Safer Neighbourhoods
Detectives continue to question murder suspect after woman's death on the Isle of Wight
Detectives from the Hampshire Major Investigation Team have more time to question a man on suspicion of murdering a woman on the Isle of Wight.
Police were called to a house in St. John's Road shortly after 1.30am this morning (Friday, May 25, 2012). The body of a woman, aged in her 50s from the Isle of Wight, was found at the address.
A 53-year-old man from the Isle of Wight was arrested at 1.50am at the address on suspicion of murder. He can now be questioned in police custody until tomorrow afternoon (Saturday, May 26, 2012) following an application by detectives to a police superintendent.
Hampshire Constabulary family liaison officers are keeping next-of-kin informed about the progress of the investigation.
A post-mortem examination is continuing this evening (Friday, May 25, 2012).
Detectives cannot speculate on the cause of death while a suspect is being interviewed. However, there remains no information to suggest a wider risk to the community at this time.
Police will not be able to name the victim in the media until all formal identification procedures are completed.
The house in St. John’s Road remains sealed off to preserve evidence.
Police would like to thank members of the public for their help with enquiries in the community so far.
Anyone with information can contact CID at Newport police station by phoning 101 and asking for the Operation Passfield team. Mini-com users can phone 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Appeal for information after cars damage near Ryde on the Isle of Wight
Police are investigating a suspected hit-and-run road traffic collision in Ashey Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, shortly before 1am on Sunday, March 11, 2012.
Residents in the area heard a loud bang and saw some vehicles being driven away from the scene towards Upton Road and Swanmore Road. Damage was then discovered on two cars, a Ford Mondeo and a Ford Fiesta, parked on Ashey Road near the junctions with Rosemary Lane and Woodland View.
If anyone saw the collision or can provide information about any vehicles with recent front end damage, please contact PC Adam Brown at Newport police station by phoning 101. Mini-com users can phone 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by the phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Appeal after criminal damage to cars parked in Ryde
Police are investigating reports of criminal damage to cars parked in the Argyll Street area in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
Officers are making enquiries into damage to 20 vehicles between 7pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012 and 8.30am on Sunday, February 26, 2012.
The reports of damage consist of scratch marks to each of the vehicles.
Police have carried out forensic and house-to-house enquiries in the area.
The Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team is appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about a group of people acting suspiciously in the area.
p>Please contact Ryde police station by phoning 101. Mini-com users can contact police by phoning 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Appeal for more information after assaults on a woman in Ryde
Police are continuing to investigate a report of two assaults on a woman in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
Officers are making further enquiries after a 39-year-old woman from the town was attacked in the High Street outside Mellish's post office by four women.
The victim has also told police that she was also assaulted several minutes later by the same four women at the traffic lights in St. John’s Road. She received injuries to her chest, face, arms and legs. They were not believed to be life-threatening.
It's believed the two assaults took place sometime between 8pm and 9pm on Saturday, January 28, 2012.
Police have been pursuing several lines of enquiry over the past week to establish the exact chain of events.
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact by phoning 101. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Police warning over scam on the Isle of Wight
Police are issuing a warning after a pensioner on the Isle of Wight was conned out of more than £3,000.
The 72-year-old victim from Wootton Bridge near Ryde lost £3,525 to a man falsely claiming to be Bob Anderson, a senior investigating officer from the Ministry of Justice.
He alleged that there was £37,500 available to the victim, but the Ministry of Justice required a fee for the transaction. The victim then made payments via Western Union transactions, one of which has been sent to India.
Investigating officer PC Paul Spreadbury said: “Police would like the public to be vigilant with unsolicited phone callers, who claim they’re from the Ministry of Justice, and that the people being targeted have money owed to them. Anyone who receives such a call should ask first for the name of the person phoning, the organisation they’re calling from, and their phone number. If you think you are being targeted, ask the caller for as many details regarding the organisation as possible, including address. Do not give out any information, and contact the organisation to confirm whether the request is genuine. Where possible, dial 1471 after the call has ended to find out if the caller’s number can be obtained."
Anyone concerned that they have been targeted by a scam can contact either Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards on 01983 821000 or the police on 101. Pass any telephones numbers to police as this may help with our investigation. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Furthermore, if you believe you have been a victim of this scam, the Ministry of Justice advises that you should report the matter to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via their website at www.actionfraud.org.uk.To go direct to the reporting form click here.
Op Holly - 43 arrests in first week of drink/drive campaign
Roads policing officers have arrested 43 people on suspicion of drink driving less than one week into Hampshire Constabulary's campaign Op Holly.
Op Holly was launched on December 1 and is aimed at targeting drink and drug drivers around the festive season.
In the four days since the launch of the campaign, the Roads Policing Unit has stopped 338 vehicles and carried out 320 breath tests. Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, there have been 43 arrests relating to driving while under the influence of alcohol.
The 43 arrests show a 126 per cent increase on arrests during the same period in 2010.
Of those arrested, 36 were male [84%] and seven were female [16%].
In total, 33 of the 43 arrested [77%] have been charged, with seven bailed [16%] and three released with no further action [7%].
Last year, the youngest person arrested in the first four days of the campaign was 20 years of age, the oldest was 50. In 2011, so far, the youngest is 17 years old, the oldest is 76.
The campaign, which runs until January 1, 2012, will see police targeting individuals they suspect of driving under the influence of drink or drugs, both on the way home from nights out and the morning after a heavy night.
Officers have also held presentations to almost 2,000 service personnel, warning of the dangers of drink driving, with a particular emphasis on the morning after a night of drinking.
Superintendent Chris Brown, head of Roads Policing for Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police, said: “Drink or drug driving is a choice you make. If you make the wrong decision you face a driving ban, up to £5,000 in fines and a criminal record – and that’s only the best case scenario.
“The bottom line is that there is no excuse for drink driving. It’s a choice that costs people their jobs, their relationships and their lives, not to mention the lives of others.
“Our message is very simple, very clear. Do not drink and drive. Do not take the risk.”
Hampshire Constabulary is asking members of the public across the two counties to text 80999 to report anyone they suspect of driving drink or being drug impaired behind the wheel.
The information will be received anonymously, and senders simply need to text the precise location where the driver was last seen, direction of travel if possible, and as many vehicle details as possible – most importantly the number plate.
The number is a text-only service, and will not take phone calls but anyone witnessing a drink drive offence in progress can call 999.
Supt Brown said: “While the battle against drink driving is a year-long fight, it’s particularly an issue at Christmas when many people are out celebrating or going to parties.
“By reporting those you suspect of driving under the influence of drink or drugs you could be saving their life, or the lives of others. I’d urge people to remember the 80999 number this Christmas and most importantly, not drink and drive.”
Christmas drink/drive campaign 2011 – 12
With the festive season fast approaching, this week sees the launch of this year’s Christmas drink and drug impaired driving campaign focussed on stopping people from drinking and driving and preventing casualties on our roads.
The official launch this year will be between Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police, whose Roads Policing teams work together under one joint operational unit, at Benham Hill in Thatcham on Monday (November 28)
At the launch, double Le Mans winning, Aston Martin Racing driver, Darren Turner, will to talk about his experience of taking to the track in his racing car simulator while under the influence of alcohol, in an experiment to see drink-by-drink, how alcohol affected his driving ability as he drove laps of the famous Monaco circuit.
You can watch the Youtube video produced by Thames Valley Police to see how Darren got on during the experiement below.
Also attending will be Head of Joint Operations Unit for Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary, Supt Chris Brown and Inspector Colin Clark who is in charge of running the campaign in the Thames Valley.
During the month of Operation Holly, officers will run pro-active operations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight targeting drink and drug impaired drivers, and we will, for the first time, be maximising use of Twitter and Facebook by tweeting every stop and activity at several upcoming operations which will be publicised in advance.
The themes for the four weeks of the campaign across the two counties are:
- w/c 28 Nov Launch week
- w/c 5 Dec Designated Driver Week
- w/c 12 Dec Impact of drink driving on others
- w/c 19 Dec Morning After Driving
- w/c 26 Dec Get Ready for New Year
As part of this year’s campaign, we will be releasing several hard hitting videos featuring first-hand accounts by a convicted drink driver about the impact her conviction has had on her life, and from police officers who have had the terrible duty of attending a fatal road traffic collision at Christmas and the impact on the families.
Superintendent Chris Brown, head of Roads Policing for Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police, said: "Our message is very simple, very clear. Do not drink and drive. Do not take the risk.
"Our officers will be conducting operations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from the end of November until the beginning of January as this is the time of year that people tend to drink and party more.
"But it is also important to remember that our work targeting drinking and drug impaired driving never ends – it is year round, and its consequences are felt year round, too.
"We are asking the public to be safe rather than sorry. Collisions involving alcohol or drugs not only devastate the lives of victims and their families, they also ruin the lives of offenders, who could face a lengthy driving ban or imprisonment.
"As well as having to live with the lifelong guilt of having killed or injured someone through their reckless behaviour, offenders could also lose their job, home and their livelihood.
"If you are going out and know you will be drinking, organise alternative transport or a designated driver to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the festive period safely."
To get the very latest progress and information on Operation Holly follow @HantsPolice or @HantspolRoads on Twitter or check out our Hampshire Constabulary Facebook page.
Robbery report in Ryde investigated by police
Police are investigating a report of a robbery in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
A 27-year-old man from the town has told police he was approached by a group of young men who attacked him and stole his wallet and mobile phone.
The robbery is believed to have taken place in the area of Nelson Street near the junctions with Melville Street and Vernon Square sometime between 3am and 3.45am on Sunday, December 4, 2011.
Witnesses or anyone else with information about what happened and who was involved are asked to contact CID at Newport Police Station by phoning 101. Mini-com users can call 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Invitation to set policing priorities for Ryde
Residents in part of Ryde are being invited to have their say on the latest local policing priorities.
The Safer Neighbourhoods team for the Swanmore and Haylands beat is holding an extra police surgery to meet members of the public next week.
The event takes place on Thursday, December 8, 2011 between 6pm and 9pm at Ryde Academy in Pell Lane.
Sergeant Andy Gill from the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “The interest and support of local residents is crucial to help us target the issues that matter most at the right times. We aim to keep crime down by maintaining an active presence in every neighbourhood. An excellent service can only be provided with the co-operation of the community. I would like to call on as many people as possible to spare some time to come and see us next Thursday night. Your views are important to ensure effective policing where you live.”
Overall crime levels in Ryde are down by five per cent since April 2011, when compared to the same eight months last year. The team will continue regular house-to-house ‘street mapping’ surveys across the town as well to gauge people’s opinions about crime in their area.
Also available at the event will be advice on crime prevention techniques, including tips on how to protect your home and property. Hampshire Constabulary is reinforcing its work to stop and catch burglars during Operation Nemesis this autumn and winter.
The Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team can be contacted by phoning 101 or emailing ryde.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk . Mini-com users can call 01962 875000.
Police are appealing for more witnesses after several reports of criminal damage to cars in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
Wing mirrors on cars parked in Millward Road were damaged between 5.15pm and 5.35pm on Sunday, November 20, 2011. A suspect was seen running away from the area in the direction of Well Street.
The suspect was described as:
- A white man
- Tall
- Light short hair
- Wearing a grey jacket, light coloured jeans, and white trainers
Police have carried out house-to-house enquiries in the area and would like to thank people who have provided information already. Any other witnesses or people with information are asked to contact PCSO Darren Fennell at Ryde Police Station by phoning 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Investigation into fights reported in Ryde on the Isle of Wight
Police are appealing for witnesses after reports of disorder at and near a pub in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
Officers were called to ‘The Star pub’ in the High Street at around 8.30pm on Saturday, November 19, 2011 when two people became involved in a fight that continued outside the building.
Police also responded to further reports of fighting and disorder in the High Street and Star Street throughout the night.
A number of people were given dispersal warnings by officers to leave the area and help calm the situation.
PC Rich Veitch of the Ryde Town Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “It was a busy Saturday night in Ryde and we know from enquiries so far that there could be many more witnesses to what happened. I’m appealing for anyone who saw these fights and who may have been affected by these events to contact police.”
Anyone with information or who was involved is asked to contact PC Rich Veitch at Ryde Police Station by phoning 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111
Warning about Rogue Traders
Rogue Traders are currently telephone cold calling vulnerable residents in the County. The caller is unknown but believed to be male and very threatening. He has told residents that they had subscribed to a telephone monitoring service and had run up bills of between £3,500 - £6,000 and defaulted on the payment. They are then asked for immediate payment over the phone by card. When they question this they have been told that unless they pay up they will be arrested within hours by the Metropolitan Police and transported to the Queens Court in London.
Anyone receiving these calls should hang up and are advised to register with anonymous call barring from their telephone provider or to consider changing their telephone number and keeping their number ex directory.
If anyone has any information about traders who are cold calling or requires any advice on doorstep crime they can contact Isle of Wight County Council's Quick Response Team on 01983 823370 (Monday – Friday 0900hrs to 1700hrs) where specially trained officers are on hand to provide assistance.
If urgent assistance is required outside of these hours please contact Hampshire Police on 0845 045 4545.
Police issue photos in appeal to catch graffiti vandals in Ryde
Click on the image to see the rest of the vandalism that occured at the skate park.
Police are releasing pictures of graffiti at the skate park on Ryde Esplanade, Isle of Wight in an appeal to help identify and catch whoever was responsible.
Officers from the town’s local Safer Neighbourhoods team are investigating reports of criminal damage, which are believed to have taken place between 12pm on Monday, October 3, 2011 and 8am on Tuesday, October 4, 2011.
The tags NSF, Neus, and T17 were sprayed in gold and brown paint.
Police are pursuing several lines of enquiry, and working closely with colleagues from Ryde Town Council.
Investigating officer PC Martin Rogers from Ryde Town Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “This type of vandalism shows a complete lack of respect for a popular facility, which people of all ages have worked hard to provide and protect for the community. Vandalism will never be tolerated as it is sometimes the first stage of a someone going on to commit more serious offences. The sight of graffiti can also raise the fear of crime among residents and visitors. We’ve acted swiftly in the past to identify and catch criminal graffiti vandals who wrongly assumed that they could get away with targeting Ryde. I would like to appeal to anyone with information about the identity of those responsible for this graffiti to come forward."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ryde Police Station by phoning 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
The Ryde Town Safer Neighbourhoods team can also be contacted by e-mailing rydetown.snt@hampshire.police.uk . In an emergency, always phone 999. Find out more about your local Safer Neighbourhoods team by going online to www.hampshire.police.uk and typing in your postcode.
Councillor Tim Wakeley from Ryde Town Council's Skatepark Management Committee said: "The costs of rectifying this wanton criminal damage to one of the town's few facilities for young people will reduce the amount of money available for the Town Council to spend on the park. Continued damage in this way could also eventually lead to the future of the park being reviewed."
Witness appeal after bus dispute on the Isle of Wight
Reports of a dispute involving a man and a woman on a bus on the Isle of Wight are prompting an appeal for witnesses among other passengers.
A number three Southern Vectis service was travelling from Brading into Ryde when there were allegations of assaults during a disagreement over a seat near the front of the bus.
Officers are making enquiries to trace passengers who may have seen what happened at around 10.10am on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 as the bus was travelling through the outskirts of Ryde.
Anyone who was on the number three bus that morning is asked to contact Shanklin Police Station by phoning 101. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call police on 0845 045 45 45. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111
Investigation into theft of charity donations in Ryde
Police are investigating the theft of charity donations in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
A 33-year-old man from the island was walking through the town carrying a yellow bag containing £162 in donations for the PDSA veterinary charity.
As he walked towards the Co-op supermarket in Anglesea Street, another man grabbed the bag and ran away in the direction of George Street.
The 33-year-old man was not threatened, assaulted or injured during the theft, which happened at around 10.15am on Friday, September 23, 2011.
The suspect was described as:
- White
- Around 5 ft 10 ins tall
- Average build
- Shaved short dark hair
- He was wearing a light coloured jacket and blue jeans.
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact PC Katie White at Shanklin Police Station by phoning 101. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call police on 0845 045 45 45. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Man cautioned over air gun concerns on the Isle of Wight
Police can confirm a 66-year-old man from Ryde, Isle of Wight received a caution for possessing a loaded air weapon in a public place.
He was arrested in Avenue Road, Sandown, Isle of Wight at 10.30am on Sunday, August 14, 2011 after firearms officers responded to information from a member of the public about a motorist carrying a handgun near Brading Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight.
Officers stopped the car he was driving in Sandown, searched the man and found he was carrying a number of ‘Airsoft’ sport replica weapons. These weapons included a handgun, an assault rifle and three grenades, all in a condition ready to be fired. These weapons cannot be differentiated from real weapons until handled by experienced weapons experts.
He was taken to Newport Police Station and interviewed on suspicion of having a loaded air weapon in a public place.
The Airsoft weapons were seized but have now been returned to the man.
Firearms officers also visited a meeting of Airsoft enthusiasts to give advice about transporting replica weapons without causing fear or concern to the public. The guidelines given by the enthusiasts are extremely professional, however, on this occasion the man decided to ignore them.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "We would like to take this opportunity to remind people about the risks of carrying imitation firearms in public. It’s difficult, even for firearms experts, to distinguish between a fake gun and a real weapon from a distance".
"Each call to police reporting a firearm being seen prompts the same response involving armed officers. Often, it’s only once the gun is retrieved that officers are able to confirm it is an imitation gun".
"We are fortunate not to have a serious problem with gun crime on the Isle of Wight, but we are never complacent in wanting to educate the public so a potential tragedy can be prevented thanks to better awareness of the risks".
For more information about Hampshire Constabulary’s Firearms And Knife Education (FAKE) campaign, please go to our website: http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/news/campaigns/FAKE+Campaign.htm
Seven arrests over burglary in Ryde, Isle of Wight
Police can confirm seven people have been arrested during an investigation into a burglary in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
A shop on the Esplanade was burgled between midnight and 4am on Tuesday, August 9, 2011.
Seven suspects, aged between 14 and 17, all from the Isle of Wight, were arrested on suspicion of burglary yesterday evening (Weds, Aug 10).
They were taken to Newport Police Station for questioning.
One suspect was released with no further action.
Two suspects were bailed until September 13, 2011 pending further enquiries.
Four suspects were bailed until August 23, 2011 pending further enquiries
There is no evidence to suggest this burglary was linked to civil unrest in other parts of the country.
Investigation into fight on Ryde Esplanade, Isle of Wight
Police are appealing for more witnesses after reports of a fight outside a nightclub in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
Officers were called at 2.43am on Saturday, July 16, 2011 to Ryde Esplanade where a group of people were involved in disorder outside the Qube nightclub.
An investigation by the Ryde Town Safer Neighbourhoods team is continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened.
Investigating officer PC Martin Rogers of the Ryde Town Safer Neighbourhoods team said: "We'd like to thank all the people who have spoken with us already. Their information has helped our investigation to move forward, but the exact chain of events leading up to this fight is not completely clear.
"We're still keen to hear from more people who saw what happened on the Esplanade outside the Qube nightclub at around 2.40am on Saturday morning."
A 25-year-old man from Newport, Isle of Wight was arrested on suspicion of affray at the scene but was de-arrested a short time later due to insufficient evidence on the night.
Extra witnesses or anyone else with information is asked to contact PC Martin Rogers at Ryde Police Station by phoning 101 or emailing http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/contact/message_officer.htm .
From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call police on 0845 045 45 45. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.
Man charged with GBH after assault in Ryde, Isle of Wight
A man is due to appear at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court today (Tuesday, July 19, 2011) after he was charged by police over an alleged assault in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
Luke Bennett, aged 27, of Forest Way, Winford, Sandown, Isle of Wight, is charged with causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.
Police were called to the Qube nightclub in Ryde at around 2am on Saturday, July 16, 2011 after a report of an assault on a 25-year-old man from Newport, Isle of Wight.
Detectives are appealing for more witnesses to come forward, particularly people who were in the Qube nightclub on Friday night (July 15) into Saturday morning (July 16).
Anyone with information is asked to contact Isle of Wight CID by phoning 101 or emailing iow.cid@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Police project continues to prevent cycle crime in Ryde
Police in Ryde on the Isle of Wight are continuing a project to help make young cyclists safer on the roads. Officers have noticed an increase in the number of children and teenagers using bicycles that have no identification and no security. The Ryde Town Safer Neighbourhoods team is working with local Ryde business ‘Tav Cycles’ on a campaign to prevent cycle thefts.
Officers have been on duty at Ryde Skate Park on the town’s seafront to speak with young cyclists about safety and security. Dozens of cyclists took up the opportunity to complete a registration card, which included full details of their bikes. Quality cycle locks were available along with security labels that can help the police to find and identify a bicycle if it is reported stolen. Officers were also concerned earlier this year at the numbers of children and teenagers cycling in Ryde at night without any lights or high visibility reflective clothing. Police on patrol in the town have given cyclists caught riding with no lights at night a simple choice: Face prosecution or have lights fitted to their bikes. Lights were also available during the campaign at Ryde Skate Park.
of the Ryde Town Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “By taking these steps, we hope to make younger cyclists safer, prevent cycle thefts, and increase the chances of bikes being found if they’re reported stolen.
"Motorists and pedestrians have made complaints about cyclists with no lights, and we want to reduce the risks of a collision where someone could be injured or killed.
“Police are grateful to Tav Cycles for their time and support. We welcome opportunities to work alongside local businesses that have the staff and skills to help us keep the island a safe place.”
One parent who brought their family to the event was Garry Stretch from Ryde, Isle of Wight. He said: “I really appreciate the police putting cycle safety first. This is an excellent scheme, which makes me feel safer about my children when they’re out on their bikes.”
For more information about your local Safer Neighbourhoods team and our current policing priorities, go online to www.hampshire.police.uk and type in your postcode. You can contact the Ryde Town Safer Neighbourhoods team by phoning 101 or emailing rydetown.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Appeal for more witnesses after criminal damage in Ryde
Police are appealing for witnesses after criminal damage was discovered in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
PC Dave Dovey from the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team was on patrol at 7.45am on Sunday, July 3, 2011 in St. John’s Road when he found a multibox street planter had been vandalised and plants were left strewn across the area.
Further enquiries nearby found a Mercedes van had its windscreen smashed. A Ford Fiesta and a Vauxhall Corsa had wing mirrors damaged. The criminal damage appears to have started outside West Stores at the junction of Prince Street and St. John’s Road and continued along Prince Street. It’s believed the damage took place sometime between midnight and half past midnight on the morning of Sunday, July 3, 2011.
Investigating officer PC Dave Dovey of the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “I’ve carried out enquiries in the area and would like to thank members of the public who were able to help us with a suspect’s description. We’re keen to talk with any more witnesses who may have been driving or walking in St. John’s Road or Prince Street shortly after midnight on Sunday morning.
“Anti-social behaviour in Ryde won’t be tolerated and it’s important we work closely with the community to bring culprits to justice and reinforce respect for the quality of life in this neighbourhood.”
A suspect was described as:
- White man
- Aged 17 to 21
- 5 ft 11 ins tall
- He was wearing a dark coloured long-sleeved hooded top with a dark coloured baseball cap.
- A woman was seen with the suspect. She was wearing a white top.
These two people and any other witnesses are asked to contact PC Dave Dovey at Ryde Police Station by phoning 101 or emailing http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/contact/message_officer.htm.
Hampshire Constabulary estates review: The Isle of Wight situation
Police on the Isle of Wight remain committed to maintaining a visible active presence with officers in every neighbourhood to keep crime down.
Work is continuing to identify possible alternative bases for local officers if new proposals to close three of the island's current police stations go ahead.
Dedicated Safer Neighbourhoods teams exist to serve in the heart of the communities where they're based, and where they're accessible to the public.
Cowes, Yarmouth and Ventnor on the Isle of Wight are among 18 stations identified for potential closure in Hampshire Constabulary’s estates review.
Review background
This year-long review has looked at all the buildings Hampshire Police Authority currently owns or leases, and how they are used by the force and by the public.
The purpose of the estates review is to develop and modernise our facilities and services for staff and the communities they serve.
Financial circumstances
At the same time, due to a reduction in the force's budget, Hampshire Constabulary must make savings of between £40million and £50m by 2015, with the majority of the money having to be found in the first two years.
The money achieved through selling some of our buildings would be reinvested in building new custody centres and refurbishing some of our bigger stations.
Proposal to the Police Authority
The findings and recommendations of the estates review were presented to Hampshire Police Authority members on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 for them to consider. The Police Authority is due to announce its decision at a meeting on Thursday, June 23, 2011.
Reasons for recommendations
The estate review identifies a number of buildings, including police stations, which are earmarked for sale. Some of these locations are not fit for modern policing purposes, others are not cost efficient.
Other reasons that influenced recommendations for whether a building should be kept or sold include:
- The condition of a building
- The value of the building and land
- The space provided and required by police officers/staff
Police buildings recommended to stay on the Isle of Wight:
The estates review recommends that the police stations in Newport, Ryde and Shanklin are kept by Hampshire Constabulary and remain open.
The police building in Langley Court, Pyle Street, Newport is recommended to be retained. This building is the workplace for police staff in the Isle of Wight Incident Management Unit (IMU) and the Criminal Justice Unit (CJU). This building is not open to the public.
Police buildings identified for sale on the Isle of Wight
Cowes Police Station
This station in Birmingham Road in Cowes is the main base for the town's local Safer Neighbourhoods team, and the Isle of Wight police Operations team, which is responsible for emergency planning, co-ordinating multi-agency responses to major incidents, and policing for the island’s summer events, including the Isle of Wight Festival, Cowes Week and the Bestival.
The front office for members of the public was closed temporarily from Friday, April 1, 2011. Public opening hours were reviewed when the full-time Station enquiry officer (SEO) at Cowes was granted voluntary redundancy as part of Hampshire Constabulary’s ongoing Force Change reviews.
A review of the front office service, separate to the estates review, is currently ongoing, with a view to reducing the number of front counters to one per district. This review is due to be completed later in 2011.
Protecting police officer numbers in Cowes
A new full-time police officer has been recruited to the Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team in time for the town's busy summer period to ensure overall policing numbers are not reduced.
Another Cowes officer has increased her working hours from 30 to 40 hours per week with effect from Friday, April 1, 2011. Cowes will therefore have an additional 10 police officer hours per week.
Further additions to the team are two officers on temporary attachments from the island's Targeted Patrol teams (TPT) during June 2011. They are on visible patrol in the town, also enhancing our service to the community.
Yarmouth Police Station
This station in Yarmouth High Street is the main base for the West Wight and Rural West Safer Neighbourhoods teams. Yarmouth Town Council also has an office on the ground floor. Yarmouth does not have a front office that is open to the public.
Ventnor Police Station
This station in Hambrough Road in Ventnor is the main base for the South Wight Safer Neighbourhoods team. Ventnor does not have a front office that is open to the public.
Other police buildings affected on the Isle of Wight
The East Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods office
This office, opposite the floating bridge in East Cowes, is a base for the East Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team. The building does not have a front office that is open to the public. This building will be reviewed after the Police Authority meeting on June 23.
Mill Hill Road in Cowes.
This building, which is next door to Cowes Police Station, is already vacant and has been recommended for sale.
Vulnerable Witness Interview (VWI) suites at Newport and Ventnor.
These buildings will be reviewed after the Police Authority meeting on June 23.
New custody centre for the Isle of Wight
The estates review recommends the design and construction of a new custody centre in Newport on the Isle of Wight. This project will be the subject of a separate report to the Police Authority at a later date.
Isle of Wight Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector Terry Clawson said: "We know there will be concern in the community about the proposal to close three police stations on the island. However, an important part of this review recommends that our local Safer Neighbourhoods teams remain at the heart of the communities in which they work and where they're accessible to the public."
Protecting officer numbers
"Hampshire and Isle of Wight Chief Constable Alex Marshall is maintaining his commitment to protecting local policing as far as possible through to 2015. We want to maintain the number of officers on the beat during a time of unprecedented budget challenges. In order to do this, we must make tough decisions in other areas of the police's business."
"Some buildings owned or leased by us are not fit for modern policing, others are not cost efficient. By selling some of our inefficient buildings, we can make some of the savings we have to make as a result of our reduced budget, and reinvest in developing other buildings."
Timetable
"If these proposals are approved by the Police Authority on June 23, the changes won't happen overnight, but instead would take place over a number of years. We would own or lease fewer buildings and improve the service from local policing teams to the community."
Mobile data for officers on patrol
The Isle of Wight has entered a new era of policing with the roll-out of mobile data. With the purchase of more than 160 Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) agreed by Hampshire Police Authority, the new equipment has started to be fitted to the police vehicle fleet, of which 10 per cent will be on the island.
In support of Chief Constable Alex Marshall’s pledge to make the best use of the force’s resources, the island was the first policing area within the two counties where all uniformed officers will have access to mobile data, via BlackBerry Smartphones or MDTs.
Training for the constabulary's response officers that are based on the island has started in the spring months in order that they are all fully prepared ahead of the unique summer demands on policing services that the Isle of Wight provides, in the form of music festivals and sailing regattas.
Once officers have been supplied with the necessary IT skills, they will then be able to access the key functions that are normally found on a station-based computer terminal from their vehicles.
Inspector Terry Clawson said: "The use of the fully-portable devices will increase police visibility within communities as officers will have access to live briefing information, enabling them to be in the right place at the right time to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. The additional access to live information from force databases will also keep officers better informed when making decisions to protect residents."
"Members of the public who interact with the police will also experience officers entering vital data straight to the force's database and carrying out enquiries on laptops, while situated in a residential or commercial environment."
Moving, not leaving
"No police station would be replaced until an alternative location for the Safer Neighbourhoods team within the same area is found. Work is already well underway to identify possible locations in Cowes, the West Wight and Ventnor. The range of options could include schools, shops and offices used by other emergency services and community safety partner agencies."
"These alternative locations would not be traditional police stations with front counters or custody cells but would be bases for local Safer Neighbourhoods teams, equipped with facilities they need to police their neighbourhoods effectively.
"There will also be more ways for you to communicate with us, for example using social media networks and online one-stop-shops for crime reporting, crime updates, and advice."
You can contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods team by calling 101 or 0845 045 45 45, or going online to www.hampshire.police.uk and typing in your postcode.
Mini-com users can call 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
