The figures in the table on the right bring the total of offences from January 1, 2002 to the end of September 2002, to 150.

I am sure that everyone is aware of the tragic circumstances surrounding the first offence show on this list. Our condolences to the family.

Offences of reported theft have increased substantially, in particular mobile phones and theft from one particular store in the village.

On the approach to Christmas and the New Year please ensure that you are extra vigilant, as it is this time of the year that traditionally sees an increase in burglaries and thefts.

The dark nights give the criminals the chance to hide. Make sure you use your alarms if you have them fitted. This includes car alarms.

If you go out shopping be careful about taking one load of shopping back to the car and leaving it on the back seat before returning to shop again.

Road Traffic

You may have noticed that winter will soon be here as well. Already we have had a few mornings of frost and fog.

Make sure that your cars are safe to be on the road at this time of the year.

Remember that all your lights need to work properly, that your battery is fully charged and that the anti freeze level is what it should be.

Also remember to use your fog lights when it is foggy and to slow down. It takes longer to stop when the roads are wet or icy.

And please remember that when you get in that car you don’t suddenly become invincible nor does anybody else that you may hit. It’s only in films that they get back up again.

Please make sure that you don’t become a victim or be the cause of any one else’s suffering.

Also remember that over the festive season there is no amnesty on drinking and driving, quite the reverse.

If you go out, make sure that you decide who is going to keep off the drink and do the driving. There is no shame in staying sober. What you could lose is your job, your income, your home and, perhaps, your life.

General Matters

You may have read in the local papers about Halloween and the various items that were confiscated from local youths.

We seem to have reached that stage where the next generation has changed overnight from being the sweet little child into the spotty, horrible, belligerent teenager with raging hormone problems.

Unfortunately, as parents, it is wholly inappropriate that you just leave the rest of the community to deal with their behaviour when you allow them to wander off around the village.

Nor is it right that I should act as a child minding service. I have neither the time nor the inclination to do so.

What I will do, when I am approached or phoned by local people who know these youngsters, is address the issue of their behaviour with their parents and, if appropriate, with the schools as well.

I am heartened to find that, so far, where I have had to do this, I have had nothing but a positive response from the parents.

All I would ask of all parents locally is that they do everything possible to ensure that their child does not fall into the category.

And finally, a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year to you all.

Vojislav Mihailovic

The community police officer can be contacted at his office on (01707-638112).

You can discuss the crime figures and Neighbourhood Watch in this site's forum.

December, 2002

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