Safer melbourn

Police & Neighbourhood Watch

Police Request

We are committed to delivering the highest possible standard of service to residents of Cambridgeshire. To do that we need to develop a better understanding of what people in Cambridgeshire think about their local police service.

We want to hear from you, even if you’ve never been a victim of crime. Have your say, complete our online survey and help us to improve our service. www.cambs.police.uk Julie Spence, Chief Constable

Dear Neighbours,

As you know we do experience a level of ASB in the Village from time to time !! May I recommend that you consider responding to the BBC TV Look-East website request for us to assist the BBC to fill in a map of East Anglia highlighting where the ASB hot spots are ?

To do this go to : www.bbc.co.uk/lookeast/ and click on the picture Icon Anti-Social Behaviour (middle left side of the website page) and then click on”Click here for the MapTube site to take part” I note at the moment that, according to reporting so far, our area appears to be totally dominated by the prevalence of only “boy-racers” !! Best Regards, Vic Nickson Village NHW Coordinator, Bassingbourn (Member of the Cambridgeshire NW Exec

Burglary Update – June/July 2008

I thought I would write to you all to let you know what we have been doing in the Community Safety Unit at Parkside Police Station.

As you know under Operation Promenade we are continuing to visit sheltered schemes and other residential areas during their coffee mornings to raise awareness regarding distraction burglary and rogue trading. Recently invitations to the coffee mornings have been received from Fulbourn, Bourn, Arrington and Grantchester.

We have also visited Church Close, Little Abington and Marshall’s Close Teversham to register the areas as ‘No Cold Calling’ zones to prevent traders from turning up unannounced and trying to sell goods at the door. The feedback so far from residents has been very positive. In addition to the ‘No Cold Calling’ signs we have also marked personal property in the homes with Smartwater.

Smartwater is a liquid forensic coding system made with a non-hazardous coded mix of chemicals in a water based solution. The system is similar to DNA profiling, each unique solution can be identified and authenticated. Each item is marked with the solution and once dry it is virtually impossible to remove, even a tiny trace can be analysed for evidence.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary also organised the first Cross Border Conference on bogus callers. The programme was aimed at improving the way we work and collaborate together across borders, on joint prevention and enforcement activity. Delegates represented a wide spread of partner agencies including Trading Standards, Neighbourhood Watch and Age Concern etc. As the event was so well received and resulted in, as Elvis Presley would say, “a little less conversation, a little more action”., it was agreed that something on this scale should be held regularly to ensure “best practice” is achieved at all times.

Cambridgeshire Police and Trading Standards are thrilled that they have now registered their 50th trader onto the Cambridgeshire County Council’s Registered Trader Scheme. As you know we would always advise residents not to use traders who cold call but to obtain a trader from the above register. Anyone over 60 years of age can use this scheme. Call your local

Melbourn Police Station

Melbourn Police Station opening hours have changed as follows:

Mon. 10.00 – 12.00 19.00 – 21.00

Tues. 10.00 – 12.00

Thurs. 10.00 – 12.00 The office is staffed by volunteers at the above times, but this is always subject to change.

NON EMERgENCy

PHONE NUMBER 0845 4564564 or 01480 456111

Age Concern number 01354 696650 for further details.

May I just finish by reminding you that we are seeing a spate of walk-in thefts due to doors and windows being left open in the warmer weather. Items taken have included purses, wallets, mobile phones and car keys.

Please remember a burglar only needs a few seconds to gain entry and steal your property.

Try not to leave handbags, wallets and car keys lying around just inside the door, please take the time to place them out of sight in a safe place.

Don’t forget, we still need your help to put a stop to these types of crimes. With thanks. Hilary Conner, Parkside Police Station

Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002

Seizure of vehicle causing harassment alarm or distress Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 refers to vehicles being used in a manner that is causing, or is likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public. (An example might be performing screeching ‘Handbrake turns’ in a housing estate) Where a constable or PCSO has reasonable grounds for believing that a motor vehicle is being or has been used on any occasion which contravenes: Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, Careless and inconsiderate driving or Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, driving on common land/moor land/land which is not part of a road/a footpath/ bridleway/restricted byway) and in a manner which is causing, or is likely to cause, alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public A warning can be issued to the driver and the registered owner should the vehicle be used in the commission of similar offences within twelve months the vehicle will be seized by police under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. The Warning includes; The same person using the same vehicle. The same person using another vehicle. A different person using the same vehicle. Charges in relation to the removal & retention of a motor vehicle Regulation 6 of The Police (Retention and Disposal of Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2002 refers to the charges payable in respect of the release of the motor vehicle. Currently the charge payable in respect of the vehicle’s removal is £105 and in respect of retention, £12 for each period of 24 hours or a part thereof during which the vehicle is in the custody of the authority.

www.cambs-police.co.uk/myneighbourhood/ecops/index.asp

Call Tina for a brochure on 01954 203447 or email gim me-gimiks@hotmail.co.uk

Meldreth Pre-School

Reg.Charity no.1034965

Village Hall Meldreth High Street

This friendly, non-profit making Pre-School now has spaces for September 2008.

We offer Morning, Lunch Club and Afternoon sessions to children between the ages of 2 and 5 years.

We offer a high staffing ratio, whilst maintaining competitive rates. £8.20 per session, £3.00 for Lunch Club

We accept Government Vouchers (which makes sessions for the over 3’s free)

For more information please Contact: Pre-School Leader, Jane Cable on 07952 295655 during Pre-School Hours (Mon/Tue 9-3, Wed/Thur/Fri 9-12.30) or telephone The Admissions Secretary, Yasmin Croxford on 01763 220246