Here is the latest Wantage East neighbourhood update from Police Community Support Officer C9815 Tim Deane.
The Wantage East Neighbourhood Consultation indicated that Rural Crime has become a priority issue in local areas. High visibility patrols by police and Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) are carried out in rural locations including outbuildings to prevent burglaries and the theft of plant machinery.
Hare coursing was also indicated to be a priority concern in this area. Although hare coursing appears to be an obscure offence, it is a major concern and source of alarm and distress for our rural communities. High visibility patrols and operations by police and PCSOs are carried out in this area to prevent offences. The hare coursing season is normally September through March but can and does occur outside of this period.
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) and speeding were also identified. The Wantage East Neighbourhood Team is aware of the ongoing problems relating to anti-social behaviour. Locations have been identified where motorists regularly exceed speed limits; causing concern amongst residents.
Incidents
A hare coursing operation took place between 20 and 21 November with members of the neighbourhood team. Several people and vehicles were searched and dipped for red diesel. No offences were identified.
A bicycle was stolen from an insecure garage in Harwell. PC Steve Lynch and PCSO Darren Baker arrested a person for burglary and a bicycle was recovered and returned to its owner. Enquiries are still ongoing.
PC Lynch arrested a man for theft by employee and fraud from a premise in Milton. He has since been charged with these offences.
PCSOs Denise Clements and Gary Kirby were directly involved in the arrest of two people for night poaching offences, at Upton Village hall recreation ground.
PC Lynch and PCSO Baker attended Harwell Primary School and gave a talk to years five and six criminal damage.
PCSO Baker attended Harwell Primary School on 12 November to assist children with their school newspaper.
Vehicle stolen whilst being de-iced
Thames Valley Police are appealing to vehicle owners not to leave their vehicles unattended with the engines running whilst they clear their windscreens on frosty mornings, following the theft of a vehicle in Oxford on Monday 25 October.
While vehicle owners are clearing the ice off their windscreens please take two minutes to check that all the vehicle lighting is working correctly, especially the headlights. Do not use fog lights unless appropriate for the weather conditions. It is an offence to have lights on a vehicle fitted that do not work.
Have a safe and crime free Christmas season
Make sure Santa is the only stranger entering your home this year. Festive season is burglary season.
Remember the three ‘Ls’
- Look around. Hide your presents until Christmas day and don’t leave packaging from expensive items on display. Burglars consider your gifts under the tree a target for taking.
- Leave lights on. Homes that don’t look occupied after dark are a target for burglary. Use security lights and timer-switches to make it look like you are home.
- Lock up. Double-lock your doors and windows whether you’re out celebrating or having a cosy evening in. If you can open your door from the inside without a key, so can a burglar. Remove keys from locks and hide them nearby for emergencies.
Forthcoming Have Your Say Meetings (HYS)
HYS. 04 January 2011 1830-1930 Milton Methodist Hall.
HYS. 08 January 2011 1200-1400 Style Acre’s Café, Savages Garden Centre, Blewbury.
HYS. 11 January 2011 1830-1930 Chilton Village Hall.
HYS. 14 January 2011 1745-1845 Upton Village Hall.
HYS. 27 January 2011 1600-1700 Ardington Police Office.
HYS. 27 January 2011 1800-1900 East Hendred Snell’s Hall.
HYS. 29 January 2011 1200-1400 Co-op Steventon.
HYS. 29 January 2011 1000-1100 Harwell Village Hall.
Please come along, this is your opportunity to speak with your Neighbourhood Officers to discuss any local issues of concern you may have.
Have Your Say online
You can now send non-emergence messages to us using the online form that is available on the Thames Valley Police website. A number of people have already sent their concerns using this method. For you to do that please follow the link http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/haveyoursay
The Wantage East Neighbourhood Team
Here are the PCSOs for the Wantage East area including the villages we cover with contact details:
PCSO Larry Gardner C9861 Milton Park. Milton Village. Milton Heights.
larry.gardner@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
PCSO Darren Baker C9235 Harwell & Rowstock.
darren.baker@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
PCSO Mike Clayden C9732 Chilton & Upton.
michael.clayden@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
PCSO Denise Clements C9845 Blewbury.
denise.clements@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
PCSO Tim Deane C9815 Steventon.
tim.deane@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
PCSO Gary Kirby C9455 Steventon.
gary.kirby@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
PCSO Catherine Johnson C9753 East/West Hendred. Ardington. Lockinge.
catherine.johnson@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
If you would like to speak to any member of the Wantage East Neighbourhood team or for more information about your local Neighbourhood team, contact 0845 8 505 505 or visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk
For help and advice on Crime Prevention contact Crime Prevention Advisor, Alison Smith 0845 8 505 505
To report local problems such as graffiti, fly tipping, pot holes and broken street lights please visit www.fixmystreet.com