Police promise: More high-profile policing in areas where young people gather at night

But a new approach by police and those working with young people is tackling the problem head on. This week, west Oxfordshire's most senior policeman, Chief Inspector Dennis Evernden, unveiled a set of measures designed to make neighbourhoods nicer places to live. The multi-pronged approach will see: More high-profile policing in areas where young people gather at night. Covert monitoring of rowdy behaviour Letters being sent to parents of young people seen drinking, swearing, harassing passers-by or damaging property.

Mr Evernden, area commander for west Oxfordshire, said: "One thing we are doing to reduce the fear of crime is tackling antisocial behaviour. The vast majority of it is spontaneous and alcohol-related. It is totally mindless and stupid. This is what is causing people most concern. People are going to bed worried about whether their wing mirrors are going to be broken off again."

At the heart of the initiative is Witney's Base 33 youth centre, the home of the Witney Ecumenical Youth Project, and the venue chosen by Witney MP David Cameron to unveil his own vision of social responsibility earlier this year. The centre, which also works with those excluded or at risk of exclusion from school, has been given 15,000 from the Community Safety Partnership to expand its work. This includes increasing outreach sessions, in which youth workers meet groups of young people in streets and parks at night. These will be stepped up in Witney, and extended to Carterton and Chipping Norton. It will also allow the centre to hold more social events - including alcohol-free 'dry' club nights, sports activities, and football matches. Youth worker Laura Jones said: "This money is very important and will allow us to continue with our successful projects and set up new ones." Pc Chris Skae, youth issues officer for west Oxfordshire, said: "The vast majority of young people are great. There are only a few that come to our attention, and a lot of that is down to thoughtlessness and not being aware of the consequences of what they are doing. We are working in partnership to make a difference - and making our neighbourhoods nicer places to live."

Police Community Support Officer Drive
Leads to Increasing Concern out in the Villages
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Mr Evernden said that PCSOs will carry radios to get immediate contact, summoning a constable for more serious incidents and if arrests are needed. They will be on foot, and in some cases on bikes. Already an arrangement has been made at Stonesfield to provide a base at the village hall where a cycle can be stored.

CONCERN is building over the level of policing that West Oxfordshire will get with the move to replace dedicated beat constables with a wave of new community support officers. A total of 20 PCSOs will be allotted to the towns and villages by the end of this year under a scheme announced in April by the district's top policeman Chief Insp Dennis Evernden. But already there are fears that they do not have the same powers of arrest, and will not be able to deal directly with even low-level crime, like vandalism and minor criminal damage. These problems have surfaced in Bampton, which recently lost its long-serving local beat PC Steve Patrick.

Jackie Allinson, parish council chairman, told the Gazette last week: "We are getting one PCSO, some time in the middle of June, is what I'm told.There's a degree of disquiet, but the fact is it is a fait accompli, and we have to do with what we have. We have no dedicated beat officer, like we had with Steve. He lived in Bampton, and everybody knew him. The highest type of crime we have here is minor type of vandalism, but I hope that when we get the PCSO, we will have a higher day-to-day profile. There's nothing we can do to change it, it's a new system brought in, and we'll have to see what happens."

Another parish councillor, Rob Smith, said: "PCSOs do not have powers of arrest. Some are not happy with it. I am not happy. We are supposed to be a low-crime area, but this is an invitation to burglars to come here as there is no police officer on the scene." Already 15 of the PCSOs have been allotted patches. The district also has 69 constables, but only seven of them are to have responsibility for specific communities and neighbourhoods. Chief Insp Evernden urged people to give the new system a chance to prove itself. He said: "We are committed to reducing disorder with more officer presence. But that doesn't mean a police officer. It is true PCSOs are not warrant officers with the powers of arrest. Those we do have will go to the places they are needed. The PCSO does not need a warrant card. It is his or her presence on the street that is needed to give people the feeling they are safe, and there will be more of that. Their presence is a deterrent."

Mr Evernden said that PCSOs will carry radios to get immediate contact, summoning a constable for more serious incidents and if arrests are needed. They will be on foot, and in some cases on bikes. Already an arrangement has been made at Stonesfield to provide a base at the village hall where a cycle can be stored. He added: "I often hear about a so-called time when there was a copper on every street. It's a load of rubbish. But with this new system, people will find there is someone in a uniform on their streets more often than before."

Don Rouse, who was awarded an MBE for his services to the Bampton community, said: "I have not seen a policeman in the village since April 30. We are paying more as part of our council tax to the police, and getting less. The village police station went many years ago, but Steve would go regularly to the schools and build up a rapport with the youngsters. When there was trouble, he could usually put his finger on it instantly. Steve was with us for about 20 years, but now he's gone, and we are dependent on a PCSO. If there is a fracas in Bampton, or any other village for that matter, the PCSOs will not be able to arrest. They would have to phone up and wait for someone to come out."

Asbo for Cornish Rd 'neighbour from hell'

The court heard how O'Leary had subjected his neighbours in Cornish Road to continuous harassment, abuse and threats of physical violence. He has also been banned from using all Stagecoach transport following his threatening behaviour towards passengers and drivers. The ASBO conditions state he must: not play music so as to be audible outside 44 Cornish Road, Chipping Norton not make any noise that causes distress, harassment or alarm to any resident in the road not be drunk in a public place not make threats to anyone.

PC Simon Towers, anti-social behaviour manager for the partnership, said: "We are careful not to seek an ASBO unless the individual's behaviour left us with no other recourse. The behaviour of O'Leary is almost entirely due to his abuse of alcohol and we have sought this ASBO to protect his neighbours and other residents in Chipping Norton. This type of anti-social behaviour destroys the lives of local people and damages communities. He moved to Chipping Norton from Oxford where magistrates there had imposed an ASBO on him. He is currently facing eviction from his flat in action being taken by Cottsway Housing."

Cllr Jill Dunsmore, cabinet member for communities at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: "O'Leary has previously refused to engage in any opportunity offered to him to improve his behaviour and we will not stand by and let this continue."

West Oxfordshire youths 'run riot'.

Police say underage drinking is continuing to plague west Oxfordshire as youths 'run riot'. A monthly update from the district's Neighbourhood Management teams is filled with reports about youths causing problems after drinking alcohol - prompting the area's police commander Chief Insp Dennis Evernden (left) to urge parents to take responsibility for their children. He said: "The problem of youths, alcohol, fighting and the like cannot be overcome until they start to realise that the police are not substitute parents. When we are criticised for not arriving at incidents of assault or road traffic accidents within the expected time frame, it is because we are often dealing with youths who think it is the norm to run riot, antagonise residents and damage property, and who are out on the streets until the early hours."

The June reports from all five of west Oxfordshire's Neighbourhood Management team areas, around Witney, Carterton, Chipping Norton and Charlbury, Woodstock and Eynsham, mention vandalism and fights connected to young boozers. In Witney, neighbourhood specialist officer PC Duncan Johnson said PCSOs made several seizures of alcohol and tobacco from underage youths last month. He added: "Any youth found in possession can expect a letter to be sent to their parents or guardians informing them of their involvement." Police and the county council are also cracking down on under-age sales of alcohol. Pubs, clubs and off-licences are being targeted in test purchases and, in the latest count, out of 67 premises visited, 11 were found to have sold to underage customers.

POLICEMEN LOOKING YOUNGER & YOUNGER

Two 16-year-olds have been recruited by Thames Valley police force to work as community support officers (PCSOs).

It means the teenagers could be given powers to guard crime scenes, issue penalty notices or detain suspects until police officers arrive. They will also be allowed to confiscate alcohol consumed in public despite being too young to drink and can direct traffic even though they cannot drive. They are undergoing training for their new roles, said Thames Valley Police.

"I can confirm that we have two 16-year-old recruits. This is well within the regulations set out for PCSOs. These two young people have passed all the assessments and tests that PCSOs are required to undertake, and are now undergoing their training. They reflect the community in which they serve, that includes all ages, genders and races."

Unlike the police force, which has a minimum age requirement of 18, there is no age limit for PCSOs. They are classed as civilians but unlike special constables the role is paid, although they do not have the same powers as regular police officers. The government introduced community support officers five years ago to tackle low level crime and anti-social behaviour. They have been criticised as a way of policing on the cheap.

Community Support Officers solve crimes in other places - but apparently not in Oxfordshire!

Since the community police have been on the streets in Oxford they have issued 742 intelligence reports and stopped 72 people in the street who aroused suspicion.In Cherwell and West Oxfordshire regions the community officers have submitted a total of 431 intelligence reports and carried out 72 'stop and accounts' - where suspects are forced to identify themselves. Ben Simpson, Thames Valley Police Authority's lead member for police performance, said: "It should be clear that the role of a PCSO is not designed to detect crime but to reduce crime and the fear of it."

But in other forces around the country PCSOs have been credited with crime detections. In the past 12 months, Leicestershire's PCSOs solved six crimes, Northamptonshire's community officers closed the book on 20 crimes and in North Wales they solved 82. While in Humberside the PCSOs solved 128 crimes and in Hertfordshire it was 133. Jon Henley

BURGLARY IN DUNSTAN AVENUE

The man returned ten minutes later claiming to be from the water board - which no longer exists - and needed to run the taps, and was allowed into the house before eventually leaving. It later transpired 250 was taken from his bedroom by an unseen second person. The distraction burglar is described as white, in his 20s and was wearing light-coloured trousers and a shirt. Pc Claire Sadler said: "There is no reason for a stranger ever to come into your home. "All agencies or utility companies should make an appointment and also use a password system. It is also important to know that there is no such thing as the 'water board'." Anyone with information is asked to contact police on

Police hunt firebugs after West Street arson blaze
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Tony Legge, who has lived in the flat complex for ten years, was asleep with his girlfriend when the smell of smoke woke him up at 12.30pm. The 39-year-old, said: "All the corridors were full of smoke we could hardly see. I had to calm my girlfriend down because she was quite upset. But we managed to get out. The firemen were already there when I woke up. It was lucky it did not start on our side in the electrical shop because that would have been a lot worse. We've never had anything like this before. Its going to take weeks for the smell of smoke to clear."

Station Manager Chris Wilson, from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This was a life threatening incident. We are ruling out accidental causes and the Police are looking into this fire as arson. "I cannot stress how close a call this was and anyone with any information should contact their local police station." If you have any information call Thames Valley Police on 555 111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ANOTHER ELDERLY PERSON ROBBED.
THESE CROOKS ARE DESPICABLE

BOY RACERS WARNED OFF

THE DAY THINGS BOILED OVER

DAVID CAMERON TO MEET LOCAL
POLICE CHIEF ON FRIDAY

David has asked me to thank you very much for your succinct and considered email concerning policing in Chipping Norton. It so happens that David is meeting with Chief Inspector Dennis Evernden of the Cherwell & West Oxfordshire LPA on Friday afternoon to talk about local policing issues and he has asked me to put this on the agenda for discussion.
With kind regards,
Caroline
Mrs Caroline Balcon Assistant to Rt Hon David Cameron

So if you want to get your word in why not send David an e-mail before Friday:
Give your full name and postcode

Police boss apologises to Chipping Norton

Dc Kevin Middlecote, of West Oxfordshire CID, said: "We are unaware of anyone who may have seen the incident, so if you did, please come forward. We are also very keen to speak to two people seen in the car park of the nearby Chequers pub in Churchill shortly before the fire started." A woman was seen sitting in the passenger of seat of a red, two-door Metro at around 11.15pm. She is white, in her late teens or early 20s, with straight, shoulder-length blonde hair, and a thin face. There was also a man in the car park described as white, about 6ft, thin build, and wearing a cream or white hooded top with the hood up over a peaked cap. Police do not know if they were together. Dc Middlecote added: "If you were one of these people, please come forward so we can rule you out of our enquiries."

Anyone with information should contact police on or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

61 Crimes in Chippy in September
Blimey - even worse than we thought!

Thames Valley Police
second worst in the country

It was given the 'poor' score for achieving its local priorities.

But it did better at protecting the public from serious crime and getting value for public money, scoring 'good' in both categories. An assessment of the force's three headline categories found its record on tackling crime had deteriorated while satisfaction and fairness and resources and efficiency were stable.

Christine Weston, Thames Valley Police Authority chairman, said: "I am disappointed by our rating of poor in local priorities. I feel it fails to recognise the work we have done on neighbourhood policing."

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If crimes aren't reported, Chipping Norton could lose its police station - says Councillor Osmond

Among the suggestions put forward in the plan are: A review of CCTV cameras in the town A local recruitment drive for special constables Community safety workshops Police attending town council meetings A community action day with volunteers out spotting abandoned cars and areas that need tidying up Seizure of alcohol from young people and parenting classes for mums and dads whose children are caught underage drinking Residents' complaints about the lack of visible policing in the town and the time taken to respond to incidents, especially at night, were discussed by Chipping Norton Town Council on Monday night.

Several residents complained about the level of policing at the Mop Fair a month ago when there was a stabbing incident and traffic problems. Mayor Gina Burrows, who attended the summit, said: "The public is anxious about policing. That's why it is useful to have events such as the Bogus Callers Awareness Day this week to give valuable advice to residents, especially those who are most vulnerable. Chipping Norton has suffered several distraction burglaries in recent months." Mr Cameron said: "I think this is a campaign which we can all get behind. We all have a responsibility - politicians, police, neighbours, businesses - to strengthen our communities and create a society that is safe."

The council has appointed Cllr John Osmond as spokesman on policing issues. He said: "There seems to be a lack of faith in the police which means people don't bother reporting crimes. The police need statistics to show crime is happening in the area so resources can be brought in to deal with it. Without the recent reports of milk being stolen from doorsteps, the police would not have been able to deploy officers at the right time to stop it. If crimes aren't reported, Chipping Norton could lose its police station."

The action plan is being put together by Thames Valley Police, the local community safety partnership, the town council, Oxfordshire County Council, and West Oxfordshire District Council.

The Editor comments: Ten days after this so-called summit and The Town Council haven't even seen the Action Plan - let alone helping to put it together. Also there wasn't a stabbing in the town on the Mop Fair Friday. What people have been clamouring for is more police on the streets - particularly late night on Friday and Saturday. The Action Plan doesn't seem to mention that.

The liberal attitude of parents is quite incredible. I can't understand why they would buy vodka for their kids.

Shockingly, one mother who was called out late at night to collect her son told officers she was not taking him back "in that state". The town's police commander Dennis Evernden said he was "amazed" at her attitude and described the haul as "an eye opener". All parents summoned were given letters to attend an alcohol awareness workshop. They will see video footage of their own children taken during the operation.

In a follow-up called Operation Juice, to see where the youths were getting their drink, police targeted eight licensed premises in Witney using 'under cover' 15-year-olds. None broke the law of selling to under-18s. Ch Insp Evernden is convinced the two operations prove that most youths get their drink bought for them by older young people, or take it from their parents. He even believes parents could give it to them to take out. "The expectation is that the police can perform the role of a guardian angel in making sure nothing goes wrong with them while out on the streets. If parents expect that, they are wrong. We will be referring some of these cases to social services."

Pc Duncan Johnson, neighbourhood specialist officer for Witney, said a lot of the drink they seized was in carrier bags. He said some of the youths confessed it had been bought for them, in some cases by their parents. He said: "When we put it all together at the end of the night we were staggered by the amount. We have to try to hammer home the responsibility parents have. Some of the youths were brought in to Witney by their parents from surrounding villages. "Operation Judicious ran from 6.30pm to midnight. Two 15-year-old girls were arrested and given 80 fixed penalty fines for antisocial behaviour. Ch Insp Evernden added: "This is where criminal damage, one of the major concerns for our area, starts. The liberal attitude of parents is quite incredible. I can't understand why they would buy vodka for their kids. No wonder they have difficulties with discipline in schools."

The Town Council were warned at Monday's meeting that this Police operation would be extended and could be expected in Chippy soon.

Five patrol cars, a helicopter and a dog to chase a yob who smashed one squad car window

A 21-year-old man was arrested at 11.30pm, with help from a Didcot-based dog and handler. The arrested man, who has since been released on conditional police bail on suspicion of criminal damage and stealing a bicycle, was bitten by the dog. Miss Smith said police could not put a cost on the call-out or the damaged window. Miss Smith said: "The police response would be exactly the same in any instance of a suspect making off from police. We use all of the resources available to us and, in this case, there was a dog unit and helicopter available. Officers witnessed the police car window being smashed and identified a suspect who then made off from police. We would have responded in the same way if this was a car belonging to a member of the public."

Police said the helicopter was already in the area, a two-minute flight away from Didcot, having just assisted in the arrest of three people for a burglary in Abingdon. Miss Smth added: "A man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and theft of a bicycle. He is currently on bail pending further enquiries. It would be inappropriate to comment further on the details of this incident." Mark Bradfield, crime reduction officer at Didcot police station, said officers have been giving criminal damage a high priority under the Operation Mend campaign. He said: "Anyone smashing up police property, or any property, needs to be caught. They are also putting members of the public at risk by putting one of our vehicles out of action."