Minutes of the Neighbourhood Watch Meeting held at the Wedgwood Sports & Social Centre on
Wednesday 28th August 2002 at 7.30 pm.

Present   20 members attended plus the police below

 Police Representatives  PC Andy Holland Sgt. David Jarvie
 
In the chair Cllr.J. Russell

The Chairman welcomed members and thanked the police for their attendance.  In particular our old stalwart PC Andy Holland and a new police representative Sergeant David Jarvie.

1. Apologies for absence

Apologies were received from:  Norman Knapper, Margaret Moores, Geoff Leese, Mr & Mrs Rogers.
 
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

The problems of opportunist thefts had highlighted the difficulties with security at Wedgwood College. This was being looked into although the function of such a building naturally made ready access essential.

The car noise reported was still a problem although there had been some improvement.

4. (a ) Report from Police Representatives

PC Holland introduced Sergeant Dave Jarvie who with a colleague shared the responsibility for the CATs (Community Action Teams) in the area .
 
Regarding the Wedgwood College incident Andy said that the youth arrested had admitted to several crimes which the police were pleased to have been able to clear up.

Burglary Dwellings

None had been reported.

Burglary other buildings

In July there was a burglary at Upper House in which a TV set was taken and there may also have been attempts to break into cars at a wedding there.  In the same month the cricket club was broken into and a mobile phone taken.

Vehicle Crime

Thefts of vehicles

In June a Landrover in Longton Road was taken - the keys had been left in the car

Thefts from motor vehicles

Seven incidences were reported; most of the attempts on cars resulted in damage caused by various unsuccessful attempts to gain entry usually by smashing windows or forcing doors.

At the Golf Club a set of clubs on view were stolen - access by smashing the window. Also at the club a van window was smashed and a mobile phone removed.

Golf clubs (what the golfer hits the ball with) were taken in another incident and the usual crop of mobile phones. An amplifier was taken from a car boot after the front door was forced and the boot release operated.

PC Holland commented that most of the vehicles had 'collectable' items in view and in many cases the cost of the damage to the car was far greater than the items taken.
 
Andy stressed, as he has done on so many occasions, that all valuables should be out of sight and locked in the boot when the car is parked. Do not rush into a shop and leave the car door unlocked - a hand bag or a phone can be stolen and the culprit away in just a few seconds.

5. Other Incidences

Over the period since the last meeting in May a range of thefts was reported. This included two wheelbarrows, bicycles, and an electrically operated garden gate.  Two hanging baskets were stolen, again from Wedgwood College.

Among the larger items were two car trailers and a large quantity of milk behind the Spar shop. A similar theft was reported at the last meeting. A vehicle must have been involved in the removal of such a quantity and the police would be glad to get any information on this and any other incidents.

6. Any Other Business

Sgt. Jarvie emphasised, regarding the co-operation of the public, that any information is always welcome. Even a report of some suspicious occurrence may be very significant. There have been occasions when such a report has been just what was needed to solve a particular crime or identify the miscreant the police have been looking for.

If you know something and wish to remain anonymous ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Sgt. Jarvie also drew our attention to  a number of Roads Shows which will shortly be touring the area. These will cover topics which concern us all, namely crime and road safety.

7. Date and Place of the next Meeting

The final meeting for 2002 will be at the Wedgwood Sports and Social Centre on Wednesday 27th November.

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.25 pm.