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Burghfield neighbourhood update

Update for December

Here is the latest update for the Burghfield neighbourhood from Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Steve Innes:

Getting mobile

The Police Community Support Officers attended six parishes on a pre organised schedule on Saturday 15 November. This included Burghfield, Mortimer, Sulhamstead, Ufton, Padworth and Beech Hill. Crime prevention advice was provided and information about setting up Neighbourhood Watch schemes. Community Officer Steve Innes said: “This is a very effective way to meet and discuss local issues within the parishes. The visits provide a highly visible presence and we had residents waiting to speak to us at each location”. The next parish tour is in the New Year on Saturday January 17 2009.

Neighbourhood Watch needs you!

The PCSOs have launched a drive to recruit more Street Schemes in Burghfield and Mortimer Parishes. If your Street does not have a current scheme you will be shortly be receiving a leaflet advising how you can set up a local Watch.

Ideally you will be a PC user that can spare a couple of hours a month to help your local

community.

Your local PCSO will visit you to assist in getting the scheme up and running.

Volunteers needed!

We are still seeking volunteers to staff Mortimer Police Office.

The shifts are two hours in either the morning or afternoon. Some familiarity with using a PC would be helpful but is not essential as full training will be given.

Please post your application through the letterbox at the station located on Victoria Road, Mortimer just down from Mortimer Surgery.

Considerate parking please!

Parking on double yellow lines in Mortimer West End Road still remains a problem. This creates danger for pedestrians attempting to cross between McColls and the NatWest bank.

In addition this also causes obstructions to vehicles on the highway.

Regular visits to this location will be made by the PCSOs during December. Fixed Penalty Notices will be issued to those parked illegally. Please park responsibly during the busy Xmas period in order to minimise the danger to pedestrians and other road users.

Seasonal crime prevention advice

Regrettably thieves are only too aware that the Christmas period offers an opportunity to steal high value items.

Please ensure that nothing of value is left on view in your motor vehicles. If your property is fitted with a UPVC door please ensure that it is dead-locked. If it is not, it is possible to access the interior handle via the letter box and make a 'keyless' entry to your property.

Please also check the security of your shed. Ensure it is fitted with a good hasp

and padlock. Consider using a fixing bolt on the door hinges too. The hinge screws can easily be removed otherwise and entry gained. Items of value in the shed (e.g. bicycles, lawnmowers) should be chained together. Storing electrical hand tools in your shed is not a good idea. I would recommend these items be kept in your home or in a garage with some added security such as a second locking device or alarm. Please ensure that you leave a light on in your property if you are not present during dark hours. A timer switch can be purchased for as little as £5.

Items of value should not be left on view in your home as it undoubtedly encourages the opportunist thief. A Christmas tree situated in a bay front window with presents beneath it is not good practice! There is no doubt that a little extra care with your home security at this time of year will ensure that you can enjoy a crime free christmas.