Wellesbourne

Neighbourhood Watch

Most people have heard of Neighbourhood Watch but do we know what it is? Neighbourhood Watch started in the UK in 1982 and the main aim is to create a partnership between the local community, the police and the local authority.

There are now some 150,000 schemes running throughout the UK covering nearly five million households, which makes Neighbourhood Watch the largest voluntary movement in the country. Wellesbourne has a very active team and if you care for the community, and your neighbours, you are part of that team.

Your village needs you!

The aim is to target local crime problems and take action to prevent them. In consultation with the local police the Neighbourhood Watch teams can find out from local people what crimes most concern and affect them and focus on those specific problems, such as combating anti-social behaviour, speeding, vandalism and graffiti. The group can also lobby the local authority, for example, to improve street lighting or step up the security of a communal area or entrance.

Who is behind the scheme in Wellesbourne?
Come to the AGM and meet the team.

As individuals we can all take preventative actions such as fitting more secure door and window locks, security lighting, alarms, Smartwater etc. A wide range of security devices are available from the Stratford upon Avon Police Station at a very reasonable cost. A full list of what is available can be obtained through your local coordinator or from the chairman who holds a small stock of Smartwater.

The scheme is a voluntary organisation and can only operate successfully with a good network of local coordinators and whilst we have approximately 50 coordinators covering the majority of the village there are still some areas that are not well covered and we need more volunteers.

The role of the coordinator is not arduous you will be the contact for a few houses near to you and be the link to the committee. We will provide a range of NHW stickers etc for your residents to display and on occasion newsletters will need to be distributed to your group.

If you feel that you can spare a small amount of your time to help, please contact the Chairman, Frankie Stuart, or one of the committee. Alternatively come and talk to us at the Annual General Meeting – 7.30pm on 12^th May at the Conservative Club. The guest speaker will be talking about local safety issues.

Most crime is opportunist, committed on the spur of the moment, or when a car or house is left unlocked: always use good locks and security devices to protect your property. If you are unsure what you need then contact us and we will arrange for a free survey by the local police team.

Here are a few simple actions you can take. I am sure that you can suggest some more to prevent theft and vandalism:

• Fit good quality locks, chains and catches to your property.
• Do not leave the car unattended outside with the engine running.
• If you park your car outside and not in a garage, use a visible security device such as a steering wheel clamp.
• Secure your number plates with anti theft screws.
• Cancel the milk delivery if you go away.
• Let your neighbourhood watch coordinator know when you are going away and they can keep an eye open for anything suspicious.
• Keep doors and ground floor windows shut and locked.
• Do not open doors to strangers.
• Do not let unexpected visitors into your home particularly if you are alone; always ask them to call back when you have a friend in the house with you. A genuine caller will call back at a time suitable to you.
• Tell your local NHW coordinator of any concerns although you may not be the first to raise an issue it is better to raise it than let it go unreported.

• Talk to the local PCSOs when you see them in your street and tell them of any concerns: they are pleased to have input from everyone.
• Display the Neighbourhood Watch stickers in your windows - they do act as a deterrent and are mainly free.

Do not be afraid to tell an unexpected caller to go away.

If in doubt call the police immediately.

A concern unreported may be a crime about to be committed.

The Wellesbourne “Index of Shops and Amenities” Booklet has a list of the committee members.

Wellesbourne Neighbourhood Watch

Slower Traffic in Newbold Road

A recent 7 day speed check has shown a significant reduction in the speed of traffic both entering and leaving the village. Speeds were measured over a snow-free week in January, and compared with readings from a week in December 2009.

44% reduction

The number of speeding cars heading into the village between 7am and 7pm has dropped by 44%. Where previously a quarter of all cars coming into Wellesbourne towards the school crossing were doing 31mph or more, this has now fallen to 14%.

Further improvement

WCC Highways are continuing to monitor the site, and may make further improvements to the signage or road markings in order to improve safety and effectiveness.

Speed camera to continue

The presence of the build-out, along with the speed activated signs in Ettington Rd and Kineton Rd does not mean there will be no more radar. PCSOs and police will continue to use “our” equipment, and will still be issuing warnings and tickets as appropriate. There is also a drive on to recruit and train volunteers to operate this equipment. The Parish office has details.