THE HISTON SECTOR
NEWSLETTER
Dated: April 2002
ABANDONED VEHICLES

As you are probably already aware, abandoned vehicles are an increasing problem across the county - creating an eyesore, encouraging vandalism and arson.

Cambridgeshire's councils are working with the Police and Fire Service to deal with this problem. Enquiries need to be made before the vehicle can be removed, stored and destroyed.
If you wish to report an abandoned vehicle, here's what to do. Make a note of the vehicles:-

  • Registration number
  • Colour
  • Make
  • Model
  • Condition
  • Location
  • How long it has been at the location
  • Tax expiry date

Then contact either East Cambridgeshire District Council on 01353 616273 or South Cambridgeshire District Council on 01223 443000, with these details.

Once it has been reported, the vehicle will be assessed by a Council officer and if considered abandoned will be removed as soon as is practicable.

All unwanted vehicles should be disposed of properly - by taking to a breakers yard. It is against the law to abandon a vehicle and motorists who dump unwanted vehicles, if convicted, could face a fine of up to £2,500 or a 3 month prison sentence.

CHANGES TO THE COMMUNITY BEAT UNIT

There have been two personnel changes to the Community Beat Unit over the past month.

Sam Kerr has joined the Unit as the new Community Sergeant, having moved from his role as Sector Sergeant here at Histon - with Sgt Terry Cakebread now concentrating on the admin and support role, to both the Sector and Community Beat Unit.

Chris Bradley has joined the team as Community Beat Manager covering Comberton and the surrounding villages. - he's no stranger to the area, having transferred from Southern Division's Traffic Unit. PC Bradley said that he is looking forward to building links with the local community and he greatly appreciates the importance of reassurance in this predominantly rural area. He is looking forward to working closely with the Neighbourhood Watch and Countryside Watch schemes.

Along with these changes, many new working practices have been introduced in the Unit - helping to ensure that the community beat managers function as a team tackling community based problems across the sector

ATTENTION!
ALL NHW & CCW MEMBERS

If you belong to Neighbourhood Watch or Countryside Watch, and you need to telephone the Constabulary to report a crime or incident, we would ask you to mention to the call-taker that you are a member of the scheme. This will assist us if we need to keep you updated on matters related to your call.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NEWS

The following Neighbourhood Watch meetings are coming up:-

17th April:

Over - in the Community Centre at 7.00pm. With an open invitation to attend - to all residents who may be
interested in starting a scheme in their locality.

Neighbourhood Watch Action Day 2002

Meadows Community Centre, Cambridge Saturday 25th May 9.25am-4.15pm

If you belong to the NHW scheme, this is an opportunity to expand your knowledge and experience. If you are interested in joining the scheme, then this is your chance to find out more about it. Topics covered will include distraction burglary, Crimestoppers, the Youth Offending Team, Data Link and First Aid.

Why not go along and contribute your ideas and good practice. If you are interested in attending, please contact Ann Round on 01223 276744 or Shirley Simpson at Police Headquarters on 01480 422332. We would ask for your reply by Friday 10th May.

MONTHLY CRIMES

The figures below relate to reported crimes for Histon Sector for the period 1st March to 31st March 2002.

Dwelling Burglary 22
Non-dwelling Burglary 37
Theft from Motor Vehicle 38
Theft of Motor Vehicle 18
Theft of Cycle 6

SOUTHERN DIVISION DETECTION RATES
FOR THE PERIOD 1st TO 31st MARCH 2002

Category
Target Detection Rate
Actual Detection Rate
Household Burglary 24.7% *117%
Violent Crime 78% 70.7
Vehicle Crime 8.2% 9.1

* Actual detection rate is greater than 100% because two offender arrested within the month admitted to offences committed in previous months also.

WILDLIFE CRIME ISSUES

A brief update to the article in February's newsletter. Current wildlife crime incidents include a report of illegal poisoning to a dog on the Sector.

If you wish to discuss any wildlife crime issues, we have two Liaison Officers here at Histon dealing with these matters - PC Horton and PC Capps.

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS OF THE MONTH!

  • Do you have a cat flap? There have been a few reports recently whereby offenders have reached into the cat flap either to open a door or to steal keys nearby, in order to open a door or steal a vehicle. Please take care if you have a cat flap - make sure keys are kept out of reach of the cat flap and that other locking mechanisms used are out of reach should anyone put their hand through. And if possible, lock or bolt the cat flap when it's not in use.
  • At this time of the year we would expect to start to see an increase in the theft of garden
    equipment - ride-on lawnmowers which are kept in isolated situations being particularly attractive to thieves. Now might be a good time to review your security measures.

For more information on any security issue, please contact our Community Safety Unit at Parkside
Police Station on 01223 358966

For more information on any of the items in this newsletter, call Julie Gilbert at Histon Police Station on 01223 823730. If you have an e-mail address please let us know and it can be sent to you via this method.