Hampshire Constabulary

Sergeant Andy Gill

The Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team covers the areas of Ryde (Oakfield, Elmfield, Swanmore, Haylands) outside the town centre. 
 

The team comprises:

• Inspector Kelvin Shipp
• Sergeant Andy Gill
• PC Mike Giddens
• PC Lesley Metcalfe
• PC Dave Dovey
• PCSO Karen Allen
• PCSO Darren Fennell

PC Mike Giddens, PCSO Karen Allen and Sergeant Andy Gill
Your Safer Neighbourhoods team for the Oakfield and Elmfield beat


PC Lesley Metcalfe (Beat officer for Swanmore & Haylands)


PCSO Darren Fennell (Beat PCSO for Swanmore & Haylands)


PC Dave Dovey

Sergeant Andy Gill is also responsible for the Rural East Safer Neighbourhoods team Click for more information about the officers and PCSOs who cover Wootton Bridge, Havenstreet, Binstead, Apse Heath, Winford, Upton, Ashey, Knighton, Whiteley Bank, and Newchurch. 

Your local priorities

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 three priorities for Oakfield & Elmfield are:
(Updated: December 2011)

• Prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour in Brook Close.
• Prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour in Meaders Road.
• Prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour in Slade Road

The three priorities for Swanmore & Haylands are:
(Updated: December 2011)

• Prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour in Warwick Street
• Prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour in Swanmore Road
• Help identify premises for youth facilities

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.

How to change the priorities

Visit this link for details of community meetings in the Ryde area

Local Action Groups
Your local Safer Neighbourhoods Teams have helped to create Local Action Groups. The Local Action Groups consist of councillors, residents and other professionals from a variety of backgrounds. They meet every two to three months to discuss the concerns facing the local community around crime and anti-social behaviour, and set the priorities they wish the local police team to tackle. They also get involved in working with the police team and local partner agencies such as the council to find lasting solutions.

Fresh appeal after criminal damage to Ryde Cemetery
(April 12, 2011)

Police are making a fresh appeal for information about recent criminal damage to a graveyard on the Isle of Wight. More than £7,000 of damage was committed to headstones and crosses at Ryde Cemetery in West Street during the evenings of Wednesday, February 23 and Thursday, February 24, 2011. Some of the damage was beyond repair. Ryde’s local Safer Neighbourhoods teams (SNTs) have been pursuing several lines of enquiry during the past month.   A 16-year-old girl from the Isle of Wight was arrested on March 14, 2011 on suspicion of criminal damage. She was reported for summons and was due to appear at the Isle of Wight Youth Court on Wednesday, April 13, 2011. A second 16-year-old girl from the Isle of Wight was arrested on March 20, 2011 and charged with criminal damage on April 6, 2011. She was due to appear at the Isle of Wight Youth Court on Wednesday, April 13, 2011. A 17-year-old youth from the Isle of Wight was arrested on March 24, 2011 on suspicion of criminal damage, but was later released with no further action.

Investigating officer PC Dave Dovey of the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “I would like to thank all those members of the public who contacted police as a result of our media appeals last month. It’s important that the community co-operates to send a clear message about this kind of behaviour never being tolerated. I would repeat our appeal for anyone with information about possible suspects to contact us or Crimestoppers.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ryde police station by phoning 101. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call police on 0845 045 45 45. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. 

Action taken in response to your priorities
(Updated: June 2011)

Oakfield and Elmfield
You said…. Prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour in and around the Oakvale area.
We did…..Extra police officers patrolled the area on Friday and Saturday nights. These were high visibility patrols to deter anti-social behaviour. Reassurance visits were made to victims. There were seven reported incidents during January 2011, Most were related to domestic abuse. Regular police patrols continue. CCTV has been installed at the junction with Oakfield High Street.

You said…. Prevent and reduce anti social behaviour in Meaders Road.
We did….. There have been several reported incidents during December 2010 and January 2011. These include damage to a vehicle and a picket fence. A man was arrested and bailed for further enquiries. Police continue to regularly patrol the area.

You said…. Deal with youths gathering in the communal stairway at a block of flats, Morey Court, Brook Close, who are causing a nuisance to residents.
We did….. Glass panels are being removed from the Morey Court stairwell by Medina Housing Association to deter youths gathering and intimidating residents. January 2011 was a quiet month with two incidents reported to police, one relating to the arrest of a man for criminal damage. Police continue to regularly patrol the area.

Swanmore and Haylands
You said…. Respond to reports of anti-social behaviour and street drinking in and around the area of Green Street, Ryde
We did….. Police continue to regularly patrol the area and make use of current legislation to confiscate alcohol and disperse those who contribute to alcohol related crime and disorder. There were two incidents of note during December and January. A man was threatened by a suspect with a knife. A report of theft is being investigated by police. There have been no recen reports of street drinking. Police patrols continue in the area.

You said…. Tackle anti social behaviour in the area of St John's Road, Ryde
We did….. There were two reported incidents of note during January 2011: the theft of Christmas decorations, and allegations of two men and a woman fighting in the street. All three suspects were later arrested and charged to appear in court. The area continues to be regularly patrolled by police.

You said…. Youth engagement with students at Ryde High School
We did….. There were no reported incidents during December 2010. There are continued patrols by police at the end of the school day. PC Lesley Metcalfe delivered a firearms and knife education (FAKE) presentation to Year 10 students.

Police beat newsletters

You can read monthly updates about the work of your local Safer Neighbourhoods team in the Isle of Wight Beacon magazine. Go to: http://www.iwbeacon.com/2011.aspx

Action we have taken in relation to your priorities
(2010)

Extra patrols continue to tackle anti-social behaviour in Oakfield

PC Giddens, Sgt Gill and PCSO Allen during street mapping in Oakfield, July 2010

Sergeant Andy Gill of the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team said:  “Oakfield has its own local Safer Neighbourhoods team of PC Mike Giddens and PCSO Karen Allen. They are dedicated to providing an excellent service and an active presence in the neighbourhood to catch criminals and protect communities.

“There were 165 fewer victims of crime in the Oakfield and Elmfield areas of Ryde between April 2009 and March 2010, compared with the same period a year earlier. Police are determined to keep crime levels low and maintain Oakfield as a safe place to live.

“We appreciate the support and co-operation of the Meaders Road community in reporting their concerns to us. Between January and April 2010, there were five reports of anti-social behaviour in Meaders Road. Since April, that number has increased to 22. The mindless actions of a few individuals will not be allowed to disrupt the quality of life for residents in an area that saw a reduction in crime last year.

“As part of the community’s campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour this summer, police have increased foot and mobile patrols in the Meaders Road, Oakvale Estate and Oakfield High Street areas to address the concerns of residents. Our actions have resulted in several arrests.”

A 28 year old man was arrested and charged with being drunk and disorderly in Meaders Road on May 14. A 24-year-old man was arrested on July 12 in relation to an alleged assault on a 51-year-old man in Meaders Road on May 22. The suspect was bailed until August 3 pending further inquiries. A 19-year-old man was arrested and charged with a public order offence in Meaders Road on June 11. A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged with a public order offence in Meaders Road on July 2. Investigations continue into reports of criminal damage to vehicles in Meaders Road on June 23 and July 3.

Sergeant Gill added: “Police have received positive feedback from residents who have seen officers and PCSOs on their extra patrols in Oakfield during the past month. These patrols will continue to ensure the problems reported do not spread to other parts of Ryde.

“We are working closely with partner agencies to find the best long-term solution to the problems highlighted with the new footpath linking Meaders Road and Oakvale. Information is being passed to the local Council and Housing Association about how the closure of the new footpath could help to reduce crime in the short term.

“More police ‘street mapping’ surveys of residents’ opinions in Oakfield took place this week so I would encourage people to continue reporting their concerns to us so they can be dealt with swiftly and effectively.”

Please phone Ryde Police Station on 101 or 0845 045 45 45. People who wish to remain anonymous can phone the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, phone 999. The Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team is part of the Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership, which has made a commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour across the island. For more information, go online to www.saferwight.org.uk/antisocialbehaviour.aspx


Oakfield resident Jayne Clews speaks with Sgt Andy Gill in Meaders Road, July 2010

Update: June 3, 2010

Police act on reports of anti-social behaviour in Meaders Road
East Wight Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector Bill Pinnell said:  “Each area of the Isle of Wight has its own local Safer Neighbourhoods team. They are dedicated to providing an excellent service and an active presence in every neighbourhood to catch criminals and protect communities.

“The Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team is aware of 16 reports of crime and anti-social behaviour in the Meaders Road area since the start of April 2010. Police are acting on this information with inquiries continuing into an assault and a theft reported in recent weeks.

“We are also working closely with partner agencies including the local Council and Housing Associations to help find long-term solutions to the problems highlighted.

“There were 165 fewer victims of crime in the Oakfield and Elmfield areas of Ryde between April 2009 and March 2010 compared with the same period a year earlier. Police are determined to keep crime levels low and maintain the Isle of Wight as a safe place to live. We appreciate the support and co-operation of the Meaders Road community in reporting their concerns to us.

“As part of our anti-social behaviour campaign this summer, officers and police staff are carrying out extra patrols in areas where problems are reported. We would encourage people to report any future concerns as soon as possible so they can be dealt with swiftly and effectively.”   Please phone Ryde Police Station on 101. People who wish to remain anonymous can phone the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, phone 999.

The Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team is part of the Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership, which has made a commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour across the island. For more information, go to www.saferwight.org.uk

Action we have taken in relation to your priorities
(2010)

You said: Prevent and reduce juvenile nuisance
We did: The Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team is conducting extra patrols in anti-social behaviour hot spot areas on Friday and Saturday nights.  These patrols involve partnership working with Isle of Wight Council and Housing Associations. Police are using new legislation that enables under 16s to be returned home if they are likely to be involved in alcohol related crime or disorder. This is being used to good effect along with the power to seize alcohol. Safer Neighbourhoods officers continue to deliver drug and alcohol awareness presentations to local school children.

You said: Prevent and reduce criminal damage.
We did: Safer Neighbourhoods officers conduct high visibility and plain clothes patrols of areas where criminal damage is reported. Most of these reports tend to relate to damage to vehicles, which often takes place in the late evening and early hours during the weekend.  Residents are asked to contact police by phoning 101 and if possible provide a detailed description of anyone they see committing damage. All victims of crime now have the opportunity to speak with their local Safer Neighbourhoods team. There were 149 fewer reports of criminal damage and arson in the Oakfield and Elmfield areas in 2009/10 compared to 2007/08. There were 268 fewer victims of crime overall in 2009/10 compared with 2007/08. In response to a rise in reports of crime and anti-social behaviour in the Meaders Road area, your local Safer Neighbourhoods team conducted street mapping surveys to establish the extent of the problem and why reports had risen. It was established that the rise was linked to the opening of a new pedestrian walkway onto the Oakvale Estate. We are working with partner agencies to resolve this issue effectively. You can watch a video of the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team conducting a street mapping survey on the police force’s online YouTube channel: Click on http://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialHantsPolice

You said: Stop speeding motorists.
We did: Your local Safer Neighbourhoods team works closely with our colleagues in the Roads Policing Unit (RPU). If complaints are received from members of the public about speeding in a certain location, we act on this information by passed the details to RPU officers who are able to conduct speed checks and take enforcement action if necessary.  In the first four months of 2010, 53 drivers were either fined or nominated for driver awareness training because they were caught speeding in the Ryde area. This training aims to educate drivers about the dangers of excess and inappropriate speed to help reduce the numbers of people injured on our roads. The Roads Policing Unit continually strives to reduce road casualties by working on joint initiatives with partner agencies, such as the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and Isle of Wight Council Highways Department through education programmes such as Head On and Safe Drive Stay Alive. 

Action we have taken in relation to your priorities
(2009)

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. Julie Downer, mother of 11-year-old Oliver Downer, said: “It was good to have activities organised during the summer so we could be sure where our son was when he was out. People can get the wrong idea when they see children playing on the street so I welcome the police doing something like this, which allows youngsters to enjoy themselves safely in the local neighbourhood, and prove they’re not going out to cause trouble.”


PCSO Karen Allen and PCSO Katy Berry (of Rural East SNT) have run a four-week, after school 'Blues and Twos' club for children at Oakfield Primary School where the children were introduced to their Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT). The children also met firefighters and Isle of Wight Council Environment and Neighbourhood Officers (ENOs) with opportunities to try on uniforms and use pieces of equipment. This was very popular and will soon be starting at Haylands Primary school.

PCSO Karen Allen and Isle of Wight Council ENO Linda Shorter have been involved in a 'Cycle Ryde' project where young people are shown how to maintain their cycles and use them safely this was very well attended and is being extended to Newport. For more information, go to Isle of Wight Council's website: http://www.iwight.com/home/pressreleases/frmView.aspx?prid=588ss

The Safer Neighbourhoods team (SNT) worked with Ryde High School to set up a Good Citizen award card scheme for the pupils to gain points through good attendance, involvement in events both in and out of school, or learning new skills, such as learning to swim. The scheme provides prizes for those students with the highest number of points at the end of term. The SNT has planned, and will be carrying out a youth survey in the Sherbourne Avenue neighbourhood to ascertain exactly what the young people would like to see in their area.

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.

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.

An Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) remains in force until September 10, 2011 against Terry Paul Watts, aged 21, of West Street, Ryde. The order prohibits him from: Possessing any alcoholic beverage in a public place, other than in a licensed premises, and other than during 0800 – 1800 provided that during those times, it is sealed in the original container. Deliberating abusing, threatening, intimidating or annoying any other person on the Isle of Wight. From entering specific parts of Ryde, Isle of Wight.

More action taken by the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team
(2008)

New Neighbourhood Watch schemes created in police campaign on the Isle of Wight

by Duncan Smith
The police are encouraging more residents in Ryde 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.

PCSO Karen Allen 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 Terry Clarkson of Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team 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 support events to strengthen community links in Ryde
(2008)

By Duncan Smith
Ryde’s Safer Neighbourhoods Teams are backing efforts to build stronger communities in the town. Police officers and PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) worked alongside colleagues from partner agencies during two events this autumn. Hundreds of people attended the community days, which were held at Mayfield Middle School and Oakfield Football Club.

Hampshire Constabulary was one of the organisations with displays at both events. Officers and PCSOs gave advice and support on crime prevention, including cycle security marking.   PCSO Katy Berry of Ryde and Rural East Safer Neighbourhoods Teams said:  “These events are just one aspect of the efforts we’re making to reinforce stronger working relationships with local residents. The team believes it’s vital for people to know there’s a familiar police presence in the community with the ability to concentrate consistently on its issues. It’s this kind of engagement that encourages greater confidence in policing, and contributes to reductions in crime, and the fear of crime.”   Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and Isle of Wight Council Environment and Neighbourhood Officers Linda Shorter and Harry Dea security marked more than 60 bicycles, and gave away bike lights as competition prizes for young people who had picked up the most litter in the area.  The Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods Team would like to thank the following people and organisations for their support.   Isle of Wight Council Environment and Neighbourhood Officers Harry Dea and Linda Shorter, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, Medina Housing and South Wight Housing Associations, the NHS Stop Smoking service, Island 2000. Simon Lailey’s Sanshangong Kung Fu School, PJs Theatre School of Dance, PGL Activities, Max Splatt circus skills, Barnardos and, Mayfield Middle School and Oakfield Football Club for the use of their facilities.

News

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.

How to contact us

Ryde Police Station, Station Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight,

Phone: 0845 045 45 45

E-mail: ryde.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk 

Online links to partner organisations in the Ryde area:

Ryde Town Council
http://www.iwight.com/parishcouncils/parishcouncilsdetail.aspx?id=30