Chidham and Hambrook Village - everyday

I would like to wish everyone a happy and crime free 2009.
Dealing with antisocial behaviour, vehicle theft and criminal damage remain a priority in some of our villages at this time so please continue to report all incidents to the police as your assistance in dealing with crime is vital in the fight against crime. Southbourne has recently suffered a spate of this kind of criminal activity, I happy to report we are following several lines of investigation in to these incidents.

Can you help with any of the following? Chichester District Press Release 15/12/2008 District Press Liaison: Sergeant Anna Gent 0845 60 70 999 ext. 80349
Theft of Outboard Motors In the early hours of Saturday 6 th December 2008, at Lansdale Marine, Leisure & Property LLP, in Main Road, Birdham, intruders entered the showroom via the front door and stole 5 Yamaha outboard motors worth approximately £4000. It is believed that the thieves must have been in possession of a vehicle in order to remove the motors from the premises. The model numbers of the stolen outboard motors are F4AMHS, 5CMHS and 6CMHS. PC Ben Nield from Chichester Police Station would like to hear from anyone who has any information regarding the stolen outboard motors. He can be contacted on 0845 60 70 999 , quoting crime reference number WC2/134220/08. Alternatively anyone with information can contact CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Parking issues persist at all schools, mainly at drop off/pick up times. Please can all drivers remember that the safety of the children is paramount and it is a dangerous practice to park in designated safety zones i.e. YELLOW lines or ZIG ZAGs. Please park legally and safely. Fixed Penalty Notices will be issued. I will continue to liaise with the schools in an effort to combat the problem.
Fishbourne Southbourne has experienced serious problems with people parking carelessly around the Train stations at School pick up and drop off times, I will be attending at these times to try to ascertain the extent of this in the next few weeks.
Regular welfare checks on known vulnerable people in all villages are being carried out by me especially during these colder months. Please be aware of your neighbours and let me know if there is a vulnerable person living near you.
The Spanish Lottery is another scam that has reared its head again,if you did not buy a ticket for a lottery then there is little chance of you being a winner.Do not give people your bank details to anyone you do not know and even then be very carefull.If in doubt report it.

In the early morning of 22nd November 20008 Police in Chichester received several reports of a group of young persons throwing rocks or stones from a bridge above the A27 Chichester by-pass and from the dual carriageway itself towards passing motorists. This was believed to be around the area of the Broad Road bridge in between Fishbourne roundabout and Havant. Police attended and searched the area with a negative result. Several vehicles, including a police vehicle sustained damage.
Police would appeal for anyone with any information regarding these incidents to make contact with either PC Carwardine or PC Gilmour at Chichester Police station on 0845 60 70 999 , or anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.

PCSO Phillip Court has left Sussex Police moving to pastures green and to ensure that you continue to receive a high level of service, I will be taking over the Southbourne , and Westbourne areas. Some of the community already know me but I am keen to meet as many people as possible in the months ahead. I am familiar with the problems and structure of all the villages so please keep those reports flowing in as I look forward to both meeting and working with you to resolve the problems in the area.

As bonfire night approaches we ask that people are sensible with fireworks and bonfires. Just to remind you it is illegal for persons under the age of 18 to buy or to possess fireworks in a public place. Please be considerate of your neighbours, especially if they have animals who are terrified of the loud bangs.West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have been linking up with Sussex Police and visiting a wide variety of venues to give advice on fireworks and bonfires and deter anti-social behaviour. Throughout the Chichester, Arun and Mid Sussex Districts, two fire-fighters will go out with a PC, PCSO, or Community Warden into the community in a Fire Service 4 wheel drive vehicle to engage with the public and give advice on fireworks and bonfires, deter anti-social behaviour, talk about retained fire-fighter recruitment, and raise awareness of the joint approach to anti-social behaviour being undertaken by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and Sussex Police. These joint patrols will be taking place In Chichester between 7-10pm on the weekend of the 24th and 25th of October, the 31st of October and 1st of November (Halloween), the 5th of November (Bonfire night), and the 7th and 8th of November; the weekend after Bonfire night. It will be taking place in several locations throughout the district - Selsey, East Wittering , Chichester , Bosham, Midhurst, and Petworth.

Break in to ‘The Sussex Snowdrop Trust' between 5pm on Saturday 25 th October and 1215 the following day. The office belonging to the Sussex Snowdrop Trust in West Stoke was broken into. Intruders forced the door to gain entry and then once inside stole a cash box and contents and then ripped open posted mail envelopes probably searching for cash donations. The cash box was found close by the attacked premises with the contents stolen. The Sussex Snowdrop Trust is a ‘unique local charity for local children who have life threatening illnesses. It provides care at home for these children, with nursing and financial help for their families.' The officer in the case PC Gordon Muir would like to hear from anyone who has information regarding this burglary and he can be contacted at Chichester Police Station on 0845 60 70 999 . Alternatively you can ring Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.

Chichester Neighbourhood Policing Teams are continually seeking ways to improve our ways to engage with the community. Since our formation in October 2007 we have evolved to become identifiable, accessible and responsive to your needs and concerns.
We are now committed to expanding this concept so that we can evolve further into a truly local police service. This approach will allow you the community to choose your own Community Priorities which the police and partner agencies will work together to solve problems of crime, disorder and anti social behaviour.
During the coming months your local officers will be canvassing your neighbourhood to identify persons who would be willing to help set up and run your Neighbourhood Management Panel. If you are interested or would like further information please contact your local officer. You can do this by visiting www.sussex.police.uk
We are waiting for your call.

If you have been offered cheap petrol or heating oil then it is likely that this has been stolen.Any information should be passed to your local policing team and this will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Horse security advice: Due to several incidents in Hambrook and West Stoke area. Horse rugs and tack being stolen ,make sure tack is stored out of site and under lock and key, do not leave rugs airing on the rails in your field.Emblazon the rugs with your post code , whilst I realise this does not look pretty it will deter thieves, several rugs were stolen off the horses backs! Also if anyone sees anything unusual, cars near your fields or near tack rooms that are unknown to you , please contact Sussex Police straight away.
The summer holidays have drawn to an end and the new school term has began. Can I remind all parents to park sensibly in the roads surrounding the local schools at the beginning and end of the school day. Most parents park sensibly but we do have several regular people who think no rules apply . We have been receiving lots of complaints from local residents about driveways being blocked, junctions being obscured and verges being damaged.
Again the Railway shelter at Fishbourne has been targeted and vandalised British Transport Police are investigating this incident.

29/7/08 Message from PCSO Ives

Police are advising people, especially those living in isolated rural areas, to ensure they answer their front doors with the chain on, and to keep their front and back doors locked. If someone comes to your door and you are in any doubt, don?t open it and call the Police immediately.

The advice has been issued following a robbery on Saturday 14th June, at a home in Finchdean Road, Rowland's Castle, when two men knocked on a door at around 6.15am. They pushed their way into a house and demanded money from a man in his sixties. After taking cash, they ran off on foot, in the direction of Rowland's Castle.

Descriptions:
Male 1 - white male, between 23 and 25 years old, 5' 10" tall, wearing a black hooded top, dark trousers and spoke with a local accent.
Male 2 - white male, between 23 and 25 years old, 5' 7" tall, wearing a light grey hooded top, with a 5cm / 2 inch blue and white checked band on both upper arms.

Forensically trained officers have conducted investigations, and officers have spoken to neighbours and searched the immediate area for evidence.

DS Burgess said: "The victim is naturally upset by what happened, but was unharmed."

Sussex Police are interested in hearing from anyone who can identify the men responsible for this crime. Please contact DS Russ Burgess of Chichester CID on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Shipton, or call Crimestoppers (registered charity) anonymously on 0800 555 111 - you may be eligible for a reward.

Police would like to remind people not to keep amounts of cash around the house. Remember -
STOP - Are you expecting anybody? Do they have an appointment?
CHAIN - Secure the door bar or chain before opening the door
CHECK - Ask for, and double check the caller's identification
Advice on home security can always be provided by your District Crime Prevention Officer, please call 0845 60 70 999 .

Two burglaries occurred in Nutbourne recently, one on Friday 23rd May and the other on Tuesday 27th May.  Property stolen includes computer equipment, cash and jewellery. 

If you have any information that may be relevant to either of these crimes, or hear who might be responsible, please do not hesitate to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.

Looks count, make your home appear occupied at all times. An unoccupied home is more likely to be targeted by the burglar however with doorstep callers and bogus officials using a number of excuses to gain access into the house it is essential precautions are taken to deter their access and commit offences. With a rise in temperatures there is a tendency to leave windows open throughout the day and sometimes at night which makes the house vulnerable to attack."

Remember a few valuable points can be taken in order to prevent your home being targeted for burglary.

• Fit a 5 lever mortice lock (to British Standards 3621 - 08) to your front and rear door. If you have an integral door to the garage this should also be fitted with a 5 lever lock.
• Fit a door chain and use it whenever you answer the door.
• If you leave your house for short periods lock all windows and doors. It wont take long to circulate fresh air upon your return and when you are in the garden remember to secure the house. You might not see who is trying to get in. Don't provide an opportunity for an offender.
• When you buy new household goods don't leave empty boxes outside, dispose of them carefully. Don't advertise your new purchase.
• For night time purposes consider fitting security lighting, it may well deter the thief.
• If you need to have a window open on warm nights fit a securistay lock.
• Shut off those access points to the rear of the premises and where side gates are installed fit a locking bolt or padlock and hasp.

Trust your instincts - If you witness something suspicious Dial 999
The non emergency number for Sussex Police is 0845 60 70 999
Information can be left anonymously by ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Most of my time is spent on high visibility patrol, dealing with lower level incidents and providing help and support to the public.

I enjoy the freedom of the role - getting out and about, talking to people and helping them to resolve their issues.

I became a PCSO in November 2006 - prior to which I'd spent 25 years in the Royal Navy as a medic and, latterly, as a Chief Petty officer. I left the service in 1992 and was then a charge nurse at a local private hospital in Chichester for 14 years. I had thought of joining the police service for many years and was a Special Constable for two years. I needed a career change so applied to join as a PCSO.

My role is to provide a visible presence on the streets of my parishes and try to facilitate communications between the public and police service with regard to anti-social behaviour and any other real or perceived threats.

I am in a rural area and enjoy getting out on the streets meeting people and listening to what they have to say.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH - Neighbourhood Watch is one of the biggest and most successful crime prevention initiatives ever. It is not just about reducing burglary figures, it's also about creating communities who care. It brings local people together and can make a real contribution to improving their lives. Neighbourhood Watch is a method of developing close liaison between households in a neighbourhood and the police. The aims are to help people protect themselves and their properties and to reduce the fear of crime by improved home security, greater vigilance, fast and accurate reporting of suspicious incidents to the police and fostering a community spirit. Householders are the ‘eyes and ears' of the community and they usually know who and what people and vehicles belong in their road. All they need to do is to be reactive as to what is occurring.

‘RAISING AWARENESS' - Police can only react to problems and crime if they are made aware of it. If incidents of crime or anti social behaviour occur they need to be reported as this paints a picture for the police as to where problems are taking place. Police and Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) will target such areas. There are a large number of PCSO's, plus some District Council Wardens. They are briefed to patrol these areas and hold ‘street' briefings in order to discourage incidents from occurring and to foster good relations with the community.

INCIDENTS / CRIME - All incidents and crime reported to the police is recorded. In some situations when crime is reported and there is no evidence at the scene and there is no likelihood of an arrest being made, the police may not necessarily visit the scene. Similarly, if an incident occurs, there may be other more serious occurrences taking place in the area, at the time, that the police have to give a higher priority to, therefore your incident cannot be attended to. Such calls are graded according to their severity.

WHICH NUMBER TO CALL - These guidelines should help you to decide as to which is the best number for you to call, should you require the police:

999 – EMERGENCY - You should only use the 999 number when:
A crime is in progress.
A life threatening situation is occurring.
A serious road crash has taken place.
Or if you genuinely believe that the police need to attend as a matter of urgency.

0845 60 70 999 (or e-mail contact.centre@sussex.pnn.police.uk ) - NON EMERGENCY You can use this telephone number to contact Sussex Police in all other situations. Switchboard operators answer these calls in Lewes and transfer you to the appropriate person. You will either be transferred to the local police station or the Call Handling Centre depending upon the nature of your enquiry. You should use this number when:
You witness a suspicious incident but you haven't actually seen a crime take place.
You belatedly discover that a crime has been committed which still needs the attention of the police.
You see evidence of a crime recently having taken place, but no obvious offender
You want to speak to a member of the Sussex Police staff

NEIGHBOURHOOD SPECIALIST TEAMS (NST) – Each area has its own NST police officer and PCSO. To find out who covers your area go to www.sussex.police.uk and search on your area or postcode, or call the police on 0845 60 70 999 .