19th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Meeting was held on Wednesday 11th November 2009 at St. Gregory’s Church Hall, Grange Road, Alresford. Chairman, John Stevenson felt the introduction of regular crime reports had helped reduce the fear of crime. Most criminal activity was relatively minor and took place in a very few areas. Communication had also been helped by meeting and talking to people at the Alresford Show stall.

Sergeant Wayne Curson stood in for a poorly District Commander Chief Inspector Rachel Farrell and was pleased to report a drop in crime, but not a reduction in Police staffing. It is often difficult to identify offenders, but engagement with the local youth groups is having a positive effect.

Since the meeting the Chief Inspector has sent us this -

I was posted as the District Commander almost a year ago. In that time we have introduced the 'Country Watch' scheme and a successful scheduling system, whereby we book appointments at a convenient time and location when people need to see us for non-emergency crimes. Feedback has been very positive. We have a new IT system, which will help us share information and work smarter with partners in tackling local problems. This will link directly to our website giving you current information on what the police are doing to tackle your local priorities. Your neighbourhood officers now have ‘BlackBerries’, enabling them to spend less time in the station and more time on their beats, with access to email, phone and our computer databases.

Alresford crime rates remain relatively low and I am very grateful for the support of Neighbourhood Watch in this.

SCAMS

It is impossible to list all the possible scams that are now being tried by those whose objective is, basically, theft.

One simple rule we can suggest, is that one should never give personal details to anyone who has phoned you. If they insist you must part with information, then you make the call. If you get the phone number from information you already have, such as a bank or credit card statement, then you know you have phoned a valid number.

We thank White & Etherington for their sponsorship of this Newsletter

CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE

Winter brings cold weather and long nights. With that in mind:

CO-ORDINATORS

We welcome Mark Godley as the new Co-ordinator for Downgate; also to Julian Croker, who has taken over as Co-coordinator for Tichborne village.

We are looking for a replacement for the Castles Watch, which includes Arundel, Dover, Carisbrooke and Dover Closes. Co-ordinators fulfill an important, but relatively undemanding role. If you live in the area and would like to volunteer, please contact Don Meadwell 733521.


CRIME IN PROGRESS? — RING 999 NOW - NOT TOMORROW


FUEL TANK THEFTS

Following a number of farm and domestic oil tank thefts in Cheriton, Police are keen to obtain further information about a small white, or white and blue coloured tanker seen in the area. Please call 101 or 0845 045 45, and pass information to PC Steve Thompson. Remember, though, if a crime is in progress, then call 999. Here are some hints for those affected -

NO COLD CALLING ZONES

Following the Itchen Abbas No Cold Calling Zone, Alresford now has it first designated area. It covers 150 properties in Oak Hill and the roads leading off it; Bramble Hill, Lime Road, Hawthorn Close, Meadows Close and Elm Road.

A No Cold Calling Zone carries no weight in law, but presence of the signs should deter cold callers. Residents have received advice on how to deal with callers.

All residents, whether in a No Cold Calling Zone or not, should be aware that Trading Standards have an Quick Response Team, who will come out if a resident feels threatened or is being pressured into agreeing to buy goods or services they have concerns about. In these circumstances telephone 01962 833666 for assistance immediately. Further details are available at- www3.hants.gov.uk/tradingstandards-nocoldcalling

ALRESFORD SHOW

After a number of years absence, ADNWA once again manned a stall at the Show on September 5th. The stall was a joint one with the Police and a full range of literature was available. It provided a first opportunity to use the new display equipment, banner and panels, funded by our Grassroots grant. As you can see from the photo, there was considerable interest in the stall, which continued throughout the day. Thanks go to Mark Flemming and a team of volunteers who ensured there was always a knowledgeable member of the ADNWA Committee on hand to answer queries and hand out leaflets..

Constabulary Column

from
Alresford’s Sergeant Wayne Curson

As I depart to pastures new, in early January, I feel sure my successor, Sergeant Amanda Smith,continue to build on the partnership and friendships developed during recent years. She will rely on Neighbourhood Watch to highlight problems and issues raised by the community, to ensure that local issues are tackled through partnership working.

I would just like to say a bigthank-you for the support of ADNWA. I have been lucky to serve in a community which has strong bonds with the local Police and our partnership has been a major part in theof Neighbourhoods to the area.

I would especially, like to thank the Committee for their views and openness to debate over many topics which impact on the local community.

We cannot become complacent and need to remain focused on local issues,through youth engagement.

RURAL CRIME

There has been a steady increase in occurrences of rural crime. Everyone is encouraged to secure their outbuildings and wherever possible fit alarms and security lighting.

Winchester District now has a Country Watch officer, PC Jon Radcliffe who is based at Meon Valley Police station and is happy to discuss rural issues. Jon is coordinating efforts to combat the increase in crime and amongst other activities, he is creating a network of people who live in outlying areas to allow the dissemination of information quickly via the internet. winchester.countrywatch@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

USEFUL CONTACTS
Mention that you are in an active Neighbourhood Watch area when placing calls
EMERGENCY 999 Crime in progress
Life in danger
Violence being used
NON –EMERGENCY 101

Report minor crime
Abandoned Vehicles
Street Lighting
Anti Social behaviour

0845 045 45 45 Contact Police officer
Leave messages
ALRESFORD POLICE STATION ENQUIRY DESK
Subject to operational demands or, by appointment - telephone 0845 045 45 45
Hampshire Constabulary web site
www.hampshire.police.uk
Alresford & District Neighbourhood Watch web site
www.neighbourhood.watch.alresford.org
CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111
Call anonymously with information about crime
Mention that you are in an active Neighbourhood Watch area when placing calls