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Minutes of the Neighbourhood
Watch Meeting held at the Wedgwood Sports & Social Centre on
Wednesday 27th November 2002 at 7.30 pm.
Present 18 members attended plus the police representative below
Police Representatives PC Andy Holland
In the chair Cllr.J. Russell
1. Apologies for absence
8 members were unable to attend
2. Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 29th May 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
PC Holland said that the crime situation had been rather mixed with
some crimes showing a disturbing increase.
Burglary Dwellings Andy was pleased to say that he had no reports of any
house burglaries, but warned us to take extra care as Christmas would soon be
upon us and extra vigilance was required. A colourfully decorated tree with
presents piled beneath was attractive not only to children it was also seen as
an invitation to the thief.
Burglary other buildings
Four bobs¹ were reported, included under this heading was the theft of
coping stones from the wall of a local property. The Lakeside golf club has
been under attack on a number of occasions in the last year or two, fortunately
on one occasion in October entry was not achieved although a window was smashed
and a door damaged. There was also a break in at the gas sub station. At the
Plume of Feathers bottles of spits were stolen after the premises were entered
via cellar door. Unfortunately the alarm was not triggered.
Vehicle Crime this has been a particularly active area.
Thefts of vehicles
In September a car was stolen on Barlaston Park and abandoned without
wheels not far away.
Thefts from motor vehicles
There were thirteen incidences reported - 6 from Lakeside (double the
number reported in May) and although a watch was kept on several successive
nights it was without success.
The most common thefts were of articles which had been left on view in the car.
These include a wallet, laptop computer, mobile phone, radios and other audio
equipment. The most common forms of entry were via a smashed window and this
method often preceded opening the boot via the remote release. Again the hauls
included jackets, tools, a watch, purse, stereo and golf clubs. We are advised
not to leave anything on view and although it is preferable to lock items in the
boot this methods is far from infallible as many thieves are gaining access by
forcing locks, or drilling round them. The abundance of battery operated drills
and cutting equipment make the criminals task even easier.
Other properties affected include the Duke of York and the garden centre.
Parkfields - farm was broken into and damaged
5.Other crime
On two occasions cars filled up at the garage and drove off without paying.
A walk-in, in Rockhouse drive netted a phone for the thief. On another
occasion petrol was stolen from a car by cutting the petrol pipe.
6.Any Other Business
Parkfields farm was broken into and damaged
An eye would be kept on youths congregating near the Orchard Place shops.
In answering a question on Crimestoppers Andy said there was an increase in the
number of people in the Stafford area making use of it. There were advantages
in the anonymity the system guarantees for anyone dialling 0800 555111.
7. Date and Place of the next Meeting
The members present expressed a preference for The Wedgwood Sports and
Social Club over the Lakeside Tavern and the next meeting (at the present venue)
was agreed for the 5th March 2003.
There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 8.25 pm.
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