BROADSTONE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

A lot of attention is now being paid to anti-social and nuisance behaviour. As from October 2004 all Police Officers in uniform have had the authority to issue fixed penalty notices on the streets, as well as in custody centres. If the fine of £60 is not paid within 21 days the penalty is increased to £90 and officially registered as a fine.

Full use is being made of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABC's) and AntiSocial Behaviour Orders (ASBO's) Breach of an ASBO is now most likely to lead to detention or imprisonment.

The Watch continues to draw attention to the dangers of Cold calling, Door Stop Selling and Bogus Callers/Distraction Selling. If you are threatened or feel intimidated by such callers do not hesitate to call the Police. Support has been growing for a national campaign to ban cold calling for selling property repairs or other home services, or even to ban it altogether.

The availability of alcohol fuels much of the anti-social behaviour. The Police and Trading Standards are stepping up their campaign to monitor all licensed premises regarding sales to under 18's and those flouting under age drinking laws will face prosecution and loss of licence. If you suspect that under-age sales of alcohol are being made please contact the Police (552099) or Trading Standards (261700) or Crimestoppers (0800 555111) Only use 999 in an emergency - that is when life is at risk, or a crime is in progress.

Watch members can be the eyes and ears of the Police. Information and intelligence is needed to ensure that they can reduce crime, tackle problem areas and catch more criminals. As the Chief Constable has said: The Community must contribute; the Police cannot do everything.

You can help by:

1. Becoming a member, if you are not one already (minimum 50p per household per annum)

2. Setting up a Watch group in your area.

3. Offering to help with the running of an existing group.

4. Letting us or the Police know about your safety or security concerns or anti-social activities in your area.

Together we can make a difference. For further information please contact the Chairman David Williams (695341) or the Secretary Babs Benstead (692388) or come along and meet our Community Beat Officer PC1466 Nick Wyer at our monthly (except December) Surgery on the last Saturday of the month in Broadstone Library between 10.00-12.00.

Archive Winter 2004 | next

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