Romsey Neighbourhood Watch - News

http://www.eastleighnwa.org.uk/  - Eastleigh & Romsey Neighbourhood Watch

How can I find out about what is happening in my local area?
You can find up-to-date information and statistics about crime and disorder in your area on the Crime And Disorder Data Information Exchange (CADDIE) website.  CADDIE can help you see what is happening in your local area and how everyone is working together to reduce crime, tackle the fear of crime and promote quality of life issues around the Borough.

You can find general information and statistics about crime rates, health, education and jobs in your local area through the Office for National Statistics.  Simply follow the link below and type in your postcode to learn more about your neighbourhood.

SNPT

Just to clarify that SNPT means Safer Neighbourhood Police Teams. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  Your Safer Neighbourhoods team is made up of police officers, special constables, police community support officers or volunteers. They are working together with the community and other partners to tackle local problems and improve the quality of life in your neighbourhood.

The Romsey North Safer Neighbourhoods team cover Romsey town centre, Baddesley, Tytherley, Ampfield, and the rural areas north of these Romsey North Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team. The Romsey South Safer Neighbourhoods Police team covers Woodley and Whitenap, Nursling, Rownhams and Chilworth and Romsey Extra. Romsey South Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team.

Our new crime recording year started on 1st April 2010 and I am pleased to report crime reduction by 16% last year with criminal damage (23%) and motor vehicle theft (28%) showing the greatest results. Burglary and violent crimes were also down but will remain a focus for the coming year. Compared with other similar areas Romsey has low levels of all crime. The Neighbourhood teams have recently focused on engaging with young people. Officers PC Mark Poolman and Lorraine Collis went on 'home visits'; some parents were alarmed at what their children were getting up to. Nevertheless, anti-social behaviour was reduced by 17% last year. We will strive to lessen it even further by working closely with communities and partner agencies. We are working on several youth engagements initiatives such as football events, PCOS schemes, presentations on the effects of anti-social behaviour, as well patrolling known 'hot spots'.
Domestic abuse also remains a priority for our response teams. We’re working with other agencies to find long-term solutions for repeat incidents and short-term solutions for victims and children. Please call or email us if you have comments or feel there is something we should know. Quite often one piece of information can be that all-important link to stopping crime. Your views can also be communicated to us by email as This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  Insp 5409 Jackie Willson Romsey Sector, Western OCU Tel: 0845 045 4545 x 734 128 

Reporting a crime
 
Are you confused about which number to call to report a crime? Here is a is a guide:
Emergencies - 999 - in an emergency only. That means if life is threatened, people are injured, or a crime is currently in progress.

• Is someone injured?
• Is life in danger?
• Is violence involved?
• Is it happening now?

Non-emergencies - 101 - Call 101 to report non-emergency community safety issues such as:

• Vandalism and graffiti
• Noise nuisance
• Threatening and abusive behaviour
• Abandoned cars
• Fly-tipping
• Drunk and rowdy groups
• Drug related anti-social behaviour

If you use 101 for non-urgent issues you will relieve pressure on the 999 service which can mean the difference between life and death. As 101 is for non-emergency issues only, immediate help may not always be available. However, all information is passed to the relevant agencies so that long term solutions can be found and resources targeted better in the future. The 101 number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls cost a flat rate of 10p per call from landlines, mobile phones and are free from public pay phones.

Other activity - Call 0845 045 4545 to report other criminal activity or to pass on a message to a member of staff at Hampshire Constabulary.

Crimestoppers
If you feel worried about reporting an issue to the police you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to make an anonymous report.  Crimestoppers will never ask you for your name, you will not have to make a statement to the police and will never have to give evidence in court.  Crimestoppers will record your infomation then pass it on to the police or relevant authority. 

PROTECT YOUR CYCLE
Here is a reminder to the public to keep their pedal cycles safe during the summer months.
With the warmer weather, adults and children are more likely to be using bikes to get around. This fact will unfortunately create more opportunities for would-be thieves if bikes are left insecure. Police tend to say: "Secure it or lose it".
The most common location for the theft of a pedal cycle is from a garden. People will often carelessly leave their bikes insecure at home as they assume it will be safe on their property. This is unfortunately a great opportunity for someone to steal a bike.

1) Over 50% of bikes are stolen in or around the house during burglaries or when the bike is left unattended - so it makes sense to lock it to something like a ground or wall anchor or inside a purpose built locker, shed or garage. (The more expensive the bike the more vulnerable it is). Never leave your cycle unlocked in your garden.
2) Always lock your bicycle, even if you are just leaving it for a couple of minutes.
3) Your bike should be secured with a top quality lock – a solid ‘D’ lock is better than a chain which can be cut through easier. Two locks are better secured through the frame at either end to a proper stand. Do not lock solely through the wheels, these can be easily removed.
4) Do not leave your bike in isolated areas.
5) Use proper cycle stands and frames wherever possible
6) Take with you anything that is easily removable/detachable from the bike (e.g. saddles, wheels, lights, bottles etc)
7) Ask employers and building managers to provide cycle stands which are secured inside lockable buildings or cages as this is much safer.
8) When buying a new bike ask the sales professional about security advice.

GOING ON HOLIDAY - security checklist

Your home is most vulnerable when you are on holiday. Here are some easy hints to make sure that you take all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your house and your possessions.

• Make sure ALL doors and windows are closed and locked before you leave
• Set all the alarms (need an alarm? dasecurity)
• Let your neighbours know you are going away
• All keys and financial documents should be securely locked away
• Ask a neighbour or friend to check on the house regularly and to push the post through the door or post box, make the house look occupied, draw the curtains, and water the garden and outdoor plants
• Consider putting your lights and a radio on timer so it seems like someone is in

Arson
You can help to reduce the risk of arson in our local area by following these simple tips or by checking out the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Website:

In the home

• Make sure that there is a strong front door fitted with strong locks and a chain.
• Close all windows when the house is empty.
• Lock all doors.
• Don't let rubbish accumulate and keep bins away from the house.

In the car

• At night, park in a well lit place.
• Remove the ignition key, close all the windows and lock the car.
• Fit and use an anti-theft device.
• Report abandoned cars to the police.

At school

• Litter bins should be emptied twice a day.
• Doors throughout the school should be closed at the end of the day.
• At night windows should be securely fastened.
• All fires no matter how small should be reported to the Fire Service.
• Witnessing an incident of arson or criminal damage
• If you witness an incident of criminal damage or arson taking place you should call the Police on 999.  If you discover evidence of criminal damage after an incident has taken place you should call 101 to report the issue.

Trading Standards 

For advice and information on rights when shopping for goods and services and dealing with faulty goods, on scams and rip-offs you can contact

Hampshire County Council Trading Standards.

Other useful Links

Home Office victim support and advice  

  Home Office advice on tackling joy riding or dangerous and illegal driving