A Neighbourhood Watch meeting, organised by the Appraisal Group as part of the developed action plan,
was held in the village hall at the end of November 2004.
This initiative was undertaken by the Appraisal Group on behalf of the village,
due to the many requests to develop and expand the existing groups during the appraisal consultations.
The Regional Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator, Carol Rudd, gave a very interesting presentation
and explained what a neighbourhood watch is and how they can work to the
benefit of our village. It seems on average that the likelihood of being
burgled is about 1 in 35. This drops quite significantly to 1 in 344 when your
home is covered by an active scheme, and drops further to 1 in 1350 with a
deadlock fitted to your front door. On this basis many insurance companies
offer an insurance discount of 2 - 10% for homes covered by an active scheme.
Carol explained that the watch coordinator acts as a liaison point between
a group of about 6 to 20 neighbours and the area administrator at Abingdon
police station. 'Ringmaster' is used to convey important messages to the
coordinators, who in turn pass these on to the members of their scheme.
Thus, the system provides a fast and effective way for the police to
communicate with local communities.
Very little time is actually involved,
even for a coordinator, in running a scheme. As part of a local group, you
are encouraged to take sensible precautions to protect your property and if
you do see anything that may be important, to report it to the police on the
non-emergency number 08458 505 505. Useful and informative booklets
are available and the local Crime Reduction Advisor is also available to offer
a survey and advice, free of charge, via the above contact number.
PC Brian Price, who covers the area this side of Wheatley and has been
our local beat officer for the last few years, gave a summary of the local
crime figures and answered general questions on policing matters. Everyone
was pleased to hear of the low local crime rate and of the high detection
rate, around 1 in 5 crimes.
The South Oxfordshire district continues to have the lowest levels of
violent crime in the county and is also well below the average level for crime
and burglaries in the southeast. In order to get a higher police presence
in the village, the requirement, as dictated by government policy, must first
be proven. This is best done by us all ensuring that all crimes are reported
to the non-emergency number 08458 505 505.
Brian was accompanied by one of the two new community support
officers, who will be conducting random patrols in the area and also helping
with checks on non-urgent crime reports.
Our existing local watch coordinators were pleased to hear of the
continued improvements to the system and encouraged by the level of
support shown at the meeting. Several villagers put their names forward to
help or expressed interest in launching new watches, so (with your help too)
this may result in a new watch group being set up in your area.
If you are interested in helping please call any of:
Mick Hills tel. ******, Steve Daniels tel. ******
or speak to the Regional Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator,
Carol Rudd on 01235 556 957
For any emergency requiring a police presence call 999
It's an emergency if a crime is being committed,
there is a risk of injury or a risk of serious damage to property.
For non-emergency incidents or general enquiries
(or to contact the Community policeman PC Brian Price)
08458 505 505.
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Reduce the fear of crime