May Update

Here is the latest Ryemead and Abbey neighbourhood update from PC Andrew Gilbert.

Anti-social Behaviour: May has seen the continuation of the good British weather, and two Bank Holidays. May has also given us a chance to put the enforcement of the new “no-drinking zones” into use. The no-drinking zone gives police the power to seize drink from anyone who may be causing anti-social behaviour. We will not be spoiling anyone’s picnics but we will be disrupting anyone who is making life unpleasant for those around them.
At the start of the month we put a lot of effort into increasing visible officers onto The Rye during the Bank Holiday weekend and this had the desired effect of zero robberies reported that weekend (in previous years the good weather has lead to an increase in robberies on The Rye). We also had an operation in place for the last Bank Holiday in May which included the schools’ half term. This saw more police and a mobile police station on The Rye, which ensured that people can enjoy themselves safely.

Parking: There are some new parking issues around Freer Crescent, Appletree Close and Ludlow Mews. PCSOs have been made aware and will issue tickets accordingly. We also work alongside the fire brigade who can assist. They will attempt to drive their fire engines down these narrow roads and if they are unable to do so due to inconsiderate parking they can issue educational letters. Unfortunately in a real emergency there will be no such niceties and the cars will be forcibly removed.

Speeding: No new surprises on speeding. An operation took place on Desborough Avenue which issued 17 seat belt offences and 3 mobile phone tickets in two hours. Speed indication device work continues to take place on Coronation Road and Kingsmead Road.

Good News: Last month we had several phone calls from people on The Rye complaining about a gentleman with a dangerous dog attacking people. After speaking to several witnesses we managed to identify that man and after arresting him, have persuaded him to give the dog up to an organisation more capable of controlling it. Since then we have received no phone calls about this.

Crime Prevention: I have mentioned this before in the monthly update, but there is still one young girl causing a nuisance to the community by continually begging. If anyone knocks on your door asking for money please refuse their request. Call the police immediately on 08458 505505 and tell your neighbours.

Offenders brought to justice:
A man received a caution for a public order offence and another man was charged with assault, both incidents happened in The Rye.
A man was cautioned and female charged separately for shoplifting at B&Q and another man was charged for a public order offence at the same location.
A man was issued with a fixed penalty notice for a public order offence in Queen’s Road and another man received a cannabis warning in the Wye Industrial Estate and another in Kingsmead Road. Finally, a man was cautioned for criminal damage in Beech Road.

Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG)
The NAG met as usual and it was decided that one area of success has been the parking problems around Fennels Road. Along with the council we have done a lot of work in trying to clean up the parking problems which has been achieved. A recent leaflet drop asking residents to let us know if problems were still occurring has lead to no replies.
We are trying to find schemes where the Community Payback Team could be used. If you have any ideas for areas that need clearing up please let us know.
The next NAG is on the 7th July 2010 at the cricket club.

Have Your Say
This month’s ‘Have Your Say’ meeting didn’t bring up any surprising questions, with most queries being about parking. The next ‘Have Your Say’ meeting will be on Monday 14th June at 2pm in The Rye.