Here is the August neighbourhood update for Sandhurst and Little Sandhurst from Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Lauren Byrne.
In April, May and June, overall reported crime in our neighbourhood has reduced slightly from 108 to 101 incidents, compared with the same three-month period in 2009. Reports of burglary dwelling have fallen from 21 to 10 and anti-social behaviour incidents have gone down from 73 to 50. This last figure is a fantastic result and shows that our continuing efforts to tackle the problem are working. The public make a significant contribution through their assistance with Operation Lion Cub and other initiatives to reduce low-level crime and disorder. We still urge any residents who are experiencing anti-social behaviour to please let us know so we can help to solve these issues.
However, the number of vehicle crimes has not improved, with 12 reports in April, May and June compared to 11 in the same period last year. Vehicle crime is an issue we are trying to tackle constantly, but it often proves difficult when there are no witnesses or potential evidence. This is something we are trying to change, so we encourage any residents who do see anything suspicious or any crime taking place to please call us. We will also be carrying out regular Clear Car Campaigns around public car parks and residential roads, where we check vehicles for any valuables on show, which may tempt a thief, and send a letter to the owners if we cannot trace them immediately.
As the summer months are here, the Memorial Ground has been put to good use by residents of all ages. There has been little anti-social behaviour and the park and its facilities are being well used. We have a variety of activities coming up on the Memorial Ground in the Sandhurst Summer of Fun, which everyone can get involved with.
Last month we had vehicles ‘displaying’ or driving in an anti-social manner within the Memorial Ground car park. There has been a marked improvement here: although we do still have cars frequenting the car park, there have been no reports of displaying. If this issue is affecting you please email PCSO Byrne Lauren.Byrne@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk so I am aware of the problem. This issue will continue to be monitored.
Over the last month we have had one local young man plead guilty to charges of possession with intent to supply a class B drug. He has received a suspended prison sentence and our Economic Crime Unit have been successful in obtaining a court order requiring the young man to repay money he made through his illegal activities.
Three people have been charged and bailed to attend East Berkshire Magistrates’ Court for offences of shoplifting, one for possession of a class B drug and four cautions have been administered for minor assault/public order offences.
We are continuing to use the Speed Indicator Device (SID) to tackle the NAG priority of speeding. If there are any volunteers who wish to be trained in the SID please contact me on the email above.
Operation Labrador is targeting dog walkers and joggers in and around Sandhurst, while on their early morning or late walks or runs, to help police keep an eye out for vehicles of interest that may be stolen or involved in crime. It is run using a community messaging system with details sent to all members on these vehicles of interest. If you would like to take part in this initiative please email Margaret.weber@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk with your full details.
This month I have made visits to the Uplands nursery to do talks on “Stranger Danger” for the children. This was very well received and helps to make sure that young members of Sandhurst community know who the police are and who to talk to if in need. I have also visited the Day Centre this month, and will be doing this regularly as it is comforting for the elderly to know we are around.
I will be getting involved with lots of the Summer of Fun activities on the Memorial Ground over the next month, as well as with the youth workers from The Spot.
The next ’Have Your Say’ meeting is on Sunday 29 August from 12pm to 1pm on the Memorial Ground, Sandhurst. 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, just turn up. Further surgeries will be publicised locally and on the force website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk.
A Thames Valley Police open day is being held on Saturday 4 September between 10am and 4pm, at Thames Valley Police Training Centre in Sulhamstead, near Reading.
The open day aims to promote greater understanding of the work of the various departments and specialist roles within the Force.
The public will have the opportunity to look around the Force Museum, which is packed with the history of Thames Valley Police, and get the chance to meet some of the officers from the Force’s specialist departments. Admission is £2.50 per adult and under 16s go free. No dogs, except guide dogs, are allowed on site. Parking at the site is limited and will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Disabled access is available. One of the main attractions of the day is the police helicopter which will be manned by the Chiltern Air Support Unit. The Roads Policing department will also be present with various vehicles. Also in attendance will be the mounted and dog sections. Displays will also be taking place throughout the day. For more information visit the Force website.
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 505505 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.
Community Messaging
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Thames Valley Police ~ Sandhurst