Here is the monthly neighbourhood update for Finchampstead and North Crowthorne from Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Andy Roberts:
Neighbourhood priorities
PC Tom Thomas has again been out in the area with the “speed gun” and a number of people were issued fixed penalty notices. PCSO Workman took our new Speed Indication Device (SID) machine out around the area of California Country Park on the Nine Mile Ride. Letters are being sent to motorists who exceed the limit, warning them that they can be prosecuted if their speed is caught on the speed gun.
Inconsiderate parking is still happening in the area and we warn drivers when we can locate them or in the case of obstruction we have been issuing fixed penalty notices.
Litter is an ongoing issue and we are working with the council to see if there are any long term ways to deal with this anti-social behaviour.
Crime information Finchampstead (March – May 09/10
The average number of crimes in this area has increased from 36 to 39 (8.3%)
The average number of ASB incidents in this area has decreased from 25.3 to 18.3 (27.6%)
The average number of violent crimes in this area has decreased from 8.3 to 6 (28%)
The average number of vehicle crimes in this area has increased from 5 to 6 (20%)
The average number of burglaries in this area has increased from 6 to 8.3 (38.9%)
Crime information Crowthorne North (March – May09/10)
The average number of crimes in the Crowthorne North area has decreased from 24 to 16.7 (30.6%)
The average number of burglaries in this area has decreased from 4 to 3.7 (8.3%)
The average number of vehicle crimes in this area has decreased from 2.7 to 2 (25%)
The average number of violent crimes in this area has decreased from 3.7 to 2.3 (36.4%)
The average number of ASB incidents in this area has decreased from 13 to 10.3 (20.5%)
As we approach the school holidays, the team are very aware of the impact and possible rise this can have on ASB in the area. Operation Lion Cub is still as fresh as ever and street briefings are held every Friday and Saturday evening at 6.30pm. For details of Lion Cub please see www.thamesvalley.police.uk/lioncub or talk to one of the team.
There have been a number of arrests and cautions this month including;
On 6 June at 12.20am an on-street caution was issued to an 18-year-old man from Nine Mile Ride for possession of cannabis.
On 26 June at 3.15am, a 24 year-old man from Tickenor Drive, Finchampstead, was issued with a fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly on the Barkham Road.
NAG news
We are pleased that the NAG is now able to hold meetings at Nine Mile Ride School as well as Gorse Ride School. Thames Valley Police attend the Nag along with other agencies and local residents monthly, to discuss the priorities for the area. We have had students from the local schools attend to give their perspective on issues in the area and this has proved invaluable when dealing with youths and related problems of ASB.
Future meeting dates
The next Finchampstead Neighbourhood Action Group meeting is at 10.30am on Wednesday 14 July at Nine Mile ride school.
The next North Crowthorne and Wokingham without NAG is at 10.30am on Tuesday 13 July location to be confirmed.
Next month’s activities
We will be attending a number of street parties in the area on 18 July as part of the Big Lunch. This is an excellent way to get to know your neighbours and help lift community spirit.
How to get involved in NAG NHW
Neighbourhood watch is busy in the area and you can also be part of the community messaging system where you are sent emails detailing crime in your area and what to watch out for. The NAG is not an open meeting but we do welcome new members or invited guests who wish to discuss a particular topic or become part of the NAG.
Events and operations
We have been to a number of school summer fetes this month and child safety week (21 – 25) saw the PCSO’s attend schools in the area and talk about road safety and conduct bike marking.
We have been working hard during the national rogue trader week of action (28 June – 2 July). I was fortunate to have a film crew from ITV news come out with me for the day on patrol and they filmed as we spoke to a number of builders and gardeners. The purpose was to raise awareness to the sort of person who may charge extortionate amounts for very little or no work and also associated distraction crime. The message we are putting out is “NOT SURE? – DON’T OPEN THE DOOR” and to call 999 if you believe you are being subjected to any distraction crime or possible rogue trading.
If you wish to speak with any of the team please call 0845 8 505 505 and ask to be put through to us if we are on duty or leave a message.
Thames Valley Police ~ Crowthorne North