Safer Neighbourhoods - Older news
Fresh appeal after criminal damage to Ryde Cemetery
Police are making a fresh appeal for information about recent criminal damage to a graveyard on the Isle of Wight.
More than £7,000 of damage was committed to headstones and crosses at Ryde Cemetery in West Street during the evenings of Wednesday, February 23 and Thursday, February 24, 2011. Some of the damage was beyond repair. Ryde's local Safer Neighbourhoods teams (SNTs) have been pursuing several lines of enquiry during the past month.
A 16-year-old girl from the Isle of Wight was arrested on March 14, 2011 on suspicion of criminal damage. She was reported for summons and is due to appear at the Isle of Wight Youth Court on Wednesday, April 13, 2011. A second 16-year-old girl from the Isle of Wight was arrested on March 20, 2011 and charged with criminal damage on April 6, 2011. She is due to appear at the Isle of Wight Youth Court on Wednesday, April 13, 2011. A 17-year-old youth from the Isle of Wight was arrested on March 24, 2011 on suspicion of criminal damage, but was later released with no further action.
Investigating officer PC Dave Dovey of the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team said: "I would like to thank all those members of the public who contacted police as a result of our media appeals last month. It's important that the community co-operates to send a clear message about this kind of behaviour never being tolerated. I would repeat our appeal for anyone with information about possible suspects to contact us or Crimestoppers."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ryde 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.
Combined community effort catches car vandals in Ryde
Police are expressing their thanks to residents of a street in Ryde on the Isle of Wight for helping to solve a series of crimes.
A witness contacted the police control room on the evening of Friday, February 18, 2011 to report several youths damaging parked cars as they walked along Monkton Street in Ryde. He followed the suspects on foot at distance and updated police officers with further information about their subsequent behaviour and movements.
PC Rich Veitch of the Ryde Town Safer Neighbourhoods team (SNT) took on the investigation after officers from the island's Targeted Patrol teams had responded to the initial call on the night. PC Veitch's enquiries discovered a "chain reaction" among local residents who had shared different pieces of information with each other. Some residents had their own CCTV and camcorder footage of the suspects. The initial witness had followed the suspects into the Premier West shop on the corner of Monkton Street and East Street, where there is also CCTV.
PC Rich Veitch said: "The support I received from local residents and businesses was amazing. Their diligence and persistence in assisting our investigation enabled me to identify the suspects within a day. The two teenage boys are now facing further police action for this behaviour. This was an excellent example of how good relations between the police and public can lead to crimes being solved swiftly. We're grateful to everyone for their assistance. A combined community effort sends a strong warning to criminals of all ages that their actions won't be tolerated on our island."
Police patrols to prevent anti-social driving on Ryde Esplanade
The Ryde Town Safer Neighbourhoods team is taking action in response to concerns from residents about the behaviour of motorists on the Esplanade. A number of officers including a Special Constable were involved in patrols in this area on April 4, 2011 to prevent speeding and noise nuisance.
Hampshire Constabulary's East Wight Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector Colin Hall said: "These patrols are a specific response to a single issue in Ryde raised by residents. A minority of irresponsible motorists must understand that their anti-social driving won't be tolerated. Extra technology is now available to Safer Neighbourhoods officers to detect speeding so action can be taken against drivers who put lives at risk. However, it's important for police take a sensible, balanced approach to solving these problems. A mixture of education with enforcement is used to reinforce drivers' awareness of road safety advice and potential offences."
A total of six Safer Neighbourhoods officers based in different areas on the Isle of Wight have received training on additional hand held laser speed detection devices. This technology can be used by the island's local Safer Neighbourhoods teams (SNTs) to support colleagues from the Roads Policing Unit (RPU), which still has overall responsibility for dealing with traffic offences.
The Ryde Town Safer Neighbourhoods team can be contacted by phoning 101 or 0845 045 45 45. Email rydetown.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk. In a life-threatening emergency, always dial 999. Mini-com users can phone 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
New police commander for the Isle of Wight
There will be a new Superintendent in charge of policing on the Isle of Wight from next week. The island's current commander, Norman Mellors, is leaving at the end of this week to take up a new post as Superintendent for the Portsmouth police district. He has been the island's Superintendent since December 2008.
Mr Mellors will be replaced from Monday, April 4, 2011 by Superintendent Neil Sherrington, who is transferring from his current post in Portsmouth.
The change in Isle of Wight police commander is one of several decisions confirmed this week about the future of Hampshire Constabulary.
Neighbourhood Inspector takes on new challenges
A police officer is expressing his thanks to the community for helping to reduce crime as he moves off the Isle of Wight for a new challenge. Inspector Bill Pinnell has left his role as Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector for the east of the island ahead of a transfer at the end of March 2011 to lead Targeted Patrol teams at Hythe in Hampshire.
Inspector Pinnell said: "The past five years on the Island has been pleasure and privilege, working with an excellent team of people, both within the police and the community. Crime on the Isle of Wight has fallen by 19 per cent over the past five years. This has meant more than 1,000 fewer victims affected by criminals who will never be tolerated on our island. I'm sure my successor Colin Hall won't be complacent in wanting to prevent and solve more crimes by working closely with the community to target the issues that matter most to residents.
"I’ve relished opportunities myself to become involved in the local community by supporting the Ryde Rotary Club, the St. Vincent's home for retired servicemen, the Royal British Legion, and other civic duties. I’m sad to leave the many friends I've made in the past five years on the Island. I wish you all the very best for the future."
New Inspector comes aboard to lead neighbourhood policing
There is a new Inspector at the helm of community policing on the eastern side of the Isle of Wight. Colin Hall now has responsibility for the Safer Neighbourhoods teams in and areas including Ryde, Bembridge, Sandown Bay, Shanklin and Ventnor. He replaces Inspector Bill Pinnell who is moving to the mainland at the end of March 2011 to work in Hythe.
Inspector Colin Hall, who grew up on the Isle of Wight, has been in the police force since 1992 when he joined as a PC at Havant.
Promotion to Sergeant was achieved at Andover in 1997 after which he also gained experience in firearms and roads policing at Fareham. He returned to the Isle of Wight in 2007 on promotion to Inspector.
Inspector Colin Hall said: "My own background has meant I’ve never been far from the sea. I spent much of my childhood on the Island, going to Hunnyhill, Kitbridge and Nodehill schools."
"Before joining the police, I was in the Royal Navy for 14 years, reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer. I served all over the world on board aircraft carriers and destroyers."
"The past three-and-a-half years on the Isle of Wight has given me responsibility for our Targeted Patrol teams, firearms officers, the introduction of Taser, and tactics to tackle violent crime. I’m proud to have the opportunity to be a Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector. Keeping the east side of the Isle of Wight a safe place to live, work and grow old will be a challenging and rewarding role."
"I would like to thank Inspector Pinnell for his actions and achievements as I’m extremely impressed with the existing work of the police officers and staff in your local Safer Neighbourhoods teams. They are dedicated to providing an excellent service by having an active presence in every area. We rely on the public to report crime so police can be most effective on duty in the right places at the right times. Thank you for your information and assistance, which is invaluable in helping us protect communities."
Please contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods teams with information or concerns you have about crime affecting your quality of life. Phone 101 or 0845 045 45 45. Mini-com users can phone 01962 875000. For more information about your local Safer Neighbourhoods team, go online to www.hampshire.police.uk and type in your postcode. Information about crime can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.
Investigation into criminal damage at Ryde Cemetery
Police are investigating reports of more than £7,000 of criminal damage to a graveyard on the Isle of Wight. Headstones and crosses at Ryde Cemetery in West Street were broken by vandals during the evenings of Wednesday, February 23 and Thursday, February 24, 2011.
Investigating officer PC Dave Dovey said: "The crimes committed in the cemetery late at night show a complete ignorance for the feelings of people who pay their respects to loved ones. Some of the damage is beyond repair, and we’re determined that this lack of respect will not go unpunished. Extra police patrols in the area are continuing."
"I would encourage anyone with information about suspects to contact us or Crimestoppers to help demonstrate that such behaviour is never tolerated in our community."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police 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 jailed for shop robbery in Ryde on the Isle of Wight
Police are expressing their thanks for the community’s help in bringing a man to justice after he robbed a shop on the Isle of Wight. Adam Joti Singh Ghali, aged 26, of no fixed address, appeared in court on Friday, March 4, 2011 when he was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty. Mr Ghali was charged by police on Friday, November 19, 2010 after a robbery was reported at the McColl's shop in Union Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight shortly after 10pm on Wednesday, November 17, 2010.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Iain Robertson of Isle of Wight CID said: “Thankfully no-one was injured or threatened with a weapon during this robbery. Adam Ghali walked into the shop and behaved in a menacing way, making demands for shop staff to 'open the till' so he was able to steal several hundreds of pounds in cash. Shop robberies on the island are rare, but this case clearly had a profound effect on shop staff who were upset by what happened.
“I would like to thank the many witnesses who came forward to help us track and trace Adam Ghali's movements. We're particularly grateful to bus operator Southern Vectis for their assistance. Officers were able to arrest Adam Ghali on Thursday, November 18, the day after the robbery.”
Det Con Robertson added: “This case has also demonstrated the importance of shops having good quality CCTV cameras, which are kept in working order. We appreciate that some security precautions are costly for businesses in the current financial climate, but it remains of paramount importance for managers and staff to be vigilant and check security on their premises is as robust as possible. Police will continue to carry out reassurance visits and crime prevention checks at shops across the island. Officers increased the number of visits to businesses on their local beats in November 2010 as a result of this robbery.”
Hampshire Constabulary would like to take this opportunity to remind businesses of the following crime prevention and security advice. Please try to ensure:
- Valuable stock is locked away securely during closing hours.
- Burglar alarms are activated when the premises are unoccupied.
- Photographs of valuable stock are taken to help trace items that may be reported stolen.
- CCTV is installed and kept in good working order.
- Perimeters are secure. This includes checking entrances, exits and outbuildings are locked, and not storing tools or other items such as ladders in visible and accessible places where potential burglars could use them to force entry to premises.
- Property is marked and logged. Etching, engraving, electronic tagging, website registration and ultraviolet marking all assists police in tracing and recovering stolen goods, and apprehending those responsible.
- A minimum amount of cash is kept in the tills. Bank your till takings as regularly as possible.
- Any safe on your premises should be the correct size to store your cash securely.
Further crime prevention advice is available by phoning Hampshire Constabulary on 101 or 0845 045 45 45, and online via this link: http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/advice/advice/crimereduction.htm
Direct contact details for your local Safer Neighbourhoods team can also be found by going online to www.hampshire.police.uk and typing in your postcode on the front page of our website.
Ashey and Newchurch residents set top priorities for policing
Residents have decided the three most important issues for the police and community safety partner agencies to tackle in Ashey and Newchurch.
The Rural East Safer Neighbourhoods team hosted a meeting of the newly formed Local Action Group (LAG) for the community during January 2011.
The LAG consists of members of the public who live and work in the Ashey and Newchurch policing beat area.
The group recommended that youth provision should be a priority to encourage more facilities and positive activities for local young people.
An increase in high visibility patrols around Newchurch Primary School was suggested as a priority to deal with concerns about traffic congestion and the behaviour of motorists around the start and end of the school day.
Double white line road markings and 'Give Way' signs were requested to reinforce safety on Mersley Down Road near the junctions with Knighton Shute and Lime Kiln Shute.
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Katy Berry of the Rural East Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “We’re pleased with the interest shown by people in telling us about the issues that matter most to the community.
“Safer Neighbourhoods teams are dedicated to providing an excellent service by having an active presence in every area of the island. Police work alongside partner agencies to take action in response to residents’ priorities.
“Regular meetings of the Local Action Group will take place in future so the public is kept informed about our progress in tackling these priorities. We always welcome the involvement of more residents to make sure they feel part of the policing that’s keeping their community safe.”
Daniel Clarke, deputy member of the UK Youth Parliament said: "Local Action Groups are a great opportunity for youths to get involved in their local community, and to get views of young people across. Also in my local area (Newchurch, Winford, Havenstreet and Ashey) myself as a youth managed to get improved youth provisions on the Winford estate as a priority to tackle anti-social behaviour in that area. It shows that young people getting involved can make a real difference to their local community."
For more information about the Local Action Group (LAG), please contact the Rural East Safer Neighbourhoods team at Ryde Police Station by phoning 101 or emailing ruraleast.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Police warning after farmland attacks on sheep
Police are appealing for information after two recent reports of sheep being found dead and injured on farmland in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
The first report related to the bodies of two large adult sheep discovered close to a footpath through fields near Whitefield Woods. It’s believed they were killed by another animal sometime between 8pm on Wednesday, January 5 and 8.40am on Thursday, January 6, 2011.
A second report was received after at least four sheep were injured during an apparent attack by another animal in the same area sometime between 8pm on Tuesday, January 25 and 8am on Wednesday, January 26, 2011.
Country Watch police officer PC Nick Massey of the Rural East Safer Neighbourhoods team said: "Two similar reports in the same place in one month mean we’re treating these reports as potential wildlife crimes. I’m appealing to anyone who has used the footpaths in and around Whitefield Woods during the past month to contact police if they remember noticing suspicious behaviour."
"The sheep’s injuries suggest they were attacked by another animal, possibly a large dog. Although there is no evidence at the moment to confirm a dog owner was nearby when these attacks happened, I would still like to take this opportunity to remind people with dogs about their responsibilities under the law".
"Dog owners should keep their pets under control all the time, particularly on a close lead when walking anywhere near livestock. Even the most loving family pet can become a menace when away from its owner’s control and encountering sheep. Owners can face prosecution and heavy costs if their dogs are caught worrying livestock."
Officers have issued an alert to farmers and landowners through the Isle of Wight Country Watch rural policing database. This project is the rural equivalent of Neighbourhood Watch. Its purpose is to reinforce links with rural and remote communities on the island to encourage a greater exchange of information that can stop and solve crimes swiftly.
For more information, go to http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/rural/Isle+of+Wight+OCU.htm
Appeal for victims to come forward after criminal damage in Ryde, Isle of Wight
Police are appealing for victims to come forward during an investigation into a series of criminal damage reports in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
Windows at the Waterside Pool were damaged along with a number of cars parked on the Esplanade, Prince Street, Warwick Street, Castle Street and Appley Lane between 10pm and midnight on the evening of Friday, December 10, 2010.
Police carried out a search of the area and enquiries within the local community over the weekend.
Four people were arrested: They were a 22-year-old man and three 16-year-old boys, all from Ryde on the Isle of Wight. The four suspects were taken to Newport Police Station for questioning and later bailed until January 19, 2011 pending further enquiries.
Sergeant Steve Goodier of the Ryde Town Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “I’d like to thank all those people who have given us information so far this week. We’ve responded rapidly to make arrests of possible suspects.
"Our enquiries suggest there could be more victims who have not come forward yet. If your car was damaged while parked in Ryde during Friday night or the early hours of Saturday morning, please contact us.
“We want to work with victims so swift action can be taken against offenders who think they can get away with disrupting other people’s lives with mindless vandalism.”
Victims or anyone with information are asked to contact Ryde Police Station by phoning 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call the police on 0845 045 45 45. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
The Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership has made a commitment to tackle anti-social behaviour reported by residents. For more information, go to http://www.saferwight.org.uk/antisocialbehaviour.aspx
For more information about the Ryde Town Safer Neighbourhoods team, go to http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/localpolicing/isleofwight/east/2LESNT4.htm
Sergeant Steve Goodier is available for interviews on Wednesday, December 15, 2010.
Onboard TV promotes our local Ryde police officers
INTERNET SCAM WARNING FROM TRADING STANDARDS
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In the instance I know of, at the end, the chap was asked for another £4 because the girlfriend of the caller was stuck in India without any calling credit and couldn't call home. Our friend then realised that he had given the guy his details to bill him 150 pounds and that this must be a scam. The caller later called back asking him for another £90 for a full years support. He didn't fall for that.
It may be worth circulating this on neighborhood watch. Many people have cluttered pc's that are running slow and would fall for this. Of course, the number calling is withheld..........
This happened to a friend of ours. My husband went and de-installed the software for remote access that the caller had installed remotely (with the co-operation of the victim) and the friend canceled his credit card and got a new one.
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS ALERT!
We are receiving information that you’re making it too easy for the opportunistic burglar to enter your home and pick up unattended possessions and valuables!
Some burglars will try any door just to see if it opens.
When they gain access through an unlocked door or open window, the burglar finds an array of personal items to take away; a handbag and purse, a laptop or other accessory you need, which are essentials to your everyday life.
Keep your personal possessions where you can see them whilst you are at home, and where they cannot be seen from a window when you are out of the house. An unlocked door or open window is your invitation to enter your home and take the most important and valuable possessions you have.
Do not leave your home, even for a few minutes without making it secure. Lock front and back doors, including any shed or outhouse even when you are home. Close all windows to rooms that are unattended, especially after dark.
Please keep your eyes and ears open, and if you see anything or anyone behaving suspiciously, call 101 or 0845 045 45 45 and 999 immediately if you know a stranger has entered someone’s property.
Police praise for Street Pastors on the Isle of Wight
Police are praising the Isle of Wight Street Pastors project for helping to reduce crime.
A group of church volunteers trained in working with people in vulnerable circumstances carried out regular patrols on Friday nights in Ryde town centre last year and in Cowes during the town's world famous sailing regatta.
Street Pastors are independent and do not work for the police, but their presence and contact with people on the street assists in preventing and calming situations where there is the potential for crime and disorder.
Figures from the project show Street Pastors have had 134 meaningful conversations with members of the public, and been involved in 33 tense or challenging situations on the island. They have given away hundreds of pairs of flip flops, bottles of water and foil blankets to people in vulnerable situations.
There was a 43% reduction in the number of violent crimes reported in Ryde town centre on Friday nights between June 1 and December 31, 2009. Crime in the Cowes area between August 1 and 10 was down from 70 incidents in 2008 to 64 in 2009.
Isle of Wight Operations Inspector Terry Clawson said: "Police would like to thank the Street Pastors for their hard work and contribution to this reduction in crime.
"Our tactics for policing the island's town centres at weekends are based on preventing potential problems from escalating into crimes. The skills of these trained church volunteers reinforce our work in identifying situations where people are at risk of becoming victims or being arrested because of their behaviour.
"We welcome the expansion of the Street Pastors project to include Newport town centre later this year. Co-operation with community groups is a vital part of our combined efforts to make sure crime levels stay low and the Isle of Wight remains a safe place."
Isle of Wight Street Pastors Co-Ordinator Dave Ouston said: "Street pastors aim to be a listening, caring, helping presence on the streets late at night. I am delighted that the scheme has been such a success in Ryde and look forward to starting our patrols in Newport in June of this year."
For more information about the Isle of Wight Street Pastors, go online to
For more information about policing on the Isle of Wight, go online to
Young footballers tackle perceptions of anti-social behaviour in Ryde
Perceptions of anti-social behaviour in Ryde on the Isle of Wight were tackled by team work between young footballers, police officers and the community.
As part of a Hampshire Constabulary campaign to prevent anti-social behaviour, which was supported by the Isle of Wight Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP), Acting 
of the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team co-ordinated a community solution to issues identified by young people, their families and local residents.
Prior to the summer holidays, the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team held a youth workshop, which highlighted boredom as a community issue. Activities and facilities were suggested, and the biggest response was for somewhere to play football close to home where there would not be annoyance to anyone.
Acting Sergeant Sue Gill said: "Anti-social behaviour reports can often relate to youngsters playing football near people's houses. With the support of Mayfield Middle School, a free weekly Thursday football club was co-ordinated by the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team throughout the summer holidays. Local children were able to enjoy the use of the Mayfield Middle School playing field and equipment in a supervised environment. All were encouraged to show support and respect for one another by agreeing their own rules and working as a team."
Julie Downer, mother of 11-year-old Oliver Downer from Ryde, said: "It was good to have activities organised during the summer so we could be sure where our son was when he was out. People can get the wrong idea when they see children playing on the street so I welcome the police doing something like this, which allows youngsters to enjoy themselves safely in the local neighbourhood, and prove they're not going out to cause trouble."
Headteacher at Mayfield Middle School, Gary Booth, was delighted with the initiative: "We are always looking for ways to support young people in our community. School fields are a great resource and often lie dormant for six weeks in the summer holidays. This supervised programme made excellent use of the facilities and was enjoyed by all who took part. We look forward to future initiatives and partnerships."
Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team supported Hampshire Constabulary's campaign to prevent and reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour. Police figures show there were more than 120 fewer recorded incidents of rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour in the Ryde area between April and October 2009, compared to the same period in 2008.
Councillors and Neighbourhood Watch join policing on the beat in Ryde
Police officers on the Isle of Wight are committed to reinforcing stronger links with the community to help maintain low levels of crime.
Five parish councillors and a Neighbourhood Watch area co-ordinator accepted an invitation from the Safer Neighbourhoods Teams in Ryde to see how the town is policed on a Friday night. They boarded a police observer bus for a tour of Ryde and surrounding areas where officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) were dealing with a range of issues and incidents.
During the evening, police confiscated alcohol from youths who were ordered to leave the area, where they had been drinking, under powers designed to prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour, which is the force's top priority this summer. The observer bus also saw police stop checks of vehicles reported for causing a nuisance in the community, and high visibility foot patrols by frontline officers and the duty Inspector in Union Street to prevent problems involving the town's pubs and clubs.
Police officers and PCSOs explained Hampshire Constabulary procedures as units communicated with colleagues across the island, in the control room, and with Isle of Wight Council CCTV operators and Environment and Neighbourhoods Officers (ENOs).
PC Nick Massey of the Ryde and Rural East Safer Neighbourhoods Teams, who organised the observer bus, said: "The tour gave an invaluable insight into the realities of policing a busy town on a Friday night, and raised awareness and understanding of the pressures that officers face regularly. I intend to organise more police observer buses because local community support is essential in catching criminals and keeping crime down. Parish councillors and Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators are vital sources of information and help ensure people are safe and feel safe where they live."
Councillor Dick Doran of Wootton Bridge Parish Council said: "It was reassuring to gain a deeper understanding of the scope and organisation of the policing, as well as the real-time interaction with other available resources like CCTV. Our impression was of an efficient, capable and joined-up team approach to crime prevention, very much focused upon early and low key, but highly visible, responses to emerging situations. This is a message we can certainly take back into the communities we represent. Many congratulations on this excellent community policing initiative."
Councillor Tony Cooper from Fishbourne Parish Council said: "Too many of the public, me included, think that the only time we see a policeman is peering through a speed gun. Friday night showed the true face of the police, and it was interesting to hear the varied problems over the police radio.To witness the large resources tied up just to police one town on one night was a real eye opener.If the opportunity arises to run these trips regularly I would recommend them to other councillors as it is the only way to fully appreciate what actually happens."
Chair of Havenstreet and Ashey Parish Council, Councillor Veronica Hattersley said: "Two members from Havenstreet and Ashey Parish Council attended and were impressed in particular with the professionalism of the officers, and with technology now employed as standard, which meant that matters could be quickly and efficiently dealt with. A big thank you to everyone one involved for organising such a useful and interesting evening
Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods initiative
Hampshire Constabulary would like to take this opportunity to tell you about the Safer Neighbourhoods teams who police Ryde and the town's surrounding rural areas. Our role is to work with people, groups or individuals, and other agencies, such as local councils, the Fire and Rescue Service or housing associations to identify and address issues raised by the people who live in these neighbourhoods.
There are two teams, one led by Sergeant Steve Goodier, who is responsible for Ryde town, from Easthill Road to the Binstead Road and from Argyll Street to the seafront. It's a busy area with many licensed premises and entertainment venues.
The other team is led by Acting Sergeants Sue Gill and Mike Giddens They are responsible for Oakfield and Elmfield, Haylands and Upton, Binstead and Wootton Bridge as well as the rural villages of Newchurch, Apse Heath, Haventreet and Winford. The size and the diversity of the problems raised in these areas keep the team very busy.
Safer Neighbourhood teams have been in place since 2006 and have gone from strength to strength. Notable successes include
- A reduction in violent crimes in Ryde town centre, particularly at weekends.
- Closer co-operation with many community groups such as SWAG (South West (Ryde) Action Group, and the town and parish councils.
- The re-invigoration of Neighbourhood Watch schemes and the establishment of many more new schemes.
- Numerous youth activity projects, such as the Good Citizens scheme at Ryde High School, the 'Blues and Twos' club in local primary schools.
- Several schemes to tackle drink related anti-social behaviour, including working with local off licences to only sell alcohol to over 21s at weekends to try to reduce the amounts of drink being passed on to those underage
- Reducing reports of anti-social behaviour is Hampshire Constabulary's top priority this summer. We are carrying out extra patrols in areas highlighted to us. We have made seizures of alcohol from underage drinkers The number of complaints has fallen.
All these initiatives and projects have one purpose: To make Ryde a safe place to live and visit for island residents and visitors alike.
If you wish to contact the Safer Neighbourhoods Teams, please phone 101 or e-mail at ryde.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
For more information about your local Safer Neighbourhoods team, visit www.hampshire.police.uk and type in your postcode.
Stay safe
