June 2010
22/6/10 Community News
A CHANCE TO CHANGE An alternative approach to dealing with youth crime is being employed by Northamptonshire Police through the introduction of Youth Restorative Disposals (YRDs).
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. Additionally, it can help reduce the chances of them re-offending and help them gain an understanding of the implications of their behaviour.
It also increases the public's involvement in resolving an issue that they are directly affected by, thereby helping to improve their confidence in the justice system.
Thank you.
22/6/10 Community News
HITTING THE MARK Northamptonshire Police has been awarded the Bronze Charter Mark for its work in engaging and supporting young people in the county.
The Charter Mark programme, which is run the county's Children and Young People Partnership, is based on a national model and carries four standards: bronze, silver, gold and platinum.
The Force fulfilled the criteria for a bronze award in a number of areas. For example, officers use risk assessment techniques help to protect young witnesses from going to court, as well as providing support to juvenile offenders.
The Force and Police Authority actively encourage young people to share their views on policing, and the Safer Schools Partnership has been set up to improve links between the police, schools and young people.
Assistant Chief Constable, Martin Jelley, said: "Our focus has been to bring in strategies and polices to meet the needs of young people and improve how we support and relate to them. It's great to be recognised for what we have achieved so far." The CYPP also noted that the Force is already achieving the Silver Charter Mark level in some areas.
Thank you.
15/6/10 Farthinghoe Burglary
This is a message from Northamptonshire West Police to residents in the village of Farthinghoe.
Main Road - Between the times of 1am Sunday 6 June and 5.45am Sunday 13 June, the padlocks on a 'lock up' were broken and items taken from inside.
Northamptonshire Police and local councils are working together to tackle the crime and anti-social behaviour issues in your community; please visit http://northants.police.uk for more information about how we are responding to your concerns.
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/1410/10
Thank you
16/6/10 Loft insulation callers
People living in Northamptonshire have been warned to beware of bogus telephone callers who claim to be from the Northamptonshire County Council.
The authority has reported receiving complaints from several people who say they have been contacted by cold callers offering loft and wall cavity insulation under the auspices of Northamptonshire County Council.
In some cases, residents who complained said the caller became rude and aggressive during the conversation.
A spokesperson for Northamptonshire County Council said the authority did not offer a loft and wall cavity insulation service.
She stressed these types of calls would not be from council staff and advised residents not to give out personal information or act on offers from those or other similar callers.
Councillor Andre Gonzalez de Savage (Con, East Hunsbury), cabinet member for customers and communities, reiterated her words.
He said: "These calls are not being made by the county council and we do not offer any loft or wall insulation services."
He warned: "During these tough economic times it is likely more of these types of scams will appear so it is important residents are on their guard and stop and think before agreeing to anything."
Councillor de Savage said the bogus calls had been referred to the council's trading standards department.
He appealed to members of the public targeted by such scams to help bring the perpetrators to justice.
He said: "Where possible it would be helpful for consumers to ask for the name of the person calling and also a phone number - without giving any of their personal details or agreeing to a visit of course - as this will help trading standards in their investigation."
While trading standards carry out their investigations people with concerns can get advice by contacting the team or calling Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
Thank you
16/6/10 Clothing collection
We have been informed of that charity leaflets have been received by residents in South Northants, Daventry and Northampton area, notifying them of collections of clothing commencing next week by a company calling themselves SOS Clothes Ltd.
Residents in the north of Northampton have already received these leaflets.
The company are apparently collecting on behalf of the Tree of Hope Children's Charity (Reg No 1043092).
Please be aware that this collection is not licensed, SOS Clothes Ltd have stated that they have not delivered any leaflets and will not be collecting clothing items anytime next week. They believe that this must be a bogus company using their leaflets.
Please pass this message on to family, friends and neighbours especially those that are elderly and vulnerable.
Please contact the police if you see anyone collecting clothing on behalf of SOS Clothes Ltd using the dedicated Watch number 01604 432436 alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers above quoting WB/CMS/1420/10
Thank you
