cambridgeshire
www.melbourncambridge.co.uk/safermelbourn/
Melbourn’s Anti-Social Behaviour Problem Solving Group What is Melbourn’s problem? Melbourn has the highest number of reported incidents of antisocial behaviour (ASB) in our policing neighbourhood, and the fact that this has consistently been the case for some time, has come to the attention of Cambridgeshire’s Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP). The CDRP, which is chaired by the County Council, monitors problem areas in the county. It recognises that the ASB problem in Melbourn is deep rooted, and therefore suggested that a Problem Solving Group (PSG) be set up, with a membership comprising parish, district and county councillors, district and county council officers, the police, youth workers, and Neighbourhood Watch. Working together in a positive and creative way, the PSG is looking for possible solutions to reduce ASB problems in the village. This will include, for instance, examining the feasibility of carrying out physical changes to the ASB “hotspots” to reduce their appeal to the troublemakers, and the possible provision of enhanced youth work resources. It is still early days for the PSG, but for it to be successful it must have a true picture of what’s going on in the village. The police provide information on reported incidents and it is very important that incidents of ASB are reported by residents whenever possible, but what about the problems that go unreported? The village website www.melbourncambridge.co.uk has just launched ‘Speakers’ Corner’. This gives people the opportunity to comment on issues of village life, including (although by no means limited to) problems you may be having with ASB. Although these comments will be anecdotal, they will have value to groups such as the PSG as it could give a fuller picture of what is going on. It is also possible that solutions might be suggested that had not been previously considered. Of course important issues should always be reported to the relevant authorities, but if you have matters relating to village life that you think need to be aired, please let us all know by going to Speakers Corner and having your say.
Melbourn’s Problem Solving group (PSG) has just launched its own website so if you would like to know more about the group go to: www.melbourncambridge.co.uk/problemsolving/ If you suffer from Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in the village and would like to bring it to the attention of the Problem Solving Group, there is a contact form on the site. If you are not on the Internet you can either call the police non emergency number 0345 456 456 4 and ask to speak to Melbourn’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, or contact Melbourn’s Parish Clerk, both will pass on messages to the group.
Melbourn NPT team The advice below will help to reduce the risk of becoming a victim following a high number of recent activities of shed burglaries in the area. • Postcode your property and keep a record of the serial and model number of your equipment. Lock valuable items such as bikes even though they are stored in a shed and outbuilding. Take photographs of valuable equipment. • Erect a strong fence to make it more difficult for burglars to get into your back garden. A thick hedge around your garden, ideally dense and prickly, is just as good as a fence for keeping out intruders. Gravel garden paths. Walking on gravel is quite noisy and will alert you to someone on your property. Ensure your garden gate is secure. Try to keep hedges and fences in front gardens low. The burglar’s fear of being seen is an important factor. Ensure tools and garden equipment are locked securely out of sight. In an emergency, when a life is in danger or there is a risk of violence or serious injury or when a serious crime is being committed please call 999. For all non-emergencies, general enquiries and to report crime please call 0345 456 456 4. To give information anonymously about crime, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Speakers Corner can be found at www.melbourn.org.uk/speakers-corner/ Stephen Cambery Melbourn Neighbourhood Watch
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www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
www.cambs-police.co.uk/myneighbourhood/ecops/index.asp
