Hucclecote Safer Community Team

The communities we cover are:

Hucclecote SCT, led by Sergeant Patricia McCavera, have carried out an in depth consultation with key individuals, parish councils, neighbourhood watch co-ordinators, within our neighbourhood boundaries and as a result of these consultation processes the local communities have agreed on the following:

Hucclecote, Abbey & Upton St Leonards Community

• There are currently no SARA plans in this area.

Barnwood Community

• To tackle anti social behaviour and criminal damage in the area of Boughton Way and the surrounding building site. We will deal with this problem through high visible patrols during the evening, nights and over the weekend.

Longlevens & Elmbridge Community

• To tackle anti social behaviour, criminal damage and under age drinking in the Leazes area especially around the area by the corner shop. We will deal with this problem through high visible patrols during the evening, nights and over the weekend.

Team Members

PS 1598 McCavera

PC 1651 Burch - County Council Funded Officer

PC 0106 Plant - County Council Funded Officer

PC 1726 Hunt - County Council Funded Officer

PC 899 Wood

PC 1887 Parsons

PC 1865 Reeves - Grade 3 Safer Community Team Police Officer

Police Community Support Officers
Our team currently has 9 PCSOs working in the area each of them is responsible as a point of contact for the following areas within this neighbourhood.

PCSO 9155 BECK, PCSO 9210 SMITH & PCSO 9015 PHILLIPS
Barnwood, Coney Hill and Chequers

PCSO 9064 POOLE, PCSO 9211 MORTIMER & PCSO 9184 WHITEHOUSE
Hucclecote, Abbey, Upton St Leonards and Coopers Edge

PCSO 9161 SIMMONS & PCSO 9219 MATT ADDINALL
Longlevens and Elmbridge

PCSO 9183 ANSTEY - INA Support Officer
PCSOs are mainly responsible for high profile patrol in the area and as a first point of contact for the public. Patrolling hotspots and working with Police Officers to combat anti-social behaviour problems. If you wish to speak to one of these officers and any other members of the team please ring 0845 090 1234 or use the feedback form by accessing the 'contact us' tab.

Hucclecote SCT - Op Dazzle

Hucclecote SCT has re-launched Op Dazzle which means targeting cyclists without lights on their bicycle during the hours of darkness. We are trying to educate cyclists and rather than issue a £30 fixed penalty notice (FPN) straight away we will be issuing Op Dazzle notices to offenders which gives them instructions on how they can avoid going to court or receiving a FPN. They will basically have 7 days in which to purchase a set of lights and attend Hucclecote Station with the receipt and have them fitted to the bike, if they meet the criteria there will be no further action taken. If they do not comply, they will be summonsed to appear before a court.  

Riding in the dark without lights and reflectors puts you at great risk. Lighting-up time is sunset to sunrise and when visibility is seriously reduced. If in doubt, switch your lights on.

Any bicycle being ridden on public roads in the dark must be fitted with:

• a white front light
• a red rear light
• a red rear reflector

Bicycles should also be fitted with:

• a white front reflector
• amber pedal reflectors
• white or amber wheel reflectors   

Lights must be kept lit and unobscured, and must conform to the British Standard BS 6102/3.

Reflectors must be kept clean and unobscured, and should conform to BS 6102/2.

Drivers find it very difficult to see cyclists who ride without lights at night. Although cyclists can sometimes see quite well when riding without lights, because of street and shop lights, drivers still find it almost impossible to see them.

Lights and reflectors checklist before you ride in the dark, check:

• Front Light is fitted, clean and working brightly
• Rear Light is fitted, clean and working brightly
• Rear Reflector is fitted and clean
• Front Reflector is fitted and clean
• Pedal Reflectors are fitted and clean
• Spoke or Wheel Reflectors are fitted and clean

Make sure that the lights and reflectors are securely fitted to the bicycle, with no loose nuts or bolts.

At the same time, check the brakes are working properly, and there are no loose or missing parts.

Some batteries, like Energizer, have built-in testers so you can easily check how much power they have left. Otherwise, switch your lamps on to see if they are working brightly.      

Hucclecote SCT - Test Purchase Operation

On Friday 27th November 2009 officers from Hucclecote SCT and Trading Standards conducted a proxy test purchase operation called Operation Agent, in the Abbeydale, Abbeymead and Longlevens area of Gloucester. The Operation was put in force to combat the purchase of alcohol by adults for those under the age of 18. In their efforts to tackle underage drinking officers set out to educate those who were willing to purchase alcohol illegally and supply it to minors. Underage volunteers approached adults outside Tesco Express in Mead Rd, Old Cheltenham Rd and also Morrisons in Glevum Way. They asked those going into these stores to purchase alcohol for them, anyone who accepted were stopped by plain clothed officers before they entered the store and advised that they were about to commit an offence. Offenders were given advice and literature explaining research carried out by the institute of alcohol studies into the problems with underage drinking. The issues were explained to members of the public, how purchasing alcohol for those underage led to anti social behaviour later in the evening and the medical issues such as, a young person who binge drinks at 16 is 60% more likely to be alcohol dependent at age 30 that those who don’t. They were also informed that the maximum fine for this offence is £2,500.

The Community Beat Officer for Hucclecote INA, PC Andy Plant said "This operation is a continuation of our commitment to tackle underage drinking. All the premises that sell alcohol on our patch are extremely vigilant about underage sales and are regularly tested to ensure they remain so. Proxy purchasing is difficult for a shop to spot and therefore we have taken it upon ourselves to support our local stores and tackle this head on. We stopped people at each of the target areas who were prepared to purchase alcohol for our underage volunteers, we informed them that we will be back checking again but next time we will be prosecuting offenders".

BT Telephone Scam

A new telephone scam has recently been identified which the BBC has reported is taking place nationally and fooling many people. People claiming to be British Telecom representatives are cold calling residential numbers and informing occupants that they would be disconnected if an unpaid bill wasn't settled. In one example, a male requested a payment of £31.00 or it would be £118.00 to reconnect at a later date. When the occupant stated he was with Virgin Media, the male stated that Virgin have to pay BT a percentage for line rental. 

When challenged by the occupant, the male, who had an African accent, offered to demonstrate that he was from BT. When asked how, the male told the occupant to hang up and try phoning someone, as he would disconnect the phone to prevent this. When the occupant tried this, the phone was seemingly dead, with no engaged tone or anything until the male called back and requested a credit card payment.

The 'disconnection scam' is very simply. When the occupant hangs up, the male stays on the line with the mute button on, meaning the occupant cannot dial out but the male can hear the occupant trying. This is because the person who initiates a call is the one who needs to terminate it. When the occupant stops trying, the male cuts off and immediately calls back.

This simple trick can appear very plausible and could easily convince the vulnerable into giving over bank details. 

Everyone to be aware of the above and spread the word to friends and family.

Hucclecote Community Newsletter

Our brand new Community Policing newsletter is launched today. It is designed to provide you with details about your Safer Community Team and keep you updated about what we are doing to reduce crime and disorder and promote safety in Gloucestershire.

This edition reinforces the Constabulary’s commitment to the Policing Pledge – our contract with the public that outlines the standard of service you can expect from us.

These newsletters will be available at key locations within your community. If you require a copy please speak to your Safer Community Team who will ensure you receive one or where you can collect one. To view your Communities newsletter online please click here.To view your Communities newsletter online please click here.

Hucclecote SCT send a reminder out as the nights draw in

Now the nights are drawing in for the winter we would like to remind all residents to think of the security of their homes, i.e. leaving lights on when they are out, etc.  If you are in need of any home security advice please contact our Crime Prevention office on our non emergency number 0845 090 1234, or alternatively visit the reception area of Gloucester Central Police Station at Bearlands, Longsmith Street, Gloucester.  Here you will find many security items that can be purchased i.e. dawn to dusk light bulbs and light timers.

Hucclecote SCT have been conducting an operation with regards to home security now that the evening are getting darker, all residential areas are being patrolled by PCSO’s who are looking for homes that are in darkness in the evenings.  Homes without lights on will receive a security leaflet posted through their doors giving advice and hits and tips on improving home security.

Hucclecote SCT - Become a Key Individual

Hucclecote Safer Community Team is committed to improving the influence local people have on our response to local problems.
 
We're looking for people to join our Key Individual Network (KIN). We want to know your thoughts and opinions on a range of issues that affect your neighbourhood. You don't have to belong to any other organisations or be involved any more than you want to. As a KIN member we will ask you to give us occasional local feedback, which in turn helps us to gain a more informed understanding of our community.

Main roles of the KIN

• Widen the consultation between the police and the local community.
    
• Give prompt information about significant changes in local tension and provide information of local issues.
    
• Enable community members to influence local policing and for the police to get increase information about issues affecting our neighbourhoods. 

Benefits of the KIN

• Improves the quality of life for you and your neighbourhood.
    
• Provides a medium for the resolution of issues that arise within your neighbourhood.
    
• Provides an opportunity for the community to influence how their area is policed.  

Once you become part of the KIN

Your personal details will not be used for any other purpose, or passed on to anyone else. You will be invited to meetings concerning setting priorities within your neighbourhood, and these take place every quarter. Outside these meetings we will carry out the majority of communication by phone, post or e-mail.

You can resign from the KIN at any time.

If you are interested please call 0845 090 1234 and ask for Hucclecote SCT alternatively please e-mail Hucclecote SCT.

New proposed parking regulations in Hucclecote

After a campaign by councillors and residents, Gloucestershire Highways has stepped in to undertake a review of parking conditions in Hucclecote. The review has now entered its second stage after a consultation with residents ended last month.

County councillor for Hucclecote Bill Crowther (LD),"As many residents will know, local Lib Dem Councillors have been campaigning with residents, for many years in some cases, to get the county council to address the car parking problem areas in Hucclecote." Cllr Crowther went on to say "we are now in the first steps of the statutory process leading to approval of an Area Wide Traffic Regulation Order to authorise the works needed to be done."

The review is focusing on parking hotspots, including Insley Gardens, Hillview Shopping Parade, Notley Place, the Lynton Road and Lynmouth Road junctions with Dinglewell, Porchester Road, the Kingscroft Road with Green Lane junction, the Carisbrooke Road/Hucclecote Road junction, and the Dinglewell/ Brookfield Road junction.

John Hayball, headteacher at Dinglewell Junior School, said: "Anything that can be put in place to improve the situation will be most welcome here."

Coun Stan Waddington, cabinet member for environment, said "We have been talking to people locally about these proposals and had a great response. Our consultation finished this week and we are now looking at the comments. It is too early at this stage to confirm the plans, but we hope to have a conclusion sorted out very soon."

Anti Social Behaviour (ASB)

With the Summer now upon us and the lighter nights we often see an increase in Anti Social Behaviour (ASB). 

ASB is anything that can have a negative impact on the community and disrupt the peace and quiet of the people that live around you. It can include things such as: 

•  Noise in the street
•  Loud noise coming from a house         
•  Litter
•  Graffiti
• Allowing animals to mess without cleaning it up
• Vandalism

Everyone has the right to feel safe in his or her own neighbourhood and to feel proud of the things they own.  Make sure that you are considerate to other people and that your behaviour doesn't disturb those around you.

ASB is often something that goes on in places outdoors, in areas that we all share and enjoy.

Litter, graffiti, shouting and drinking in public spaces can affect everyone who lives in the community but it is often the case that people just don’t think about what they are doing.  They may drop a piece of litter by accident and just can’t be bothered to pick it up.

People can feel intimidated by groups of young people or worry that they are doing something wrong.  The police will sometimes speak to groups because a complaint has been made – this is their job and they must look into every complaint.

Your Safer Communities Team and councils are working closely with young people and youth workers to provide activities for young people.

Should YOU be suffering from Anti Social Behaviour please get in touch. You can contact the team either by dialling 0845 090 1234 and ask to speak to an officer from Hucclecote Safer Community Team, or pop into Hucclecote Police Station or complete the e-mail contact page at the bottom of this web page.

ATM Skimming Device

There are over two billion ATM cash withdrawals every year and while the vast majority of these are problem free, there is no room for complacency.
Cash machine fraud totalled £65.8m last year, and one in four of people surveyed is more nervous about using cash machines than previously.
One in eight has started withdrawing cash from machines inside branches and shops - thinking these ATM’s are safer - and one in 10 is now using cash machines less often.

Only just over a third reckon they'd spot a cash machine that had been tampered with, recent research revealed.

In a skimming scam, fraudsters typically attach a device to the entry slot of the cash machine to record the details of cards' magnetic strips as they are inserted into the machine.  A miniature camera is hidden overlooking the PIN pad which allows the criminals to capture the PIN number as well.

Some devices do not have cameras.  When an unsuspecting customer inserts his or her card and enters their PIN, a message instructing the user to re-enter the PIN is displayed because the machine cannot read the card’s magnetic strip.

After several unsuccessful attempts to re-enter the PIN, the user finds that he or she cannot remove their card and, in many cases, leaves the machine mistakenly believing that the machine has malfunctioned and retained their card.

In reality, the thief, posing as another customer feigning aggravation over the malfunctioning machine, was able to memorize the user’s PIN following the unsuccessful entries, before leaving the area.  After you leave, the thief (or an accomplice) returns to the machine, removes the plastic sleeve containing the user’s card, reinserts the card without the sleeve, enters the user’s password and empties their account.

Fraudsters can then build cloned cards which they can use in ATMs to steal from accounts.  Although many ATMs have been upgraded to accept chip and PIN cards, which should offer greater levels of security, if there isn't a chip on the card the machine will then read the magnetic strip instead.

If you see anything suspicious contact the Police immediately and, if the bank is open, inform them at once.  If you see or suspect someone is tampering with an ATM ring 999 immediately.

Gloucestershire County Council Contact - Hucclecote SCT

Speeding Device - Hucclecote SCT

Hucclecote SCT has purchased a speed detection device in partnership with the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership. The speed gun can be used to record speed of traffic in both directions 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.

PCSO’s in the Hucclecote Inspector Neighbourhood Area are targeting speeding motorists. PCSO’s have took to the streets with a new speed gun to discover how fast drivers are travelling in both directions on the roads as a result of residents complaining of cars and buses driving at speed, especially in Cheltenham Road, Elmbridge Road, The Wheatway, Lobleys Drive, Barnwood Road, Upton Lane and The Wheatridge East. A warning to drivers that more monitoring will be taking place around the city and people driving too fast will be caught.

What is a Police Community Support Officer?

Police Community Support Officers (PCSO’s) were introduced by the Government in 2002 to assist both the regular Police and the community. The Hucclecote Safer Community Team currently have nine PCSO's working in the Hucclecote, Abbeymead, Abbeydale, Barnwood, Chequers, Coney Hill, Elmbridge, Longlevens, Upton St Leonard's and Coopers Edge areas.

These officers are responsible as points of contact for the 3 identified communities.

•  Coney Hill, Barnwood and Chequers Estate
•  Longlevens & Elmbridge
•  Huccclecote, Abbey, Upton St Leonards' and Cooper's Edge 
  

Police Community Support Officers (PCSO's) provide a visible and uniformed presence in the community, directly helping the police to tackle criminal behaviour, and freeing up police officers from some of the time spent on routine tasks.
Moreover, they provide a valuable service in reassuring the communities.

In relation to vandalism, PCSO's can:

•  Attend incidents of low-level disorder and antisocial behaviour
•  Deal with community issues such as littering and dog fouling
•  Report and remove abandoned vehicles
•  Gather evidence through observation
•  Speak to young people who might be drunk and causing problems, confiscate alcohol and tobacco
•  Assist the police with recording names and addresses or door-to-door enquiries

Controls to end Gloucester parking misery - Hucclecote SCT

New road restrictions will be tested in Longlevens in a bid to cut parking problems.

Tempers have been flaring between residents and students for years over on-street parking.

At a meeting earlier this month highways officials and businesses based near the University of Gloucestershire’s Oxstalls campus discussed how to stop students parking outside people’s homes.

And now plans for new restrictions have been announced to try to calm the situation.

A temporary traffic order will be introduced along one side of streets in the area and council workers will monitor parking patterns.

Glenn Dooley, programme manager for Gloucestershire Highways, said: “We are proposing to introduce an experimental traffic regulation order of waiting restrictions on one side of the carriageway next to the residents’ homes and advisory ‘keep clear’ markings across the driveways on the other side of the road.”

Mr Dooley said the restrictions would be introduced for six months to allow officers to investigate how it affected parking behaviour.

He said: “At the end of the six months we can then either make the order permanent, remove the restrictions completely or ‘tweak’ the proposals and run for another six-month trial.”

City councillor Jim Porter (C. Longlevens) said it was a temporary solution and more work was needed.

He said: “Who can say what this will do? It is not correct as far as I am concerned but it is the only thing we have so far because the university has not played ball.

“It is a nightmare, it is bad here again today. Whenever the students are here we have a problem – it is ridiculous.”

Paul Drake, communications manager for the university, said: “The university will co-operate fully with this measure.”

Parking outside Schools - Hucclecote

Parking outside Schools 

Parents who take their children to school may be interested to know that Civil Enforcement Officers (Parking Attendants) (CEO's)have been empowered to enforce on zigzag lines in front of schools (and on pedestrian crossings) since Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 came into effect on 31^st March 2008.  They now no longer need to be accompanied by a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

Of the 300 schools in Gloucestershire “only a handful”  have the restrictions in front of them covered by a Traffic Regulation Order, in other words all others are only advisory and cannot be enforced by anyone. Schools covered under this regulation for our area include the main entrance to Barnwood C of E Primary School, Barnwood Park Arts College and Heron Primary School Abbeydale. The full list has yet to be confirmed and added accordingly.

With regard to “verge parking”.  All parking restrictions on the Adopted Highway have effect from the centre point of the Highway to the boundary of the adjacent property, i.e. they include any verge or footway.  Civil Enforcement Officers can only issue a PCN (parking ticket) to a vehicle on a verge or footway if there is a parking restriction in effect on that stretch of highway.  In the absence of such a restriction there is no “automatic” offence or contravention.

Bike Coding - Hucclecote INA

Don't buy alcohol for under 18's - Hucclecote

Hucclecote's Community Safety Partnership would like to remind adults not to buy alcohol for those under the age of 18. Following a number of positive test purchase operations (i.e. no sale to a minor), there was still the need to address how young people are acquiring alcohol. Research shows that in some cases, adults are buying the alcohol for the young people. This is known as proxy purchasing. In many of those cases, the adult has not realised that it is against the law to do so.

Police Information Points - Hucclecote SCT

Our Objectives - Hucclecote SCT

• To provide a visible and accessible uniformed presence within the neighbourhood areas.

• To engage with communities within their neighbourhood through regular contact with the public, identify concerns and provide information about the action taken to resolve a problem at times using a multi-agency approach.

• To take effective and appropriate action to reduce anti-social behaviour and deal with offenders, using the CADA partnership and the Prevent and Deter Scheme.

• To gather information/intelligence and where necessary act upon it via:

  • targeted high visibility patrol

  • enforcement and targeting of prominent individuals engaged in criminal activity

  • initiating operations and utilising other resources to bring offenders to justice and/or disrupt criminal activities

  • engage with partnership agencies and community groups to deliver appropriate prevention/reduction advice

  • ensure a working knowledge of crime and trends within the area and provide a public reassurance within that area

• To engage with and encourage all sections of the community in the neighbourhood, through ward, parish and panel meetings in order to agree priorities and choices.

• Identify and ensure points of public contact are maintained, i.e. Councillors, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators.

• Collate information and make referral application to combat anti-social behaviour

Watch Out, Fake ID About - Hucclecote INA

Hucclecote Police Station have been made aware of fake ID that maybe being used by underage youths to purchase alcohol. The ID is being purchased from the Internet for just £10. Anybody caught using this ID to purchase alcohol or cigarettes underage will be dealt with accordingly . 

Knife Test Purchases - Hucclecote SCT

Keep your mobile safe - Hucclecote SCT

Mini Moto's - Hucclecote INA

Bogus Callers

'Bogus Callers' can cause a great deal of alarm and distress to anyone, however, it is usually the elderly who they tend to target. 

Both 'Bogus Caller' & 'Distraction' crimes involve unknown people knocking on your door with the intention of gaining entry to your property. These crimes are often committed on vulnerable people & the offenders often work in teams of two or three, however, sometimes a solo person may pose as a trades person.

When somebody knocks on your door always check via a window or engage a security chain if you have one.  Ask to see their I.D. and you can request to take their card and phone the company direct. This will confirm their I.D. to conduct their job, please remember, there are false I.D. cards in circulation.

A genuine caller will gladly assist with the above if you have any doubts.  When you are totally happy, only then should you invite somebody into your home.  

A 'Bogus Caller' will pose as a trades person typically saying that they are from the Water Board {which does not exist now} or some other utility company.  Once they have your attention, they may then attempt to come into your home.

A 'Distraction' crime will usually involve one person getting you talking about buying goods off them or touting for home improvements whilst another person may be trying to gain entry to your property from the rear.

Remember if you have any doubt, never open the door and always call 999!

For further advice or to arrange a Crime Prevention visit please contact mailto:michael.trebble@gloucestershire.police.uk

Don't be a sucker to thieves!

Vehicle Crime

We would like the public to be aware that  vehicle crime is continuing in the INA and we are asking people not to make the criminal's job easy. Please do not leave items of value on show and before leaving your car have a quick look inside. Sat Nav systems are a popular target by car thieves and vehicles are being increasingly targeted for this reason, please wipe away the tell-tale cradle sucker marks from the windscreen whenever you park. The Hucclecote SCT whilst out and about on their beats will be looking into your vehicles. If we see a vehicle left unattended with items of interest to criminals we will let you know by way of a reminder letter. Please remember to remove all items from view whilst your vehicle is left unattended, better still take them indoors if you can. It's better to remove items from view rather than run the risk of an expensive repair bill plus the loss of your items.
If you see something that you would not want to lose then remove it from view. The criminal will not risk a jail sentence if there is nothing worth taking the risk for!

Take these simple steps to reduce vehicle crime:
Always park in well-lit areas
Activate alarm / immobiliser
Shut windows & lock doors
Never leave anything on display

For more information on vehicle crime prevention please click here for more information > www.secureyourmotor.gov.uk

Working In Partnership

Working In Partnership

Members of the Hucclecote SCT have successfully developed a working partnership with other organisations in the area and the community. A Neighbourhood profile for each of the communities have been put together; which includes contact details for these links for the communities of Elmbridge/Longlevens, Abbeymead/dale, Hucclecote, Upton St Leonard’s, Coney Hill, Barnwood and Cooper’s Edge.
 
Police Officers and PCSO’s have increased their contact with the local communities to ensure that they are targeting the correct problems being faced and to ensure the flow of intelligence on offender's increases, which in turn will assist in tackling both crime and disorder within the areas we cover.
 
To assist in the tackling of crime and anti-social behaviour in your area, the SCT are asking for more members of the public to pass on information on local offenders. The officers encourage you to do this by talking to them when you see them on patrol, to telephone 0845 090 1234 or to use the Crimestoppers telephone line (0800 555 111). Information passed by local residents to the Police is a vital part of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour within our communities.

Petrol Watch - Hucclecote SCT

Home and Dwelling Security

School "Awareness" Talks - Hucclecote

Initiatives

Working in the Community

- Hucclecote SCT Responsibilities

- Neighbourhood Panels

- Neighbourhood Watch

- Hucclecote SCT Events Diary

- Hucclecote Safer Community Team Community Contacts

- Credit Card Scam - Hucclecote

- Taking Action in your Community

Downloads

- PCSO Powers

- School Holiday Activities

- sport and play facilities leaflet

- Barnwood Community map

- Hucclecote, Abbey and Upton St Leonards Community map

- Longlevens and Elmbridge Community map

- Performance Stats Barnwodd

- Performance Stats Abbey

- Performance Stats Longlevens & Elmbridge