PC Jitu Dave

Dear Neighbourhood Watch members,

A public meeting took place at the Brookmans Park United Reformed Church on February 21.

It was well publicised through the local newspaper, local shops and the Brookmans Park website.

More than 100 people attended the meeting which, thanks to the participation of the attendees, was very successful. A number of issues causing people concern were raised.

I am grateful to the neighbourhood watch coordinators and members for their support and assistance.

Since the meeting Brenda Harris, secretary of the Brookmans Park and Little Heath Neighbourhood Watch Group, and I have discussed the possibility of starting a neighbourhood watch in Bradmore Green.

Crime	Total
Burglary (dwelling)	8
Attempted Burglary (dwelling)	1
Burglary (other)	4
Theft of motor vehicle	2
Theft/damage to motor vehicle	11
Damage	2
Class 'C' Drugs	2
Deception	1
Assault	2
Domestic Dispute/violence	1
Cloned Credit Cards	3
Theft Other	3

Theft from motor vehicle largely relates to the theft of satellite navigation systems. These devices must be removed from vehicles when not in use especially at night. This type of crime is preventable.

The council has now agreed to allow the Co-op store to put certain types of shutters up on the outside of the store. I have asked the operations manager to submit an application. This will reduce incidents of burglary in future.

The entrance to the staircase to the flats above the Co-op needs a gate to prevent youths from congregating there and causing a nuisance. I am in the process of finding out who are the relevant people to contact.

A burglar was caught red handed in Cuffley following a burglary. He is believed to have been responsible for burglaries in our area. In Peplins Way, a member of public reported two persons on a moped acting suspiciously. The moped was stolen.

It is important that people use the following number to report suspicious activity: 0845 33 00 222.

Plan to merge Police Forces: the story so far......

Statement from Hertfordshire Police Federation

Home Secretary Charles Clarke first outlined his merger plans publicly in November last year when he announced he wanted to see the number of forces in England and Wales reduced from 43 to 12.

His decision came after an HMIC (Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary) report published in September which claimed the current policing structure was "no longer fit for purpose". The HMIC predicted the mergers could save £2.3 billion over 10 years.

Opponents said the mergers should be driven by effectiveness not financial efficiency with both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats saying any change could break the link between police and communities.

Initially the Association of Police Authorities (APA) reported that 13 forces had expressed a desire to merge, 14 wanted to stand alone with the remaining 16 having no preference or being undecided.

Even this is not clear-cut, however. For example, three Midlands forces - West Midlands, Staffordshire and Warwickshire support a merger of four forces but the fourth force - West Mercia - is opposed and wants to remain on its own.

The APA has also argued that many preferred a "federated" approach with neighbouring forces working together to deal with cross-border crime, serious incidents and road policing.

This view has been backed by some Police Federations. They argue this already happens but could be strengthened with more formalised partnerships being forged.

Some police authorities ignored a December 23 deadline to submit detailed plans for force mergers to the Home Secretary.

By the end of January- perhaps due to the growing tide of opposition - Tony Blair appeared to have softened the Government's message with promises not to force through the merger plans and to listen to what police representatives had to say.

At the end of February, Lancashire and Cumbria agreed to a merger - the only one of five such proposed mergers involving forces in the north of the country, the Midlands and Wales to be backed. The Lancashire/Cumbria merger will go before Parliament in May and could come in effect by April 2007.

The proposals were rejected by most of the other Police Authorities in the country including the four Welsh authorities who did not support proposals for a single Welsh force - a move that the Home Secretary has hinted he may force through - contrary to the Prime Minister's comments in January.

One Police Authority chair said the proposals were ill-judged, deeply flawed and the exact opposite of what the local people wanted.

At the point in time, Hertfordshire Police Authority has refused a voluntary merge as many more questions remain unanswered.

The final decision is still a long way off. We will update you on the situation in our Autumn 2006 edition.

Important phone numbers

In emergency always dial 999. The number for non-emergencies is 0845 33 00 222. Crimestoppers is 0800 555 111. Christel Anslow, community liaison, 01707-638735.

Jitu DAVE PC 699 Community Team Hatfield Ext. 8112