Crowthorne and Sandhurst

I’d like to introduce myself as the new neighbourhood officer for College Town and Owlsmoor in Sandhurst. I took up the post in March 2007 and work alongside PC Justin Barton.

Since joining the Sandhurst team, I have visited several schools and have been spending my time familiarising myself with the local area and meeting members of the community. I recently took part in an operation held at the Meadows in Sandhurst where we raised public awareness about the importance of removing valuable items from display when leaving cars unattended.

Before joining Thames Valley Police, I served in the Army for nine years. I was a phase two training instructor at Deepcut barracks and also a physical training instructor. Since joining the Force in October 2004, I have worked on reactive shifts in Bracknell and did an eight-month attachment in Maidenhead CID.

I am very keen to work with residents to support youth projects, and I’m currently in the process of starting up a weekly ‘Boxercise’ class for local youths.

As a qualified fitness instructor and Boxercise instructor, I will be conducting the classes myself, with the help of officers and PCSOs from the local police area.

I have received support and funding from the Sandhurst residents’ association, and Sandhurst Town Council have offered their support with the making and distribution of flyers and posters. Marks and Spencer have also kindly donated t-shirts for the training staff involved.

With funding from the community, the activity will be free to both boys and girls in the area. I am targeting youngsters aged between 11 and 17. I intend to run the class for one hour each week, in the evening. I’m still negotiating the venue, but it will be a local community facility.

Boxercise is a non-contact exercise class, which combines circuit training with pad work and boxing skills. I have run a Boxercise class in the past on a voluntary basis and it was very successful.

Once I have finalised the arrangements, I will be publicising the dates, times and venue for the class, and hope to see plenty of local youngsters there.

I hold regular beat surgeries with PCSO Rebecca Swann. The next one is on Monday 18 June at the ‘Coffee Spot’ at Sandhurst Memorial Park, between 2pm and 4pm. On that occasion, PC Vanessa Coxhill will attend, as I will be on annual leave. All are welcome to drop in for a chat, there’s no need to make an appointment.

Thames Valley Police ~ Sandhurst