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Minutes of the Neighbourhood
Watch Meeting held at the Wedgwood Sports & Social Centre on
Wednesday 5th March 2003 at 7.30 pm.
Present 18 members attended plus the police below
Police Representatives PC
Andy Holland and Jim Hill (Community beat
officer)
In the chair Cllr.J. Russell
1. Apologies for absence
Apologies were received from: Mr & Mrs Radford, M Buck, Mrs.
Wilson, Mrs.Pritchard (5)
2. Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 27th November 2002
The minutes were read and passed as a correct record.
3. Matters arising from the Minutes
There were no matters arising.
4. (a) Report from Police Representatives
Burglary Dwellings 3 bds had been reported. In one incident in
Bedcroft a house access obtained by breaking a window and figurines taken. In
Meaford a similar means of access resulted in the theft of a video/DVD player.
The most serious incident was a robbery which took place at a cottage on
Canalside at 7.15 am. Four men waited for the occupant to appear then tide her
up in the kitchen and stole the car. This was recovered later and the
investigation into the incident is continuing.
Burglary other buildings
Once again, the Wedgwood Memorial College was involved when an insecure
study was entered and various items stolen. A daytime theft in Brookhouse Drive
netted a mountain bike and a caravan was stolen from Hartwell Lane.
Vehicle Crime this has been a
particularly active area.
Thefts of vehicles - none stolen.
Thefts from motor vehicles
Six vehicles were involved in a short space of
time but after the arrest of a team from the Meir area there was a reduction in
the thefts reported.
Once again there were the usual common thefts - audio equipment - cassette and
CD players. and of articles which had been left on view in the car - phone(s),
tool box.
5. Other crime
On two occasions in December cars filled up at
the garage and drove off without paying the total value of these thefts was in
excess of £80. One thief was female. In February a man was seen to pick up two
bottles of wine from the Spar shop and walk out without paying. A companion
chose to remain in the shop presumably to avoid being directly involved. The
thief was arrested and charged but he is known to have problems.
Also in February a car was vandalised in Flaxman Close when tyres were slashed.
6. Any Other Business
The question of youths at the shop on Barlaston Park was raised. There was some
sympathy for their excuse that they had nowhere else to play football and it was
hoped that a pitch for five a side games would be obtained. But it was agreed
that customers entering the shop should not feel intimidated by their behaviour.
We also heard a report of the Police Performance Review for the period April to
December 2002. The review included categories including: burglary dwellings,
vehicle crime, violent crime, domestic violence, disorder and nuisance, drugs,
major crimes/incidents, 999 calls, immediate response.
Some Examples
Contrary to the general perception there was an overall reduction in crime
compared to the figures in 2001/2002. For example Overall Crimes saw a
reduction of 9% - the largest reduction in England and Wales, whilst the current
detection rate is 31% an improvement of 9% on last year.
Burglary dwellings were down by 21% - Staffordshire showed the second largest
reduction in offences and the largest reduction nationally of burglary (other
buildings).
Similar good comparative results were achieved in vehicle crimes; thefts of
vehicles 21% down and thefts of vehicles 26% down - largest reduction
nationally.
Violent crime - although there has been an increase in the incidence of violent
crime Staffordshire (+1.68%) this compared favourably with the average increase
of 22.4%. Staffordshire third best.
7. Date and Place of the next Meeting
The next meeting will be at Wedgwood Club on Wednesday June 18th.
There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 8.20 pm.
Signed
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Chairman
18th June 2003
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