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Caerwent Community Neighbourhood Watch

POLICE NOTES


MAY 2001

Well, spring is now officially with us and people's thoughts tend to focus on getting out more and outdoor activities. Obviously, owing to the Foot and Mouth Disease problems people will be restricted in their choice of activities.

This month I'd like to offer some guidance on nuisance behaviour, public order and drug abuse.

NUISANCE BEHAVIOUR
This category covers lots of activity - skate boarding, roller blading, loud noise and music, parties etc. Many people enjoy these activities and I have to stress that in my experience 95% of people are very responsible when participating in them.

However, a small minority will always forget to behave responsibly. If you get a problem with a neighbour who is making too much noise, ask them to turn it down or reduce it if you feel safe to do so.
If you feel frightened or worried about approaching the offenders, call the police. If there is a problem we will ask them to reduce the noise. This usually works.
If the problem continues then report the matter to the COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT who will, in extreme cases, monitor the noise levels. Offenders can, and do, get evicted from council rented accommodation if required.



SKATE BOARDING & ROLLER BLADING
Lots of young people engage in this activity, but it must be done responsibly. ROADS & HIGHWAYS should not be obstructed or blocked and if any damage occurs to parked vehicles or other property then the offender, if liable, is responsible.
I strongly urge that these activities are not carried out on a road or other similar area in case someone is knocked over and injured by a vehicle. I never want to have to visit a family to inform them that their loved one has been killed in this manner.
If you are having concerns about skate boarders etc. near your car or property which they may damage, then ask them politely to move on. If this doesn't work or you are worried about approaching a group, then call the police.



PUBLIC ORDER
Most prople like to go out and enjoy themselves in parks, clubs, pubs, parties etc. However, people have a duty to respect other people and their property whilst out enjoying themselves. It is a CRIMINAL OFFENCE for persons to use THREATENING, ABUSIVE OR INSULTING WORDS or BEHAVIOUR which causes another person HARRASSMENT. ALARM or DISTRESS in a public place.
If a formal complaint is made and sufficient evidence found then the offender will be prosecuted.
There has recently been an incident of this nature in Caerwent.



DRUG ABUSE
I have been based at Caldicot police station for about three years and in this time I have visited at least four families whose quality of life has been TOTALLY DESTROYED by a loved one's drug abuse problem.
Bearing in mind that I only attend perhaps one in every ten calls, the problem of drug and alcohol abuse is very real.
There are many misconceptions about the use and effects of drugs, so over the next few issues I will be publishing information on types of drugs and their effects.

There is a very good booklet given out free at branches of Boot's the Chemist entitled "DRUGS AND ALCOHOL - A PARENTS' GUIDE". I strongly recommend that you read it. It is published in association with the HEALTH EDUCATION COUNCIL.

If ANYONE of ANY AGE has fears or concerns for anyone regarding possible drug abuse, they are most welcome to contact me on 029l-430999.



NEIGHBOUBHOOD WATCH
Over the next few months there will be information and a recruiting drive to establish new and re-inforce existing Neighbourhood Watch schemes in CABRWENT. WATCH THIS SPACE AMD YOUR LETTER BOX!



RECENT CRIMES IN THE AREA
There have been some burglaries in the LLANVAIR DISCOED AREA. If anyone sees anything suspicious then ring 999 immediately.



MEET YOUR LOCAL CONSTABLE
In JUNE I will be available to meet and speak with anyone who has concerns over or information concerning crime at the following times and venues:-

SUNDAY, 3rd JUNE. 10:00 - 11:00a.m., at the Community Hall, Lawrence Crescent, Caerwent.
SUNDAY, 3rd JUNE. 11:15AM - 12.15PM, at the Woodland Tavern,Llanvair Discoed.



Finally, I hope that May is crime free for you.

Best wishes.

Ashley Turner.
Community Police Constable

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