year - here they are pictured queueing to get into the country park in mid-September
Travellers have camped several times in Daventry this year - here they are pictured queueing to get into the country park in mid-September

There have been two traveller encampments in the town since the weekend: the group first pitched up on the former Landmark Hotel site and then moved to Lanchester Way.

Daventry's Neighbourhood Sergeant, Sam Dobbs, along with the Countywide Traveller Unit, reviewed "at least 18" incidents" all of which "involved either children below the age of criminal responsibility or people who could not be identified to allow grounds to arrest".

A 26-year-old woman was arrested then charged after police visited the Lanchester Way site on Monday evening following an alleged theft to the value of £400 was caught on CCTV.

Sergeant Sam Dobbs told travellers at the Lanchester Way encampment was one of the worst he'd dealt withSergeant Sam Dobbs told travellers at the Lanchester Way encampment was one of the worst he'd dealt with
Sergeant Sam Dobbs told travellers at the Lanchester Way encampment was one of the worst he'd dealt with

A significant amount of cash was seized and, after enquiries with the Garda in Ireland, so was a white van allegedly used in crimes elsewhere in the UK.

The woman is due to appear in Northampton Magistrates Court on December 13.

Among the complaints were theft, anti-social behaviour, misuse of sanitary facilities, abuse at retailers in London Road, the town centre, Daventry Leisure Centre and Abbey Retail Park (predominantly children).

Thefts from Daventry Leisure Centre, industrial estate premises, petrol stations and damage at the Landmark Hotel, as well as locking the operator of a fast food van in her trailer, were also reported.

Further incidents included setting off fireworks, stray dogs, interference with electricity columns and disruption to businesses.

"I took the opportunity to explain to members of the encampment the very negative impact the behaviour of their children had created in our community and how damaging this is to the established community and travelling community alike," said Sergeant Dobbs.

"They were assured of our ongoing attention and the concerns of the community on social media. I am confident my robust message was received loud and clear.

"I was candid with the group that in my experience of policing traveller encampments in Daventry, this was sadly one of the worst I've dealt with."

The Lanchester Way camp dispersed this morning and Daventry Norse will carry out a deep clean of the site.