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

Apologies for absence were received from Rita Mirpuri,  Kathy Mifsud,  Maureen Vener,  Kay Smith  and  Derek Smith.

We started the meeting by welcoming P.C. Moore, our new home Beat Officer.  He is to be seen all over Upper Norwood and many of us have seen and met him already. We are fortunate to have him and especially so soon after the departure of P.C. Edwards and W.P.C. Martin.

P.C. Moore gave us the Crime figures  for the period from 1st. September to date.  There were two garage break-ins in Averil Grove, seven motor vehicle crimes and two "domestic" incidents. Thefts of and from vehicles remain the most prevalent crimes and five of the seven occurred in Ryecroft Road.  It is important thet we keep an active vigilance for these crimes and that we advise tradesmen to lock their vehicles securely before coming into our houses and gardens to work.  Two cars were stolen from Select Cars in Crown Lane.
    During the period 260 crimes were committeed in the whole of Upper Norwood and so we have not done too badly but we must remain "on our toes".  There have been no crimes reported in our N.W. Area since 7th. November, however Christmas is coming and usually theives are particularly active immediately before and after Christmas.

We have received a letter from the Hon. Secretary of Towndate Property Management Limited congratulating us on the efficiency of our Neighbourhood Watch.  She writes "even those of us who do not attend meetings are motivated, through your vigilance, to help take care of everyone's property and safety.  This is so worthwhile that we hope that you and all the co-ordinators feel it is worth the hard work". It is indeed encouraging to have this letter.

Dame Angela Rumbold D.B.E., formerly Secretary of State for Education, gave away the prizes at Saint Joseph's College this year and spoke very encouragingly to the puplils who received prizes and to their parents; so much so that Andrew Papadopoulos embraced her!

The date for our 1999 Summer Party was agreed to be either Sunday, 13th. June or Sunday 27th. June, 1999.   The exact date will be fixed and advertised as soon as possible.

Our Internet Webmaster Stephen Tarling passed a copy of the latest additions to our Website for our inspection and handed all those present copies of our list of tradespeople recommended by our members. Further copies may be obtained by those who attend future meetings.  He told us that we now have an active link with the Seaford Rise N.W. in South Australia and that we are now passing helpful ideas one to another.  For example, they advise us to take note of the modi operandi of criminals, such as how and where they gain access.  Steps can then be taken to rectify weak spots in our defences, such as unlocked side gates and alleyways.  We send our heartfelt good wishes to our friends in our "Sister City", Seaford Rise.  We also thank Stephen for all his very expert and conscientious work on our behalf.  He does a most professional job.

Ron Dawe and others were anxious that we alert all members to the evil doings of people who derive some pleasure from mutilating, even decapitating, animals and in particular cats.  This wickedness is rampant, it seems, throughout greater London and we advise that domestic animals be kept indoors at night.

In reponse to a question from Janet Payne,  P.C. Moore assured her that he walks his beat daily and that Panda cars still patrol the area constantly.

We are grieved by the death of our dear friend Roland Burch and offer our continued sympathy to his widow Joan, who so bravely hosted this meeting, as usual. We are especially grateful to her and we admire her.
 

The meeting ended at 8:55p.m.
 

We wish all our Members every happiness at Christmas and happiness and success in the New Year.
 

Hugh Norwood Collins, Chief Co-ordinator.	P.C. 190 ZN,  Home Beat Officer

STOP PRESS: Please come along to the Public Meeting 19:30hrs on 21st. January 1999 at Saint Joseph's College.