Sergeant Mike Sizer
Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team
The Cowes Central and Medina team is:
- PC Justin Pringle
- PCSO Lisa Paul
The Cowes Castle East and West team is:
- PC Minka Armitage
- PC Sarah Waldegrave
- PCSO Stephen Oatley
PC Sarah Waldegrave
PC Minka Armitage
PCSO Lisa Paul
The Gurnard, and Northwood team is:
PCSO Steve Oatley
New Cowes police officer thanks community for warm welcome
November 2011
A new police officer on the beat in Cowes on the Isle of Wight is thanking the community for their support in keeping crime low in the town. PC Sarah Waldegrave joined the Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team this summer to reinforce their active presence in policing every neighbourhood. Since starting to patrol the beat, PC Waldegrave has played a leading role during enquiries into an assault in Sun Hill, and an incident involving a knife where a 19-year-old man was charged to appear in court. Sarah investigated criminal damage at Love Lane Primary School during the summer. She assisted in arranging a community resolution where the children responsible for the vandalism were involved in helping to make the school beautiful again, by painting fencing and planters, and planting flowers. PC Waldegrave works alongside Sergeant Mike Sizer, PC Justin Pringle, PC Minka Armitage, PCSO Steve Oatley and PCSO Lisa Paul in the Cowes team. Their combined efforts with the community have helped to reduce crime in Cowes by 23 per cent since the start of April 2011, compared to the same eight months in 2010. Public disorder and assaults are down by 23 per cent as well, criminal damage has been halved, and vehicle crimes are down by 36 per cent. PC Waldegrave transferred to Cowes after working for a year in the Prisoner Interview and Intelligence Team (PIIT) at Newport Police Station. She spent her first two years with the Isle of Wight’s Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT), which provide the first response to 999 calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
PC Sarah Waldegrave said: “I would like to thank all the people I’ve met in Cowes so far for the warm welcome they have given me. I’m enjoying the opportunity to protect the community where I live. The variety of challenges in Cowes is constantly stimulating and the team must be flexible to handle the intense situations we face. I look forward to getting to know more of the Cowes residents we’re entrusted with keeping safe. Their help and support is crucial to ensure our patrols and skills are concentrated in the right places at the right times to prevent problems, catch criminals, and provide an excellent service.”
You can contact the Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team by phoning 101 or emailing cowes.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. sss
Changes to Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team
September - November 2011
A larger crime investigation team is being created on the Isle of Wight as part of changes to improve the satisfaction of victims of crime and increase the number of crimes detected.
Over the next five years, it is Hampshire Constabulary’s aim to be a top-performing force for preventing crime, securing public confidence and victim satisfaction, and achieving greater cost-effectiveness with less money.
Due to a reduction in the force’s budget, Hampshire Constabulary must make savings of between £40million and £50m by 2015, with the majority of the funds having to be found in the first two years.
While this is a very difficult time, the reductions in police budgets also present a significant opportunity for the force to focus on what is most important to the public, and to take a look at what we do and why we do it. This includes a review of how policing is organised and delivered at a local level.
There are proposals to create a larger District CID based on the Isle of Wight by transferring some officers and staff from other teams. These include PC Mark Thomas from the Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team. He will be moving from his current role as beat officer for Gurnard and Northwood from November 2011. A new full-time PC for Gurnard and Northwood won't be appointed.
Gurnard and Northwood was identified as the lowest crime area on the island so far this year with 36 crimes reported to police between April 1 and September 1, 2011. This number represents a continued reduction when compared to the 44 crimes reported during the same five months in 2010, and the 47 crimes reported between April 1 and September 1 in 2009. The
Cowes and East Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods teams will retain one Sergeant, five PCs, and four Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who also patrol Gurnard and Northwood regularly as part of their duties. The team has access to mobile data technology, which allows them to complete work away from a police station, and spend more time on visible patrols in their local neighbourhoods.
Isle of Wight police commander Superintendent Neil Sherrington said: "PC Thomas has provided an excellent service to the residents of Gurnard and Northwood with dedicated effective work in these communities, where crime has been low over the past few years. "I understand the legitimate concerns expressed by people in neighbourhoods where officers are moved to another area or unit. Police encourage the interest and views of local residents because they must continue to be an essential element in how we work together to keep crime down in challenging circumstances.
"Local Safer Neighbourhoods teams will remain at the heart of the communities in which they work and where they are most accessible. Wherever we’re not going to replace an officer because we want to move a role somewhere else; we will monitor and review those decisions for their effectiveness.
"These changes are driven by the need to strengthen the way we investigate crimes whilst protecting local policing with a smaller budget. Although the expertise and experience of local officers solved more crimes on the island last year, we are not as efficient and effective as we could be during investigations. For example, officers can be drawn into spending more time dealing with suspects inside a police station, rather than being visible on patrol in their local neighbourhoods.
"One reason for creating a larger CID is to give us a full-time team dedicated to investigating prisoners in custody. This can enable uniform officers to remain out on the streets for longer after bringing suspects into a police station. We must make difficult decisions to become more sophisticated about how we deploy our limited resources in the right places at the right times. There can be a perception that if something moves or changes, it will be less effective. However, better organisation and technology can deliver a better outcome. "The force will continue to meet its values of providing an excellent service, reducing crime, responding to emergencies, and targeting those individuals who commit crime and prey on the vulnerable. Whatever else we do we will continue to do these things."
Cowes flat closed by court order against anti-social behaviour
July 2011
by Duncan Smith
Police in Cowes have made the Isle of Wight’s first use of specific anti-social behaviour powers to stop disorder linked to a flat in the town. The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team took action in response to complaints about the behaviour of people at flat number four within Moira House on Sun Hill. Local officers worked alongside housing association staff from Spectrum Medina to visit the address on the evening of Friday, July 1, 2011. A closure notice under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 was served to the man living in flat four, which was linked to evidence of persistent and serious disorder, which was affecting the public. An application for a closure order, also under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, was then made to the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court, where a hearing took place on Friday, July 8, 2011. The Magistrates Court granted the order, which prohibits anyone from remaining on or entering flat number four in Moira House on Sun Hill, Cowes, Isle of Wight. This closure order is in force for three months until October 7, 2011. Anyone who breaches the order faces arrest, a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine, if convicted.
Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector Terry Clawson said: “The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team worked tirelessly for two months to tackle the nuisance behaviour linked to this flat. Stopping the disorder was a policing priority because the behaviour was upsetting and worrying other law-abiding residents and neighbours.
“The team’s local knowledge and experience on the beat was crucial in gathering evidence to convince the court that these measures were needed to prevent serious disorder affecting the public. PC Minka Armitage worked particularly hard to achieve this excellent result. “This order should reinforce our clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, especially when it increases fear of crime and undermines a community’s quality of life. We’ve received positive feedback from neighbours since the closure order was enforced, and I’d like to take this opportunity to reassure residents that we will always strive to work with the community to solve problems reported to us.”
The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team, the Isle of Wight Community Safety Team and Hampshire Constabulary’s Force Solicitor worked closely with the housing association 'Spectrum Medina' on the closure notice and order. Police are grateful to housing association staff for their support and expertise.
Martyn Pearl, Managing Director of Spectrum Medina said: "Spectrum Medina operate a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and work closely with our partners to ensure our neighbourhoods are safe and secure. In this instance our Neighbourhood Housing Officer, Stephen Dickins, has made a major contribution to the successful resolution of this problem and worked hard to return stability to the area."
Police warning on preventing car crime in Cowes
July 2011
by Duncan Smith
Police are reminding motorists on the Isle of Wight about the importance of protecting their vehicles from opportunist thieves. A man received a prison sentence at the Isle of Wight Crown Court last Friday (June 24, 2011) after an investigation by the Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team into a series of thefts from motor vehicles in the town this year.
Sergeant Mike Sizer of the Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “There was a noticeable increase in vehicle crime in Cowes in March. It became a policing priority for local officers who responded swiftly to information from the public and arrest a suspect who has now been jailed by the courts. I hope this sentence can serve as a deterrent to others that if you commit car crime in Cowes, we will catch you. Police were able to recover a significant amount of property linked to thefts from cars parked in Cowes, and I would like to thank everyone who assisted us with our enquiries. Reports of vehicle crime in Cowes are down by 24 per cent compared with the same time last year (April – June 2010): (Source: www.hampshire.police.uk)
Isle of Wight Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector Terry Clawson said: “It’s important motorists are not complacent about the security of their vehicle. I would like to remind people to keep their doors and vehicles locked. Although crime on the island remains relatively low, there have been a number of offences in Cowes where opportunist thieves have entered vehicles, which have been left unlocked. Do not rely on your remote central locking - always check the door handle to make sure your vehicle is secure before you leave it. The warm weather is also an opportunity for a thief to enter through an open window or unlocked back door. We have fewer victims of crime so far this year but one victim is one too many. Please report anything suspicious and ensure that your property is secure." If you have information about car crime in the Cowes area, please contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods team by calling 101 or sending an e-mail to cowes.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk Mini-com users can call 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. For more crime prevention advice to protect your vehicle, please go online to: http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/news/campaigns/safervehicles.htm
Your local priorities
(Updated: December 2011)
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, Medina, Cowes Castle are:
- Target and prevent drug dealing
- Prevent and solve more criminal damage reports
- Prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour in the Love Lane area
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
Local Action Groups
Your local Safer Neighbourhoods teams have helped to create Local Action Groups. The Local Action Group consists 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.
Action in taken in response to your priorities
(Updated: April 3, 2011)
Cowes Central and Medina, Cowes Castle East and West
You said…. Tackle underage drinking and rowdy inconsiderate behaviour (including littering) in the area of Northwood Park.
We did….Regular patrols are carried out in the park to deal with any young people at risk from alcohol related disorder.
You said….Address concerns about road safety outside schools.
We did….PC Minka Armitage has been assigned to identify and target these issues.
You said…. Address concerns about the future of Arctic Road Youth Club
We did….PCSO Lisa Paul is making enquiries into this matter.
You said…. Stop vandalism to bus shelters
We did….. The Co-op Bus stop in Terminus Road is unlit at night. There is poor ambient lighting in the area. As a result, people using the bus stop at night feel unsafe. Street mapping surveys of people using the bus stop have confirmed this perception. The solution identified to this problem is to provide lighting in the bus shelter. The shelter is maintained by Isle of Wight Council’s Highways department, which is being approached about the issue.
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
Summer operation to tackle anti-social behaviour in Cowes
(September 2010)
Tackling anti-social behaviour is the number one policing priority for residents in Cowes. An unexpected upsurge in criminal damage in West Cowes was tackled by a dedicated police operation led by the local Safer Neighbourhoods teams. Analysis showed most of the damage was taking place near underage drinking hotspots in and around the town. Officers and PCSOs changed their patrols to target persistent offenders found in possession of alcohol in public places. Simultaneous test purchases were also carried out. One off-licence was caught selling cider to underage customers. Three youths were also arrested for alcohol related offences. They were given warnings and issued with Acceptable Behaviour Contracts.
Click below to read more on page 14 of One Island magazine.
http://www.iwight.com/oneislandmagazine/downloads/One%20Island%20Nov%202010.pdf?updated
New Police Sergeant for East and West Cowes
(August 2010)
There is a new local police officer working with the communities of East and West Cowes to prevent and reduce crime. Sergeant Mike Sizer joined the Safer Neighbourhoods teams for the two towns in August 2010.
Sergeant Sizer was born on the Island but spent most of his formative years in and around Southampton. After 13 years in the RAF, Sergeant Sizer joined Hampshire Constabulary in 1996. He served at Bitterne, completed an attachment to the Force Crime Unit, and worked as a detective based in Eastleigh.
He was promoted to Sergeant in 2006 and served at Southampton central police station until September 2009. Sergeant Sizer and his wife, also a serving police officer, then moved to the Island where he became a Targeted Patrol Team (TPT) supervising officer. He joined the East and West Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods teams towards the end of August 2010.
Sergeant Sizer replaces Sergeant Julie Cocks who has transferred to Shanklin police station to lead one of the Isle of Wight’s Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT), which provide a first response to 999 calls.
Sergeant Mike Sizer said: “My role as Sergeant for East and West Cowes is to help make sure policing responds to the needs and concerns of local residents. The teams are in contact with the community through regular patrols, beat surgeries, plus parish and town council meetings. Residents have consistent opportunities to influence the action we take to tackle their priorities.
“I see Cowes and East Cowes as a role offering a diversity of challenges, and an opportunity for me to lead a team dedicated to keeping both towns as pleasant places to live and work. From my time serving in other parts of Hampshire, I’ve seen what the effects of crime and anti-social behaviour can have on an area and its inhabitants. I’m determined to tackle anyone who believes they can act with impunity or who is willing to undermine the quality of life for others.”
The East and West Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods teams can be contacted by phoning 101 or 0845 045 45 45 and by e-mailing via eastcowes.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
or cowes.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk.
In an emergency, always dial 999. People who wish to remain anonymous can phone the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. For more information about your local Safer Neighbourhoods team, go online to www.hampshire.police.uk and type in your postcode.
Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team working with Cowes Autism Support Group
People with autism have difficulties with social situations and find it difficult to cope with unexpected changes in routine. They can come into contact with the police as a victim, witness, informant or someone who just needs help in an emergency. This can be daunting for anyone, but for someone affected by autism, it can be a stressful and frightening experience. Our work with the group involves lowering the fear of crime and police contact. Parents identified reducing the risk of bullying as a priority, and we’ve produced a series of skills workshops to lower these fears. The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team is looking forward to building on this work and strengthening the relationships between police and the community affected by autism. This is an important opportunity for us all to work in partnership to raise the profile of this particular community, lower the feat of crime, and improve the general quality of life for everyone involved.
Read more on page nine in the July 2010 edition of Frontline magazine:
http://www.hampshire.police.uk/NR/rdonlyres/E17544D3-5FDF-4952-A891-D48A3169581A/0/Frontlineissue155.pdf
...and on page nine in the July 2010 edition of One Island magazine:
http://www.iwight.com/oneislandmagazine/downloads/One%20Island%20July%202010.pdf
Action we have taken in relation to your priorities
(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: An unexpected upsurge in criminal damage during the summer of 2010 was tackled by a dedicated police operation led by the local Safer Neighbourhoods teams. Analysis showed most of the damage was taking place near underage drinking hotspots in and around the town. Officers and PCSOs changed their patrols to target persistent offenders found in possession of alcohol in public places. Simultaneous test purchases were also carried out. One off-licence was caught selling cider to underage customers. Three youths were also arrested for alcohol related offences. They were given warnings and issued with Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs).
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.
Cowes Week revellers praised by police and partner agencies
(August 2009)
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.”
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/
