Sergeant Mike Sizer
Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team
The Cowes Central, Cowes Castle and Medina team is:
- Sergeant Mike Sizer
- PC Mark O'Sullivan
- PC Justin Pringle
- PC Minka Armitage
- PCSO Lisa Paul
- Station Enquiry Officer (SEO) David Brooks
PC Mark O'Sullivan PC Justin Pringle
PCSO Lisa Paul PC Minka Armitage
SEO Dave Brooks
The Gurnard, and Northwood team is:
- Sergeant Mike Sizer
- PC Mark Thomas
- PCSO Stephen Oatley
- Station Enquiry Officer (SEO) David Brooks
PC Mark Thomas PCSO Steve Oatley
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 priorities for Cowes Central, Cowes Castle and Medina are:
(Updated: August 17, 2010)
- Increase available parking.
- More facilities for young people.
- Deal with anti-social behaviour.
The priorities for Gurnard are:
(Updated: August 17, 2010)
- Improve parking and reduce congestion.
- Stop motorists speeding.
- Stop dog fouling and roaming.
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 Cowes and East Cowes areas
Police beat newsletters
Please click on the links below to read the latest newsletter from your local Safer Neighbourhoods team:
Cowes town centre beat newsletter.pdf
Gurnard beat newsletter.pdf
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/2010.aspx
Action we have taken in relation to your priorities
(Updated: August 17, 2010)
Cowes Central, Cowes Castle and Medina
You said: Improve available parking
We did: The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team holds monthly parking meetings at Cowes Police Station when we raise your parking concerns with representatives from Isle of Wight Council.
You said: More facilities for young people.
We did: Police support the Cowes Youth Forum, which is looking for premises suitable for a drop-in centre, and to build a basketball court behind Northwood skate park. Police attended the SK8 event to present prizes in May 2010, which attracted dozens of children and teenagers who enjoyed themselves safely and responsibly whilst demonstrating their impressive and intricate skills. Police worked with partner agencies to clean up Arctic Park and provide fencing and dog bins.
You said: Reduce anti-social behaviour
We did: There were 201 fewer victims of crime in this neighbourhood in 2009/10 compared with 2007/08. This includes 68 fewer reports of criminal damage and arson. Residents reported suspicious behaviour and we acted on their information by targeting patrols at certain times in areas where underage drinkers stored supplies of alcohol. Police are grateful for the information provided by the community. We also carried out patrols before, after and during lunch breaks when tobacco and related products were seized from children in school uniform. This action in response to community concerns led to a noticeable reduction in school children smoking.
Gurnard and Northwood
You said: Stop motorists speeding.
We did: PC Mark Thomas is working with the Isle of Wight Roads Policing Unit to carry out regular speed checks. They can respond swiftly to areas where a speeding problem is reported. Local and visiting motorists caught breaking the speed limit will face prosecution and education.
You said: Stop anti-social behaviour linked to beach parties
We did: There were 22 fewer reports of criminal damage and arson in this neighbourhood in 2009/10 compared with 2007/08. Reports of anti-social behaviour on Gurnard Beach mean the area is highlighted for increased high visibility patrols. Our ‘street mapping’ surveys in Gurnard showed 22 residents had concerns about gatherings of youths and noisy beach parties. The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team responded to a report of a party being advertised by a teenager on the social networking website ‘Facebook’ for Gurnard Beach in April 2010. The organiser and his family were visited at home by the police and an Isle of Wight Council Environment and Neighbourhoods Officer (ENO). We gave advice about the risks of staging a beach party where there was potential for uncontrolled consequences caused by hundreds of extra people attending at short notice as a result of internet advertising. Because rave events cause nuisance, disruption and environmental damage, the penalties are severe: anyone who carries on an unlicensed ‘rave’, or who allows such an activity, is liable to imprisonment for six months and fined up to £20,000. In addition to our powers under the Licensing Act, police can in certain circumstances seize vehicles and sound equipment and prevent partygoers gathering.
You said: Improve parking and reduce congestion.
We did: Police met with local councillor Paul Fuller who is taking responsibility for sorting out parking issues. He is looking into the bus service to ease parking problems and vehicle congestion.
Action we have taken in relation to your priorities
(2009)
Cowes Central, Cowes Castle and Medina
You said....Increase available parking.
We did....Cowes Police Station hosts a monthly parking meeting involving Cowes Town Council, Cowes Business Association and Isle of Wight Council where the better and smarter use of existing parking spaces is discussed.
You said....More facilities for young people.
We did....Police support the Cowes Youth Forum, which is looking for premises suitable for a drop-in centre, and to build a basketball court behind Northwood skate park. The team supported the SK8 event in September, which attracted dozens of children and teenagers who enjoyed themselves safely and responsibly whilst demonstrating their impressive and intricate skills.
You said....Deal with anti-social behaviour.
We did....An 11% reduction in crime so far this year. Powers under Section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act are used to ban people aged 16 or over from Cowes for up to 48 hours if they are involved in anti-social behaviour. We give information to the town’s independent Pubwatch and Shopwatch schemes, which ban known offenders from buying alcohol. Co-operation with housing associations allow warning letters and eviction orders to be issued to tenants causing problems. Resources focused on individual offenders prove effective where there are a small number of known criminals in the town. We aim for trust and respect as it’s important young people know us as people and speak with officers on first name terms.
Gurnard
You said....Improve parking and reduce congestion.
We did....Police met with local councillor Paul Fuller who is taking responsibility for sorting out parking issues. He is looking into the bus service to ease parking problems and vehicle congestion.
You said....Stop motorists speeding.
We did....The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team will work with the Isle of Wight Roads Policing Unit to carry out regular speed checks. Local and visiting motorists caught breaking the speed limit will face prosecution and education
You said....Stop dog fouling and roaming.
We did....We informed Isle of Wight Council’s Environment and Neighbourhoods Officer (ENO) for the area, Jacqui Darby, who will work with dog wardens to address this issue.
The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team recently completed its Street Mapping survey of the entire village of Gurnard. Out of 942 households surveyed, 359 completed and returned the questionnaire: A 38% response. 22% of those who responded reported having no concerns. We were pleased with the response. It was very reassuring to read the many positive comments from residents, reporting how they enjoyed living in Gurnard because it was a safe place to live with a real sense of strong community spirit.
Justice Seen, Justice Done
Simon John Pinder, aged 22, of Arctic Road, Cowes, was charged with threatening behaviour after an incident in Horseshoe Close on November 10, 2009. Simon Pinder appeared in court in December 2009 when he was given a restraining order, which prohibits him from contacting the victim and entering Horseshoe Close in Cowes until December 9, 2010. The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team will not tolerate confrontations and the public eruption of personal feuds, especially in residential areas where older people live.
Reports of anti-social behaviour on Gurnard Beach mean the area is highlighted for increased high visibility patrols. Our ‘street mapping’ surveys in Gurnard showed 22 residents had concerns about gatherings of youths and noisy beach parties. Officers from Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team disrupted and warned a group of youths who were planning to hold a party on Gurnard Beach on the night of Saturday, December 12, 2009. Approximately 70 bottles of alcohol were seized. One resident e-mailed the police to say: “Good to know the youths are not getting drunk on the beach and then breaking into our gardens and sheds. I feel safer now knowing the police are now checking on the beach. Thank you so much!”
Sparky's silver summer on the beat in Cowes
by Duncan Smith
Policing during the past quarter of a century has seen many reforms and revolutions, but throughout all this time, residents and summer visitors to Cowes on the Isle of Wight have had a familiar, reassuring and effective police presence. A dedicated and renowned police officer completed his twenty-fifth summer on the beat in Cowes this year. PC Mark O’Sullivan, affectionately known as ‘Sparky’ by his colleagues, is one of Hampshire Constabulary’s longest serving police officers after joining the force on October 4th 1974. PC O’Sullivan’s commitment to the force was recognised by ACC Steve Dann who joined him on duty during the traditional Cowes Week fireworks night.
The nature of Cowes Week has evolved over 25 years from what some herald as the ‘glory’ days of frequent visits by the Royal family. PC O’Sullivan said: “They were the apex brick in the social pyramid and lots of people and dignitaries came to Cowes from home and abroad purely because of the Royals and the chance to meet them.” Sparky commonly had close encounters of the regal kind: “I remember getting phone calls at short notice from Special Branch asking us to provide a presence when a Royal came ashore, but despite how exposed they were, I don’t recall one incident involving the Royals during this time.”
PC O’Sullivan, who is now part of the permanent Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team, said: “Cowes Week is the summit of the town’s summer. It’s a fantastic week. and police have made changes to safety at this world famous event. The town used to be known for fights and damage, but I can’t remember a Cowes Week as quiet for crime as this year.” Police use powers under section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 to disperse and ban offenders from Cowes. PC O’Sullivan added: “I would say this is the single most useful piece of legislation in the past ten years, and I believe the Safer Neighbourhoods team is now more effective than ever. Good examples are our community contacts, which have helped to empower Pubwatch, Shopwatch and Neighbourhood Watch schemes in the town. We identify the behaviour of offenders, and police patrol at targeted times to nip any trouble in the bud. This has made all the difference in lowering crime and making Cowes Week a safer event.”
Cowes Week revellers praised by police and partner agencies
by Duncan Smith
Police and partner agencies are welcoming the safe and responsible behaviour of the majority of people who attended the Cowes Week sailing regatta. Officers carried out extra uniform patrols in the town to provide reassurance to the thousands of local residents and visitors enjoying the world renowned event. Police worked closely with regatta organisers, security stewards, Isle of Wight Council staff, NHS paramedics, and Street Pastors to respond swiftly to issues and crimes reported.
Photos courtesy of In Wight Images
One of Hampshire Constabulary’s new Assistant Chief Constables, Steve Dann, joined local officers on patrol during fireworks night on Friday, August 7 to support the force’s campaign against anti-social behaviour during the summer.
Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Deputy Commander, Superintendent Norman Mellors said: “There were no major incidents reported during the regatta, which retained its reputation as a vibrant, friendly event for visitors both on land and sea. Crime in the Cowes area between August 1 and 10 was down from 70 incidents in 2008 to 64 in 2009. Officers used legal powers to ban potential troublemakers from Cowes when they appeared at risk of causing crime that could have escalated later in the evening.”
Specialist officers from Hampshire Constabulary and Isle of Wight Council carried out licensing visits and checks at bars and clubs in Cowes during the week. Isle of Wight Licensing Sergeant Mark Voller said: “We found licence holders and door staff did an excellent job generally in managing their premises and preventing incidents. For example, most bars served drinks in plastic containers rather than glass; a practical measure that helps prevents serious injury. We saw that bar managers and door staff were vigilant, stepping in quickly to prevent and defuse situations. Police noticed a couple of minor breaches of licensing law and examples of weak bar supervision, but these were certainly the exception. We pointed those responsible in the right direction and were pleased to see the mistakes were not repeated.”
Zoryna O’Donnell, Head of Community Safety at Isle of Wight Council said: “The council’s licensing and environmental health teams undertook inspections throughout Cowes Week to ensure licensing conditions were adhered to and that noise and food hygiene levels were acceptable. The officers have identified a number of issues which were dealt with accordingly, but on the whole the week passed without any major issues.”
Keith Morey, Civil Contingencies Manager for the IW Ambulance Service said: “Good partnership working throughout the week ensured a safe and successful event for all. The paramedic bicycle was used again this year, ensuring a speedy response through the busy streets of Cowes and reducing the need for ambulance journeys into the town centre."
The community sets its priorities for Cowes in 2009
The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods Team is committed to its role in maintaining the area as a safe place to live, work, and visit during 2009. Police officers, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and partner agencies attended the latest Cowes, Northwood and Gurnard community feedback forum in the Methodist Hall on Birmingham Road on January 28, 2009.
During the public meeting, an audience of more than 150 local residents decided the community’s top three priorities for 2009. They are: 1) addressing a lack of available parking in the town 2) addressing a lack of available youth facilities, and 3) dealing with anti-social behaviour by youths. The police are working with Cowes Youth Forum, Cowes Town Council, Isle of Wight Council, and other partner agencies to resolve these issues. The first two priorities remain the same from 2008 while ‘dealing with anti-social behaviour by youths’ replaces ‘addressing drink related anti-social behaviour’.
The amount of overall crime in the Cowes area between the end of January 2009 and April 1, 2008 has fallen by nearly 23% compared to the same period a year earlier. The number of public disorder and assaults is down by nearly 20%, criminal damage has fallen by 33%, house burglary is down by nearly 19%, and the number of incidents of rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour is down by 13%. (Source: Hampshire Constabulary website). The police have used powers under Section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act to ban people aged 16 or over from Cowes for up to 48 hours if they were involved in anti-social behaviour. The Safer Neighbourhoods Team works regularly with the town’s independent Pubwatch and Shopwatch schemes, which ban known offenders from buying alcohol in the Cowes area. Regular neighbourhood patrols and close co-operation with housing associations allow warning letters and eviction orders to be issued to tenants causing problems at individual addresses and in the town centre. Curfews, restraining orders and anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) are used specifically to deal with persistent offenders known to police.
Sergeant Julie Cocks of the Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods Team said: “Resources focused on individuals have proved effective in an area where there are a small number of known criminals among a population of more than 13,000 people. Safer Neighbourhoods officers are familiar with those likely to cause trouble, and their backgrounds. This detailed knowledge allows police to take the most appropriate and effective action to tackle their behaviour and its impact on others. “A vital part of our approach to dealing with anti-social behaviour by youths is gaining their trust, respect and understanding. It’s important young people get to know us as people, and feel comfortable speaking directly with Safer Neighbourhoods officers on first name terms when they see us out on patrol. We work together with young people and their families to find th
e best, long-term solutions to the problems reported by the community.”
Successful work carried out in response to the community’s priorities in 2008 also included new play facilities for teenagers and families at Venner Park Recreation Ground in Northwood thanks to co-operation between the police, young people, Isle of Wight Council, and the Northwood Community Partnership. Reports of anti-social behaviour in Northwood reduced after the opinions of children and teenagers were acknowledged in the creation of an improved, dedicated space where they can spend time.
Criminal damage and thefts from vehicles at the Somerton park-and-ride site were addressed with a successful campaign led by PC Mark Thomas, PCSO Stephen Oatley and Isle of Wight Council's Environment and Neighbourhoods Officer (ENO). The initiative involved a mobile CCTV camera, fencing and gate repairs, additional police patrols, new warning signs, more on-site cleaning, the removal and reduction of excessive and overgrown foliage, and letters containing crime prevention advice to motorists who had left their vehicles parked with valuables on display inside.
Sergeant Julie Cocks added: “The challenge for us all now is to maintain the trend in falling crime we’ve seen in Cowes during the past year. We intend to continue working with partner agencies, and the strong sense of community in the area. I would like to thank residents for all their support and feedback.”
Neighbourhood Watch in Cowes supports campaign to prevent burglary in 2009
by Duncan Smith
The police in Cowes on the Isle of Wight are encouraging more residents to take simple steps to prevent and detect burglaries in their area. As part of an Isle of Wight Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) initiative, Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods Team has provided free property marking packs of SmartWater to Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators. 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. It is also an extra method of detecting stolen items, and linking them to offenders. The initiative coincides with the start of Hampshire Constabulary’s Operation Nemesis, which is designed to target, prevent and reduce burglaries. Packs were made available to Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators at one of their regular meetings at Cowes Police Station with local police officers and Isle of Wight Council’s Environment and Neighbourhoods Officer for the area.
PC Mark O’Sullivan, of Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators are a vital link between the police and the communities we work within. By explaining and demonstrating the mutual advantages of SmartWater, we hope more Neighbourhood Watch members can feel they have the knowledge and ability to use technology in eliminating opportunities for burglars. This is just one of the messages we intend to give to residents as part of Operation Nemesis.”
Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator John Pullen said: “SmartWater is, without doubt, one of the best crime prevention and detection systems available for the general public. It is easy to use and already has had success in the Cowes area. I hope all co-ordinators and scheme members will take the opportunity to protect their property.”
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 a set of key criteria: Link to the Cowes Neighbourhood Performance page
How to contact Sergeant Mike Sizer and the Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team (SNT)
Cowes Police Station, Birmingham Road, Cowes, PO31 7BH.
Phone: 0845 045 45 45. E-mail: cowes.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Online links to partner organisations in the Cowes area:
Cowes Town Council
http://www.cowestowncouncil.co.uk/
http://www.iwight.com/parishcouncils/parishcouncilsdetail.aspx?id=7
Gurnard Parish Council
http://www.gurnardpc.co.uk/
http://www.iwight.com/parishcouncils/parishcouncilsdetail.aspx?id=12
Northwood Parish Council
http://www.iwight.com/parishcouncils/parishcouncilsdetail.aspx?id=34
http://www.northwoodvillage.org.uk/
