Alresford & District Neighbourhood Watch Association
Issue No. 29 Autumn 2007
Alresford & District Neighbourhood Watch Association
Issue No. 29 Autumn 2007
The speaker at the 17th AGM, held on November 8th, was Inspector Jim Pegler, who took over our area, now known as the Meon Valley sector, a month ago, having worked in Eastleigh, Fareham and Havant since arriving from London.
He told the meeting that his priority is to improve communications with Neighbourhood Watch and the local community and to get feedback/input. He promised he would ensure we receive regular local crime updates. Inspector Pegler emphasised that he is keen to encourage discussion to identify what is needed in the area, particularly for young people.
He said that the last year has seen an overall drop in crime, but there is concern at the amount of criminal damage to both property and vehicles.
The Inspector repeated the request to report
all crimes and antisocial activity (see details
below). Even if officers are not immediately
deployed, the Police want to be aware of all
occurrences, such as dangerous riding of off-road
motor vehicles.
The meeting closed with a question and answer
session covering a wide range of topics.
In spite of a single weekend earlier this year when a considerable amount of mindless vandalism took place in the town, Alresford remains a relatively low crime area.
The way to keep it that way is to -
Most of this type of anti-social behaviour, which blights a local community, is caused by people who live there.
IVC is pleased to sponsor this issue of the Newsletter
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e-mail
or telephone 01962 733097
These dubious characters are still around, cold
calling, trying to persuade householders that
their drives need attention, trees pruned,
gardens tidied, roofs mended etc. People are
still being conned by various forms of deception.
We have reports of cold callers purporting
to be from a charity, targeting old people
and asking for bank detailsthere are concerns
about the persistent and aggressive nature
of some callers.
If you spot strangers calling on properties in your locality who seem suspicious, think of any elderly or vulnerable neighbours who might be taken in, monitor the situation, and be prepared to intervene or call the Police. Be a Good Neighbour!
If at any time a resident feels threatened by a caller who is on the doorstep or returning for payment, they should call Trading Standards Quick Response Team on 01962 833666. Since its inception in 2OO4, the QRT has saved residents around £150,000.
Before you have
any work done - Know
who you’re employing. Get quotes from
a number of companies. Don’t be bullied into
handing over your hard earned cash. Don’t
select a firm solely from publicity material or
a knock at the door.
To identify reliable traders, check out the "Buy
with Confidence" scheme, as checks are undertaken
on those listedregard to their service history,
to ensure they comply with the law, and are trustworthy;
online at www.buywithconfidence.info , or request
a copy of the new directory by calling (01962)
833620.
Winter is upon us and our garden equipment will
be put away until the Spring. Make sure your
property is kept safe and secure over the winter-
SUGGESTION BOXES are being positioned around the
area to improve links with local Police.
Residents will be able to use boxes at Alresford
Library, the Community Centre, the Surgery and at
the village store in Cheriton. Youngsters will have
their own box at Perins School.
The boxes will enable people to communicate directly with the Police, make suggestions for improvements to the area where they live, express concerns, or alert officers to issues, which will be dealt with by Police or local agencies, including Winchester City Council, Trading Standards and health authorities.
Sergeant Wayne Curson, who came up with the idea for the boxes, said:- "The new suggestion boxes are a convenient and confidential way for members of the public to pass on information to Police. Informants can remain anonymous, if they wish. Suggestions for other box locations in the area, are welcome.”
The mobile Police station is back, visiting the
villages, one Saturday a month. The dates are 17th
November, 22nd December, 5th January, 9th February,
15th March, and 24th April.
The visits allow Police officers visibility where
they are not often seen and the public to discuss
any local concerns. Previously, parking the bus for
long periods did not prove productive use of resource.
Full details of the schedule are available on-line
at: http://www.alresford.org/neighbourhoodwatch
For charity or not for charity? Registered company or illegal company? Don’t let rogue traders benefit from your goodwill. Take items direct to the charity shops.
It is quite easy to spot an accumulation of mail and newspapers in a hallway, through a fully glazed door. If you are likely to be away from home for a while and you can't get a neighbour to visit regularly, make sure that at least the lower part of your glazed front door is obscured.
Hampshire Neighbourhood Watch Association has recently issued the second edition of its excellent Handbook, which covers most aspects of crime prevention, good practice for groups, communication, finance, the law, in fact nearly everything you need to know to remain safe and secure within the community.
Any Co-ordinator who has not yet received a copy of the 2007 Edition should contact the Secretary (01962 734833) and any member who wishes to peruse the publicationdo likewise.
An update from Alresford's Sergeant Wayne Curson
In addition to myself and the two PCSO’s, pictured in the last Newsletter, the other officers who cover the Meon Valley North area, which includes Alresford, Bishops Sutton, Chilcomb, Cheriton, Corhampton, Exton, Itchen Valley, Meonstoke, West Meon are shown below.
 |
 |
PC Steve Dicker |
PC Alex Harison |
 |
 |
PC Steve Thompson |
PC Lynn Owen |
A prevention plea to all residents to leave a light
on as a deterrent, when you are out and to ensure
your property, presents etc are not left in view,
either in homes or vehicles.
The PCSO clinic is planned to move to the Community
Centre on a Thursday.
Community focus leaflets will be distributed after
Christmas for suggestions and local feedback.
| USEFUL CONTACTS |
|
|---|---|
| EMERGENCY 999 | Crime in progress Life in danger Violence being used |
| NON -EMERGENCY | Report minor crime Abandoned vehicle Street lighting Anti-social behaviour |
| 0845 045 45 45 | Contact Police officer Leave messages |
ALRESFORD POLICE STATION ENQUIRY DESK |
|
Monday
- Thursday 12.30 – 16.30 - subject to operational demands. Other times by appointment; telephone 0845 045 45 45 |
|
| Hampshire Constabulary web site www.hampshire.police.uk |
Information on crime prevention and all Police services. |