At our 16th AGM Winchester District Chief Inspector Steve France-Sargeant thanked Neighbourhood Watch for their work, which he said was well respected.
With the Constabulary taking 2.5 million calls a year, and with finite resources, police visibility in the rural areas is much lower than it was 10 years ago. He emphasised the important part that the community plays as the eyes and ears for the Police and how vital it is that we report all incidents so that preventative measures can be put in place.
He outlined plans to recruit Police Community Support Officers (PCSO’s) in a staged introduction, with Alresford getting its first in January. PCSO’s will be required to spend 80% of their time “on the street”; hours worked being up to 11 p.m. They will not follow the traditional pattern of the Beat Officer, and their flexibility will be controlled by the Station Sergeant.
The CI related one interview with a burglar recently apprehended by the police, who openly stated that he went from house to house trying doors and, if found locked, would move on. He also looked out for keys, wallets and mobile phones emptied from pockets and left in inviting places e.g. mantelpieces or tables in full view of windows. Take note, always lock your doors, both vehicles and houses.
CARRY ON USING 101
People in Hampshire are being reminded to continue to use the new 101 phone service for non emergencies.
Tens of thousands of people have used the Single Non-Emergency Number (SNEN) since its launch in the county and Isle of Wight in May last year. Hampshire Constabulary believes it is important that the residents of Hampshire and Isle of Wight know that 101 continues to thrive and hope that evaluation of the service is sufficient for the service to be extended across the rest of England and Wales
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A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
The importance of reporting incidents to the Police, however frustrating, has been repeated time and time again and I make no apology for reinforcing that message. Statistics mean everything to large organisations; they make important decisions based on them. No reports means no crime, which ultimately means no policing! The Committee was re-elected at the November AGM and I would like to thank them and indeed all of you for your support. Keep up the good work. One of the jobs of the Committee is to represent your views to the Police, who attend our meetings, so do please let one of them know if something is of concern in your area.
Rob Fellows
CO-ORDINATOR NEWS
We would like to thank the following loyal Co-ordinators, who for one reason or another are giving up the role.
John Stanbrook (Spring Watch) and Margaret Underwood (Ashburton Watch) both of whom have been Co-ordinators since Neighbourhood Watch started in Alresford, some 15/16 years ago; also to Kevin Haines (Bishop's Sutton).
Welcome to- Janet Berry (Spring Watch), Colin Harris (Ashburton), Beryl Brickwood (Bridge Road and Nicholson Place), Maureen Henry (The Lakes). Len Larden (Tichborne) and Richard Milligan (Bishop's Sutton).
South Road is still vacant, so if any one wishes to volunteer please contact the Secretary on 734833.
CO-ORDINATOR NEWS
Welcome and thank you for volunteering to Jenny Hayes in Meadow Close and Carolyn Powers in Oak Hill North. We still need cover for Nicholson Place/Bridge and South Roads, plus Lakes (the north end of Sun Hill Crescent, Ullswater Grove and Buttermere Gardens). Please let the Secretary know if you would be prepared to help.
COUNTY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
COORDINATOR
The post of Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator at county level has now been made permanent. After the initial twelve month period is up, we know that we will continue to have a Co-ordinator at county level working for us within the constabulary.