Helping to find solutions

Officers have been out and about on the north neighbourhood beat dealing with a wide range of issues.

Catch up with your local beat officer with our update below.

Pc Chris Herring - Ely North

Along with the police community support officers, we are trying to work with other agencies to find solutions to the emotive issue of anti-social behaviour among young people. I also receive regular calls relating to speeding motorists.

To combat this, speed checks are conducted in the area and in the last four months a number of fixed penalty notices have been issued. A proactive approach is also being taken in relation to the supply of illegal drugs.

Pc Dave Bishop - Littleport

Issues affecting the area are anti-social behaviour, caused mainly by young people.

The skate park and the new doctor's surgery are the main targets of repeated damage and threats to staff. A number of arrests have already been made in relation to this and more are sure to follow. Speeding motorists are also an issue, so regular speed checks are conducted and offenders dealt with.

The supply of illegal drugs is an ongoing problem, which is constantly targeted with regular arrests.

Pc Andy Martin and Police Community Support Officer, Sam Johnson - Sutton beat

In Aldreth, regular contact with neighbourhood watch has identified two local people which we are already aware of in relation to anti-social behaviour.

One of these has already been arrested for offences.

Anti-social behaviour at Haddenham recreation ground has been dramatically reduced. There have been no reports of any incidents in the last three months and patrols are still made regularly. Parking concerns are still being raised, despite discussion with residents and enforcement whenever offences are committed.

Brief reports have been made of anti -social behaviour in the early hours in Stretham High Street. Anti-social behaviour has also been reported in Sutton's Saffron Piece and action has been taken against identified offenders, developing confidence with residents.

Regular contact with the parish clerk in Wentworth has proved useful and there has been positve feedback on speed enforcement.

An issue of drug supply is being investigated in Wilburton and there has been positive feedback from parish and community contacts.

Witchford's Victoria Green has suffered ongoing criminal damage. Developing community confidence in reporting incidents when they are in progress is essential. Very good contacts in the community, however, have proved invaluable overall.

There is anecdotal evidence that is clearly showing a discrepancy between incidents identified in the areas and those recorded with the police. Overall, there is confidence from regular community contacts, but a lack of positive opinion from those who have identified issues but have not delivered this information directly to the police.

Pc Kevin Humble - Downham villages

With the long nights approaching, I wish to highlight, once again, distraction burglaries involving bogus officials who ha claim to work for the water or gas board or the electricity company. Before opening your doors, please keep your security chains on, use your peep-holes, ask for identification first. If not happy, do not let them in. Contact employers or the police.

Another complaint that is made by members of my community is speeding motorists. It is not just the 'boy racers' but also parents taking their children to and from school. I have already issued three speeding tickets and offered words of advice to some motorists.

And finally, another word about the use of motor scooters, motor cycles and mini motorcycles. If used on the roads they and the user must conform to the Road Traffic Act. If used on 'recreation grounds' I would suggest that users are contravening the road traffic laws and they could lose their licences, in some cases even before they are old enough to apply for one. In certain circumstances the owner/user of the machine could have it confiscated.