Community Policing in Hucclecote

In this issue we review the current Initiatives and their successes of the local Police Force in combatting crime and the link with our community in the form of the Hucclecote Policing Panel.
Policing Initiatives and Successes
Organised criminal gangs have been involved in the Theft of Bicycles, Garden Equipment and Tools from Houses, Garages, Garden Sheds and Tradesmen’s Vans. The detention of two known gang members who had been under surveillance by the Police was reprimanded and is now awaiting trial. This is a significant success for the Police and sends a message to gangs operating in
Gloucestershire that the Police are pursuing them and are confident of reprimanding more thieves soon.
The Avenger Task force has been set up to modernise the approach to gangs in Gloucestershire. Initially its objective is to identify and reduce the number of young and vulnerable people who could become involved in gangs, by offering support and alternatives options to gang membership.
Inspector Nell Smith, Avenger Task Force Coordinator says that We are only talking about a small number of groups who have a degree of organisation and consider themselves to be a gang which engages in criminal activity. There are not many involved but their actions cause ripples across the community. The Task Force is taking a pro—active approach in getting to the root of the problem by reacting to the warning signs before a Youngster gets actually involved with a gang.
The Police are now benefitting from equipment which is having a significant impact in catching known criminals. It comes in the form of a Customised Police Car with the technology to automatically record vehicle registrations, before identifying the occupants of vehicles. This
unmarked Police vehicle targets known offenders from a National data base, and Is often used on specific operations; most recently to combat the unwanted Rogue Trader element.
Rogue Traders
There has been an increase in the number of rogue traders operating in the Area and a campaign is currently on-going which is targeting these criminals and their illegal activities. Local residents should be aware of their legal rights when deterring unwanted traders or callers.
. It is a requirement of the Trading Standards Organisation that a written quotation Is provided to the Customer and that there Is a cooling off period of 7 days in which the Customer can change their mind. Therefore get all Quotations for work in Writing.
. Traders must provide a leaflet explaining the 7 day cooling off period.
Elderly /vulnerable people are often besieged by Rogue Traders; however advice on taking precautions is available from the Police & Includes:
. If you don’t know the person at the door — Do not answer it,
. If you are expecting someone — Ensure you ask for Identification
. Beware People who warn you of a fault on your house that needs repair e.g. broken roof tiles. This is often a ploy to gain your confidence and could result as a major repair cost to you.
. Beware of Intimidation — It is a known weapon In the Rogue Trader’s armoury. Do not be afraid to close the door If confronted by a fake tradesman
. Under no circumstance be persuaded to take a trader to a cash machine to withdraw cash for a bill or in advance of a repair.
Security Message
Some simple measures can make it difficult for thieves to access or take your property e.g. Stack bikes in the garage, double lock your garden shed, ensure you van or car is empty of contents when parking and park your car up to your garage door. Thieves do not like to be obstructed —
the more obstacles the less likelihood of success for the Thief.
Safety Message
We can all play a major part in crime prevention by reporting strange occurrences or noises that are not part of normal everyday life. E.g.Unknown occupants of parked or unusual noises e.g. shouting or breaking glass. The message is clear: Be vigilant and make situations as difficult as possible for potential criminals!
The Hucclecote Policing Panel is an assembly of interested parties representing the Community who
convene meetings four times per year. The meetings are open to everyone, with the objective of
exchanging views on current issues and activities within our community with Police Officers.
The Panel is chaired by Bill Crowther, a former County Councillor, Rob Barker, Chairman of the
Community Centre and Paul Finch, Chairman of the Neighbourhood Watch Association.
Representatives from the Policing Community include: Andy Plant, a Regular Beat Officer and PCSO Khim Mortimer our Community Policing Officer.
Meeting Dates
Finally, for anyone who would like to participate or simply attend a meeting Out of curiosity, please note dates for the next meetings which are held in the Hucclecote Community Centre are the 17th July and the 9th of October