NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE - NIDDERDALE
SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS GROUP
Minutes of the meeting held at Christ Church Community Centre, on 25th November 2009.
Attendance:
G. Linehan (V. Chairman), Insp. S. Breen, Sgt. C. Turner, S. Render (Fire Services), K. Gay (N.Y.C.C. Youth Services), J. Fort (N.Y.C.C.), R. Grange (H.B.C.), Dacre P.C. x1, Birstwith P.C. x1, Darley P.C.x1, M. Sims, C. Hall, S. Lee, H. Alexander, B. Wilcock and A. Kent (Secretary).
Apologies:
K. Sewell, J. Galloway, H. Garnett, L. Ellington, Bishop Thornton P.C. Pateley Bridge Council, Bewerley P.C. Hartwith P.C. Havarah Park and Beckwithshaw P.C. and P.B. Chamber of Trade delegates.
The acting chairman, G. Linehan welcomed everyone. The meeting was declared open.
The 2nd September 2009 Minutes were signed as a true record, proposed by E. March and seconded by M. Sims.
Matters Arising: None.
Police Report: Sgt. C. Turner distributed copies of the Safer Neighbourhoods Newsletter, which concentrated on updates of her team since the last meeting, particularly in relation to the issues raised. Overall the area is relatively quite apart from Washburn, who have experienced rises in theft incidents; however overall there is a decrease of 7.14%. Crime trends are noted in a table format in the newsletter. Cll. Flynn from Darley requested a ‘year on year comparison table’ as this would prove very useful data. Over the coming weeks there will be high visibility patrols in the areas adjoining the A658 and B6161, especially on night shifts as un-wanted visitors enter this way. Discussions are underway with the Menwith Hill police who are keen to assist and have access to high powered vehicles. Scrap metal prices are increasing so Please use immobilisers and ‘smart water’. The same applies to stone, whether it is quarried flagstones or actual building stone. Sgt. Turner emphasised that stone theft is difficult to prove, due to identification, therefore mark when in situation, if at all possible. Especially as the festive season approaches sneak thieves will be active, with many burglaries a spur of the moment incident if they see open doors or windows. Visit www.saferharrogate.org.uk for safety tips and advice.
Members were informed that P.C. 1070 Gary Anderson joined the Pateley police team at the beginning of the month. Also working alongside the team is PCSO Simon Weaver who is the dedicated Police Community Support Officer for this area. He commenced with the distribution of the high visibility waist -coats to all key stage 1 children in the area and the anti-social behaviour in P. Bridge and the Riverside estates in Otley. Insp. Breen initially seconded him to work in all the 4 wards, but he now concentrates in this one and Otley. He is trained to use police speed guns, but doesn’t have the prosecution powers.
This area has a low crime rate, (The lowest in England and Wales, which is judged with similar areas of basic command units.), which is the envy of other forces. We also have a good detection rate, but Sgt. Turner and her team are working towards further reductions of crime, but can -not possibly eradicate it all.
Questions: H.A. indicated that he still found it difficult to comprehend a decrease % of crime. Sgt. Turner stated that the N. Rigton area had a high police profile, from all the police stations-much more than in Nidderdale. Recent bus shelter damage and recent minor vehicle incidents were ‘in-hand’. Cll. Fort indicated that the police had dealt with incidents quickly and efficiently.
Cll. Grange made reference to the stone thefts, particularly ‘fancy stone tops’, and no recent prosecutions.
In the Ripon district lead thefts are popular, as the prices have risen. A scrap-yard owner is liasing with the police, cultivating their relationship, with some ‘spot checks’ been undertaken on vehicles before they enter his premises.
Fire Service Report: Simon Render the station manager from Harrogate, who has responsibility for Ripon, Knaresb. And Summerbridge, up-dated the meeting on current issues. He issued a ‘big Thank You’ in the recent recruitment drive, which has resulted in four joining S’Bridge station, bringing their compliment to 14 officers. They are only at stage one and have to undergo all the training processes including written and physical examinations. Anyone else is welcome to join the station. On the 23rd Sept a ‘Road Safety’ event aimed at young or new drivers was deemed a very successful initiative, and will be repeated. The event was aimed at 18-25year olds, however some parents attended. On the 13th Nov. at St. James Park, Knares. There was a multi agency initiative, which targeted young drivers. H& S issues, road safety advice concerning high -powered vehicles and a few ‘freebies’ proved another very receptive event. After the caravan fatality, on the 6th August at 23.25hours, the service is ‘cold calling’, particularly on farmers who use temp. Staff, advising on smoke detectors and access routes. (20 venues visited recently, and 19 detectors fitted.). There are not many of these incidents in the country, but when they do occur it is usually serious. The ‘Matrix Signs’ were recently deployed in Darley, by the mill, on the 18-24th Nov. The result was a 30.97 average M.P.H. northwards and 28.12 M.P.H. southwards. A ‘Siren Event’ would now be appropriate. P. Councils have to request the findings. The signs have to be requested through the P.C., Police and Fire services to Peter Broadwith, whom organizes their placement. At present there are only two of these signs, which also size the vehicles passing through, but it is hoped to receive another two.
J. F. suggested that ‘bad weather driving tips’ should be included in the training of young drivers, as recently many haven’t driven in inclement conditions.
Questions were asked about the ‘Skid Pan’ provision for members of the public. Insp. Breen replied that it was used as part of the training for emergency response drivers/crews, but generally the ‘Cradle mechanism’ was the preferred option. This was utilized on the road safety events. Members thought that if sponsorship could be sourced, E.G. from driving schools, that the Tockwith skid pan site would give young drivers a chance to practise in safe conditions, and such events could have a successful up-take.
Neighbourhood Watch;
Mike Sims updated the meeting. He can no longer give actual meeting reports as he resigned at the A.G.M. and now attends these sessions as a member of the public. However in the absence of a new area organizer he gave us the N. Watch report from the A.G.M. meeting. Ruth Andrews-The head of the Trading Standards Fraud Committee in N.Y.C.C.-addressed the meeting, stating that we were the county most targeted by ‘cold callers’, due to the age and prosperous nature of the residents. Nationally12%-19%in N.Y., with only 14% reported. Harrogate and Knares are the most targeted towns due to the easy escape routes. People are targeted if they look confused, unkempt, and through obituary column information. These despicable people are very professional at giving confidence and becoming the friends of such disadvantaged people, often ‘hounding them’ relentlessly for weeks/months. It is known that such people mark properties with signs/symbols to forewarn other people about your property, and also sell-on information and contact details to others. M.S. had example sheets available, of some of the symbols. Please report people whom ‘cold call’ on 08454040506 or directly to the police.
The Trading Standards will visit groups/councils regarding this issue. Stickers used to be available for householders to display but are out of print and funds: - Is to be investigated, as the police said that they are a valuable asset.
Many council’s, have set up the ‘No Cold Calling’ zones. Dacre P.C. set one up two years ago, using highway and individual property signs and has seen a reduction of unwelcome visitors.
Delegates also voiced concerns about the amount of unwanted telephone callers.
It was recommended, by J.F. that this group asks R. Andrews to address a meeting.
Youth Services: K. Gay, the Harrogate area youth worker responsible for the development of services in the Nidd Valley reported that a questionnaire had been distributed to members and P. C’s regarding youth requirements. Members asked if the young people themselves were also given the survey, and suggested that copies be available through parish magazines/newsletters which have a wide distribution, and on school transport, thus giving useful contact points. ‘Friends of Darley’ had offered to deliver more copies. The service only has limited funds and staff, with only 6 youth clubs in the whole of Harrogate. Grant applications were successful for renovations and equipment, but the intended site at the auction mart doesn’t meet their criteria, even though an asbestos survey was carried out. It is hoped that these monies can be now used to source accommodation, otherwise it will have to be returned. The youth mobile unit vehicle will be deployed to Pateley, attending fortnightly. (It will also visit Hampsthwaite, where the village rooms are not an ideal venue).
N.Y.C.C. had received complaints from some councils about the lack of premises in Nidderdale, however some progress has been made, with talks with the P.B. Methodist Church, which has recently undergone refurbishment. After some building checks it is hoped to re-commence sessions there in the new –year, as it is deemed the right time to focus here, as previous troublemakers are now older and in employment. Also at this venue, C.C.C. Centre, where talks are in progress to hopefully run sessions mid week.
At the high school, plans for an ‘Extended Schools Officer’ for after school sessions will be discussed shortly, as will the set up of a ‘Youth Forum’ regarding youth services.
The old Forest Moor site, at Menwith, is to be taken over by N.Y.C.C. shortly and plans are for it to be used as an education centre. It has full gym facilities and J.F. suggested that K.G. contact them to check the availability for youth sessions/ community usage.
We were informed that after15years diligent youth work in Nidderdale, Trish Howard had retired.
A.O.B: * Are the present committee members willing to be re-elected, at the A.G.M..?
*Please note that Mr. H. Alexander has elected to attend meetings as a member of the public.
The chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting, The Meeting closed at 8.40 pm.
Next Meeting: Wednesday 3rd March 2010. 7.30pm.
This meeting is the A.G.M., at Pateley Bridge Council Offices.
Please forward any committee nominations to the secretary by 1st February 2010.
Apologies: Ann Kent. Tel. 01423780495.
Reference:
The priorities were:
*Crime figures.
*Fire Service successful young drivers events.
*Cold Calling Issues.
* Youth services in the dale.
Reports will be given at our next meeting.
Ann Kent. (November 2009).
N.B. Regarding the A.G.M.: The present committee members are willing to continue their duties, however new nominations are also welcome. If there are more applicants for the position/s there will be a member’s vote on the evening