Home Watch News
2010 AGM Highlights
Below is a summary of the main points of this meeting, held on 9th April, 2011 at Braeside Village Hall.
* Guest speakers included Russ Pearce (NHS Dorset) and Steve Frost (South West Ambulance Service)
* Committee and Accounts Examiner re-elected – 3 resignation, 1 new committee members.
* Brian Frecknall (PACT Chairman) manned the hall display highlighting various safety literature and security items that can be purchased from the Community Office at the Barrington Centre, Ferndown. This office is well worth a visit.
* The Police reported a decrease in crime, in part due to the introduction of the Quad bike which gave the police greater access to forestry areas.
* Finances are healthy with the main source of income being the membership subscriptions. Printing costs is our highest expense.
* Russ Pearce and Steve Frost gave interesting talks on the Hampshire based 'Out of Hours' service and Dorset based Treatment Centre at St. Leonards hospital.
Partners and Communities Together (PACT)
PACT is a multi agency organisation working to support the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) and a panel has been formed to serve the needs of our parish. The panel consists of your local Parish and District Councils, Dorset Police and Fire Services, Forestry Commission and country parks, Home Watch, the Youth Club and the Village Hall. The brief is to address issues that cause the greatest concern to the majority of the local population. Current priorities are parking in the emergency exit to Avon Heath Country Park on Boundary Lane, parking of cars for sale on the green area at Woolsbridge Road roundabout, dog fouling in Horton Road park, obstruction caused by parking near entrance to Castleman Trailway at the end of Hurn Road, parking in St. Ives Wood and Whitfield Park and illegal activities near Matchams View.
Should you have any comments for PACT, contact Brian Frecknall (PACT Chairman) at v.frecknall@btopenworld.com or the Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101 or 07825 521779.
CRIMESTOPPERS - a registered charity with an anonymous hotline 0800 555 111 allows members of the public to give information about any crime without being in fear of retribution. The main Crimestoppers website address is www.crimestoppers-uk.org which is full of useful information.
Crimestoppers Dorset has its own board made up of volunteer members who work hard to raise awareness. This has brought some excellent results and it would be great as a community if we can work together and help each other. They are always looking for more people to join their board, and for sponsors. If you would like any further information please contact Rachelle Randall (police co-ordinator for Dorset) on 01202 226144, email rachelle.randall@dorset.pnn.police.uk or Richard Daubeney (Chairman of Dorset Board) on 01202 601540.
SHEDUCATE
Burglaries of sheds and garages are increasing, so:
- Secure the access to your shed or garage by locking gates and using thorny bushes next to walls and fences
- Have you visibly marked the contents of your shed? Make a note of serial numbers and photograph valuable plants and ornaments
- External security lights which are activated by movement are a useful deterrent
- Doors require attention. Use strong padbars and close shackle padlocks. Up and over garage doors supplied with standard lock fittings should also be fitted with a padlock or lockable bolt. Windows should be secured with locks or grilles
- Use coach bolts or non-return screws to secure door hinges
- Chain cycles, mowers, ladders and tools to a strong anchorage point
- Alarms for sheds and garages are available for under £20 from the Community Office at the Barrington Centre, Ferndown, who can also provide security advice, or most DIY stores
- Together we'll crack crime. Join a home watch scheme
- Exactly what insurance cover do you have? Check that your household policy covers you for theft from your garden and outbuildings
101 NON EMERGENCY NUMBER
Effective from 19th September 2011 members of the public should dial 101 to contact the policy for non-urgent/non-emergency calls. This replaces the 01202 222222 number.
Call 101 to contact the police:
* to give information about crime in your area
* to speak to police about a general enquiry
* if your car has been stolen
* if your property has been damaged
* if you suspect drug use or dealing in your area
* to report a minor traffic accident
In an emergency (when a crime is in progress or life is at risk) always dial 999.