Neighbourhood Watch

Please join this group if you would like to have email notifications sent whenever a Neighbourhood Watch notice is posted.

Call the Northamptonshire Police switchboard on 03000 111 222 or dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

When you go out always lock doors and close windows (coming up to hot weather in particular) even if you leave just for a few moments!

Be vigilant in your surroundings and if anything suspicious seen call Police on 03000 111 222 or contact neighbourhood watch (Linda) and other co-ordinators.

Most people who come to your door will be genuine callers. But it's best to make sure. Genuine callers will not mind waiting whilst you contact their company for verifrication.

If you live next door to someone elderly or venerable just pop in on them from time to time to make sure everything is ok.

Don't leave anything on display in your vehicle, such as bags purses or anything that may look of value..
Don't leave tools in work vehicles as this is an easy target for criminals .
The fitting of a burglar alarm is a good deterrent to any burglar (and is not just a ringing box) they want to get in and out as quick as possible without any audible warnings that may alert others.

Keep a list of any serial numbers and model numbers of any property and mark with u/v pen your postcode.
When out make use of timers to switch on lights and TV's/radios to give the appearance of someone at home.  
Visible alarms, good lighting and carefully directed security lighting together with strong door and window locks can put off burglars.

If anyone wishes to discuss crime prevention please contact any member of the Brackley rural Safer Community Team either by SCTBrackleyRural [at] northants [dot] police [dot] uk (e-mail) or the above number.

4/3/10 Motor Vehicle Theft

This is a message from Northamptonshire West Police to residents in the Kings Sutton and Croughton area.

Whittall Street, Kings Sutton - Between the times of 1pm Saturday 27 February and 1am Wednesday 3 March a green Rover, registration AV51OMP was stolen whilst parked outside a residential address.

If you see this vehicle or have any information about the above incident please report stating location and direction of travel using the dedicated Watch number 01604 432436 alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers above quoting WB/CMS/2911/09.

Thank you

1/3/10 Criminal Damage

Just to make you aware you have had a few Criminal Damages In Aynho on 27th February - 28 February happened between 19:30 and 09:00.

Location was Charlton Road and every car within the road has been scratched.

We have asked people to ring in a report if they have had their vehicle scratched as only 3 people have so far, when doing enquires down the road we noticed all cars down the roadside had been damaged.

This is not a usual route for people to walk i.e. to the pub and may have been someone with a malicious side.
Any quires please do not hesitate to contact myself on the below number or email if suits.

Kind regards
 
Charlotte Whitehead
c7029
Brackley Safer Community Team
Tel: 03000 111 222
SCTBrackleyRural [at] northants [dot] police [dot] uk

22/2/10 Grassroots Consultation

This is a message from Northamptonshire West Police to all members of Neighbourhood Watch in Northamptonshire on behalf of Marion Lewis, Neighbourhood Watch Chair (England and Wales).

Grassroots consultation on the Neighbourhood Watch and Home Watch communication system for England & Wales

Tribal has been commissioned to deliver a feasibility study that considers the case for a national communication system that can be used by Neighbourhood Watch and Home Watch schemes and their partners. They will also prepare a business case that evaluates the costs and benefits of such a system.

Tribal need to understand from grassroots members how they currently communicate with each other and partners and what they want from such a system in the future.

Tribal have attended the regional NWNH conferences in London and Peterborough and will be at the event in Taunton on the 27th February but having only been appointed to this work on the 11th February they weren't in a position to attend the Worcester and Leeds events and will have missed out on the opinions of many of you. Therefore they have hosted an Internet-based questionnaire that they are asking all watch members to complete.

The survey can be found at the following address http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NHWN. Please take 5 minutes to complete it.

19/2/10 Cycle Marking

This is a message from Northamptonshire West Police to all residents in the south Northants area.

Northamptonshire Police Crime Prevention and Safer Community Team officers will be holding a cycle security roadshow on board the mobile police station on Saturday 6 March.

The mobile Police station will be at Middleton Cheney Primary School from 10.30am to 12.30pm and at Brackley Town Hall Piazza from 1pm to 3pm.

Cycle security marking will be available at each event, which includes registration on the national BikeRegister database and a log book for the owner.

This service is available for the special price of £3 (RRP £10.95).

Police approved cycle locks will be on display and cycle security information will be available at the roadshow. Anyone interested should bring their bike along on the day.

Thank you.

15/2/10 Sulgrave Burglary

This is a message from Northamptonshire West Police to all residents in the Kings Sutton and Croughton area.

Please be aware that a number of incidents have recently occurred in your area.

Magpie Road, Sulgrave - at around 7:30 pm Saturday 13 February offenders entered the property and removed a television and vacuum cleaner.

If you have any information in relation to these incidents please report using the dedicated Watch number 01604 432436 alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers above quoting WB/CMS/2594/09.

16/2/10 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"


LEAVE IT ON SHOW ................. EXPECT IT TO GO!

CHECK .. Always lock you car, and close all windows including the sunroof -even if you only leave it for a few minutes.

CHECK .. Remove all items from your vehicle when parked - even an old coat may be enough to tempt a thief. Don't forget you Sat Nav, cradle or suction pads, and always clean away the marks left behind on the window.

CHECK .. Never leave keys in the ignition, not even at a garage when paying for fuel. Keep keys safe at all times whether you are out or at home.


For more crime security advice please go to http://www.northants.police.uk/default.aspx?id=3124


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.

9/2/10 South Northamptonshire 50+ Forum

The South Northamptonshire 50+ Forum will be holding a public event on Tuesday 16th February 2010 at the Brackley Baptist Church from 2pm to 4pm. The event will give people over 50 years old living in South Northamptonshire an opportunity to have their say how local services are developed and delivered,

The event will include:

  • NCC public transport discussion
  • School of Life - "Age is just a number"
  • Northamptonshire's very own "Mr. Motivator"
  • Wii demonstrations
  • Information stands


For more information contact snvb on 01280 841250 or email: info [at] snvb [dot] org [dot] uk

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.

Northamptonshire Police Authority

Northamptonshire Police Authority is asking local residents to get to know who the Authority is and what it does.

The Authority is a vital link in ensuring local people have a say in policing and that there is an open and transparent relationship between the police and the public.

There are a number of ways the public can get involved with the Authority, by becoming an independent member, taking part in the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme visiting police stations across Northamptonshire, taking part in the various consultation exercises the Authority provides or by attending one of the Authority meetings that are open to the public.

Alternatively members of the public can become part of an Independent Advisory Group, which meets regularly and advises the Authority and Force on policies, procedures or community issues.

The Authority is key in ensuring that an effective and efficient police service is delivered that reflects the diverse communities it serves.

The Authority is made up of 17 members from two groups: independent members - there are eight independent members from the general public, and Councillor members - there are nine councillors nominated from the County Council to reflect the political balance.

A Chief Executive and a team of six full and part time staff support the members. One of the key areas of work for the Authority is setting the Force budget and how much money needs to be raised towards the cost of policing through the local council tax.

The Authority also monitors and scrutinises force performance, finance and budgets. It also sets the strategic direction for policing in line with Government directives and decides what the police should focus attention on based on consultation with local people.

15/1/10 Syresham Burglary

Please be aware that we have received a late report of an incident at a rural property in Syresham. Sometime between 12:00 20 December and 12:00 29th December offenders climbed the perimeter fence to the property and cut the bolt locks to the farm building. The chains securing machinery were cut and the machinery stolen.

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/2054/09

Thank you

14/1/10 Hinton Airfield Burglary

Please be aware that sometime between 17:30 Sunday 10 January and 13:30 Wednesday 13 January offender broke in to a secure container on the Hinton Airfield Road and removed a number of paintball guns.

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/2041/09

Thank you

13/1/10 Refuse & Recycling Collections

Severe weather continues to cause disruption to refuse and recycling collections today Wednesday 13 January.

The ongoing severe weather continues to cause disruption across the county, and South Northamptonshire is no exception. Refuse and recycling crews tried to empty bins and boxes today (Wednesday) but unfortunately were forced to abort collections. The weather forecast suggests further snow on Thursday. Therefore, we are asking residents that have a bin and box collection on a WEDNESDAY or THURSDAY to leave ALL bins and boxes out as the crews will collect on Saturday and Sunday to catch up, weather permitting. This includes both green and black bins and boxes.

WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY COLLECTIONS PLEASE NOTE: unfortunately, we may send some of the waste we normally recycle to landfill. This is a one-off situation in view of the extreme weather conditions and will allow us to return services to normal as soon as possible. South Northamptonshire has an exceptional recycling rate, thanks to residents' efforts, and we apologise in this instance if we do send some of the recycling waste to landfill. If residents want to ensure that recycling material is  recycled, we are asking that they do not put out the green bin and box out until their next normal recycling date, when we are hopeful that service will have returned to normal. We will collect additional material that is left next to the bin and box on this occasion.

MONDAY, TUESDAY and FRIDAY COLLECTIONS: we are asking residents to leave the correct bin and box out according to the calendar supplied, which can be found here: http://www.southnorthants.gov.uk/environment/556.htm.

Again, we apologise for any inconvenience caused due to the severe weather conditions.

Thank you