Residents' Association Forum

See http://residents-association.com/announcements.php#crimefight

This is another heads-up from EBC.

I suspect this government funding and the drafting about 'grassroots community activists who are not traditional recipients of government grants' implies that they really have in mind the likes of hard-to-police black and Muslim communities or notorious hotspots with associated city crime problems, rather than car vandalism in Thames Ditton.  But nevertheless, we would always be interested in any practical suggestions and if not this time, then on some other occasion they might be taken forward when funds may be available.

I'm thinking a team of vigilantes dressed in black, patrolling the streets inbetween the odd pint at our varying water holes!

I think really, the only thing that works is a police or pcso presence or cctv. I dont like the idea of cctv in TD though.

I agree - I don't like the idea of CCTV; except for short periods to identify some persistent offence e.g. graffiti, car park vandalism etc.

I think you're right, and it would be only the presence of vigilant people padding around all night and some of the day that would work.  That clearly isn't on - except just possibly in some short-tern particular case.  But if the trend towards privatisation of police services continues, maybe one day we'll have to look at "Thames Ditton Angels"

Also, I think   'innovative' countermeasures might help, such as for these minor but troublesome offences:

- naming and shaming - photographs of litterers, dogpoopers, petty vandals etc.

- on a similar theme, the stocks: public presentation for say two hours on a Saturday morning at a designated place with a placard stating the offence. (but no rotten tomato throwing)

These are not costly ( so "savings") and would I think be effective; furthermore they are within old traditions in the land.

I think vandalism and car crime should be punishable by hanging,  maybe from the bridge

Well, maybe dyeing - some dye marking the face that says 'brainless fool' or 'despicable clod' and doesn't wear off for thirty days.

How about we call in this guy to save the day!!!

(from your other thread!)

;)

(http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2011/10/14/alg_phoenix_jones.jpg)

Knacker of the Yard:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9137981/120000-compensation-after-armed-officers-stopped-wrong-car.html
"Friends James Barber, 30, Claire Clarke, 29, and Nick Fairbairn, 30, and his wife Ruth, 29, were driving home from visiting Mr Fairbairn's new-born God Daughter when armed police mistook their car for a vehicle wanted in connection with an armed incident.

Officers armed with a machine guns and tasers surrounded the Renault Clio, barking out orders as they pointed their weapons at disorientated occupants, warning they would be shot if they made any swift movements.

One cop then used the butt of his gun to smash the driver's passenger window, showering glass into the car before all four of the frightened young professionals - who had never been in trouble with the police - were dragged from the car.....The Met Police initially argued that their actions had been justified, but a solicitor acting for the four has argued police failed to carry out simple checks which would have prevented the error.  "

Put that together with the apparently unarmed man shot and killed last week in a Greater Manchester police operation (against suspect robbers), when he made a movement with his hands - according to press reports.  Now imagine what might have happened if you had been in the first incident and reached for your glove box to get your id.

But then, those two police forces have somewhat notorious track records over the years.

Daily Mail: "Around 100 paedophiles have been chemically castrated under a Government scheme to stop them reoffending."

Could this be extended to testosterone-fuelled vandals do you think?

Met Police considering use of tear gas in riots (http://v) 

Ever been tear-gassed?  I have, in diplomatic life even (is nothing sacred?).  It was at Zimbabwe Independence night in the Rufaro Stadium, Salisbury (now Harare).  The outgoing Rhodies tear-gassed some lively Afs in the stadium, and the cloud drifted across the seated Diplomatic Corps.  The recollection still brings tears to my eyes.  Chokes me up, in fact.

At CCF camp we were instructed to go into a room filled with the gas, then one-by-one take off our gas masks and recite our name, rank and school code before we could exit. Salad days!

Where (presumably a public school) was that?  I should have sent my idle children there!

Elmbridge BC write:
Following our Community Safety Public Meeting, which took place on 13 June 2012, we have now published the questions that were asked during and prior to the meeting.

If you would like to view the questions, along with the answers, please visit our website:

http://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/Council/safety/ecspmeeting.htm

Questions included:
1. What is being done to protect vulnerable adults, particularly from those who are going door to door
2. What has happened to the No Cold Calling Zones?
3. Have the road closures been finalised for the Olympics?
4. Has there been any discussion to have 20 mile speed limit restrictions outside schools?
5. How is Surrey currently engaging with cyclist and how much budget has been invested into improving cycle infrastructure?
6. How does the national crime survey match with the crime figures presented for Elmbridge?
7. What is going to happen if 999 calls are received during the Olympics and roads are closed?
8. What consideration is given to cycle routes when planning developments for schools?
9. Why is there a lack of community policing?
10. How has social media had an impact in reducing crime in the borough?
11. There are a number of 'T' Junctions in Elmbridge that could be potentially dangerous due to poor visibility of road markings
12. Who cuts back over grown grass verges?

Businessman recorded cold callers, charged them £10 per minute for wasting his time, threatened the small claims court and won a settlement... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9637438/Cold-caller-firm-pays-out-for-wasting-businessmans-time.html

website – www.saynotocoldcalls.com – to help other victims. 

Surrey’s anti-burglary initiative, Operation Candlelight, launched on Monday, 22 October targets high risk neighbourhoods and known offenders; crime prevention postcards have been sent to ‘at risk’ properties to encourage residents to improve their home security while roadshows and bus back advertising have taken place across the county. 

In the second phase of the operation, the police and council authorities are teaming up with Crimestoppers  to urge residents to tell the charity what they know about possible burglars and the handling of stolen goods in return for cash rewards of up to £1,000.  Last years campaign which saw an increase in calls to the charity, Crimestoppers will use Facebook, advertising posters in buses across Surrey and a targeted ‘Know a burglar?’ leaflet drop to make as many people as possible aware of the rewards while pledging the anonymity that Crimestoppers offer. 
If you have any information about any burglary but don't want to reveal your identity, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Surrey Police update:
Detective Superintendent Ray Blythe: “With all the excitement of the Christmas period, people can become a bit lax with their home security – at the very time when they need to be the most careful. Police forces nationally tend to see an increase in burglary offences over the festive period with the long dark nights and people buying expensive gifts to give to their loved ones.  

“I would urge members of the public as they open the window of their advent calendar tomorrow morning to consider how easy it would be for a burglar to open a window or door to their house. This is not about scaring people but the last thing anyone wants is to wake up on Christmas morning without any presents.” 

As part of the campaign a series of radio adverts will be broadcast over the weeks leading up to Christmas urging the public to protect their homes and possessions. A short video entitled ‘The Christmas Presents’ is also available on the Surrey Police website.   
[[ I particularly like the next bit! - Admin]]
Christmas cards are being sent to dozens of repeat offenders reminding them of the consequences if they re-offend. Officers also continue to carry out additional operational activities targeting high risk areas and known offenders.

Surrey Police recommends the following:

At home
Don't leave presents under the Christmas tree in view of a window. Hide them somewhere safe until Christmas morning. 
Security mark expensive presents, such as electronic equipment with a forensic marking product and keep an inventory on a property registration website such as www.immobilise.com.
Dispose of Christmas gift packaging carefully. Empty boxes left outside can advertise to thieves what they can find inside. 

Going away?
If you are going away over the festive period ask a neighbour or your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to keep an eye on your house. 
Do not post details of your holiday on social networking sites. 
Make your house look occupied by using automatic timer switches to turn interior lights, radios or TVs on and off and ensure you cancel your milk and newspapers. 
Remember to lock all doors and windows and to set your burglar alarm.

Finally if you wish a free unbiased home security survey then please contact PC Debbie Burtenshaw (of Elmbridge's safer neighbourhoods team) on 01483 637350