Neighbourhood Watch
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Contact: Ken Saiger, Chairman, 14 Kerr Crescent, Sedgefield
Telephone: 01740 621896
E-mail: kensaiger@kerr14.plus.com
Contact: David Hillerby, Vice Chairman, 10 Boynston Grove, Sedgefield TS21 3BD
Telephone: 01740 621343
E-mail: david.hillerby@btinternet.com
Police Contact: Neil Langthorne, Crime Prevention
Telephone: 01325 742714
Neighbourhood Warden: Tim Speary
Police Community Support Officer: Helen Holme
Neighbourhood Watch Manager: Sarah Norman
Telephone: 01325 742755
Also see Community Safety Partnership
and Crime Warnings
EVENTS & REPORTS
Panel Meetings 2006
(Tuesdays, Fletcher Room, Parish Hall at 7pm)
14th February 11th April 13th June
8th August 10th October 12th December
Executive Meetings 2006
(Thursdays, Council Offices at 1:30pm)
26th January 23rd March 25th May
20th July 21st September 23rd November
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
At the Annual General Meeting held on 10th October, C/man Ken Saiger extended his and the Panel's sincere appreciation to John Fawcett in accepting his resignation from the Executive Panel; for his much valued contribution to the Executive and the Panel too.
Ken was pleased to announce one volunteer from the membership - Linda Maddison who was duly elected to the Executive.
Ken went on to point out that N/Hood Watch is still in great need of more active participants and hopes that the residents of Sedgefield will respond.
Apart from Linda Maddison there were no new nominees for office, existing post holders agreed to remain in post, as did the Executive members; all were duly re-elected.
Following the AGM a normal full Panel meeting was held:
Crime Prevention Officer Neil Langthorne gave details of the Borough's crime prevention strategy over the coming "Dark" months; and once again confirmed that the best & cheapest form of home security in this period is the purchase & use of timers & lights in the home.
Village Bobby Keith Todd circulated copies of Reported Crime in Sedgefield Village for the period 13th June - 10th Oct. 2006, there were 30 crimes recorded, consisting of: 7 Thefts (+1 foiled attempt); 6 Burglaries & 16 Criminal Damage.
Keith concentrated his discussions with members on the subject of burglary and its impact on residents pointing out obvious preventative measures like "lock your doors" during the day but especially at night.
Alan Sowerby Citizenship Awards 2006:
The final award for this year was made on Thursday 21st September 2006 when a group of Neighbourhood Watchers went along to Sedgefield Community College to present this years "Alan Sowerby, Citizen of the Year, Shield". They were lead by Chairman Ken Saiger, who took the photographs, David Hillerby, Vice Chair who made the presentation, accompanied by Treasurer Phyllis Hillerby and Sedgefield Neighbourhood Warden, Tim Spearey.
The shield is presented to the pupil who the College adjudge has been the most Community minded person. This year the award went to Evie Williamson of whom deputy head John Tomlinson said "Evie has not only been outstanding in the college where she has proven herself to be a tremendous help to her Teachers and fellow pupils alike, but she has also spent a lot of time during the year, on a community project at the local Hospital."
"Not only working with the patients, but helping to lay on entertainment and proving herself to be a hard, all singing, all dancing, act to follow". Well done, Evie!
Communication with Police:
Secretary reported on details of a response by the Chief Constable to Tony Blair following the Panel's written concerns to the MP in June.
The members agreed that there would be no benefit in "communicating" further with the Chief Constable but the members would continue to "communicate" with our Local & Area Police, with whom we have seen improvements over the last year - despite ongoing organisational barriers (implemented by HQ).
Chairman's Award 2006:
Prior to closing the meeting C/man Ken Saiger asked a very surprised (Crime Prevention Officer) Neil Langthorne to accept this year's award.
In making the award Ken stated that for many years now Neil has supported not only our Panel but also most importantly the Community of Sedgefield. This he has done very low key, quietly and discreetly working in the background. He has given advice where requested as well as assistance to many residents and in particular has supported several victims of crime, providing much needed assurance to re-establish personal confidence as well as location security.
In accepting the award Neil expressed his pleasure as well as surprise and modestly commented that he believes whilst he is only doing his job, it is the people of groups like ours who are the real award winners.
Once Again - Relevant Telephone Numbers:
Community Warden Tim Spearey at Sedgefield ring: 623654
or via Chilton Control Room ring: 01388 721351
To contact our Local Police:
To report any concerns, seek advice or pass on information to the Police, Telephone: 0845 6060365
NB it may be prudent to keep a note of details of any conversation & obtain an incident No.
For advice / assistance:
Crime Prevention Officer Neil Langthorne, Telephone 01325 742714
Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator Sarah Norman, Telephone 01325 742755
Bogus Callers & Distraction Burglaries
This type of crime is one where someone "cold calls" pretending to be from the Water Board or some other organisation (usually housing related) and gains entry to the property and then a second person also enters and theft occurs. Whilst it is usually money that is stolen much worse for the victim is their security and personal confidence is not only stolen it is often destroyed completely.
Victims are generally the elderly and are certainly targeted by these criminals who can be wearing suits equipped with clipboards, forms and even false identification and they are all plausible - but dishonest villains!
There has been a marked increase in this type of crime in our Borough and it has happened in our village amongst others.
Please be on your guard and look out for your neighbours and the elderly, do not admit anyone to your home without being absolutely sure; it is easy enough if you are in doubt to tell the caller to get their organisation to telephone you but do not give them your tel. number - if the need is genuine their organisation will be able to get this and ring you.
Also if you have any doubts ring the police (see below) and tell them of your worries and ask for assistance - they will respond.
Our local Police Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator actively runs a very relevant scheme (see below), for further details contact Sarah in person; or Ken Saiger N/Hood Watch Chairman tel. no. 621896
Nominated Neighbour Scheme
This is an initiative designed to reduce bogus callers in the area. The scheme allows anyone who feels vulnerable to nominate another neighbour to check callers to their home. Basically the resident shows the caller a card, without entering into conversation with them, which states:
I do not recognise you. Please go to number ??
Who is my nominated neighbour. They will check
your identity and return with you.
The nominated neighbour would then check their authenticity and return with them.
There are still some Nominated Neighbour Packs left if anyone feels they would like one please contact Sarah Norman from Neighbourhood Watch at Spennymoor Police Station on 01325 742755.
Your village N/Hood Watch believe that a very good start to reducing this type of crime is to reduce the opportunity for people to knock on our doors; and we believe we should follow the idea initiated at Shotton - No cold callers allowed in Sedgefield.
What do residents think, why not come along to the AGM meeting Oct. 10th in the Parish Hall and let us know?
Once Again - Relevant Telephone Numbers:
Community Warden Tim Spearey at Sedgefield ring: 623654
or via Chilton Control Room ring: 01388 721351
To contact our Local Police:
To report any concerns, seek advice or pass on information to the Police, telephone: - 0845 6060365
NB it may be prudent to keep a note of details of any conversation & obtain an incident nunmber.
For advice/assistance: -
Crime Prevention Officer Neil Langthorne, Telephone 01325 742714
Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator Sarah Norman, Telephone 01325 742755
Alan Sowerby Citizenship Awards 2006
Presentation Days at Hardwick Primary & Sedgefield Primary Schools
On Thursday 14th July a special assembly at Hardwick Primary School was arranged by Headteacher Linda Johnston to allow Sedgefield Village Neighbourhood Watch to present their annual Citizenship award to the pupil who has consistently demonstrated the qualities and attributes the award recognises.
As in previous years none of the pupils had any idea who might be chosen to receive the award.
Police co-ordinator Sarah Norman had kindly agreed to present the Alan Sowerby award from Neighbourhood Watch. Sarah engaged the children with questions on citizenship, before finally announcing what had been a most difficult choice for the teaching staff (as there are several eligible and well deserving pupils) by asking Jack Theakston to step forward and receive the 2006 award.
It was quite clear from the spontaneous round of applause from his fellow pupils that not only was Jack the Teachers' choice he was also the Pupils' choice too.
Jack is known for his very positive outlook on life, always cheerful, friendly and helpful. He relates with adults and children equally well, with a well-developed sense of humour always used appropriately and he is always very courteous.
In general Jack is a credit to his family and school where he has been acting as a "buddy" helping others at school during breaks.
Well-done Jack!
On Friday 21st July the last day of term, at Sedgefield Primary School Leavers Service the Secretary of the Village Neighbourhood Watch presented Lauren Addison with the Alan Sowerby Good Citizen of 2006 Memorial award.
This is awarded each year to the pupil who has made the most contribution to school life as a good citizen.
Headteacher Philip Irving reminded everyone of the background to the award, the importance of the values required by a pupil to enable them to be selected for the award and surprised some that this is already the 5th award at the school, before announcing this year's winner as Lauren Addison.
As usual the award comes as a complete surprise to the pupil as well as a last minute one to the pupil's proud parents.
In addressing pupils, parents, grandparents, and guests present of Lauren's involvement at school, Headteacher Philip Irvine described Lauren "as a reliable and responsible pupil whose trustworthy character has made her a real asset to the school. Lauren has truly been a good citizen and her qualities have made a real difference throughout our school community".
It was obvious not only to a very proud mum but to all present, that Lauren was everyone's first choice too - well done Lauren!
Report from August Neighbourhood Watch Meeting
Unfortunately village bobby Keith Todd was on annual leave so there are no crime figures available and it was down to Crime Prevention Officer Neil Langthorne to field members' questions and complaints for the Police.
As might be expected Neil did an excellent job. He gave comparative details of crime in our village and others locally; of note is that across our Borough burglary and violent (recorded) crime continues to reduce but there is a rise in various anti social activities and disturbances.
Members' main complaint is still with contacting and communicating with the Police and these were clearly communicated to Neil, for onward transmission. Complaints were: -
- The lack of local (Police) knowledge when contacting the Police this was a major problem to them and the public.
- The call centre scheme was frustrating, costly in time (to the caller), and a real barrier to contacting their local police officer and a real put off to contacting the Police now.
- Crime figures locally are not anything near accurate as many crimes are not being reported.
- Crime Figures often do not record significant crimes that have been reported/taken place.
Neil had brought along several excellent crime prevention devices (alarms, locks etc) that were of exceptional quality but also exceptionally cheap, many of which were snapped up by members after the meeting (some are still available).
Local Warden Tim Spearey gave details of successful actions taken in our village in regard to dog fouling and littering. He has already had complimentary feedback from a number of residents and our Chairman Ken Saiger added to Tim's list in the meeting and gave his and member's thanks for his ongoing good work. Tim is asking for members of the public to give him details of anyone riding the small-motorised scooters/bikes in the village as they are a potential danger to themselves as well as the public and their actions are illegal. Any information can be provided anonymously if wished - leave the details on Tim's phone - see below.
Once Again - Relevant Telephone Numbers:
Community Warden Tim Spearey at Sedgefield ring: 623654
or via Chilton Control Room ring: 01388 721351
To contact our Local Police:
To report any concerns, seek advice or pass on information to the Police,
Telephone: - 0845 6060365
NB it may be prudent to keep a note of details of any conversation and obtain an incident No.
For advice/assistance: -
Crime Prevention Officer Neil Langthorne, Telephone 01388 742714
Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator Sarah Norman, Telephone 01388 742755
Last but not Least - A Reminder for Flask in Fridge Users/Carers/Family members
Please remember to keep your medical details in the Flask and in the Fridge.
The day you need help from it, it needs to be easily found by the medical team.
Thanks to Neighbourhood Watch
Please can I pass on all of my thanks to the Neighbourhood watch and everyone who supported their recent 'Soup Kitchen' in the Parish Hall.
There was a wonderful choice of homemade soups to choose from and it raised over £170 for the Mayors Charities.
The presentation of the cheque was made in the Parish Hall and was extremely well received - my thanks to the Neighbourhood Watch for waiting for me to arrive - my apologies for the short delay due to traffic.
Maxine Robinson
The Alan Sowerby Citizen of the Year Shield was awarded in 2005 to Louise Flint.
A report in pdf format is available here.
