|
Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch in conjunction with Hassocks
Neighbourhood Watch present:
   
Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter
|
Spring 2008 Issue No. 21 |
| Previous issues: Winter
07 | Summer 2007 | Spring
2007 | Winter 2006 | Summer
2006 | Spring 2006 |
Neighbourhood Policing and Neighbourhood
Watch - partners for the future
|
|
The term 'Neighbourhood Policing' is now familiar to all. In
Sussex, Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) were first set up in 2003 with
NPT 1 at Haywards Heath, NPT 2 at Burgess Hill and NPT 3 at East
Grinstead. They have the aim of 'fighting crime more intelligently and
building a new relationship with local communities based on co-operation
rather than simple consent'. (Neighbourhood Policing - Home Office 2005.)
Since then there has been steady recruitment of Police Community
Support Officers (PCSOs) to aid staffing of the Teams and this has brought
about an increased perception of uniformed officers 'on the beat',
enabling progress to be made upon improved contact with the community.
Creation of NSTs
A further step towards achieving that was introduced last year with the
establishment of Neighbourhood Specialist Teams (NSTs), one in each of the
NPTs. They are led by a specialist sergeant, with one or two specialist
constables and a number of PCSOs. All of them are required to have much
greater contact with local people and their representatives and although
they can be included in 'response' type of work they are primarily out on
patrol.
The enhanced linkage with communities is one of the key factors behind
the changes that are proposed by Sussex Police to abolish the posts and
roles of Crime Prevention Co-ordinators, as reported in the last issue of
Watch Out.
At the time of writing this article no specific plans had been published
by Sussex Police upon the detailed working that is to be put in place,
although it has been stated by Police HQ in a briefing note that as from
April 2008, Neighbourhood Specialist Teams will "take ownership for
Neighbourhood Watch" - a curious form of wording!
However, in Mid Sussex our District Commander Chief Inspector Chris
Ball has already taken steps to provide training and direction to NST
officers to improve community contact and thereby assist crime prevention
and the reduction of fear of crime.
|
Working together
Early in February a briefing
paper was prepared by ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers)
titled 'Neighbourhood Watch in Context - A Strategic Tool for the
Neighbourhood Policing Agenda'.
This gives a considerable impetus to the manner in which Neighbourhood
Policing and NHW can improve working together. The report recognises that
there is a considerable overlap in the aims of the two bodies and the
report sets out a range of supporting measures that are appropriate for
police working. It also highlights the NHW role and how the synergies
between the bodies can be developed.
Several years ago in another Home
Office Report it was estimated that 27% of households in England and
Wales were members of NHW schemes and that where households were not in
scheme areas 78% said that they would join a scheme if one was set up in
their area. So there is considerable scope for enlarging NHW coverage and
this should be an important aim for NSTs as the new 'owners' of NHW.
Henceforth Neighbourhood Policing will seek to become more dedicated in
providing visible and accessible policing enabling local people to see and
have more regular contact with the same officers thus helping lasting and
trusting relationships to be built up with the community that is served.
Two-way process
This is a two way process and does give the opportunity to pass on
comments and ideas direct to local officers and help them to direct their
activities to resolving problems. PCSOs are to be encouraged to make more
direct contact with community leaders and key representatives. All this is
linked to the concept that will be part of the Neighbourhood Watch
'ownership' by the police that is currently under discussion and will also
have an important bearing on improved 'information systems' that are to be
introduced later in the year to replace the ageing system that has been in
use for a number of years and is now ineffective.
We await with interest the proposals that are to be developed which may
later form the basis of a 'Service Level Agreement'.
|

Message from Chief Inspector Chris Ball
|
As you maybe aware, there are some ongoing changes in regard to the
support provided to Neighbourhood Watch by Sussex Police.
These changes will hopefully ensure that NHW is supported by the
Neighbourhood Policing Team and NHW members will receive contact from
their local officers soon.
Therefore please note that with effect from 1 April 2008 your PCSO will
be your first point of contact for all NHW issues. Please refer to the
Sussex Police website: www.sussex.police.uk
to find contact details for your local officer. Your PCSO will be
responsible for dealing with NHW issues, setting up new schemes and
sending out crime messages.
Also from April the Ringmaster messaging system will cease to exist due
to its use being unsustainable. Therefore, until a new crime messaging
system is put into place (this is unlikely to support voice messaging),
PCSOs will send crime messages via their Outlook accounts. However as
these accounts will take some time to prepare, NHW co-ordinators are
unlikely to receive any messages during April-May. Those co-ordinators
without access to e-mail will in future receive messages through hard copy
in the post but these will be less frequent and less timely.
|
 
We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this
change over period.
This message from C.I. Chris Ball does not alter the
general help and advice that NHW Road
Co-ordinators will continue to give to the members of their schemes. The
future links and enhanced roles of PCSOs and other members of the NSTs are
aimed at improving community contacts both with NHW co-ordinators and the
general public. Your local co-ordinator may be able to assist you in
making contact with your PCSO if needed, and it will often be helpful for
him/her to be aware that there is such a need.
|
Security of perimeters,
paths and outbuildings
|
|
The perimeter
The border of your property should show a physical and psychological
boundary beyond which an offender should feel uncomfortable. Promote
natural surveillance from those passing.
At the front of the property keep perimeter fencing or planting low and
where surveillance is not practicable, fencing/planting should be as high
as your planning authority permits, usually two metres. Prickly planting
at the perimeter helps deter entry. Side gates should be at least two
metres high and lockable.
Surveillance
A well-lit property deters trespass and protects owners on arrival.
Passive infrared (PIR) detectors were once the favourite but often they
are not activated until an offender has entered the curtilage of the
property, too close for comfort! In many locations wild animals or pets
will persistently activate the PIR. A low voltage light on a photoelectric
sensor and/or timer should give adequate light.
Effective
surveillance can be from those on your own property, CCTV, neighbours, or
community passing by.
Check that foliage is not blocking effective surveillance. If you are
considering CCTV ensure that you adhere to regulations controlling the use
and that the system is of evidential quality. Sussex Police can provide
'Smile you are on CCTV' posters.
|
Paths and Driveways
Simple path/driveway alarms can be used to alert you to a visitor.
Pebble surfaces can deter offenders as the stones crunch both when driven
over or on footfall. Lock-down bollards can be used to prevent vehicular
access and protect property on driveways. This is particularly important
if caravans and drive-on garden equipment is stored.
Garages and Sheds
Even if you are a modest gardener or a DIY amateur your shed or garage
will house equipment running into four figures to replace. Is your
security commensurate with the value of the goods within? Burglars can
often find the tools of their trade easily accessible right on site; the
spade to lift off the patio door or the shears to force the window. Are
those tools easily accessible on your property?
Obscure windows so that property cannot be seen, install ground anchors
as appropriate and check door security.
Exposed hinge fixings and poor up-and-over door locks are the most
common features that make these outbuildings more vulnerable. Doors
integral to the home should be treated as external doors when installing
security such as British
Standard (BS) five lever mortise locks.
Security mark property. Remember that these are the sort of items that
next appear in an auction or boot-sale so overt marking should be added to
covert methods. Show that you have marked your property with signage
available from your local police station.
|
|
www.locksmiths.co.uk
- Find a member of the Master Locksmiths Association
www.hassocksnhw.org.uk
- Local NHW and products for sale such as shed alarms
www.soldsecure.com
- Assessment of security products
www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/burglary/burglary45.htm
- Advice on security lighting
www.selectamark.co.uk
- Property marking
www.sussex.police.uk
|

|
 
Fire alert!
Do ensure that your smoke alarms are in good order with the battery
still holding a charge and not run down. A test is easily done and should
be performed regularly.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service offers a free Home Fire Safety Check
and this can be obtained by telephoning 0800 3286487. Where necessary the
service will provide and fit a smoke alarm with a ten year life battery
free of charge. Should you wish to get guidance about a check via the
Internet this can be done by logging on to: www.westsussex.gov.uk
and following the download instructions.
Click on Emergency Services, then Fire & Rescue Service, then 'F' on
the A-Z box list that you will see. The details of the Home
Fire Safety Check is at the foot of the page that opens. Or
click the above link.
Log on to a blog
Police Community Support Officers are now able to provide blogs on the
Sussex Police website enabling them to offer brief comments upon aspects
of their work in the local areas that they cover.
These can give details of proposed meetings, particular problems that have
arisen and are being tackled, and a variety of other matters and is a
convenient and easy way of helping to keep in touch.
To access the blog, log on to the police website - www.sussex.police.uk
- then click on the item 'Local Policing' that appears in the list on the
left hand side of the page that opens.
The next page that then opens has a box near the right hand side where you
can enter your post code (or the name of your local PCSO) and you will
then see a photo of your area PCSO - and others in the local NST. Click on
the picture of the officer that you want to read about and further
information including the dates of recent blogs will be available by a
further click.
This takes only a few seconds to do, so please try it.
Direct link: Mid
Sussex PCSO pages.
The Hassocks NHW website maintains the popular Mid Sussex
crime alert blog at: www.hassocksnhw.org.uk/rss/blog.htm
This provides the local community with current and recent crime alerts to
be aware of and is a reliable alternative to Ringmaster/Farmwatch. Users
can receive alerts automatically as soon as they're added via the site's
RSS feed if they wish:
- drag this button into your RSS reader and add to your watch list.
|
New No Cold Calling Zone
A
No Cold Calling Zone has been created in the Chanctonbury area of Burgess
Hill right. This scheme is one of the largest in the area covering in
excess of 500 homes and was initiated at the request of local residents in
order to protect those most vulnerable from tricksters and rogue doorstep
traders.
Signs will be positioned on lampposts saying 'No Cold Calling Zone'. These
notices will advise potential criminals that they will have a hard time
calling at addresses in this location, and police will be called if the
caller is viewed with suspicion.
In addition advice packs will be delivered to all residents, providing
practical information and tips on how to check a person before deciding to
allow them access.
Genuine callers such as meter readers will expect to be vetted thoroughly
and won't mind waiting. Companies who ignore the scheme will be contacted
by Trading Standards and advised of residents' wishes.
Sussex Police are committed to catching these criminals and 'Operation
Inroad' is in place to pro-actively target offenders. PC Graham Thurley of
the Burgess Hill NST said: "It is important to look out for
suspicious callers who may be preying on elderly or vulnerable neighbours,
police should be contacted immediately so that an early intervention can
be made. If possible try and remember their description and make a note of
any vehicle and registration number if seen."
West Sussex County Council's Trading Standards Service has an approved
trader scheme called 'Buy
with Confidence'. This is a register of local businesses who have been
vetted to ensure they provide a good service.
For details of traders in this scheme ring
01243 642124 or look on the website: www.westsussex.gov.uk/tradingstandards
Sussex Police can be contacted via 999 if an emergency/crime in progress
or
0845 60 70 999 for non emergencies
www.sussex.police.uk
Thank you message
Recently appointed Sussex Chief Constable, Martin Richards, has
recently sent a message of thanks to the North Downs Neighbourhood Watch
Search Team for the assistance that was provided to Sussex Police in a
search operation in the Battle area in December. He says that police
colleagues have expressed admiration for the positive attitude and good
humour of the searchers despite the atrocious weather that was
encountered. He added that it is a great reassurance that members of the
public give up their time willingly to assist, often in difficult
circumstances.
The Chief Constable has also written a letter of thanks to our retiring
Watch Out editor, Jennie Lisney, expressing his appreciation of the work
that she has done in the preparation of our newsletter over the past few
years.
We are very pleased and grateful for the Chief Constable's interest and
support.
|

NST
news ...
Burgess Hill
The Burgess
Hill Neighbourhood Specialist Team (NST) has now been in place for the
last two years and has increased in numbers to its current level of one
sergeant, two constables and six PCSOs. A seventh PCSO is due to start
with us soon and we are hoping that this latest addition to the team will
enhance our links with the district's rural communities.
Individual areas covered by the team are as follows:
* Leonie White covers Franklands and St Andrews wards at Burgess Hill
* Kate Buckler covers Dunstall and Victoria wards at Burgess Hill,
together with Warninglid, Hickstead, Bolney and Twineham
* Brian Patfield covers Meeds ward in Burgess Hill, which includes the
town centre and Chanctonbury areas
* Sally Howarth covers Hassocks, Keymer, Pyecombe, Newtimber, Poynings and
Fulking
Burgess Hill NST has welcomed PCSOs Helen Eyre and Hannah Cole to its
'patch'. Hannah replaces Ben Fahey who became a police officer in October
last year and takes over Leylands ward. Helen has moved across from East
Grinstead and takes over at Hurstpierpoint, Albourne and Sayers Common,
replacing Gary Macgregor who became a police officer in January 2008.
New Community Speedwatch schemes were set up in Warninglid and
Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common at the beginning of the year and we are
looking to enhance the town centre with a scheme that covers all areas. PC
Graham Thurley is co-ordinating the project and is keen to hear from
anyone interested in becoming involved.
With the lighter evenings approaching the team will also be looking to
address any issues arising from anti-social behaviour. We work closely
with partners to address problems, but please remember that generally this
type of behaviour is committed by only a small percentage of young people
in our district and a structured approach has proved successful in
reducing the number of incidents. We aim to be even more proactive in our
approach to this problem and encourage residents to report incidents at
the earliest opportunity.
Sergeant Simon Alexander
|
Haywards Heath
The Neighbourhood
Specialist Team (NST) at Haywards Heath comprises of:
* Sergeant Rachel Mundy
* PC Richard Wooding - town area
* PC Geoff Bennett - rural areas of Haywards Heath
* PCSO Anika Arnold - Lucastes ward & Bolnore Village
* PCSO Stuart Clough - villages to the north east
* PCSO Stephen Low - Franklands ward
* PCSO Gail McCall - town centre & Ashenground ward
* PCSO Jayne Milne - villages to the north west
* PCSO Christian Preece - Bentswood and Heath wards
* PCSO Becky Standing - Bentswood and Heath Wards
* PCSO Jo Wood - Warden Park School in Cuckfield and Oakmeeds School in
Burgess Hill
Speedwatch is going from strength to strength. Sharpthorne/West Hoathly
and Balcombe volunteers go out regularly; Foxhill have recently started a
scheme; Handcross, Staplefield and Scaynes Hill should all be up and
running very soon; and Lindfield are in the first stages and seeking
volunteers. Rachel Mundy, Geoff Bennett, Richard Wooding and PCs from the
Probationer Development Unit have been trained to use the speed gun for
enforcement in order to support Speedwatch schemes.
The North Downs Neighbourhood Watch Search Team now has 136 volunteers. As
well as searchers, some volunteers are trained as controllers, team
leaders and first aiders. The training takes place at Haywards Heath
police station, and a couple of exercises are arranged each year to put
the training into practice. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer
should contact Rachel Mundy.
Operation Defect is an ongoing
operation across the Haywards Heath area targeting speeding and
unroadworthy vehicles.
Operation Respect is running until at least the end of April, where extra
police resources are used on Friday and Saturday nights. Over the last
couple of months the NST has worked closely with Downland
Housing, Hyde
Housing and MSDC
to help combat anti-social behaviour problems in several wards, and have
most recently been concentrating on Bolnore Village. The NST has also been
working with the MSDC
Rangers to collate all the graffiti tags in the area. Numerous arrests
have been made and many of these crimes have now been detected.
Sergeant Rachel Mundy
|
|
East Grinstead
The East
Grinstead NST consists of one sergeant, one police constable, seven
PCSOs and five special constables. The team has evolved over the last
twelve months and our primary role is to be the first point of contact for
the local community. This contact can be made in a number of ways
including Local Action Teams, events, parish meetings, youth work or
one-to-one contact.
The NST staff have blogs on the Sussex Police website - www.sussex.police.uk
- which give monthly updates on what's happening and safety advice for all
areas within our district.
In the last few months East Grinstead has welcomed two new PCSOs to the
NST - Kiri Baxter and Derek Wall.
Kiri will be working in East Grinstead town centre, integrating with the
local business community as well as residents, shoppers and visitors to
the town. Derek will be working in the three main villages of Crawley
Down, Turners Hill and Copthorne, building links with the community as a
whole. We have four active community speed watch groups in the area and I
am pleased to say that Turners Hill have come back on line.
We welcome their hard work and the time they give as volunteers to assist
in making our roads safer.
Sergeant Jo Webb
|
The summer issue of Watch Out will be published in July.
Contributions to
Geoff Coe by 20th June, please! 01444 461326
|