Beat Report October / November 2009

Beat report for Beat six, Andover (5)

I am police community support officer Leanne Black, and I am currently the PCSO for St Marys Ward which includes River Way, Pilgrims Way, Admirals Way, Vigo Road, Walworth Industrial Estate, Eastfield Road and Picket Piece. These are just a few areas that our beat covers. It is one of the largest beats in Andover. I work closely alongside PC Glen Dawber who is the beat manager for the area.

Myself and PC Dawber work together with outside agencies to improve the community’s quality of life by reducing crime and antisocial behaviour across St Marys ward.

Throughout the month of October into November the Safer Neighbourhoods Team has been working towards reducing the level of rowdy, inconsiderate and anti-social behaviour. We saw an increase of these types of reports over the Halloween half term school holidays. To target these offenders we conducted several operations and successfully bought those causing trouble to account. We have been working closely with Hampshire County Council to make areas of the beat a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’, particularly focusing on elderly communities. Research has found that rouge organisations are more likely to target this group. This has been very successful thus far and is now active. We are looking into setting up other zones of this type in Andover. 

A ‘Cop Shop’ scheme is to be set up at Winton School from next month. A police officer or Community Officer will be present monthly and pupils can drop in during lunch break for an informal chat about any issues or concerns they may have. This type of arrangement breaks down barriers between police and young adults, and is a more relaxed environment than a police station. It has been welcomed by the student council at the school.

With Christmas fast approaching, we have organised several operations to target anti-social behaviour and underage drinking. Extra officers have been drafted in to help with this task. Any anti-social behaviour and crime will be dealt with robustly.

We have set up a street meet which is an opportunity to talk to us about you issues and concerns. This will be located on Pilgrims/River Way field every 2^nd day of the month between 6 PM and 8 PM. We also run a regular beat surgery at Tesco River Way every 4^th Sunday of the month from 10 AM till 12 PM. More street meets will be coming to your area soon.   

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or PC Dawber at Andover police station.