Tewkesbury Safer Community Team

Tewkesbury Police Run Operation To Detect And Prevent Shoplifting

Following concerns from shopkeepers about incidents of shoplifting in Tewkesbury town centre, the local Safer Community Team (SCT) organised an operation to detect and prevent such offences.

Operation Noughty has run all of this week and throughout the operation PCSO’s carried out additional visits to, and patrols around, the town’s shops offering advice and reassuring shop staff.  During the week officers also carried out covert operations in the town to detect offences and spot offenders.

PCSO Chris Scott from SCT said; “Some people may not appreciate that shoplifting is a serious offence but bear in mind that a lot of these shops could struggle to survive if they are hit by thefts - don’t forget they still have to pay for the stolen item.

“Anyone considering stealing from a shop, no matter how small the retail price of the item, is urged to have a serious think about the impact that their actions have not only on the shop owner but also on themselves. If you are caught shoplifting you risk landing yourself with a fine and a criminal record.”

The SCT would like to reassure the local community that although this dedicated operation ran through this last week the team remain vigilant and will continue to work alongside business owners to bring offenders to justice.

PCSO Scott continued; “We hope we have been able to make a difference and trust that any would be thieves have been deterred from stealing. It is encouraging to note that no offences were reported from any of our stores during the week.”

Tewkesbury Reception Increases Opening Hours

Police in Tewkesbury are doubling their reception staff.

From Monday June 7, 2010 there will be two reception clerks alternating cover at the town’s police station.

This means that the reception can remain open throughout the day Monday to Friday and it will also being opening all day on a Saturday.

Tewkesbury Sergeant Steve Crook said; “This is a great addition to the policing service available to people in Tewkesbury.

“It’s hoped the new opening times will mean that people will be able to visit the station during their lunch break or on a Saturday.

“It is important to remember that you can contact police any time for non emergency queries by calling 0845 090 1234.”

Tewkesbury Officer Announced As Student Officer Of The Year

We are proud to announce that an officer from the Tewkesbury Safer Community Team has been awarded the title of Student Officer Of The Year 2010.

PC Mark Wiacek was announced as the winner of the accolade at a special ceremony held at Police Headquarters, Quedgeley, on Thursday April 29.

 To read more about his award click here.  

Tewkesbury Police Remind Parents Of Dangers Of Children Playing Near Rivers

Tewkesbury Police are reminding parents and children of the dangers of playing near to rivers and water sources.

The reminder follows an incident in a field near Neville Road in the town on Monday afternoon when emergency services were called to reports that an eight-year-old girl had become stuck in the brook having slipped whilst playing.  

She was rescued by the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service. Thankfully she was uninjured in the incident.  

Inspector for the Tewkesbury area, Brian Murnaghan, said; “With the weather getting warmer children are going to want to make the most of it by playing in the town’s open spaces. We don’t want to stop people enjoying the weather but safety is paramount and we urge everyone to be mindful of the dangers.”

PCSO Joins Meals on Wheels

A Police Community Support Officer from the Tewkesbury Safer Community Team has been delivering “Meals on Wheels” this month.

PCSO Farah Devji joined up with Shane Averiss from the WRVS to make the important deliveries in Bishop’s Cleeve and Prestbury.

The WRVS offer a vital service to elderly and vulnerable people in the area who often unable to cook a hot meal for themselves.

PCSO Devji said; “We had 16 hot meals to drop off to people in the area.

“A lot of the people I met are unable to get out and about easily so it was brilliant to be able to introduce myself and have a bit of a chat.”

As well as introducing herself, PCSO Devji got a chance to speak to people about any issues or concerns they had, she added; “The people I met are quite vulnerable and it was a great chance to make sure they feel confident and safe in their own homes.

“We were able to make sure they are happy with security and that they know who to call if they are worried about anything.

“I plan to make this a regular part of my duties, it is vital that we maintain good contact with all members of our community and this is a fantastic way to do that.”

Scouts At Tewkesbury Abbey

Sunday 25^th April 2010, saw a gathering of scouts at Tewkesbury Abbey for their St. George’s Day Service.

The different scout groups, from areas in and around Tewkesbury, proudly displayed their flags in the abbey grounds as they formed up in their troops before entering for the service.

PCSO Ange Parker and PCSO Bill Wren were in attendance along with very proud parents and troop leaders.

PCSO’s Parker and Wren said; “How nice it was to see young people who obviously enjoyed being members of a great organisation.”

Memorial Park Improved Thanks To Neighbourhood Priority

  The benefits of a community working with their local policing team and council have been demonstrated with a successful project in Tewkesbury.

Following concerns from residents a neighbourhood priority was set to improve the condition of the Derek Graham Memorial Park in Newtown.

Local residents had aired concerns about youths drinking in the area and damage to the park. In response to this officers from the Tewkesbury Police Safer Community Team (SCT) carried out consultation with the council, residents and even local children to decide what shape and form a revamp would take.

A successful bid was made to the Play Builder Scheme and, supported by the Borough Council, police and local council, the area was decked out with a state-of-the-art play area, including a climbing frame, new swings and a zip wire.

Local PCSO Sherry Piper said; “This was hard work but the results are very impressive and give the community a park it can be proud of once again. This just goes to show how, with many agencies working together, we can get things done which will be of benefit to the whole neighbourhood.

“We also hope that the project increases the confidence local residents have in their local policing team and reassures them that we do listen to their concerns and take action on the issues that matter the most to them.”

Burglaries in Tewkesbury - Did You See Anything?

Police are appealing for information to three burglaries in Tewkesbury.

The incidents happened overnight between Monday 1st March and Tuesday 2nd March at a business premises in Northway Lane in Ashchurch.

Offenders have broken into three businesses and stolen several thousand pounds worth of building equipment and power tools.

Anyone with any information should contact police quoting incident 23 of March 2 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Update on Pamington speeding issues

I am pleased to report that the Safer Community Team (SCT) in partnership with the Local Council and Highways department have made a significant impact on the local issues.  Local residents have noted the regular patrols and random speed checks with the following comments being made:

“A number of people, who live in the village, have told me that they noticed you carrying out road usage checks earlier this month and have said how much they appreciate this. There is a feeling that by continuing these checks we are managing to contain the problem to some extent.  The subjective impression is that there has been a reduction in traffic at peak periods”.

“Thank you once again for your continuing interest in improving safety in this village”.

“Thanks for all of your time and effort spent on the traffic issues in Pamington.Its nice to see the Police so engaged”

PS Geoff Blindell "We are grateful for the comments and will continue to make random patrols and speed checks to make sure the message and good work is reinforced"

The National Mobile Property Register

Tewkesbury are currently experiencing a spate of bike thefts in the area.  Cycles are being taken from sheds/garages especially when they are left insecure outside shops and homes.

The National Mobile Property Register (NMPR) is a scheme that is free of charge, supported by the Home Office and is a great way to get all your property that has serial/property numbers registered on a national database.  You can access this database by using the following web address www.immobilise.com.  The police are currently urging local residents to register their property, including bicycles, on this database.  Items that can be registered are mobile phones, laptops, televisions and basically anything with a unique or serial number attached to it.

The Police nationally are currently using this scheme to help recover lost and stolen items and return them to their owners.

If you do not have access to a computer, or would like further information please do not hesitate to contact PCSO Emma Birch at Tewkesbury Police Station on 0845 090 1234.

Mobile Police Station

The constabulary regret that due to an operational requirement the Mobile Police Station will be unavailable for the foreseeable future in the Tewkesbury Inspector Neighbourhood area.  We hope to reinstate the service as soon as possible

Cycle Patrols

  
Tewkesbury Police Safer Community Team are stepping up cycle patrols in the area and warning cycle owners following a series of theft of high value bicycles in the area over the past few weeks.  PC Phil Groom from the SCT said that over the past six weeks no less than twelve cycles have been stolen within the town, a large number being left insecure and of high value.  PC Groom continued, “some of the cycles stolen are worth many hundreds of pounds and have been left completely insecure in gardens and on the pavement outside of properties.  You wouldn’t leave your iPod or your mobile phone just lying around outside so why leave your bicycle.  A few simple steps is all it takes to prevent your cycle from being taken….”

• Always lock your bicycle, even if you are just leaving it for a couple of minutes
• Avoid isolated places; leave your bike where it can be seen
• Hardened steel D-shaped locks are recommended as the minimum lock standard; check out for certified locks, or ask your local bike shop
• Lock your bike to an immovable object – a bike rack or ground anchors; thieves can remove drainpipes and lift bikes off signposts
• Make the lock and bike hard to manoeuvre when parked -  stop thieves smashing it open by keeping the lock away from the ground; keep the gap between bike and lock small
• Secure removable parts; lock both wheels and the frame together

Tewkesbury Safer Community Team advise that any owner who wishes to speak to the Police regarding keeping their cycle safe to contact them on 0845 090 1234 and they will arrange for a local officer to make contact.

Is Your Property Safe? Warning To Residents In Cheltenham And Tewkesbury

Officers in Cheltenham are urging people to make sure their homes are secure following a spate of recent burglaries.

Inspector Paul Cruise said: “We cannot emphasis enough the importance of making sure your property is safe.  Never leave windows open, even if you are just popping out and never have your house keys in a hiding place like under a plant pot or in an outside cupboard.

"I know this is something which we have said time and time again but sadly these burglaries are still happening.

“Officers are thoroughly investigating these incidents and doing everything possible to make sure the offenders are caught.

“But we do need everyone to help by ensuring their homes are secure and to report any suspicious people or vehicles to police.”

For further crime reduction advice you can visit the Crime Reduction pages on this website.

Alternatively you can call 0845 090 1234 and ask to speak to your local crime reduction officer.

Gloucestershire County Council Contact - Hayley Vining

As the Area Lead Officer for Community Engagement for Tewkesbury, Winchcombe, Bishops Cleeve and Coombe Hill I am the main contact for any issues involving the county council that are agreed as priorities by our communities.  This can include issues such as flooding, parking, street lighting, road condition, footpaths, recycling, schools, Trading Standards, road safety and more.  It is my job to ensure the right county council services are engaging with our local communities, working to help meet the priorities agreed by them at the quarterly Neighbourhood Coordination Meetings.  Through working together with the Tewkesbury Police Safer Community Team and Tewkesbury Borough Council and other partners I hope we can really make a difference to people where they live, making their neighbourhood a safe and pleasant place to be.  As part of this role I will attend community meetings or identify relevant County Council officers who need to attend help discuss community concerns.

Hayley can be contacted at Gloucestershire County Council on 01452 425777 or by e-mail at hayley.vining@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Anchor Staying Put

Tewkesbury Safer Community Team work closely with ‘Anchor Staying Put’, a local based and locally funded home improvement agency, which provides help to allow elderly and vulnerable residents to remain in their own homes.
All residents who reside in the Tewkesbury Borough Council area are entitles to use the scheme, which will also offer confidential advice and assistance.
The scheme will offer anything from repairs to improvements to the property and full details can be found by clicking on the below link to the website.

http://www.stayingput.org.uk/agency/tewkesbury/aboutus.htm

Reminder to Guard Against Door to Door Workmen

We are reminding homeowners to be on their guard against people selling goods and services door to door.

Police would urge other residents to follow this advice:

• Whether it's a child asking for a glass of water or someone offering to repair your drive, never let them into your house unless you are sure they are genuine.
• Genuine callers will carry identification with their photograph and details of their company or business.
• Don't assume just because a caller is wearing a uniform or clothing with a badge or logo, that they are genuine.  Always ask to see an ID card.
• Take your time to check the identification.  If the caller is unexpected, ring their office to confirm their identity and always use the number in the telephone book rather than the one displayed on the card.
• If you need any work doing on your property try to find a local company that has been recommended by a friend or neighbour.
• Never believe a cold caller offering to fix something.  Always get quotes.
• Never agree to anything at the door.

For more information visit http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Speed Devices

The Tewkesbury SCT, in partnership with Tewkesbury Borough Council, have purchased a number of speed detection devices which can be borrowed and operated by members of the public such as local Parish Councils and other groups.  The radar devices, which are similar to speed guns, can be used to record speed of traffic along sections of road where there may be a problem with speeding motorists.  Though they are not an enforcement tool, the devices are a way of ascertaining whether there is indeed a problem at a location and any information gathered can be divulged to other agencies such as the Police or the Highways Agency for further action to be taken.  
PC Kieran Bolton from the SCT said, “This is a great tool which groups and organisations can take away with them to monitor speed along stretches of road near to where they live or outside schools.  Not only does it act as a deterrent to speeding motorists, but it can also let us, the Police, know where specific problems occur so we can target that area.”

Parking Enforcement

Please be aware that the responsibility for enforcing certain parking offences is now under the control of Tewkesbury Borough Council.  If you have any complaints in relation to parking problems please ring John Horsey on 01684 295010, or e-mail him at john.horsey@tewkesbury.gov.uk