Here is the March neighbourhood update for Sandhurst and Little Sandhurst neighbourhood update from PCSO Lauren Byrne.
Unfortunately, there has been a spate of criminal damage to cars in and around the Owlsmoor and Sandhurst areas in the early hours of Tuesday 9 February between 3.30am and 4.15 am. We are keen to trace those responsible and we would like to know if you were woken up by sounds of smashing glass and saw a vehicle driving erratically down your road. Perhaps you have CCTV that captured the vehicle? If you have any information about the incidents, please contact us using the contact details below.
There has been a recent increase in Sandhurst burglaries where burglars have managed to gain entry through the letterbox. The burglars know that UPVC doors can be opened from the inside if you just raise the handle. Please take extra time to double lock the front door with a key and then remove the key and place it out of sight.
PCSO Swann and I have been delivering crime prevention advice packs to surrounding Sandhurst roads where houses have been burgled to offer security advice and reassurance. We have also carried out high visibility patrols in the area to deter further offences.
If you have witnessed any suspicious people or vehicles in your area, or if you would like any advice on keeping your home secure, please contact us using the details below.
PCSO Swann and I have been checking parked vehicles in Sandhurst residential roads as well as pub and hotel car parks to see whether belongings have been left on display. Fortunately, we haven’t found many cars with items on show, although we still urge you to take all belongings with you and keep your car secure. We will be continuing this over the coming months to ensure your belongings are safe. If we do happen to see anything on display, you will receive a letter informing you of this.
There is still an issue with rubbish being dumped behind the back of the parade of shops on Yorktown Road (behind Co-op and charity shops). If you do see anybody doing this please let the PCSOs or the council know, as it is becoming a big issue for the shop owners and it is also a health risk to residents.
Over the past month PCSO Swann and I have given talks to Sandhurst Scouts and Guides groups regarding knife crime, personal safety, alcohol and drugs. These have been well received and we encourage any other group leaders who would like input from the neighbourhood team to contact us as we are more than happy to come and do talks and visits.
The Scout hut on the Sandhurst Memorial Ground is in need of redecoration. We are appealing for any volunteers who may want to help out to contact us using the details below.
Patrols are still being conducted to tackle the parking issues around our local schools. We would like to remind parents to be aware of pedestrians and not to cause obstructions for other vehicles and residents. We will be continuing our patrols to combat the problem over the next few months.
Anti-social behaviour in Sandhurst and in particular around the Memorial Ground has been generally low. This is great news and it’s good to see young people attending more youth groups and not just hanging around in parks. We still have an issue with anti-social driving in the car park and we urge residents to keep calling us about this. We are taking details of the cars involved and appropriate action is being taken against the drivers.
The coffee spot Sandhurst is continuing on a Wednesday evening and we encourage you to let your children come along. It’s a good way to meet new people and the volunteers are friendly and approachable. It was a great success last summer; however over the winter, due to bad weather, it has been a lot quieter so we are hoping to get it busy once more.
A new initiative is being tried in the Little Sandhurst area. Feedback from the neighbourhood surveys and residents is that they feel police presence is low. As a result I have designed an A5 leaflet aimed for residents leaving for work, stating I will be patrolling that area, and if there are any problems to contact me. This initiative also incorporates a lunch-time beat surgery on the day I hand the leaflets out. I am hoping this will work well, and that while residents are at work they can be assured I will be patrolling their streets that particular day. The feedback from the first day was great and the initiative will be continuing over the coming months.
A Sandhurst man has been charged with possession of drugs with intent to supply and will be appearing at East Berkshire magistrates’ court very soon.
I am holding a ‘Have Your Say Meeting’ on Wednesday 10 March outside Sandhurst Day Centre charity shop, Yorktown Road. These meetings are an ideal opportunity for residents to speak to their neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs about any local issues; no appointment is necessary. Further surgeries will be publicised locally and on the force website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk.
If you want any advice or would like to contact the neighbourhood team you can call us on the police non emergency number 0845 8 505 505 or email sandhurstNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk. Please note this email address cannot be used to contact Thames Valley Police to report crimes or for any urgent matters. Alternatively you can visit the force website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk to view information on your neighbourhood.
Thames Valley Police ~ Sandhurst