Caerwent Community Neighbourhood Watch

POLICE NOTES

JULY and AUGUST 2002 Unfortunately, over the last few weeks I've been detached at Chepstow police station to cover for staff shortages but by the time you read this I'll be back at Caldicot. This month I'd like to explain two existing schemes of crime prevention that you may consider adopting for either your own or a neighbour's safety. (1) BOGUS CALLER INITIATIVE This scheme requires two people, a potential victim of a bogus caller - perhaps someone who is elderly, frail or vulnerable - and a nearby friend who can be trusted. The vulnerable person has a card that bears the nominated friend's details, and when a caller arrives who is not recognised then the vulnerable person shows the caller the card with the nominated friend's details. THE VULNERABLE PERSON DOES NOT LET THE CALLER INTO THEIR HOUSE. The caller then goes to the nominated friend's address and has their identity checked and confirmed. If necessary, the nominated friend escorts the caller while they carry out their work or official duties etc. at the vulnerable person's address. Obviously, this scheme requires close co-ordination between the vulnerable person and their nominated friend who is normally a neighbour. There are packs freely available which I can give to anyone. These packs contain the large plastic card to show the caller, reminder stickers and full instructions. If you know anyone who may benefit from this cheme, please let me know and I will arrange delivery of them. I strongly recommend this scheme if you have an elderly neighbour. (2) NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEMES Are you worried about burglary, theft, or the risk of damage to your car, home, or other property? Very often, joining an existing or starting a new Neighbourhood Watch scheme can help reassure people, prevent crime and help the police to catch and successfully prosecute offenders. The Neighbourhood Watch schemes are usually a group of residents in a street or area who want to reduce the opportunities for crime and help and foster good community spirit. A Neighbourhood Watch scheme, once established, has a person appointed to co-ordinate each street or area and is called a Co-ordinator. This Co-ordinator attends meetings with other Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators every month or so for a few hours to discuss problems in each area and to pass on information to the attending beat constable. These meetings are held in a local house and usually last two to three hours. Residents of Neighbourhood Watch schemes pass on information to their Co-ordinator. SOME REASONS WHY YOUR AREA NEEDS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Caerwent, Llanvair Discoed and Five Lanes are areas which are easily accessible via main roads that criminals can use to make a fast escape from the scene of a crime. Police resources are 'stretched' and it is not possible to have a police officer permanently on patrol in these areas. Any suspicious activity can quickly be passed on to the police who can respond more quickly. Anti-crime intelligence can be channelled through the system to your local constable and up to police headquarters via a well co-ordinated system. Crime prevention measures can. be quickly and efficiently passed on, via Watch co-ordinators to Watch members. Vulnerable and 'soft targets' for criminals can be identified and in some circumstances practical assistance given, particularly to the elderly. local concerns and worries can be passed quickly to the police. If you are interested in joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or Just want more information on crime prevention, contact me, PC 737 Turner, at Caldicot police station. - Tel. 01291-430999. A GENERAL REMINDER! If you see any activity that you suspect is about to involve drugs, theft, damage - don't worry about 'disturbing the police'. Please just dial Caldicot Police Station or 999 straight away. Remember, your efforts can make a real difference. Until next month. Ashley Turner. PC 737, Community Police Constable

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