Minutes of the Neighbourhood Watch Meeting held at the Wedgwood Sports & Social Centre on
Wednesday 17th September 2003 at 7.30 pm.


Present   18  members attended plus the police below

   Police Representatives  PC Andy Holland
   
In the chair George Jackson
 

1.    Apologies for absence

   
2.    Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 18th June 2003

   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   3bds and 1 attempt were reported. In the first entry was via an insecure ground floor window - items taken included a Dyson cleaner, CD player, mini-disk ditto and two polo shirts. In the second a handbag, cash and cheque book were taken after entry via an insecure door.  Two black youths were seen running off  but not apprehended.  In the last reported incident, patio doors were forced and a purse taken from the kitchen.

Burglary other buildings

One incidence reported when garage doors were forced but nothing was taken

Vehicle Crime

Thefts of vehicles - no reports of any vehicles stolen but there were 2 attempts to steal motor cycles and although chains securing the vehicles were cut but the bikes were not removed.

Thefts from motor vehicles
   
There was a reduction of reports in this category down from 9 to 5.  In all cases the items taken were gardening tools mainly hedge cutters and strimmers.

5.    Other crime

In July at Lakeside a wallet was taken from an unattended golf bag.  There were two drive­offs without paying for petrol at Leeses garage.  At Cottage furniture someone rode up on an old bike and rode off with a new one.  Two acts of vandalism were reported in one a caravan was scratched and in another a brick was thrown through a window.  Two solar powered lights were stolen.    
   
6.    Any Other Business

 There still  some complaints of youth behaviour on Barlaston Park and some regarding behaviour at the health centre.  Three motor cycles travelling at excessive speed along Longton Road were seen on a number of occasions.

 In view of the concern which had been expressed regarding proposals to provide an all-weather 5-a-side football pitch on Barlaston Park John King gave a detailed resume of the steps which had been taken to ensure that the pitch would be a valuable facility and that vandalism would not be the problem which some it might be.  All the residents living nearby had approved and contrary to some worries the cost of maintenance would not be a problem as there was a fifteen year maintenance-free contract.  Furthermore regular reports would have to be produced.
   
7.    Date and Place of the next Meeting

The next meeting will be at Wedgwood Club on Thursday December 4th.

There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 8.20 pm.