cambridgeshire
www.melbourncambridge.co.uk/safermelbourn/
Street Fouling by Dogs
Policing
Once again there have been complaints about irresponsible dog owners in the village who allow their dogs to foul in public places, particularly around the Primary School. Under the Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act 2005, this is an offence and carries a fine of up to £1,000, or a fixed penalty up to the maximum.
Emerging Issues
Toxocara canis Dogs’ mess contains a natural parasite called Toxocara canis, commonly called Roundworm. The roundworm infection is spread by the parasite’s eggs in the faeces. The dog owner is unlikely to notice any signs of this. However, the Toxocara eggs, once on the ground and in the soil, are invisible and are quickly spread by earthworms and insects. The parasite eggs can remain active for many years, long after the dog mess has weathered away. If the eggs are swallowed by a child or adult, through hand to mouth contact, the worms hatch out and burrow through the gut wall, spreading into the blood stream. They may then enter body tissues. Symptoms of an infection include stomach upsets, sore throats, dizziness, nausea, asthma and epileptic fits. If they enter the eye they can cause permanent blindness, a condition, which affects 100–200 people each year in the UK. Immediate clearance of any dog faeces will avoid the eggs being spread. There are 17 bins throughout the village and dog owners are asked to use these dog bins to deposit the excrement. If a bin is not available the dog faeces should be taken home and disposed of in a hygienic manner. Do not put dog mess in the green or blue rubbish bins. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. We thank the majority of dog owners in the village who act responsibly, but the minority are unfortunately tarnishing the image of the majority of pet owners.
Bassingbourn/Melbourn Area Neighbourhood trends Total crime in our area has increased slightly compared to the previous three month period (141 offences vs. 137 offences) and also increased compared to the same period last year when 126 offences were reported. Dwelling burglary offences have increased to 14 from a usually low base. Offences of this type are continuing to occur in villages to the west and south west of Cambridge and are receiving priority attention. Anti-social behaviour (ASB) levels have decreased in comparison with the previous period (76 incidents vs.134 incidents) but also in comparison to the same period last year when 127 incidents were reported.
Melbourn (Melbourn, Gt Chishill, Lt Chishill and Heydon) Crime Offence levels in Melbourn have increased compared to the previous period (34 offences vs. 30 offences) but decreased compared to the same period last year (41 offences). Dwelling Burglaries have remained stable with 3 offences in both this period and the previous. This is a slight decrease from last year when 4 were reported in the same period. There was no pattern between the three offences. There were 5 Theft from Vehicle offences, which is a slight increase from 4 offences in the last period. Tools were targeted in 3 out of 5 of the offences.
To help pinpoint problems and find practical solutions to reduce anti-social behaviour in the village, Melbourn’s Practical Solutions Group (PSG) has recognised that a less formal and more inclusive approach is required to achieve its aims. This group remains multi-agency, and can work with and include Melbourn residents (young and old). If you are affected by ASB would like to be involved in this worthwhile project then please get in touch by using the contact form at; www.melbourncambridge.co.uk/ problemsolving or phone 01763 221323
melbournmagazine
21
