Crowthorne and Sandhurst

Firstly, I would like to thank you all for the warm welcome I have received in my new role as Neighbourhood Specialist Officer (NSO) for Sandhurst.

At the recent Sandhurst Forum many people were concerned about an incident of dangerous driving which took place outside St Michael’s School. I and Owlsmoor NSO PC Amanda Price have spent a considerable amount of time trying to trace the offending driver.

The vehicle is still registered to a local person; unfortunately this person sold the vehicle prior to the incident and we have been trying to trace the car through various other people who have bought it and not followed the correct procedure of registering it in their name.

At this stage the details of the vehicle have been circulated to all local and neighbouring officers, and it has been included on Thames Valley Police’s Automatic Number Plate Recognition database, which means that should the car drive through one of our targeted checks, it will be stopped.

There have been reports of someone cycling like a mad man through the Sandhurst area this month: I must admit that it was me!

We received a call to say that an elderly man was unwell and had been trapped behind a locked front door for some time. I was leaving Crowthorne police station and a police car was dispatched from Bracknell on blue lights at the same time.

I cycled faster than I ever have and am proud to say that I was the first on scene, chasing the ambulance down the road. By the time the officers in the car arrived, I had already kicked through the front door and the man was being treated by paramedics. My best wishes to the man and his family.

On a different note, we have been actively working against anti-social behaviour and youth disorder. Reports of anti-social behaviour to Operation Lion Cub have decreased dramatically and I believe the offenders know the hard line that my colleagues and I will pursue in this respect.

PC Amanda Price, along with two of our PCSOs Ivana Houska and Rebecca Swann, have been developing initiatives to give local youngsters positive things to do. We are currently supporting two Boxercise classes and regular film nights in Crowthorne.

I have recently enrolled as a member of the Sandhurst Residents’ Association Forum. This internet-based forum is ideal for those residents of Sandhurst who are unable to contact me through conventional means.

I promise you will continue to see me around and about, so please stop me for a chat. Should you have any concerns, you can contact me through either the police non-emergency number - 08458 505 505 - or through the Sandhurst Residents’ Association Discussion Forum.

Finally, may I wish all residents a safe and peaceful Christmas and remind you to lock your valuables away, ensure all doors and windows are secure when you pop out and never leave your house and car keys inside your front door.

And please continue to keep an eye out for your neighbours. This way we can ensure that we all have the kind of Christmas we hope for!

Looking forward to working with you in 2008.

Thames Valley Police ~ Sandhurst