GOOD NEWS

It's A Fact!
Suffolk remains one of the safest counties in the country. The current crime rate for the county is at its lowest for a decade.

FURTHER POSITIVE NEWS
Not our area I know, but just to let you know
TWO ARRESTED AS CANNABIS FACTORIES FOUND – BECCLES AND LOWESTOFT

A 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of producing cannabis and possession of cannabis with intent to supply, and a 59-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis, after police discovered more than 150 plants at three addresses - one in Beccles, one in Oulton Broad and one in Lowestoft - on Friday 9 July.

Officers from the Territorial Support Team initially executed a warrant at a house in Ballygate in Beccles and discovered more than 40 cannabis plants being grown in two bedrooms at the address. Forty-eight plants were found inside and a further 14 outside in the back yard of the property. Police also seized five shotguns from the house.

Following the warrant police then carried out further searches of homes at Herons Close in Oulton Broad, Wenhaston Way in Lowestoft and at Halt Road in Caister-on-Sea – and cannabis plants were found at two of these.

At Herons Close officers discovered a second cannabis factory where another 48 plants were being grown and these were seized along with growing equipment including lights and hydroponics.

At Wenhaston Way a growing set-up, 44 plants and 19 cuttings were seized and at Halt Road more growing equipment was discovered.

Both the 55-year-old man and the 59-year-old woman have now been bailed to return to Lowestoft Police Station on August 20, pending further enquiries.
 

WHAT IS GOING ON IN YOUR AREA?

The following areas have there Parish Council meetings as follows, all listed for 7.30pm, unless otherwise stated:

20 Jul 10, Haughley Parish Council Meeting

27 Jul 10, Gt Bricett Parish Council Meeting

Other Events lined up:

22 Jul 10, 10am-Mid-day, Coffee Caravan, Gt Finborough, opposite the shop

22 Jul 10, Last day of School Term

28 Jul 10, 10am-Mid-day, Coffee Caravan Drinkstone, The Green

29 Jul 10, 10am-Mid-day, Coffee Caravan Claydon Alistair Place
To view further events at which your local officers will usually be present, click on the following email link: www.onesuffolk.co.uk/SaferSuffolk/MidSuffolkSouth/Public+Events+Diary.htm
 

APPEAL RE SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON A14 AT HAUGHLEY, 00.10AM, ON SUN 18 JUL 10

Police have been appealing for witnesses following a collision on the A14 at Haughley around 12.10am this morning, Sunday 18 July.

A 25-year-old man unfortunately died after he was struck by a Peugeot 206 as he crossed the eastbound carriageway of the A14 on foot. This male has since been named as Mr James Clarke, who was 25 and of Tostock Road in Drinkstone.

Mr Clarke had been one of two passengers in a dark coloured BMW that had stopped on the westbound carriageway, who got out of the car and is then thought to have walked or ran across the A14.

Police are investigating exactly what occurred and are asking anyone who may have been travelling along this stretch of the A14 around midnight last night to come forward if they saw anything that may help enquiries.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw the dark coloured BMW, or any of its occupants, in the area shortly before the collision or anyone who saw the incident itself.

If you can help please call PC Andrew Fossey at the Serious Collision Investigation Team at Police Headquarters on 01473 613500.
 

CRIME UPDATE

Claydon
Theft From a Motor Vehicle – Norwich Road, between 9pm,19/07/10 and 8am, 20/07/10, all four hub caps were removed from a silver Citroen Saxo, left parked and secured within a residential parking bay. Calls in relation to this incident should be made to Sgt Colin Curtis at the Mid Suffolk South Safer Neighbourhood Team and quote Crime Ref: ST/10/2366.

Great Blakenham
Theft From a Motor Vehicle – Lodge Lane, between 9.30pm 15/07/10 and 6am, 16/07/10, A catalytic converter was stolen from an Iveco lorry at a depot. Calls in relation to this incident should be made to Sgt Colin Curtis at the Mid Suffolk South Safer Neighbourhood Team and quote Crime Ref: ST/10/2309.

Needham Market
Theft of A Pedal Cycle – Pinecroft Way, between 8pm and 10pm, 18/07/10, a boys red and white Rhino mountain bike was stolen whilst left lying insecure on a path outside a residential property. Calls in relation to this incident should be made to the Crime Investigation Bureau (CIB) Martlesham Heath, Police HQ and quote Crime Ref: ST/10/2360.

Woolpit
Criminal Damage -. Borley Green, between Mid-day, 13/07/10 and 10.30am 17/07/10, three windows were smashed at a local cottage. Calls in relation to this incident should be made to Sgt Colin Curtis at the Mid Suffolk South Safer Neighbourhood Team and quote Crime Ref: ST/10/2325.
 

CRIME REDUCTION ADVICE

SUMMER HOLIDAYS
Whilst I would like to wish anyone going on holiday an enjoyable and safe one, can I just remind you to carry out some careful preparation before going away to reduce the risk of a break in.

Burglars prey on unsecured homes and the more weaknesses a home has the more of a target it is to burglars or opportunist criminals.

· One of the best ways to secure your property is to install a comprehensive security system, preferably with motion detectors.

· If your home looks unoccupied a burglar may decide to take the risk so to further protect your house you need to make a burglar believe people are living in your home. It is much less likely to be broken into.

· Marking your property is a powerful tool for recovering stolen goods and displaying signs or stickers stating that your property is marked will make a burglar think twice. Display the signs in a place where a burglar is going to see it
from outside (in a window for example).

· Let your neighbours know that you are going on holiday. If neighbours or friends and family park their cars in your drive, retrieve your post and generally keep an eye on your house then it will appear to any burglars that the house is occupied.

· And don't forget to cancel the milk and papers being delivered.
 

IMPORTANT PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION

TALKING OF HOLIDAYS
Millions of families heading off for the beaches, ports and airports over the next few weeks are being urged to make their journey planning a key part of preparing for their holiday.

Top tips include avoiding peak travel times, allowing plenty of time for the journey, taking regular breaks and making sure both vehicle and passengers are well-prepared.

The Highways Agency, which manages England’s 4,300-mile network of motorways and major A-roads, is expecting heavy traffic on the main getaway routes, especially on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 July when the majority of schools will have broken up for the holidays.

The major road network is monitored all year round by the Agency’s National Traffic Control Centre (NTCC). Traffic data feeds into a range of information services that drivers can use to get updates on any delays or disruptions ahead, including signs and signals, information screens at motorway service areas.

For further general details on driving around Britain this summer click on this link: http://www.highways.gov.uk/summer

For details of roadworks and restrictions within the UK, click on http://www. highways.gov.uk/traffic/traffic.aspx

Or click on this link to see straight away where the roadworks are in the East of England http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=414504&SubjectId=8
 

TIPS FOR IF YOU WILL BE TOWING ANYTHING OVER THIS SUMMER HOLIDAY PERIOD

If you're taking to the roads with a caravan, trailer or horsebox, don't set out without a final safety and maintenance check, especially if you leave it standing for most of the year.

Before setting out, make sure your trailer is properly serviced and fit to be on the road. Your trailer should be given a regular service by a reputable dealer.

Before you set off

Carry out a final maintenance check before you set off.
· Is the load correctly distributed and firmly secured?
· Are all the lights undamaged and working correctly?
· Are the tyre pressures correct and all tyres in good condition?
· Is the trailer correctly coupled to the tow ball or pin?
· Is the coupling height correct? It should be level.

On the Road
Driving with a loaded trailer will inevitably affect the vehicle's performance:
· Moving off needs more effort.
· It will take longer to slow down and stop.
· You need to take extra care when negotiating sharp bends.

You need to check:
· That the vehicle and trailer are loaded securely and correctly distributed in accordance with the manufacturers' specifications.

Are you adequately covered for recovery and breakdown?

Most recovery agents won't cover a trailer unless it's specified in your contract. Make sure you have specialist breakdown cover. Standard trailer insurance does not automatically include breakdown cover.

Reversing with a Trailer
· Make sure the area behind you is clear before reversing.
· Be especially aware of children and pedestrians.
· Try to get somebody to observe for you.
· Practice makes perfect! Try reversing before setting off.

Have you got the Right Licence?
An ordinary category B licence allows you to drive a vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes Maximum Gross Weight and to tow a trailer that weighs up to 750 kilograms Maximum Gross Weight, giving a Maximum Combination Weight of up to 4250 kilograms.

Drivers who have got a B category licence are entitled to tow a trailer over 750 kilograms Maximum Gross Weight provided that the gross weight of the trailer does not exceed the unladen or kerb weight of the towing vehicle, and the maximum combination weight does not exceed a total of 3.5 tonnes.

Speed Restrictions
· Always keep within the legal speed limit.
· 30mph limit applies on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.
· 50mph applies on single carriageways unless signs show otherwise.
· 60mph applies on dual carriageways and motorways.
NOTE: When towing You must not travel in the right-hand lane of a motorway with three lanes or more.

Avoid problems before they happen
· Following these 4 simple rules could help you to avoid unnecessary repairs.
· Avoid parking your trailer on long grass - moisture could damage it.
· When you park up, you must not leave a detached trailer on a public road. If it is hitched up it must always be parked with lights on at night on any public road.
· On a level surface if it is safe to do so, avoid parking with the handbrake on.
· Grease all the greasing points with a grease gun, plus the brake cables or rods, and handbrake.

What if you break down on a motorway?

Remember it is illegal to stop on a hard shoulder except in an emergency. If an emergency forces you to stop, then follow these top 5 personal safety tips from the Highways Agency:
· Pull onto the hard shoulder and park as far to the left as you can.
· Turn on your vehicle's hazard warning lights.
· Leave the vehicle via the doors furthest away from traffic and stand as far away from traffic as is safe.
· Contact the Highways Agency using the emergency roadside telephone.
· Follow the instructions from Highways Agency staff.
 

SCHOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER

As we draw to the end of the school year and schools break up for summer can I ask all those NHW members who live, work or pass school premises to cast an eye on the school in passing.

I Know that a number of schools will remain open for holiday clubs, but if you see anything suspicious on school premises please call the police, if you think immediate attention is required dial 999 or if not urgent dial 01473 613500 which is the central call centre number.

Police do not mind attending even if the incident turns out not to be suspicious or has criminal intentions, if those who have a mind to cause mischief see that the school is being watched they may think twice about entering the school premises.

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM INFORMATION

NEXT SNT POLICE PRIORITIES MEETING
Thu 5th August 2010, at the library at Beyton Middle School, Church Road, Beyton, IP30 9AA , from 7pm-8pm.

THIS IS OPEN to ANY RESIDENT TO ATTEND from the Mid Suffolk South and former MidSuffolk West areas. The aim of this meeting is to set forthcoming local policing priorities that the public have asked police to look at within their area.

So if you have any concerns re crime, or regarding certain offences within your area, come along and let us know.
 

TEXT SERVICE FOR THE HEARING/SPEECH IMPAIRED

Did you know that Suffolk Police operate a text registration scheme for people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired? This service is known to and promoted by Suffolk Deaf Association and Ipswich Borough Council however it is quite possible that others who would benefit from this service are not aware. If you know anyone who would benefit within your watch scheme please pass on the following details.

Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired people may experience difficulties when trying to contact emergency services for assistance. Suffolk Police introduced a special number specifically for text messages. However it is important to note that the service is ONLY available to deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech impaired people who register to use the service in advance. It is not available to anyone else. Pre registration is required and a standard mobile telephone number is issued for the registered user. When a text message is sent it is delivered to the main Suffolk Police Operations Room. If assistance is required from the fire, ambulance or another service the operations room will liaise directly with them on the sender’s behalf.

A leaflet detailing the service and including the registration form is available. It can be obtained from the Suffolk Deaf Association at 2 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP (01473 467780).

ON-LINE WELCOME PACK FOR DIVERSE COMMUNITIES

Anyone coming to live and work in Suffolk can get access to a wide range of information on the following link: www. welcomepack.org.uk website. This site is translated into Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Lithuanian. Visitors to the site can find out about topics including employment, housing, education, health and culture.

For more information contact:

Sue Burstall
Social Inclusion Officer
Suffolk County Council

Tel: 01473 264288
Email: sue.burstall@suffolk.gov.uk