Month: May 2017

Update from the Avon and Somerset Neighbourhood Watch Association

23 May 2017

Chief Constable Andy Marsh and Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens met with members of the newly formed Avon and Somerset Neighbourhood Watch Association (ASNWA) Interim Committee to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday 18 May.

The Association is a force level body within the National NHW Network and the Interim Committee hope it will provide support for NHW across Avon and Somerset. The signing of the MoU, marks the official launch of the formal relationship between the Association and the Constabulary.

The Association’s Interim Chair, Dr Egils Praulitis, said: “I am delighted that we are able to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with the Constabulary and the PCC. This marks a very positive step forward for Neighbourhood Watch in Avon and Somerset.

“Our aim is to provide support to our membership and to work with the police to further develop the role of Neighbourhood Watch and make it more effective and proactive, helping to prevent crime and bring people together to establish cohesive and solid communities.

“The Constabulary is developing a Citizens Syllabus, and we will be working with them to help create masterclasses to help Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators support their schemes, to share best practice, new ideas, and to ensure that together we are providing our volunteers with the skills and knowledge they need to deliver the best possible service.”

Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “Neighbourhood Watch has long been a valuable partner to both the Constabulary and our local communities. The further development of the Association and the signing of this Memorandum will strengthen the working relationship between the police and Neighbourhood Watch, which can only be of benefit to the public.

“It is vital we all work together not only to prevent crime but to ensure we create unified communities where everyone, particularly the most vulnerable in our society, feel safe. Neighbourhood Watch can play a huge part in helping to achieve this and I am grateful to all the volunteers involved across Avon and Somerset.”

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “I’m delighted that Avon and Somerset now officially has its own Neighbourhood Watch Association. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding demonstrates the importance that both the Chief Constable and I place on the volunteer watch schemes operating across Avon and Somerset.

“Neighbourhood Watch is essential in keeping our communities safe. It gives local people a vital role in passing on crucial information,  looking out for fellow residents and ensuring we’re all doing all we can to fight crime and bring offenders to justice.”

Dr Praulitis added: “All NW co-ordinators and NW schemes within the Avon and Somerset force area are automatically part of this new Association.   We are looking for people to join the Interim Committee to help us move forwards, define and influence our next steps and to provide new skills and perspective to refresh the path of Neighbourhood Watch in Avon and Somerset.

“The Association wants to hear from you. Please visit the new website https://www.asnwa.org/ to get more information about the ASNWA and send in your questions and suggestions online. We will create a FAQ section where we can reply and start working through the issues you raise. There is also an opportunity for those with IT and media skills to help us develop our online provision, there is more information and contact details on our website.

“We will keep you up-to-date with further developments over the coming month as we move forwards and agree our next steps.  You can also follow us on Twitter @asnwassociation and like us on Facebook accounts (search Avon & Somerset Neighbourhood Watch Association) for our latest news.”

Following the recent incidents in Manchester, the following is the latest update from our Chief Constable, Andy Marsh.

Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of those who were killed and injured in the heinous attack on Monday.

Last night (23/5) the threat level of international terrorism in the UK was raised to ‘critical’ – meaning another attack may be imminent.

This is a national threat level and is based on intelligence that is considered credible and specific. As a result, military personnel will be deployed alongside police at a number of locations across the country. This is to free up armed officers from certain duties and to enable them to support the wider UK policing response to the tragic events in Manchester.

There is currently no known threat to the South West and it is unlikely members of the public will see military on the streets of Avon and Somerset although the situation is being kept under constant review.

As a precautionary measure we have increased the number of officers on duty to provide a highly visible, reassurance presence – both armed and unarmed – across the force area and we will do this for as long as is needed.

We have long and well-established plans in place to deal with attacks of this nature and we rehearse them regularly with partners to ensure we are as ready as we possibly can be. We’re doing everything possible to keep people safe.

The public are reminded to remain alert but not alarmed and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity to us on 101 or to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency the public should always call 999

The below message is sent on behalf of the Chief Constable Andy Marsh, following the events in Manchester last evening.

This was a tragic event and our hearts go out to the loved ones of those who were killed and injured.

The sustained and determined threat of terrorism casts a shadow across all our communities and our priority is to reassure them that we’re doing everything we can to keep them safe.

Prior to this appalling incident, plans were already in hand to review our local security arrangements for venues and crowded places.

We have rigorous major incident plans in place which are regularly tested and reviewed during exercises with partner agencies such as ambulance, health and fire to ensure we are as prepared as we possibly can be.

At times like these it’s more important than ever that we stand together as a community and unite against this kind of horrific attack.

Avon and Somerset Police Force have issued their latest update regarding the local NHW scheme.  To read the details please click on the link below.

150523 – Avon and Somerset – NHW

The Emergency Services will have a joint stand at this year’s Royal Bath & West Show between 31 May and 3 June located adjacent to the `purple gate’. If you are attending the show do pop in, we will be pleased to see you.

MONTHLY OVERVIEW – April

Below figures relate to the Exmoor beat area:

115 calls from your beat area
29 were listed as crimes, including:
1 Assault
0 Assault on Police
5 dwelling burglary (+ 1 attempt)
1 Non dwelling burglary (+ 1 attempt)
5 criminal damage – property
2 criminal damage – vehicles
3 theft from motor vehicles
0 theft of motor vehicle
0 theft of pedal cycles
0 theft from shops
Remainder Miscellaneous

Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) – 5 reports across the beat – relating to noise nuisance, motor bikes in a quarry.

Beat Surgeries:

10 May, St Dubriscius primary school 10.30-11.30am
11 May, The Old Dairy, Timberscombe, 10.30-11.30am

If you have information about suspicious incidents or activity please telephone the police on the general number 101 – always ask the call handler to mark, or tag, your call Neighbourhood Watch.

W257 28042017 AW050, Exmoor

Overnight of 26-27 April a garage at a property near Upton was forced open and a search made.

Overnight 25-26 April outbuilding at another property in Upton was broken into and strimmers stolen.

W227 13042017 AW050, Exmoor

REMINDER – ensure sheds, garages and outbuildings are kept secure with good quality locks, hinges and door furniture. Consider securing valuable equipment with extra chains and padlocks. Property mark tools and equipment and consider alarming the buildings.

Use the following link for advisory leaflet. https://www.aspolicestaysafe.co.uk/ViewerJS/#..//wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Securing-your-garden-and-outbuildings_CJ014.pdf

Information from Neighbourhood Watch schemes is always valued. When you telephone 101 with information please ask the call handler to `tag the call NHW’. In March we received 4 such calls with information ranging from criminal damage to anti social behaviour, parking issues and an abandoned vehicle – we are sure that there is more than that coming in from schemes on a regular basis.

MONTHLY OVERVIEW – March – Police received over 14,000 calls to the Communication Centre from members of the public across Somerset.

Below figures relate to the Exmoor beat area:

87 calls from your beat area
14 were listed as crimes, including:
0 Assault
0 Assault on Police
2 dwelling burglary (+ 0 attempt)
0 Non dwelling burglary (+ 0 attempt)
2 criminal damage – property
0 criminal damage – vehicles
0 theft from motor vehicles
1 theft of motor vehicle
0 theft of pedal cycles
0 theft from shops

remainder miscellaneous

Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) – 4 reports across the beat. Relating to off-road driving by 4x4s on Moorland.

PACT/Have Your Say – Exmoor Panel meeting on 8 June at Wheddon Cross.

If you have information about suspicious incidents or activity please telephone the police on the general number 101 – always ask the call handler to mark, or tag, your call Neighbourhood Watch.

W181 03042017 AW050, Exmoor

1 April 2017 – break in at property in Brompton Ralph. Garage door forced open and a petrol can was stolen.

Between 29 March -1 April 2017 – break in at another property in Brompton Ralph.  Access gained into outbuilding but nothing stolen.

31 March 2017 – Early hours of damage caused to stock fencing on land just outside Brompton Ralph.

27 March 2017 – A number of properties in Huish Moor had locks wrenched off outbuilding doors and a number of items were taken including 2 chainsaws.

20 March 2017 – Drive entrance Paddocks Farm.  At 17.35 a black car, Vauxhall, KF55 VLD was recorded in the driveway. The two occupants, one chubby 5ft 10″- 6ft fair hair and another similar height, dark hair, beard and moustache.  The occupants were both outside the car and one was taking pictures of the entrance.  This incident has been reported to Louise Fyne,  Avon & Somerset Police and acknowledged.  The DVLA confirms the above vehicle is untaxed.