February 2010
9/2/10 Drug Seizures
An estimated £226,000 worth of drugs has been seized in Misuse of Drugs Act warrants in Northamptonshire, thanks to calls received by Crimestoppers.
The most recent figures from the independent charity show that more than 250 calls were received in relation to drugs offences over the last ten months.
A total of 33 calls were received sharing intelligence in relation to the manufacture and cultivation of drugs.
These calls provided the police with vital intelligence that led to the detection of cannabis factories and resulted in three arrests during January. These offenders have been placed on police bail until March 2010.
An officer from the Operational Performance Unit officer said: "We work closely with Crimestoppers to bring to justice those involved in criminal activity.
"It's vital that members of the public continue to report anyone who they think might be committing crime in their area."
Crimestoppers takes in information on an anonymous basis from those unwilling to speak to police officers and staff directly.
Information can be left on an anonymous basis by ringing the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.
Crimestoppers will then pass that information on to the police.
Thank you
8/2/10 Burglary - Kings Sutton
This is a message from Northamptonshire West Police to all residents in the Kings Sutton and Croughton area.
Please be aware that a Public House in Kings Sutton was broken in to sometime between 01:00 and 09:00 Friday 5 February. In this incident the offenders smashed a fire door to the premises. It is thought the owner's dog barking caused the offenders to leave the scene.
If you have any information in relation to this incident please report using the dedicated Watch number 01604 432436 alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers above quoting WB/CMS/2471/09.
Thank you
Burglary, Evenley
Please be aware that sometime between 19:30 Thursday 14 January and 09:00 Friday 15 January offenders entered a rural property in Evenley. In this incident the offenders entered farm fields via an insecure gate a drove towards farm buildings where fuel tanks are located. It is thought the offenders attempted to steal fuel, although the tanks were empty so this was unsuccessful.
Please remain vigilant, please report any suspicious activity using the dedicated Watch number 01604 432436 alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers above quoting ref WB/CMS/2085/09
Vehicle Break-in, Evenley
Please be aware that a 13 Ton excavator located on Bicester Hill, Evenley was broken in to sometime between 17:00 Monday 18 January and 08:00 Tuesday 19 January. In this incident the offenders entered the engine compartment and removed two heavy-duty batteries, and also attempted to enter the cab to the vehicle.
Please remember to secure all vehicles when not in use, even for the shortest periods of time. Always remove all valuables from your vehicle rather than hide them in the glove box or boot. Ensure any alarms or steering locks fitted are activated when you leave the vehicle, and try to park in a well-lit area if you are unable to park in a secure garage.
If you have any information in relation to this incident please report using the dedicated Watch number 01604 432436 alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers above quoting ref WB/CMS/2130/09
Thank you.
Operation Guardian
Officers working on Operation Guardian were busy on the streets of Northamptonshire yesterday, Thursday 21 January.
Operation Guardian is the countywide operation dedicated to bringing to justice those involved in serious acquisitive crime - robbery, burglary and vehicle crime.
Today 18 arrests have been made, 18 warrants carried out and since October Operation Guardian has produced more than 400 arrests across Northamptonshire.
The arrests made yesterday were:
A male and a female were arrested in Ellfield Court, Northampton, for possession of drugs.
One male was arrested in Northampton for breach of bail.
One male was arrested for assault in Paddock Mill Court, Northampton.
One male was arrested in Simmington Street, Northampton for possession of drugs.
One male was arrested on Chelcombe Avenue for possession of drugs.
Two males were arrested for burglary, one in Grassmere Green and one in Towcester Road, Daventry.
One male was arrested for failing to appear in court.
Following a warrant in Ellfield Court, Northampton, officers have recovered, what is believed to be a significant quantity of crack, cocaine and cannabis, as well as several thousand pounds in cash.
Additionally counterfeit DVDs, electrical items and a safe have been seized.
A cannabis factory in Northampton Road, Kettering was also discovered.
In the first of its kind in the county, senior police officers have been out and about visiting people of interest. Superintendent Mark Evans and Chief Inspector Tom Thompson have been making personal visits this morning.
Superintendent Peter Windridge, commented: "We are using this new approach of senior officers visiting known offenders or people we have concerns about, to reinforce that Operation Guardian is here to disrupt criminal activity, we know who they are and we will be keeping an eye on them.
Operation Guardian
Northamptonshire Police are now running Operation Guardian which aims to significantly reduce burglary, robbery and vehicle crime across the county.
"Safeguarding you, your home and your vehicle"
CHECK OUT YOUR HOME...........BEFORE A BURGLAR DOES!
CHECK .. Windows and doors are locked, even when you are at home or in the garden. 1 in 4 burglaries are through insecure doors or windows.
CHECK .. Valuables are out of sight and reach. Keep keys away from cat flaps, letterboxes, downstairs doors and windows.
CHECK .. A light is left on when you are out. If it its dark before you get home, use timer switches to turn on the lights.
If you have any information on who may be committing crime, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Remember, if the is a crime in progress to dial 999.
Please forward this message to your friends, family and neighbours who are the invaluable eyes and ears of the community.
TOGETHER, WE CAN TAKE ACTION TO STOP THE CRIMINALITY THAT RUINS LIVES.
For more crime security advice please go to http://www.northants.police.uk/default.aspx?id=3124
Or you can go to the Home Office Website, http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/how-you-can-prevent-crime/sec... and complete the self assessment check list to ensure your home is secure.
We thank you for your continued support.
Scheduled appointments
More than 9,000 people had scheduled appointments with officers across Northamptonshire in the first six months of the scheme - with only five appointments missed.
The scheduled appointments scheme was launched in July 2009 as part of the Force's response to the Policing Pledge.
Between July 1 and December 31 the force met 9,174 appointments, missing just five in that time.
Chief Inspector Dave Hill, Confidence Programme Manager, said: "The introduction of scheduled appointments has been a big success for the force and is something we hope will be of benefit to people living and working across Northamptonshire.
"The appointments were introduced at the beginning of July and in the first six months we made more than 9,000 visits and missed just five.
"Those five appointments were missed in the summer just after the scheme was launched and we are determined to make sure they remain the only ones to be missed."
Victims and witnesses of crime who do not require an urgent response are given the opportunity to arrange a time that is more beneficial for them, rather than waiting for an officer to arrive when they are able to.
Chief Inspector Hill added: "The feedback we have had from those people who have been visited on a scheduled appointment has been overwhelmingly positive. Rather than being told an officer will be with them as soon as possible, we arrange to visit at a time that is convenient for the member of the public.
"Scheduled appointments are an important issue for us and we are determined to make this mutually beneficial system a success for us and victims and witnesses."
Anyone who would like to find out more about scheduled appointments, can do so by logging on to www.northants.police.uk or by calling the new non-emergency number 03000 111 222.
Thank you.
Communities to benefit from Proceeds of Crime grants
25,000 worth of grants from money seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act, is being made available to community projects across the county thanks to Northamptonshire Police Authority.
Following on from the success of a trial grants scheme last year, which saw the Authority award grants totalling £20,000 to projects working with young people, this year will see an increase in the amount being made available.
As well as the difference in the amount now available to applicants, the focus for the projects has also changed to older people with particular emphasis on vulnerable older people.
The Proceeds of Crime Act allows officers to seize assets that have been acquired by offenders through conducting criminal activity. By investing this money back into the community, improvements can be made and positive opportunities provided for people, who otherwise would not have them.
David Peet, Deputy Chief Executive of the Police Authority, said: "Last year we trialled a grants scheme based on an idea put forward by a member of Northamptonshire Police, to use some of the money seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act to benefit local communities.
"We received in excess of £85,000 worth of applications and were able to support 17 projects working with young people across the county which aimed to prevent them getting involved in drug use.
"Due to the success of the scheme last year, we have been allocated £25,000 for 2010/11 and the Grants Funding Group have decided that they would like to see the focus move to projects working with older people and in particular vulnerable older people.
"It is hoped the money will support projects that enable older people to continue to play an active role in their local communities.
Youth Restorative Disposals
An alternative approach to dealing with youth crime is being employed by Northamptonshire Police through the introduction of Youth Restorative Disposals (YRD).
YRDs contain a 'restorative justice' element and will assist officers in providing a quick and appropriate response to low-level crime and neighbourhood disorder to young people aged 10 to 17 inclusive.
Where this approach differs to those previously employed, is that it directly engages with all parties - victims, offenders and families - to resolve an offence in a manner that is meaningful.
This discretionary power, which is available to police officers, allows for immediate action to be taken, for minor first time offences.
The basis for introducing YRDs lies with implementing an approach that prevents young people from being disproportionately criminalised for a first time offence, can additionally help reduce the chances of them re-offending and help them gain an understanding of the implications of their behaviour.
It also increases the publics involvement in resolving an issue that they are directly affected by, thereby helping to improve their confidence in the justice system.
Superintendent Peter Glover, Head of the Criminal Justice Department, said: "We are currently in the process of training our officers to deliver Youth Restorative Disposals. We believe that this approach is not only helpful in allowing for a quicker and more efficient use of the criminal justice system, but can also help prevent against unnecessary court appearances, reduce bureaucracy and public expense.
"It is also beneficial in increasing the amount of time our officers spend on the street dealing with other issues.
"Most importantly perhaps, it allows the victim an opportunity to be involved in the resolution process which can help them deal with the incident better.