Sergeant Andy Gill
The Rural East Safer Neighbourhoods area encompasses Wootton Bridge, Havenstreet, Binstead, Apse Heath, Winford, Upton, Ashey, Knighton, Whiteley Bank, and Newchurch.
The team comprises:
- Sergeant Andy Gill
- PC Nick Massey
(wildlife crime specialist)
- PCSO Katy Berry
Sergeant Andy Gill is also responsible for the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods Team Click for more information about the police officers and PCSOs for Oakfield, Elmfield, Swanmore and Haylands.
PCSO Katy Berry and PC Nick Massey
The policing pledge and your local priorities
Click here to read the national policing pledge, which sets out the service you can expect from your local police force.
Locally, we work with your community to find out what matters most where you live. We will work with you and our partner agencies to agree the main priorities for the area and how we will work together to tackle them.
The priorities for the Rural East area:
(Updated: December 16, 2009)
- Prevent and reduce juvenile nuisance.
- Prevent and reduce criminal damage.
- Stop speeding motorists.
These are the priorities that people in your local area have agreed with the Safer Neighbourhoods team. You can influence these priorities by contacting your team, attending a meeting or speaking to members of the team when you see them out and about.
Visit this link for details of community meetings in the Rural East area
Police beat newsletters
Please click on the links below to read the latest newsletters from your local Safer Neighbourhoods team:
Rural East beat newsletter January 2010.pdf
Wootton and Binstead beat newsletter January 2010.pdf
Action we have taken in relation to your priorities
You said....Prevent and reduce juvenile nuisance
We did....The team visits schools regularly to give pupils advice on personal safety and community respect. We hold youth workshops where activities and facilities are suggested. One of the biggest responses was for somewhere to play football where there would not be annoyance to anyone. Free weekly football sessions were supervised throughout the summer holidays. Children were encouraged to show support and respect for one another by agreeing their own rules and working as a team.
You said....Prevent and reduce criminal damage
We did....There are extra patrols in areas where criminal damage is reported. Powers under Section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act are used to ban people aged 16 or over from a specific area for up to 48 hours if they are involved in anti-social behaviour. Co-operation with housing associations allow warning letters and eviction orders to be issued to tenants causing problems.
You said....Stop speeding motorists.
We did....Community speed watch: Safer Neighbourhoods team officers and the Isle of Wight Roads Policing Unit conduct regular speed and stop checks on drivers and vehicles where residents have complained. Motorists caught breaking the law will face prosecution and education. Due to recent concerns regarding traffic in Mary Rose Avenue in Wootton Bridge, the local Safer Neighbourhood team, PC Nick Massey and PCSO Katy Berry, conducted a joint operation with the Isle of Wight Roads Policing Unit (RPU) to conduct speed and vehicle checks. Residents and the local Parish Council have expressed concerns over traffic issues in this neighbourhood. Police have been receptive to this message and will be conducting more campaigns as directed by the communities themselves. This is aligned with the start of the Islandwide "Christmas Drink Drive" campaign, which starts vigorously in the lead up to the festivities. For more information, go to http://www.iwight.com/roadsafety/drink-driving/default.asp On behalf of all the police on the Isle of Wight, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and happy festive break.
PC Nick Massey (Rural East SNT) and PC Bob Hammersley (Isle of Wight Roads Policing Unit) in Mary Rose Avenue, Wootton Bridge
Justice Seen, Justice Done
The courage of a rape victim on the Isle of Wight prompted police to catch a teenage offender within hours of his crime. Shortly after 2.15pm on September 3, 2008, a stranger rape was reported near Wootton. The victim, a young woman, had run through dense woodland to raise the alarm. PC Sam Burrows and PC Paul Fairweather were on patrol when PC Burrows spotted a youth, matching the description of the suspect, walking through a pub car park in Wootton. Swift questioning found nearby witnesses had reliable information that the suspect had accepted a lift to Ryde Pier where he was due to board a ferry. At 4.02pm, PC Fairweather called for officers nearest Ryde Pier to stop the next ferry. At 4.09pm, PC Andrea Bancroft spotted the youth in the passenger queue and arrested him. Detectives from the Major Crime Department charged the 15-year-old boy with rape and attempted rape less than two days later. He pleaded guilty and received an indeterminate prison sentence in March 2009. The offender, whose identity is protected by law, will only be released when he is deemed ‘safe’ by the Parole Board.
More action taken by the Rural East Safer Neighbourhoods team
Neighbourhood Watch and parish councillors join policing on the beat in Ryde
by Duncan Smith
Police officers on the Isle of Wight are committed to reinforcing stronger links with the community to help maintain low levels of crime. Five parish councillors and a Neighbourhood Watch area co-ordinator accepted an invitation from the Safer Neighbourhoods teams in Ryde to see how the town is policed on a Friday night in May 2009. They boarded a police observer bus for a tour of Ryde and surrounding areas where officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) were dealing with a range of issues and incidents.
During the evening, police confiscated alcohol from youths who were ordered to leave the area, where they had been drinking, under powers designed to prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour, which is the force’s top priority this summer. The observer bus also saw police stop checks of vehicles reported for causing a nuisance in the community, and high visibility foot patrols by frontline officers and the duty Inspector in Union Street to prevent problems involving the town’s pubs and clubs. Police officers and PCSOs explained Hampshire Constabulary procedures as units communicated with colleagues across the island, in the control room, and with Isle of Wight Council CCTV operators and Environment and Neighbourhoods Officers (ENOs).
PC Nick Massey of the Ryde and Rural East Safer Neighbourhoods Teams, who organised the observer bus, said: “The tour gave an invaluable insight into the realities of policing a busy town on a Friday night, and raised awareness and understanding of the pressures that officers face regularly. I intend to organise more police observer buses because local community support is essential in catching criminals and keeping crime down. Parish councillors and Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators are vital sources of information and help ensure people are safe and feel safe where they live.”
Councillor Dick Doran of Wootton Bridge Parish Council said: “It was reassuring to gain a deeper understanding of the scope and organisation of the policing, as well as the real-time interaction with other available resources like CCTV. Our impression was of an efficient, capable and joined-up team approach to crime prevention, very much focused upon early and low key, but highly visible, responses to emerging situations. This is a message we can certainly take back into the communities we represent. Many congratulations on this excellent community policing initiative.”
Councillor Tony Cooper from Fishbourne Parish Council said: “Too many of the public, me included, think that the only time we see a policeman is peering through a speed gun. Friday night showed the true face of the police, and it was interesting to hear the varied problems over the police radio. To witness the large resources tied up just to police one town on one night was a real eye opener. If the opportunity arises to run these trips regularly I would recommend them to other councillors as it is the only way to fully appreciate what actually happens.”
Chair of Havenstreet and Ashey Parish Council, Councillor Veronica Hattersley said: “Two members from Havenstreet and Ashey Parish Council attended and were impressed in particular with the professionalism of the officers, and with technology now employed as standard, which meant that matters could be quickly and efficiently dealt with. A big thank you to everyone one involved for organising such a useful and interesting evening.”
Preventing crime in rural areas
PC Nick Massey said: "Rural communities can suffer from similar crime problems to those of urban areas, such as vehicle crime, burglary, drugs and alcohol problems and anti-social behaviour. They also have their own unique crime problems, such as theft of expensive farm equipment, diesel theft, fly tipping, trespass, and criminal damage to crops and fields, as well as other wildlife crimes. Because rural communities are smaller and sometimes more closely knit, often the impact of crime feels greater than in urban areas. The Safer Neighbourhoods Team for Rural East works closely with agencies, such as the RSPCA and others, to help rural communities to fight crime. These agencies play an important role in working in close partnership with Parish Councils and the police and others in the community to ensure a comprehensive, consistent and properly co-ordinated approach."
New Neighbourhood Watch schemes created in police campaign
by Duncan Smith
The police are encouraging more residents in Ryde and Rural East areas on the Isle of Wight to play a bigger role in preventing, detecting and reducing crime. The Safer Neighbourhoods Team for the outer and rural areas of Ryde helped to create ten new Neighbourhood Watch schemes following a specific campaign. Police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) visited streets with a mobile police station. The purpose of the initiative was to meet and speak with residents about the advantages of starting new schemes where they live.
Former Sergeant Terry Clarkson said: “We received a good response from many people who liked the strengths of becoming part of Neighbourhood Watch, which is an effective and efficient way to reinforce regular communication between communities and the police. We are keen for people to feel they are an invaluable part of the policing that protects their neighbourhood from crime and fears of crime.”
Under Neighbourhood Watch schemes, co-ordinators and the police exchange information pro-actively through monthly newsletters and meetings to develop an accurate picture of any local crime trends, their causes, and discuss the action being taken to stop them. The police raise awareness of common sense and sophisticated, yet practical, crime prevention tactics and techniques. These include SmartWater property marking kits, which have been provided free to Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators as part of a project with the Isle of Wight Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP). SmartWater is a non-hazardous liquid that can be used to mark property. Each batch has a unique ‘DNA-type’ forensic code, tying its use to a specific location or item of property. This technology is designed as a deterrent to potential thieves and burglars. It is also an extra method of detecting stolen items, and linking them to offenders.
The growth in Neighbourhood Watch schemes is supporting Hampshire Constabulary’s current Operation Nemesis, which is focusing on preventing and detecting burglaries.
Former Sergeant Clarkson added said: “Officers and PCSOs will inform a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator as soon as possible when a burglary has taken place nearby so the community can respond quickly to help police reduce the risk of a similar crime in the same area. “We believe more Neighbourhood Watch schemes sharing crime prevention advice can be powerful deterrent, especially as analysis has shown more than half of burglaries on the Island occur when doors and windows are left open.”
One of the new Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators in the Ryde area is Mrs Lesley Dann of Wykeham Close. She said: “It’s an easy thing to do just to keep in touch with people and look out for one another. You feel safer because you know you’re not on your own. I’ve had no problems living on the Island for 30 years, but communication with the police is reassuring because it gives you the awareness and confidence to report and help prevent crime.”
The new Neighbourhood Watch schemes in the Ryde area cover Hope Road and Circular Road, Mary Rose Avenue, Wykeham Close, Firestone Glade, Salters Road, Swanmore Road, Jellicoe Road, Pitts Lane, and High Park Road.
Police officer commended for rescuing child from fire on the Isle of Wight
by Duncan Smith
An experienced police officer on the Isle of Wight has been recognised for his bravery in rescuing a child from a burning building. Terry Clarkson, who used to be the Safer Neighbourhoods Sergeant for the outer Ryde and Rural East areas of the island, received a commendation from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight police Chief Constable Alex Marshall personally during a ceremony at Netley. Sergeant Clarkson was off duty on May 12, 2008 when he noticed smoke coming from a wooden shed in the garden of someone’s home in the Ventnor area. Through the shed window, he could see flames, and then the head of a young boy. Sergeant Clarkson ran into the premises, entered the shed, and pulled the child out of the burning shed at considerable risk to himself. He then assisted the boy’s mother in trying to extinguish the flames. Sergeant Clarkson said: “I saw the smoke at around quarter to seven in the morning, and asked myself ‘Who has a bonfire at this time?’ When I realised there was a child in the shed, I thought I’ve got to get him out. The heat inside the shed was intense, and I took hold of the boy by his arms and pulled him out. The child wanted to go back in to put out the fire himself, and his mother came into the garden with a bowl full of water, but by then the flames were spreading, and we called the Fire Service promptly. “The shed went up like a torch within minutes, and I believe the boy would have been badly burned if he had remained inside. I lapsed into shock afterwards because the fire eventually affected garden fences, another shed in a neighbouring property, and two holly trees. There was so much heat generated, melting things that were at least twenty metres away. “I was pleased and honoured to receive the commendation, which recognises the essence of what a police officer is all about, keeping people safe.” East Wight Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector Bill Pinnell, who nominated Sergeant Clarkson for the commendation, said: “He is very highly regarded by his colleagues and the local community to which he has given exemplary service for the past 29-and-a-half years. This sort of action is typical of the selfless and courageous character of Sergeant Clarkson. His actions undoubtedly saved the young boy from sustaining serious injury. His reactions whilst off duty are a reminder of the daily service and sacrifices made by committed police officers and staff for communities on the island.”
How you can take action
The team holds a number of community meetings - visit this link for details of community meetings in the area. If you would like to speak to an officer about a particular issue or if you would like to invite a member of the team to attend your neighbourhood watch, residents association or other local meeting to talk about crime and anti-social behaviour, just drop a line on email or give the team a call using the contact details below.
Come and tell us what is important to you in your neighbourhood, and play your part in setting local priorities.
You could also volunteer to help the teams working in your local area and make a real difference to your neighbourhood. Click here for more information about police support volunteers.
Crime mapping and local performance information
Hampshire Constabulary has joined with partner agencies in the two counties to provide you with local information about crime and disorder, using a system called CADDIE. On the bottom left hand side of this page, you can enter your postcode into CADDIE to view information about your local area.
You can also see how we are performing against certain key criteria. Link to Ryde Neighbourhood Performance page
How to contact us
Ryde Police Station, Station Street, Ryde PO33 2QH, Phone: 0845 045 45 45. Email: ruraleast.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Online links to partner organisations in the Rural East area:
Wootton Parish Council
http://www.iwight.com/parishcouncils/parishcouncilsdetail.aspx?id=25
http://www.woottonbridge.org.uk/
Newchurch Parish Council
http://www.iwight.com/parishcouncils/parishcouncilsdetail.aspx?id=15
Havenstreet and Ashey Parish Council
http://www.iwight.com/parishcouncils/parishcouncilsdetail.aspx?id=28
http://www.havenstreetandasheypc.co.uk/
Fishbourne Parish Council
http://www.iwight.com/parishcouncils/parishcouncilsdetail.aspx?id=29
