Action on Crow Lane anti-social behaviour

Since the public meeting held on anti-social behaviour a few months ago, newly elected Henbury Councillor Chris Windows (Con) and prospective MP Charlotte Leslie have been working with the police, community groups and young people to begin to tackle the roots of the problem of crime and anti-social behaviour on Crow Lane.
A new youth group has been set up to tackle the problems with engaging young people and what can be done to stop young people from falling into a life of gangs and anti-social behaviour. The group of young people from Henbury School, aged between 10 and 16, helped organise and publicise their meeting. They identified drink, and easy access to alcohol as the core problem – and the thing that prevented young people from taking up opportunities presented to them. There must be a zero-tolerance clamp-down on convenience stores that supply alcohol to under-age drinkers.
The group also discussed ways of getting young people involved in sport and music, and said that having the Youth Club open more often, particularly at the weekend is very important. We have been liaising with community sports clubs with the aim of encouraging sports like boxing and football amongst potentially troublesome young people.
Chris said “The level of discussion at the youth group was very impressive. These young people are as fed up with the plague of anti-social behaviour as we are. We must not exclude, but involve young people who want to make their community a better place- because they have a lot to offer. Their insights into antisocial behaviour and youth crime are crucial to fixing the problem.”
Charlotte added “We cannot expect a simple quick-fix solution to the problems of crime and antisocial behaviour in Henbury and Brentry. But we will improve things by steadily working to build up activities for young people in the area, and by ensuring that there is always a strong police presence to keep young people in order.”
Charlotte and Chris are always on the look out for residents who think they might be able to help – whether through offering volunteering time, or expertise. So if you would like to find out more,email: chris.windows@bristol.gov.uk or telephone 0117 9736811.

Partnership working achieves positive results

As everyone will be aware, we have worked tremendously hard in Henbury to tackle anti-social behaviour and reassure the community that it is a safe place to live and shop. We know that some people are worried about the removal of the Contact Vehicle as gangs may hang about again. We will continue to work hard to ensure that that does not happen by maintaining a visible presence by the Neighbourhood Policing Team. We have been very successful through partnership working in obtaining Injunctions
and ASBOs for the ring leaders (see photo's). Although we appreciate there is more work to do in Henbury and Brentry by the Police and partner agencies, we have made a good start and will continue to target known offenders.
It is important that you support us by reporting incidents and providing statements when required. We are working together to make Henbury & Brentry a safer place to live, work and play.

Anti Social Behaviour in Henbury

“For a number of years, the police and other local service providers in Henbury have wrestled with an ever present level of anti social behaviour (ASB), often involving groups of young people at key locations in the area. Overall crime is falling, and robbery in Henbury has actually dropped by 40% compared to the same time last year, but a recent increase in ASB, coupled with media interest in a recent case, has refocused attention on Henbury. Although I am gradually increasing police resilience in the area, this should not be seen as just a police problem, and our partners within the local authority are also working with us to develop some lasting solutions. The improvement of youth provision in the area is considered a key factor for diverting the marginal offenders away from the ring leaders, who themselves will need intensive work through all the agencies. In 2009 it is my intention to add another Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) to the Henbury team, and with the return of PC Rachel Mann from maternity leave, police visibility and capacity will improve considerably. We remain committed to tackling this problem, and want the communities of Henbury to feel and be safe.”
Inspector Mark Jackson, Avon and Somerset Police

Mini-Motos and Go-Peds

Both Avon and Somerset Constabulary and Bristol City Council frequently receive calls from residents expressing concern about persons riding mini-motorcycles and go-peds in public places around Henbury and Brentry.

Mini-motos are becoming increasingly popular but many parents are unaware of how dangerous these bikes can be and what laws are in place to safeguard their use.

Children as young as 5 years old are riding them with no instruction, protective clothing or helmets and sometimes with little or no adult supervision.

• These bikes can only be ridden on private land with the express permission of the land-owners.

• They can be dangerous for both the rider and any pedestrians that may get in the way.

• It is inconsiderate and aggravating for others when they are ridden in unsuitable locations.

• Elderly people and young children or animals may be unable to get out of the way in time and could easily be hit by one of these bikes which can travel at speed.

• The consequences could be great for all concerned and the rider could not only face civil proceedings for damages but fall foul of the Road Traffic Law.

To make it clear here is a simple guide about what they can and cannot do if they ride these small motorcycles anywhere that is not private land.

Use on roads and public places

Mini motorcycles are classed as Mechanically Propelled Vehicles and as such, if they are to be ridden on the road or any public place, the law requires that the bike is:

• Registered

• Taxed

• Insured

• Fitted with a prescribed standard pattern number plate

• Compliant with Construction and Use Regulations in regards to brakes, and includes the requirement to have fitted an audible warning instrument (horn), brake lights and indicators

• The exhaust must also conform and not be too loud or altered in any way

• If used at night it must also comply with lighting regulations and have lights fitted and working

• The rider must hold a license for that class of vehicle

• If that license is a provisional license then 'L' plates must be displayed

• The rider must wear protective helmet and eyewear.

The term 'public place' for the purposes of the Road Traffic Act 1988 has been defined as:

'Any place to which the public have open access is a public place, even if payment must be made to gain entry'.

This would include car parks (public, retail and business parks), public parks, recreation grounds and open spaces.

Use on private ground

Bikes can ONLY be ridden on private property with the owner's consent.

Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 states that, if without lawful authority a person drives a mechanically propelled vehicle on to or upon any common land, moor land or land of any other description, not being land forming part of a road, or on any road being a footpath or bridleway or restricted byway he is guilty of an offence.

Both police constables and PCSOs have powers to seize any vehicle used in a manner which causes alarm, distress or annoyance under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002.

Please note

If parents are the owners of a motorcycle, it can be classed as 'aiding and abetting' if they permit the illegal use of a motorcycle. Even if a parent just buys petrol for a motorcycle they then allow to be ridden illegally, they could be aiding and abetting the rider to commit offences. Owners can be prosecuted in addition to riders.

Go-peds - what's the law?

Go-peds, citybugs, buzz-boards and motorised skateboards are the most recent noisy additions to our streets and open spaces. However, most riders are unaware of the laws relating to their use.

Go-peds should not be sold as being suitable for use on the road, and people selling them should make buyers aware of the legal requirements.

If they are used in a public place, they are considered to be a mechanically propelled vehicle, and subject to the same laws as motorcycles.

To use a go-ped legally in a public place, you must follow all of the 'Ride legal' rules that apply to motorcycles.

Go-peds may be used in private gardens or on land where the rider has been given permission by the landowner.

If you have concerns about these bikes being ridden on public land please report it to the Police on 0845 456 7000 providing as much detail as you can (time, location, number, etc) and as often as it occurs.

SEIZURES

Since the beginning of the year Avonmouth Beat Team have seized 19 mini motor bikes, motor bikes and cars for no insurance and under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. Virtually all of these have been crushed.

Officers have also issued 11 Section 59 warnings to person(s) riding or driving vehicles carelessly, inconsiderately or off road.

Tackling Burglary

Many burglaries can be prevented: the following 'top tips' have been drawn up to help reduce the risk of burglary:

1. Windows - in just under one third (30%) of burglaries with entry, the thief gained access through an unlocked door or open window, so ensure they are locked particularly when leaving the house.

2. Lighting - leave a light on to give the impression there is someone at home. 58% of burglaries take place after dark and 34% occur at the weekend. Use time switches to operate radios and lights when you are out.

3. Burglar Alarms - visible burglar alarms make burglars think twice. Those connected to a monitoring service are the best, get specialist advice and several quotes.

4. Keys - never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place like under the doormat or in a flowerpot - a thief will look there first. If you've moved house, consider changing the locks as other people may have keys. Never leave keys near a window or door - thieves use a hook or magnet on a stick pushed through the letterbox to take car keys so they can steal cars.

5. Secure all doors - Thieves are most likely to target doors when attempting to break in (67%). Check the condition of the frames, hinges and glass panels. Fit such devices as chains and door viewers. Patio doors will also need special fitted locks.

6. Garages and Sheds - are often left unlocked and may be full of tools and ladders ideal for breaking into the rest of the house. Fit sheds and garages with strong padlocks and ideally an alarm.

7. Postcode your property - marked property can deter burglars because it is harder for a thief to sell on and may also help police secure a conviction.

8. Good Neighbours - if you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, call the police. Get in touch with your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme or form a new one in your area - see what they're doing and how you can contribute.

9. Bogus callers - Most people who call at your home will be genuine, but sometimes people call with the intention of tricking their way into your home, distracting you and stealing money or valuables. Follow the "Lock, Stop, Chain, Check" method. If you are unsure about the person at the door, do not let them in.

10. Insurance - insurance will relieve you of the financial worry of replacing stolen goods and many insurance companies offer reduced premiums for people with good home security.

11. Stolen Goods - do not buy goods that you think might have been stolen as it encourages people to commit acquisitive crime, often to fund a drug addiction and a local drug dealer.

Reduce the chance of Christmas Crime

Criminals take the opportunities afforded them by the extra shopping we do, the hustle and bustle of town centres as we rush around and the value of the goods we buy as presents and store in our homes until the big day. We might also be more trusting and generous at Christmas when requests for charity are made, giving the unscrupulous a chance to collect for their own causes.

Out Shopping
When the shops are crowded, the pickpocket has more chance to steal from you. If you can't arrange to shop during less busy times, make sure you stay alert and be extra careful with your wallet or purse. Keep money close to you

r body and ensure your chequebook and guarantee card are separate. If you have too many bags you will be too busy trying to hold on to them to be aware of anyone stealing from you. Make smaller shopping trips rather than do it all at once and carry too much. The same applies to travelling on crowded buses or trains. If you travel by car, make sure you park in a well- lit area, lock all doors and windows and do not leave presents in view. Try not to return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping as thieves may well watch car parks for just such a chance. Arrange to collect heavy items from stores when you have finished all your shopping.

At Home
Having bought all those wonderful presents, don't make it easy for someone to steal from your home. Keep them out of sight until last thing on Christmas Eve and if you 'hide' or store larger items such as bicycles in the shed or outbuildings, make sure they are very secure. You may well find you need to check your insurance to make sure you are covered for the extra value of goods in your home. Take the frame numbers of new cycles and the serial numbers of new electrical equipment for future reference.

Remember, empty boxes left outside advertise that you have new goods inside - dispose of packing carefully.

Dog Fouling and Littering

Dog fouling in public areas is not simply an anti-social nuisance but a serious public health issue. Dogs act as a host for a parasitic worm called Toxicara canis. This worm lives in the dog's gut, and lays its eggs there. These eggs are passed out in the dog's faeces. If ingested by a child it grows into a grub which may travel to the child's eye and obscure their vision or may even make them blind. SinceSeptember 2002 all public land (ie pavements, grass verges, parks and open spaces) is covered by the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.
An offence is committed under the Act if a person in charge of a dog fails to clean up after the animal has fouled in public open land, including the public highway. The offence carries a maximum fine of £1,000.
Fixed penalty notices carry an on the spot fine, which the offender can pay within 14 days, or have the case heard at the Magistrates Courts.

How do I report dog faeces that need clearing from public areas?
Waste Service and Street Scene Group have a responsibility to clear dog faeces from the public highway. If you wish to report dog faeces left by a dog owner on the public highway please email customer.services@bristol.gov.uk or telephoning 0117 9223838. You will need to provide a detailed description of where the faeces are located.
The enforcement of dog fouling is another part of the dog warden's role, which constantly promotes responsible dog ownership. If you require any further advice on dog related issues or you would like a copy of their "Dogs in Bristol" leaflet please contact them on: Tel: 0117 977 6004 or email: dog.warden@bristol.gov.uk

Around the Open Spaces in Henbury and Brentry there are dog waste bins please be responsible and pick up after your dog.. The dog warden has been around the Open Space and placed 20 signs on all the pedestrian access points to the open space. The dog Warden has been asked to patrol the open space due to the number of dogs fouling the area.


Litter
It is an offence to drop, throw, deposit or leave litter under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Litter is defined as including all smoking related litter, such as cigarette ends. It also includes discarded chewing gum.
Street Scene Enforcement Team have the power to take action against those who drop litter by issuing a Fixed Penalty Notice. A Fixed Penalty Notice is an on the spot fine, if you are given a Fixed Penalty Notice you have 14 days to pay the fine.
If you fail to pay the Fixed Penalty Notice of £75, we will take prosecution action against you in the Magistrates Court. The maximum penalty on conviction for this offence is £2,500. If found guilty, you will also be given a criminal record.
What you can do?
Use the litter bins provided in the streets. Do not leave single black bin bags out on the street as this is classed as littering. Store your waste correctly and use the appropriate services for your waste.

Fly-tipping
If you dump any waste onto land or highway this is called fly-tipping and is illegal. Leaving as little as two black bags on the street when it is not your recycling and rubbish collection day is classed as fly-tipping.
Fly-tipped waste is a problem in Bristol. A large quantity of the waste dumped contains fridge freezers, builders rubble and mattresses which is littering our street scene, driving down property prices and costing the council tax payer an estimated £231,848 each year.
What can we do?
We will investigate complaints and incidents of fly-tipping where evidence is available.
We use a range of methods to help us identify who has fly-tipped waste in Bristol, including:
• CCTV which we can install anywhere
• We interview people
• can serve Legal Notices requesting information and the receiver of the Notice has a legal obligation to reply
• We work very closely with the Environment Agency and neighbouring Local Authority Enforcement Teams to make sure we catch the offenders.
Convictions for flytipping can carry a fine of up to £50,000 and/or up to 5 years imprisonment.
What can you do?
Please help us combat fly-tipping by reporting any fly-tipping in your area today.Simply complete the online report form that can be found at the Bristol city website.Alternatively you can contact the Customer Services Centrewill be more than happy to help.
Any information you can obtain about who has fly-tipped the waste would be very helpful to our Street Scene Enforcement Team. Information such as:
• Vehicle registration
• Brief description of the vehicle/s seen fly-tipping
• Brief description of the person/people seen fly-tipping
Photographic evidence if possible the above email: customer.services@bristol.
gov.uk
Tel: 0117 922 3838

Avonmouth Recycling Centre, Kingsweston Lane,
Avonmouth, Bristol BS11 0YS
Opening times
Winter time - From Monday 29 October 2007 till Sunday 30 March 2008 Bristol's Household Waste Recycling Centres will be open everyday from 8.00am to 4.15pm.
Summer time - From Monday 31 March 2008 till Sunday 26 October 2008 Bristol's Household Waste Recycling Centres will be open everyday from 8.00am to 6.45pm.

Feedback From Our Last Issue

After the last issue and with the launch of the website, we have again had a lot of positive comments about both formats. However, one comment was made on the website and although the newsletter team have responded, we’d love to know what you think too:

“We moved to Bristol just over a year ago from a northern big city. We have been dismayed at the level of crime. Never before have I been afraid to walk alone after dusk or feel afraid just walking to work (through Southmead). In just 15 months I have seen more broken- in and burnt-out cars than in my whole life and had to report more incidents to the police than ever before. I applaud efforts by the community to bring people closer together but doubt whether this will impact on the levels of crime.” – anonymous, via the website.

Although you are undoubtedly experiencing crime first-hand and this naturally affects the way you feel about our area, we would urge you to take a more positive approach towards creating a safer community. Building a sense of community spirit, pride and cohesion does positively impact on crime figures, so community events, the newsletter, after school clubs, etc are worthwhile. Also, the way people behave towards others in the street does affect how 'safe' the streets are: if we all timidly rushed from one doorway to the next, of course the streets would belong to those hanging about in gangs. Crimes such as vandalism and assault are much less likely to occur in a busy street than a quiet one. Lastly, reporting crime is a very important part of this process, so keep doing it. Without witness statements, convictions don't happen, and without a clear picture of criminal activity, the police and local authorities stand no chance of making an improvement. – Editor’s response.

A final word from us, we have experienced quite a few problems getting this issue of the newsletter together, largely due to IT issues. We’d like to thank Henbury Library, Learn Direct Centre (especially Janis and Eve) and Henbury Court Primary School for supporting Marianna in getting the paper version together. The newsletter is new for pages-longer (from 8 pages to12 pages) due to increase in articles and additional potential advertisements.

If you would like to give us an article or your input for the next issue please send your email to mariannapaf@hotmail.com or contact us before the 10th of October .

CCTV Launch on Crow Lane

CCTV launch on Crow Lane
Monday 28th January 2008 saw the official launch of the upgraded CCTV camera system on Crow Lane. The Police and Community Safety were able to show traders and residents the top quality recorded images from a computer screen in the library. The quality system is helping to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and the images are so sharp they can be used to help prosecute offenders. It is one of the best quality systems across the city and has already proved invaluable to the Police in identifying key suspects in several incidents. A photographer from the Evening Post and a reporter from Radio Bristol covered the event and Councillor Peter Hammond, Chair of the Safer Bristol Partnership was also present to promote the CCTV system.

Crime facts

In Henbury and Brentry during the past 4 months there have been 1,659 999 and non emergency calls to police, whether that is to report a crime or to give information.
There have been 504 crime reports taken by police, 43 have been detected, meaning a person has been arrested, charged, cautioned or given a fixed penalty notice.
407 crime reports have been filed with no further action due to insufficient evidence to proceed, this is due to people not willing to provide information or a witness statement which is needed in order to pursue a prosecution.
54 crimes are still being investigated.