Whiteley Neighbourhood Watch - News

Why not help to make our community safer by joining our local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.  Neighbourhood Watch is one of the largest and most successful crime prevention schemes ever and works not only to reduce crime but to build community spirit and good relations.  It brings local people closer together with the common goal of tackling crime and disorder and keeping an eye on each other's property.

How can I find out about what is happening in my local area? You can find up-to-date information and statistics about crime and disorder in your area on the Crime And Disorder Data Information Exchange (CADDIE) website.  CADDIE can help you see what is happening in your local area and how everyone is working together to reduce crime, tackle the fear of crime and promote quality of life issues around the Borough.

You can find general information and statistics about crime rates, health, education and jobs in your local area through the Office for National Statistics.  Simply follow the link below and type in your postcode to learn more about your neighbourhood.

SNPT

Just to clarify that SNPT means Safer Neighbourhood Police Teams. The Park Gate team , which covers a large area, includes Whiteley (Fareham) , Locks Heath , Park Gate , Tichfield Common , Warsash and Swanwick. They deal with low level crime and anti social behaviour and concentrate on problem youths in the area in partnership with Fareham Borough Council Anti social behaviour team. They consist of a Sergeant, 4 Police officers and 4 PCSO's. If you want to see the team , performance statistics and what they have been doing in our area please see their website.

How you can take action

Come and tell your Safer Neighbourhood teams what is important to you in your neighbourhood, and play your part in setting local priorities. Meet then at beat surgeries held at Whiteley Gull Coppice shops or Warsash Co-op or at Locks Heath Centre, at the following times and dates:

Western Wards - Wednesday 22nd February 2012

Locks Heathe Free Church, Hunts Pond Road, Locks Heath. PO14 4PG

Please acces the Community Action Team meetings page on the Fareham Borough Council Website. A member of your local Safer Neighbourhood team will be in attendance to answer your questions on your issues and concerns in your local area and agree Community Priorities that affect you.  We look forward to seeing you.

Community Action Team (CAT) Meeting Dates

The CAT meetings will start at 7pm until 8.30pm and take place in five areas across the Borough.

. Titchfield - Tuesday 24 January 2012 at The Malt Room, Titchfield Community Centre, Mill Street

. Crofton - Wednesday 15 February 2012 at Holy Rood Church, Gosport Road, Stubbington

. Western Wards - Wednesday 22 February at Locks Heath Free Church, Hunts Pond Road, Locks Heath

. Fareham Town - Monday 27 February at Ferneham Hall, Osborn Road, Fareham

. Portchester - Tuesday 28 February at Portchester Parish Hall, Assheton Court, off Castle Street

Whiteley Junior PCSO Scheme

Hampshire Constabulary has run several junior PCSO schemes in different areas and now Whiteley is having its turn. The scheme is to promote good citizenship and pride in the community along with a chance for the children to work together on something they will enjoy. The scheme will run once a week for 3 months for a trial period. If the response is good this maybe extended. They will be involved in picking up litter, sport, arts and experience visits from the police, fire, navy and other services. Whiteley Community Centre and Whiteley Primary School have assisted with starting the scheme and are making their facilities available.  Junior PCSO Scheme details.

Reporting a crime Are you confused about which number to call to report a crime? Here is a is a guide: Emergencies - 999 - in an emergency only. That means if life is threatened, people are injured, or a crime is currently in progress.

• Is someone injured?
• Is life in danger?
• Is violence involved?
• Is it happening now?

Non-emergencies - 101 - Call 101 to report non-emergency community safety issues such as:

• Vandalism and graffiti
• Noise nuisance
• Threatening and abusive behaviour
• Abandoned cars
• Fly-tipping
• Drunk and rowdy groups
• Drug related anti-social behaviour

If you use 101 for non-urgent issues you will relieve pressure on the 999 service which can mean the difference between life and death. As 101 is for non-emergency issues only, immediate help may not always be available. However, all information is passed to the relevant agencies so that long term solutions can be found and resources targeted better in the future. The 101 number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls cost a flat rate of 10p per call from landlines, mobile phones and are free from public pay phones.

Other activity - Call 0845 045 4545 to report other criminal activity or to pass on a message to a member of staff at Hampshire Constabulary.

Crimestoppers If you feel worried about reporting an issue to the police you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to make an anonymous report.  Crimestoppers will never ask you for your name, you will not have to make a statement to the police and will never have to give evidence in court.  Crimestoppers will record your infomation then pass it on to the police or relevant authority.

PROTECT YOUR CYCLE Here is a reminder to the public to keep their pedal cycles safe during the summer months. With the warmer weather, adults and children are more likely to be using bikes to get around. This fact will unfortunately create more opportunities for would-be thieves if bikes are left insecure. Police tend to say: "Secure it or lose it". The most common location for the theft of a pedal cycle is from a garden. People will often carelessly leave their bikes insecure at home as they assume it will be safe on their property. This is unfortunately a great opportunity for someone to steal a bike.

1) Over 50% of bikes are stolen in or around the house during burglaries or when the bike is left unattended - so it makes sense to lock it to something like a ground or wall anchor or inside a purpose built locker, shed or garage. (The more expensive the bike the more vulnerable it is). Never leave your cycle unlocked in your garden. 2) Always lock your bicycle, even if you are just leaving it for a couple of minutes. 3) Your bike should be secured with a top quality lock – a solid ‘D’ lock is better than a chain which can be cut through easier. Two locks are better secured through the frame at either end to a proper stand. Do not lock solely through the wheels, these can be easily removed. 4) Do not leave your bike in isolated areas. 5) Use proper cycle stands and frames wherever possible 6) Take with you anything that is easily removable/detachable from the bike (e.g. saddles, wheels, lights, bottles etc) 7) Ask employers and building managers to provide cycle stands which are secured inside lockable buildings or cages as this is much safer. 8) When buying a new bike ask the sales professional about security advice.

GOING ON HOLIDAY - security checklist

Your home is most vulnerable when you are on holiday. Here are some easy hints to make sure that you take all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your house and your possessions.

• Make sure ALL doors and windows are closed and locked before you leave
• Set all the alarms (need an alarm? dasecurity)
• Let your neighbours know you are going away
• All keys and financial documents should be securely locked away
• Ask a neighbour or friend to check on the house regularly and to push the post through the door or post box, make the house look occupied, draw the curtains, and water the garden and outdoor plants
• Consider putting your lights and a radio on timer so it seems like someone is in

Arson You can help to reduce the risk of arson in our local area by following these simple tips or by checking out the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Website:

In the home

• Make sure that there is a strong front door fitted with strong locks and a chain.
• Close all windows when the house is empty.
• Lock all doors.
• Don't let rubbish accumulate and keep bins away from the house.

In the car

• At night, park in a well lit place.
• Remove the ignition key, close all the windows and lock the car.
• Fit and use an anti-theft device.
• Report abandoned cars to the police.

At school

• Litter bins should be emptied twice a day.
• Doors throughout the school should be closed at the end of the day.
• At night windows should be securely fastened.
• All fires no matter how small should be reported to the Fire Service.
• Witnessing an incident of arson or criminal damage
• If you witness an incident of criminal damage or arson taking place you should call the Police on 999.  If you discover evidence of criminal damage after an incident has taken place you should call 101 to report the issue.

Trading Standards

For advice and information on rights when shopping for goods and services and dealing with faulty goods, on scams and rip-offs you can contact Hampshire County Council Trading Standards.

Other useful Links

Home Office victim support and advice

Home Office advice on tackling joy riding or dangerous and illegal driving

Last Updated on Monday, 23 January 2012 18:57