Since my last article, many, police officers,PCSO’s and Special constables, have been involved in rural crime week. Events and stalls were set up at various locations around the area including an exhibition trailer at Millets Farm and West Hanney. Talking to members of the public, we asked them to help us fight rural crime by signing up to ‘Thames Valley Alert’ a message system that keeps the public informed if there is anything happening in their area. This was a huge success.(The Thames Valley alert scheme can be found on the Thames Valley Police website www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk)
Also Neighbourhood watch co-ordinators joined Police officers and PCSO’s and toured ‘hot spots’ in the area noting and checking anything suspicious that they came across. In particular areas such as beauty spot car parks.
This brings me to my next subject, car theft. There have been a number of thefts from vehicles in our area in particular in car parks near to the Ridgeway. If you are parking at a beauty spot please remember to take any valuables with you.
Do not leave on display Sat Navs, Mobile phones, Lap Tops, Cd’s and any clothing or bags. Put all items out of view or if possible take them with you.
Officers are patrolling these areas and if they find a vehicle that has any items on display the officer will note the registration of the vehicle and a letter of advice will be sent to the owner. When carrying out these checks, I’m often amazed at what people will leave openly on display in their cars. Here’s a good tip. If you use a Satellite Navigation system, and happen to take it with you on a day out, don’t leave a sticky mark on the windscreen when you remove it. Wipe it off. That way the thief won’t think you have a Sat Nav locked away in the glove box.
On Monday the 7th of October I carried out speed checks in Upton and Chilton. Of the checks in Upton, out of 59 drivers checked there were none speeding and in Chilton, out of 73 there were only two. Please vehicle owners mind your speed particularly in built up areas including villages and especially near Schools. People often ask me what I do if anyone is speeding, and the answer is I place their vehicle details into our speed watch system which tracks if the vehicle has been flagged before. I also send out a letter of advice to the speeding driver.
On the 9th of October I was able to pop along to the Chilton Parish council meeting and give my area beat officers report which was well received. I will also be attending the Upton Parish Council meeting on the 19th of November at Upton Village hall at 20.00 hrs.
On the 25th of October, Pc Laura Schmid and myself attended Chilton Primary School and gave a talk to the Children on staying safe on Halloween night and respecting others privacy. A talk on Bonfire night and the firework code was also given as we are now nearing the 5th of November.
My next HYS meeting will be held on the 23rd of November at Upton village hall at 15.00 till 16.00 and at Chilton Village hall at 16.00 till 17.00. Please come along if you have issues you think I can help you with.
Stay safe
PCSO Mike Clayden C9732