Cheriton and Morehall Police and PCSO Update: May 2010

9.43.07am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd Jun 2010

Please see below an update for the month of May, showing what we have been up to.

Surgeries were held on Wednesday 19th May and Saturday 29th May. Future dates include:

• Friday 25th June at Cheriton Library, from 4:30pm till 5:30pm with PCSO Mark Ball and Cllr Tim Prater.

PCSO Mark Ball stopped and spoke with a large group of youths in Cheriton High Street, who were drinking alcohol and causing Anti-social behaviour. Alcohol was seized and disposed off with local patrols informed that the group were still in the neighbourhood. Shortly after, one of the individual was arrested for being Drunk & Disorderly.

Whilst conducting a routine patrol of Sandgate High Street, PCSO's Mark Ball and James Chadwick attended 'Gate 28' in response to a call about persons fighting. Due to no other Officers being available, and being in the immediate area, both Officers were deployed to deal with the situation. The incident was dealt with quickly resulting in both parties being moved on, with no further incident. The club manager was pleased with the quick response and level of engagement.

PCSO's Mark Ball and Michelle Brady attended Ross Way in relation to a report of persons trespassing on the grounds of KAP. This area has suffered a large volume of thefts and criminal damage over the past couple of months. Four white males had made off on foot but were stopped by the officers and identified.

PCSO Mark Ball and Dog Warden Karyl Rimmer conducted an Environmental Visual Audit in Cheriton Park and surrounding alleyways in response to complaints from local residents regarding persons allowing their dogs off the lead in a controlled zone, which are also fouling in the park. Dog walkers allowing their dogs of the lead/not picking up dog mess are being spoken to with their details being recorded.

Operation Caesar was conducted on 13th May 2010 in Chilham Road, Tudor Road, Stanley Road and Weymouth Road by a combined effort from Shepway officers including PCSO Mark Ball. This neighbourhood police operation was put in place with the purpose to establish through surveys what local residents believe are currently the biggest issue in the area.

A summary of the feedback:

• Chilham Road: Concerns that the workers of the car wash have been using the alleyway as a toilet. This has resulted in PC Gavin Rolfe speaking with the manager who has now installed a porta loo on site.

• Weymouth Road: Speeding was the biggest issue for residents in Weymouth Road. PC Gavin Rolfe and PCSO Mark Ball are looking into suitable dates and specific locations along Weymouth Road in order to conduct 'Speed Watch' duties.

• Stanley Road & Tudor Road: Anti-social behaviour and underage drinking in Cheriton Park was the largest concern. Local officers Gavin Rolfe and Mark Ball are regularly attending the park and engaging groups of young persons. Evening patrols have also been alerted to patrol this area.

On 19th May 2010, local Officers Mark Ball and Gavin Rolfe conducted 'Speed Watch' duties in Station Road, in response to concerns from local residents about motorists breaking the speed limit. From the dozens of vehicles monitored travelling along Station Road not one was found to be in excess of the speed limit, with the average speed being approx. 24mph.

PC Gavin Rolfe and PCSO Mark Ball attended Cheriton Recreation Park, in order to identify Nepali individuals who have been reported to be smoking drugs, drinking alcohol and setting campfires. Approx. 8 persons were stopped, spoken to regarding their actions with full details recorded. Families of the youths will be spoken to regarding their conduct.

On 20th May 2010, local Officers Gavin Rolfe and Mark Ball stopped and spoke with 2 persons found to be using 'Sporting Air Rifles' in the area of St Martins Plain. The rifles were camouflaged and had both a silencer and a scope. Strong words of warning/advice were given and full details were taken.

On 26th May 2010, PCSO's Mark Ball and James Chadwick attended One Stop shop in Cheriton in relation to a shoplifting incident. The individual responsible was quickly identified, found and instructed to pay for the item within a 24hr period, which store employees were happy with. The offender has agreed to go back to the shop to apologise and make payment.

On 26th May 2010, PCSO Mark Ball attended a meeting with parents who were deeply concerned about their son's recent behaviour. Their son had been caught using his parent's credit card on a social networking site, which made the parents feel that they could no longer trust the boy. Restorative justice was used, resulting in the boy fully understanding how it had made his parents feel as well as the possible consequences of such action. An agreement was made between the boy, his parents and Officer Ball.

Latest crime figures:

• Cheriton is currently -22.6% fewer crimes this year

• Morehall is currently -16.2% fewer crimes

Lastly, unfortunately for the Neighbourhood team PCSO Keith Sansum has decided to retire. We will miss his great personality and enthusiasm for the job he will be missed.

Please do not hesitate to contact us on the number or email provided. But please remember that if your call is urgent or an emergency dial 999.

We would like to thank you all for your support and wish you well.

PC Gavin Rolfe

Gavin.rolfe@kent.pnn.police.uk

07870252527

PCSO Mark Ball

Mark.ball@kent.pnn.police.uk 07772226055