Saint Joseph's Neighbourhood Watch   (Upper Norwood, London, U.K.)

Meeting held 8pm Thursday 18th. September 2003, at the usual venue

There were 15 people present:  Joan Burch, Russell and Gill Ashley-Smith, Henry Schneider, Ron Dawe, Tricia Whyte, Gilbert and Janet Payne, Robert Rose, Harold Lockwood, Janet Ikezue-Clifford, Chrissie Silver, Naseem Khan, Bhikhi Patel.   Also PC Colin Herron.

Apologies were received from: Dennis Potter, Antonia and Edward Paul, Iain Fowler, Cyril and Molly King, Lorna Addie and Susan Hacker.

Russell welcomed everyone, and gave out copies of the list of “Recommended Tradespeople”.  (After the meeting further changes were made.) Please call at the usual address (see printed newsletter) or email Russell for the latest edition.

Russell congratulated PC Colin Herron on passing the next stage of his Sergeants' exams. He will be in this area for another year at least.
 

The Crime Report
PC Herron's crime report covered 3 months (18 June - 18 Sep).  NOTE: report all crime to the police, however minor.  The level of policing in our area is dependent on the amount of reported crime.

Leafield Close, Holman Gardens, Hollies Close – no reported crimes
Gibson’s Hill - Burglary of power tools from shed in recreation ground
    - Very minor assault on a lady jogger mid-morning
    - 2.55am attempted burglary (climbed fence, used ladder left in garden to try to enter bathroom, but disturbed and ran off.   NOTE: please lock up and conceal ladders.
    - 3.30am vehicle window broken – owner chased suspect who said he had a gun (not sure if true).  Police called to deal with gun, but suspect escaped.
    - Theft in post of cheque books – Post Office investigating.
Ryecroft Rd   - Theft in post of cheque book NOTE: do notify police if valuable post that you are  expecting does not come.
    - Burglar took beading out of rear window at night, and stole jewellery and cash.  People were in the house.
    - Man in car stopped for questioning, and arrested for having counterfeit currency.
    - School boys on several occasions threw stones over wall to smash a green-house. Also graffiti.  A Watch member photographed them, and they've been identified - not from St Joseph’s school.  There may be a prosecution and fines (rather than just a reprimand).  [Webmaster's note: The photographs may, or may not appear on this web site]

Police  Security alerts in central London have reduced, and PC Herron has more time for local patrolling. Police have been doing truancy patrols in the day (some parents fined £100) and “rowdy” patrols at night (several arrests).   These are in addition to PC Herron's normal beat, which he usually patrols on foot.
 

Questions and Discussion with PC Herron
a) Norwood Grove – vandalism and graffiti, toilets set on fire.   Park ranger is rarely there and gates are not locked at night.   PC Herron had not heard of problems recently – he will investigate.

b) For minor damage or misbehaviour – if it is happening now, dial 999, but also report to PC Colin, if necessary leaving a message at the Homebeats' office or by email (see end of this newsletter).  (If none is in the Homebeats' office that is good - they're all out policing!)
Police may not attend scene of a crime immediately, if other more urgent things are occurring at the same time.  Afternoons after school is in particular a busy time for police.  Do not downplay the seriousness of a crime.

c) How seriously is a call dealt with?  You can ask if it is being recorded as a crime (not just an incident for which no police action is needed).  You should get a crime reference number, and Colin can check on progress using this reference.

d) A young con-woman (and man) have been coming to some people with a story about being locked out and needing a taxi fare.  Ring 999 if this happens.

e) Travellers camped on the field off Gibson's Hill.  They were warned by police to move on within a specified time, and a large police presence came to ensure they did so.   The Council is setting up a group to deal with travellers.  PC Herron expressed appreciation that the travellers' arrival was reported so promptly.
Overall message - each of us is encouraged to keep in close touch with the police (see foot of this page).

PC Colin Herron was thanked warmly for coming, and left to continue his other duties.
 

FURTHER DISCUSSION
Planning Applications  The planning application to enlarge the nursing home in Gibson’s Hill to 2 stories has been accepted.   Some neighbours are concerned, but comment was made that old people are often quieter than some other rowdy people!  So maybe we should be happy to accept this development.
The application for a children's nursery at Homestead has been turned down.

Lighting The lighting in Ryecroft Rd is 20 years old, and is noticeably worse than other roads in the area.  The lighting heads need upgrading. The Council has no money for lighting improvements this year, but may be able to do some next year.  Jim Palmer is the person to contact.  Russell will do so.
The footpath between the two halves of Ryecroft is far too dark at night.   The lights need improving, but also, foliage coming over the wall is obscuring the light.   It is the responsibility of the householder to cut it back.   Russell will call on the house concerned.

Traffic Improvements for Crown Lane   Following the questionnaire in the summer, plans were displayed in Streatham, which Tricia went to see.   They plan
- a cycle lane on the north side of Crown Lane
- enlarged traffic islands
- Leigham Court to Crown Point will be one lane only (causing more congestion?)
- Lights at Crown Point will be re-phased
Tricia suggested that there should be a Pelican crossing opposite the new school, and that more needs to be done to get rid of second hand cars on sale.  There are no reports of cars for sale being parked in Ryecroft Road.

Newsletter Deliveries and Emails   Yet again some Ryecroft Rd homes did not get the last newsletter.  Russell will investigate again.    Chrissie offered to take on some deliveries.
IF YOU HAVE EMAIL (and if you're reading this web version you probably do have!) – please email Russell (see address below), he will add your email to his list to circulate any urgent crime issues and Neighbourhood Watch updates.
PC Herron now has email – see below.

Annual Garden Party   Please note that after several years kindly hosted by the Silver, we are looking for SOMEONE ELSE TO OFFER TO HOST THE GARDEN PARTY NEXT SUMMER.

Notification of meetings   It is disappointing that neighbours forget to attend meetings.  Would it be a good idea to send a reminder shortly beforehand?   This would mean extra work for those delivering newsletters.  Robert and some others thought it was a good idea and would be willing to help.
 

List of recommended Tradespeople
for a copy of the latest update, please call at the usual address or email Russell (see below).
 

CONTACT NUMBERS AND EMAILS
Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators:

Russell Ashley-SmithEmail: russell@sjnw.co.uk
Peter Silver    Email: pete@sjnw.co.uk
Tricia Whyte    (see printed newsletter for contact details)
 

Police:
For emergencies and crimes occurring now - always dial 999
To report matters of concern: Norbury Homebeats' Office: 020 8649 1103
Email: colin.herron@met.police.uk      PC Herron’s Mobile: 0790 953 5822