NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE
NIDDERDALE
SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS GROUP
Minutes of the meeting held at Beckwithshaw Village Hall, on 2nd June 2010.
Attendance:
G. Linehan (Chairman), P. Flynn (V. Chairman), Ass. Chief Constable of N.Y. Police T. Madgwick, Sgt. C. Turner, P.C. D. Tetley, S. Render (Fire Services), K. Gay (N.Y.C.C. Youth Services), J. Fort and H. Garnett (N.Y.C.C.), I. Galloway, L. Ellington and R. Grange (H.B.C.), Pateley Bridge T. Council x1, P.B. Chamber of Trade x1, K. Roberts (Hgte. District N.W.), Dacre P.C. x1, Birstwith P.C. x1, Bewerley P.C. x 1, Bishop Thornton P.C. x1, H. Alexander, 7 Beckwithshaw Parishioners and A. Kent (Secretary).
Apologies:
M. Sims.
The chairman, G. Linehan welcomed everyone, especially D. Miller the evening's speaker. The meeting was declared open.
The 3rd March 2010 Minutes were signed as a true record, proposed by Sgt. C. Turner and seconded by H. Alexander.
(After the amendment, of the initials of Councillor Galloway.)
Matters Arising: None.
Evenings Speaker: David Miller, acting on behalf of Mrs Ruth Andrews (Head of Fraud and Financial Investigations at N.Y.C.C., who was recovering from a medical operation), gave a 'Power Point' presentation, about the department, and issued hand-outs for reference. There is a team of 10, based in Northallerton whom basically deal with all doorstep crime. Relevant statistics, reasons why N. Yorks. Is targeted (It has the largest % of such crimes), and victims profiles were all covered. W. Yorks identified the issue, nationally in 1997, when the Police were investigating another crime. A document was available for members, if they wished to view the statements taken during the investigations, which included those from prisoners who stated how they received potential target details. Information was given upon the actions in N.Y.C.C. to reduce harm, and protect the vulnerable people.
'Operation Violet' is a recent operation targeting the elderly, where small fees are quoted for work, and then raised upon completion. In a recent case the couple took vehicle details and identified those concerned. Further surveillance resulted in assets recovered, arrests and a pending court case.
The future: H'gte and Knares. Is a 'hotspot'? Pro-active work is scheduled with other agencies to assist in identification, education and to protect potential victims. New door stickers are now available. Everyone can help, by informing vulnerable residents, reporting incidents immediately and educating staff and customers. Relevant telephone numbers were available.
Questions: * Licensing of doorstep sellers, as second-hand goods people are? New legislation would be required. * Cold callers? People can still call, E.G. butchers/grocers if they have a license, in areas, which display signs. The legality of these zones is improving. * Exchange/sharing of information? Regular meetings take place between the agencies of Police, N.Y.C.C. and N.H.W. Which results in the exchanges of intelligence.
The chief constable emphasised that it was critical that information is exchanged quickly-speed is essential as such teams change areas within days to avoid capture. There are often issues of H&S and hygiene regulations if food is sold. Information details: Notification of all should be given, including legitimate traders, as they can be given advice and may have movement information. 'Cooling Off' periods: It is a criminal offence if a notice of work and any costs over £35-00's is not given. N.H. Watch have issued advice on their website, regarding setting-up cold calling zones, which are more effective if small in area, as everyone has to agree to take part. Such information could be included in Parish newsletters.
The Chairman thanked the speaker for a very informative presentation.
Police Report: Ass. Chief Constable T. Madgwick informed members of his career background as an officer, before stating that everyone should be treated as a customer, with the police providing more information and feedback, which is challenging. His aim is to continue reducing crime in Yorkshire, even though it has the lowest rate in the country, with particular focus upon front line services, road issues (Recently they were three traffic fatalities), and recognizing vulnerability and giving support through the agencies. N.Y Police 'hold their own' in the country, regarding police work and solving crimes, and he is passionate about his continuing commitment to a safer neighbourhood support through the agencies.
Our v. chairman, thanked him firstly for attending and secondly the above commitments, but asked what 'wouldn't happen' -because they couldn't possibly achieve all? Budget cuts and balances to be sought and they may be some civilian and officer reductions.
Questions were asked about the amalgamation of forces. This isn't on the cards yet, however in some areas such as helicopters, specialist firearms, and diving units it could be utilized to ensure cost effectiveness, particularly when such services are only rarely used. It is all about striking a balance, and officers above a certain rank should not be involved in office work. -There is a commitment not to cut front line officers.
Beckwithshaw residents inquired about speed cameras, as there are no fixed ones in N. Yorks. And the village has speeding issues. There will be some mobile units in action this summer, with enforcements. (Fixed sites are not as effective as the mobile ones, but community work has given effective results). Proof of speeding is required, therefore request the Matrix signs from the fire services and give evidence to NYCC. Representatives to action, especially if it is a priority. As Harrogate is often 'grid-locked' the village is often used as a shortcut, with 1200 vehicles passing in the rush hour. The P. Council had conducted a survey, with various options, and the speed signs were the favoured choice
Government Neighbourhood Beat Officer Report: Sgt. C. Turner issued the summer newsletter to members, and highlighted relevant seasonal items. P.C. D. Tetley gave crime details, which had seen an increase, particularly theft from motor vehicles, ('sat-nav's' and handbags in the visitors parking areas). The increase can be due to the current financial climate, however it is still low-24- for an area of 6,000 residents. There have leads on a number of crimes and the local police area working closely with the CID officers. It is important that local criminals are targeted, but also the larger picture has to be kept in mind, especially that of drug trafficking and drink abuse. The figures are itemized in the newsletter, and an up-date is kept on file for reference.
Questions were asked about the involvement of young people in prevention measures. See the newsletter contents. Our local police are very active in this area, as we have 16 primary schools and one secondary, which are visited regularly, especially with multi agency work. P.C. D. Tetley visits the high school each year to work with 14yr old youngsters on a drug project. The C. Constable emphasised the pro -active work with this age group regarding alcohol and sex crimes workshops, on prevention and other issues of safety across the whole of the county. However, drink problems with the middle -aged population is proving a current problem.
Fire Service Report: Simon Render the station manager from Harrogate, who has responsibility for Knaresb. And Summerbridge, up-dated the meeting on current issues, especially that our local station was going from strength to strength with 14 fire fighters and three new applications. A new instructor is present and there is also 'service delivery,' offering additional support every six weeks with training either in the Harrogate station or equipment brought to the local station. The appliances also have new computers, which can identify the nearest hydrants, give vehicle safety details to assist when cutting gear has to be used, and internal plans of buildings, this proving most useful in the recent hotel fire.
Incidents recently have included the local traffic accidents, besides the hotel fire, and promoting caravan and BBQ safety. The matrix sign was deployed in S' Bridge, resulting in a 'Operational Siren Event.' Birstwith requested quicker result information. 'World Cup Scheme' posters on appliances are advertising safer drinking. (By law, public houses have to serve tap water free).
Cll. Fort mentioned the 'young fire fighters scheme'. S.R. informed that it is a positive, 20-week scheme for 14-16 yr. olds, giving a B. Tec. Qualification, but is not available in Harrogate yet. A number of people requested further details.
Neighbourhood Watch: Keith Roberts, chairman of the Harrogate group, stated that locally they were over 900 groups, of various sizes and there was a high density of schemes in N. Yorkshire. An independent analysis has proved their effectiveness in reducing crime by 80%, and that 4 out of 5 people interviewed would like to be part of the scheme. Smaller schemes work best providing the right info, at the right time is the most important issue. Some groups invite young people to attend and become involved, which result in effective communication between all ages.
A search is still on, to find a Nidderdale successor for M. Sims.
Youth Services: K. Gay, the Harrogate area youth worker responsible for the development of services in the Nidd Valley reported that the new venue at the P.B. Methodist Church was very well attended at the last meeting, however they only attract a certain age group. There is a lack of facilities/resources throughout Nidderdale, therefore No 6 gallery is offering courses in the summer at a low cost or free, such as jewellery making and nest box production, and the leisure centre will offer 3x4 week multi sports sessions. The mobile unit is scheduled to visit villages, for 6week sessions, and hopefully a new club will be formed at Darley Playing Fields Pavilion when it is up graded.
K.G. informed the meeting that he was leaving the services at the end of the week, but that a keen young lady, Kulbir Kaur is taking on his post from 17th July and will be based in Ripon. He thanked the S. Neighbourhood team for all their advice and support. Members wished him well in his future projects.
A.O.B: * H.A informed of a free Garden Party on the 19th June at N. Rigton. An evening BBQ would cost £4.00.
*Congratulations were offered to Cll. J. Fort, who has been elected as the new deputy leader of NYCC.
The chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting, especially the speaker and Ass. C. Constable for visiting our group.
Cll. I. Galloway, Beckwithshaw councillor endorsed the thanks on behalf of the parishioners, especially as this group had not met here for some time.
The Meeting closed at 9.20pm.
Next Meeting: Wednesday 22nd September 2010. 7.30pm. At Pateley Bridge Council Offices. The speaker will be Mr. Roy Firth-Civil Contingencies and Resilience Officer at Harrogate B. Council.
Apologies: Ann Kent. Tel. 01423780495.
Reference:
The priorities were:
*Road safety, especially in Beckwithshaw. The parish council were advised to request the Matrix Signs from the fire service and work closely with their NYCC councillor.
*Crime figures.
*A full contingent of Fire Service personnel at the local station.
Ann Kent. (June 2010).
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