Aycliffe NPT Inspector Mark Edwards delivers his latest blog from the beat…
Hello all, here we are half way through 2015 – doesn’t time just fly when you’re having fun (well, sort of!).
As it’s been a while since my last blog I thought I’d give you all an update on the ‘make-up’ of the Neighbourhood Policing Team – needless to say things have as ever changed.
The Neighbourhood Policing Command has recently merged with the Organisation’s Safeguarding function – traditionally, Safeguarding Teams deal with those issues of sensitivity around child and family matters, vulnerability issues, domestic abuse, and the like.
Now we have integrated and have become a Safeguarding Neighbourhoods Command and Officers from both sides have been working closely with one another to understand each other’s ‘areas of business’ so that we can continue to protect our communities as effectively as possible.
In order to maximise the benefits of such a merger on a local level there will be a couple of changes – later in the month Sgt Sarah Jackson will be taking over as Aycliffe’s Neighbourhood Team Sergeant for a few months, effectively taking my ‘seat’ whilst I continue to perform the Inspector’s role.
Sarah is highly experienced within the arena of Safeguarding and the benefits that her knowledge and expertise will add to the Team will be first rate.
In a role reversal situation, PC Mike Welch will be joining the Safeguarding Team to acquire invaluable insight into other working practices which he will bring back to us adding to that which Sarah will leave.
As I’ve reported in previous blogs two of my finest PCSO’s – Richard Scott and Michael Hutchinson – will be leaving the Team after the summer to become fully fledged ‘cops’. Whilst we will receive replacements I have no further details as to who they will be yet. Stay tuned on that one…
A new PC is set to join us imminently and will be taking over as dedicated Beat Officer for Woodham – I won’t give away his details yet but I have worked with him many times in the past in other areas and can safely say that he will be a fantastic addition to the NPT.
‘Mr X’ is a Neighbourhood Officer elsewhere in the South Durham area and is a very experienced cop. From recent chats I’ve had with him he already has plans in place for what he wants to achieve when he lands on Aycliffe soil.
But I realise some of you out there are thinking “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Let’s get to the juicy stuff!”… So, on that note…
We’ve just seen another spike in vehicle crime over the last few days.
Between 11.45 pm on Sunday 12th July and 5 am the next morning, suspects have entered a house on Welbury Grove by climbing through a ground floor window – the window had been pulled shut but not secured. Keys for a black Hyundai vehicle were taken and the car itself was stolen by the culprits. It was later found having been set alight in the Tindale Green area.
During the same times more or less a Grey Ford Transit van was entered on Durham Road where tools were taken – I must add that the vehicle had been left insecure.
And in Atkinson Gardens, Aycliffe Village suspects have forced one of the doors back on a grey Fiat Punto and entered the car attempting to steal within. You will note that two of these three crimes were potentially preventable!
Aycliffe CID are progressing enquiries into these matters with support of the Neighbourhood Team.
On Tuesday 7th July, a 20-year-old local male was assaulted on Stephenson Way by two males resulting in bruising and lost teeth. Those responsible have since been arrested and two males – one a 19-year-old from the Morrison Close area, the other 20 years from Hawkshead Place, have been charged.
Back in June I did an online PACT forum – basically a virtual version of the monthly meetings held across the town, via the Teams’ Facebook page which seemed to go down well.
It was seen by in excess of 4,000 people and there were many challenging questions posed during the 90 minutes running time.
I propose to hold further forums based on feedback received but would continue to welcome further comments as to the value of such an event.
Seems like a good place to conclude for now, so until next time…
Be good!
Mark J Edwards
Aycliffe NPT Inspector