SNT Police meeting in Collier Row

The local SNT Police teams for Havering Park and Mawneys Wards, held their latest public meeting at the North Romford Community Centre in Clockhouse Lane on Wednesday, 2nd December.

Members of Collier Row and Mawneys Residents Association were out in force for this important opportunity to raise matters of concern with local Police representatives. Cllr Andy Mann and Denis Stevens from Havering Park, together with Graham and Karen Price, and Joe Webster from Mawneys.

Graham and Karen raised issues reported to them of concerns in connection with burglaries in Lodge Lane, and also anti-social activities in the Mawneys area. Joe requested clarification concerning whether it is the Police or the Council who hold responsibility for dealing with parking incidents resulting in a blocked driveway ?

The answer given is that the Police only have authority to force drivers to move their vehicles if they are blocking another vehicle which is on the driveway. However, in practice they would not regard this as an emergency!

Graham and Karen Price enjoyed a long session with the Mawneys Safer Neighbourhood Team, as a result of which officers will be making follow-up visits in Lodge Lane and also the Mawneys area.

Cllr Mann was able to answer questions in relation to Havering Council matters, such as the CCTV car and parking enforcement around schools and to update the meeting on the work to try and clean up the road way behind the shops in Collier Row Road.

Graham Price said "It was interesting to observe that, once again, none of the Conservative Councillors from North Romford, nor their representatives, were present at this important meeting".

12 Safety tips for Christmas

Havering Council will be handing out free security devices to protect resident’s homes and personal property in the run-up to Christmas. Council officers will hand out the devices as part of its 12 Safer Days of Christmas campaign to make residents safer while shopping, out at night, and their homes more secure over the festive season.

Around 6,000 property marking kits, 6,000 purse chains and 3,000 timer switches bought by the Council will be given out at events across the borough in the 12 days between Monday 7 and Saturday 19 December.

There are 12 key messages that the Council and police want to get out at this time of year. These include ensuring that PVC doors are locked properly, setting timer switches so that lamps come on in living rooms before it gets dark when you are out, protecting yourself against pickpockets, and making sure you do not become a victim of crime after a night of revelry.

Other messages include not leaving presents on view, disposing packaging of expensive goods carefully, not loading your car with presents and then leaving it to continue shopping. Police officers from the Mawneys & Havering Park Wards, local Safer Neighbourhoods teams will also be on hand at each location.

Wednesday 16th December - Clockhouse School Christmas Fete – 3 – 5pm

Saturday 19th December - Collier Row Library – 11 – 2pm

Cllr Mann said "Having been a victim of crime myself recently, it can be very upsetting at any time but it can be particularly distressing at Christmas. That’s why the Council and the police will again be handing out thousands of free security devices over 12 Safer Days of Christmas”.

Fireworks Night on its way

Havering Council, Havering Police and the London Fire Brigade have launched a crackdown to prevent the sale of fireworks to under-18s. They will be making visits to remind retailers that it's illegal to sell fireworks without the necessary licence from Trading Standards.Havering Trading Standards takes a zero-tolerance approach to any breach of the stringent conditions governing the storage and sale of fireworks, which will result in legal proceedings and the confiscation of such products.

Though current legislation allows some businesses with special authorisation to sell fireworks all year round, most fireworks can only be sold between October 15 and November 9. It is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, though on special occasions like Bonfire Night they may be set off up until midnight, unless special permission for them to continue until 1am has been granted.

It is also an offence for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks in a public place. Using fireworks in an anti-social way is irresponsible, dangerous and unacceptable, so Havering Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be operating additional patrols throughout the borough at this time.Remember; fireworks are mini-explosives dressed up in colourful packaging – they are NOT toys. Most injuries caused by fireworks happen to children under 16, with many of them ending up with burn scars for life.

So please take care this bonfire night. Go to http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/Fireworks.asp for helpful safety advice from the London Fire Brigade.If you wish to report illegal sales of fireworks, you can call a special hotline 01708 433428 in confidence.

Police advice on Halloween

With Halloween upon us, the Police have issued advice to tricksters, treaters and householders.
For fun and safety, trick or treating is always better in groups of friends. Don't split up into smaller groups.

Younger children should only go 'Trick or treating' when supervised by an adult. Stay with them.
Think road safety! You should wear bright and reflective costumes to ensure you are visible to road users. Take a torch or glow stick with you.

Plan a safe route that is well lit and stick to it. Unsupervised children should have a time set for their return. Don't take short cuts through gardens, alleyways or parks.

Only go to houses where you or your friends know the residents or homes that display a ‘Trick or Treating Welcome Here' Halloween pumpkin. Never call at homes after 9pm.

Never go into a stranger's house even if you are invited – stay on the doorstep.
Don't demand money and be grateful for ANY treats. Ask your parents or guardian to check your treats before you eat them.

Don't vandalise anything or throw things like eggs, flour or paint at people, houses or animals, it could be classed as criminal damage or assault and a night of fun could end up with you being in trouble with the police.

Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the Police.
Remember large groups of young people can be very intimidating. Think about how your behaviour affects others. If you wouldn't want it done to your Parents or grandparents, don't do it to anyone else.

Extra advice to parents and guardians:

Please be aware where your children are at all times and be sure you know what they are doing.
Respect people's right not to accept ‘Trick or Treating. This activity is not part of traditional British culture and can be offensive to some people.

Make sure your children understand that they should not call at addresses after 9pm.
Please encourage your children to engage in a positive activity on this night. Halloween is not an excuse for loutish behaviour and the normal threshold test of what isn't acceptable still applies. Please don't allow your children to take eggs and flour out of the house.

Unsupervised trick or treaters have an increased risk of coming to harm or getting in trouble with police for excessive behaviour. For a fun and safe Halloween it is better that all trick or treaters are supervised.

Police time spent dealing with incidents caused by unsupervised children on Halloween impacts massively on our ability to fight crime and provide a service to those in real need. Don't let your children's behaviour be the reason we are unable to respond to an emergency call.

Please encourage your children to engage in a positive activity on this night. Halloween is not an excuse for loutish behaviour and the normal threshold test of what isn't acceptable still applies. Please don't allow your children to take eggs and flour out of the house.

Unsupervised trick or treaters have an increased risk of coming to harm or getting in trouble with police for excessive behaviour. For a fun and safe Halloween it is better that all trick or treaters are supervised.

Police time spent dealing with incidents caused by unsupervised children on Halloween impacts massively on our ability to fight crime and provide a service to those in real need. Don't let your children's behaviour be the reason we are unable to respond to an emergency call.

Please encourage your children to engage in a positive activity on this night. Halloween is not an excuse for loutish behaviour and the normal threshold test of what isn't acceptable still applies. Please don't allow your children to take eggs and flour out of the house.

Unsupervised trick or treaters have an increased risk of coming to harm or getting in trouble with police for excessive behaviour. For a fun and safe Halloween it is better that all trick or treaters are supervised.

Police time spent dealing with incidents caused by unsupervised children on Halloween impacts massively on our ability to fight crime and provide a service to those in real need. Don't let your children's behaviour be the reason we are unable to respond to an emergency call.

Please encourage your children to engage in a positive activity on this night. Halloween is not an excuse for loutish behaviour and the normal threshold test of what isn't acceptable still applies. Please don't allow your children to take eggs and flour out of the house.

Unsupervised trick or treaters have an increased risk of coming to harm or getting in trouble with police for excessive behaviour. For a fun and safe Halloween it is better that all trick or treaters are supervised.

Police time spent dealing with incidents caused by unsupervised children on Halloween impacts massively on our ability to fight crime and provide a service to those in real need. Don't let your children's behaviour be the reason we are unable to respond to an emergency call.

Newsboy granted alcohol Licence

Denis Stevens was on hand at the town Hall this week, speaking on behalf of Cllr Mann who is on holiday against a licensing application for an off license in Chase Cross Road. Sadly, Councillors decided to grant the license, despite objections from the Police, albeit with some restrictions.

However, local residents have vowed to boycott a newsagent after councillors gave the green light for them to sell alcohol. At the end of the licensing meeting on Monday August 10, residents said that they would take action after the committee agreed the application for Newsboy in Chase Cross Road, Romford.

Resident Julie Green said: "I feel very disappointed because the committee has not fully grasped the weight of people's anger. "I think he will definitely see a decline in his sales because people will boycott the shop."

Councillors agreed for the off licence to sell alcohol but they also put on conditions restricting the sale of alcohol in the shop from 10am to 9pm for seven days a week, two people have to be on duty at all time and staff training to be provided.Other conditions included restricting two young people to the shop at one time, bottle and can marking, a refusal register to be kept and CCTV cameras to be installed.

Earlier the councillors heard a presentation from resident George Higgins who was against the application because he believed that it would add to the problems already in the area. He said: "If alcohol was introduced in the shop public safety and crime is going to take a bad turn and I can only see bad news coming in the future."

The residents were also concerned that more people were not able to respond against the application because it was advertised in a paper that was not delivered to all residents and advertised behind the counter in the shop.

Denis Steven, speaking on behalf of Cllr Andy Mann, (Havering Park, Resident's Association) said: "I am disappointed that the formal legal adverts about this application were placed in the Yellow Advertiser, a paper which is not delivered to the new Havering's estate and, living in Havering Road myself, a paper that is only delivered every other week or so."

"Newsboy" Alcohol license application

The new owners of Newsboy, at 263 Chase Cross Road, Collier Row has applied for a license to sell alcohol. We have been inundated with local residents objecting to the plans

The application is for alcohol to be sold off the premises on Monday to Thursday, from 06.00 to 21.00 and on Friday to Sunday, from 06.00 to 21.30.

If you would like to object, you must do this as soon as possible, as the closing date is this week, the 15th July. You can do so by writing or by e-mail, the details of which are below.

Under the under the Licensing Act 2003, you can only object on four grounds, which are. One, the prevention of crime and disorder. Two, public safety. Three, the prevention of public nuisance and four, the protection of children from harm. These are the only grounds by law that are allowed to be submitted, it would help your objection if you could try and comment around these four headings only.

You must also live or work in the area immediately around the application address, such as Chase Cross Road, The new Havering’s development, Lower Bedfords Road or the top of Havering Road to be accepted as a valid objector. You will need to include you address on your letter as well, or it will not be accepted.

Please e-mail or write to the licensing officer at Havering Council with your objection, his address is paul.campbell@havering.gov.uk or by post to LB Havering, Mercury House, Mercury Gardens, Romford, Essex, RM1 3SL. Please copy your reply to Cllr Andrew Mann via the Town Hall or on e-mail to andrew.mann@havering.gov.uk

Although the closing date is this week, objections are often still accepted. They will be marked out of date, however, they can still be counted, so please write or e-mail if you wish to object.

We have more details on our web site, such as links to Havering Councils website with more information about the Licensing Act 2003 and how to object, address below.

for more information, click here to go to Havering Council website.

Graffiti painted out by Offenders

Young offenders had to paint over a wall covered in graffiti in Hainault Road, Collier Row in a project organised by Havering Council recently.

The group of half a dozen offenders from Havering had to do the work on Saturday as part of their Community Reparation. The location was chosen after complaints from local people about graffiti vandalism.

The Council supervised the work along with Police officers from the Mawneys Safer Neighbourhoods Team. The Council also supplied the paint and brushes.

Mawneys Ward Action Member, Graham Price (pictured above inspecting recent graffiti in the ward) said "It is good news that young offenders are working to clean up the local streets after committing offences, they learn a lesson and the community benefit from the work".

Mounted Police come to Havering Park

Cllr Andrew Mann and Havering Park Ward Action Member, Denis Steven joined the friends of Havering Country Park and the Ward SNT Police team as the Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch visited Havering Country Park and Bedfords Park on Sunday.

Four Police horses were on patrol in the parks, along with Sgt Grahame Harle and PCSO Pete Watts, who were looking out for anti social behaviour problems, including people using motorbikes illegally in the parks.

The horses have become an annual fixture in the parks over the summer months, having been to Havering for the last few years.

Cllr Mann said “The sheer presence of the horses is enough to scare anyone off who even thinks about riding a bike in the park, we are all extremely grateful for the Mounted Branch for coming over to the park, my thanks to the local SNT Police team for arranging the event.

Denis Stevens said “The Police in our ward have been fantastic in supporting the Friends of Havering Country Park group, by bring in the horses it send a clear message that illegal motorbikes will not be tolerated in our parks”

Travellers moved on from Bedfords park

The Travellers spent less that 24 hours in Bedfords Park following an operation put together by Havering Council and the Havering Park Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Following the invasion by two families in the park, they settled in for the evening and eventually lit a fire on the ground, as they were trespassing, this constituted criminal damage.

This allowed Sgt Grahame Harle (the newly appointed Sergeant of Havering Park Ward) to conclude that as criminal damage had been caused, he was able to use powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act of 1994, after checking with Havering Councils Legal Department, that setting a fire was indeed, criminal damage as set out in the parks by-laws.

Sgt Harle then returned to the Park, with Havering Parks Dept staff and subjected the group to a Sec 61 Criminal justice and Public Order Act1994, i.e. a requirement to leave, giving them up to 18.00hrs that day to comply.

The Travellers then decided to leave the site in the early afternoon, being there for less than 24 hours, they were last seen heading out to the Brentwood Area.

Havering Park Ward Councillor Andrew Mann said "I am very grateful to the Havering Park SNT for the work in this matter, working along side Havering Council staff they have managed to use the law to our advantage, rather than having to use the normal long winded route of going to a magistrate Court to get an eviction order"

Lets hope that the park recovers well ready for its Green Flag Inspection, later this month,

Travellers invade Bedfords park

Havering Park Councillor, Andrew Mann is disappointed that Travellers have once again invaded Bedfords Park, in Broxhill Road, Havering-Atte-Bower. They used a crane on the back of a truck to drag a 3 ton tree, which was being used as a barrier to gain access to the fields.

On receiving the news, Cllr Mann and Havering Park Action Member, Kevin Tonks went straight to the park to see the situation that was unfolding and found three vehicles and two caravans. Despite only being there for less than 2 hours, there was already a large amount of rubbish accumulating.

Cllr Mann was able to talk with Havering Councils Parks Manager, Martin Stanton, who had also rushed to the Park to make sure that no further Travellers were able to gain access and join those that had already arrived. Extra security was brought in over night with guard dogs to make sure no further issues occurred.

This is now the third time we have had travellers in Bedfords Park in the same amount of years, each time extra measures have been put in place to make the park more secure and each time the travellers find new ways of beating them to gain access.

The focus will now turn to the process of getting rid of the travellers; sadly this can only be done by a legal process of serving eviction notices and attending Havering Magistrates Court. With any luck, they move on before this process is completed, like they did last year.

Once the removal has happened, the focus most turn to getting the park ship shape for it annual green flag inspection that will take place shortly. Bedfords Park has achieved green flag status for the last two years, and we can not allow this recent traveller invasion to distract from that goal.

I have to say well done to Martin Stanton from the Parks Department and his staff who acted quickly in getting to the park; I know he would be upset if he did not get a personal mention.

Collier Row Shop Keeper prosecuted

Collier Row shop keeper, Mr Ashgar of Aladdin’s Cave, Collier Row Road, was fined £800 and ordered to pay £840 prosecution costs at Havering Magistrates Court last week for selling a knife to a an underage child.

In a Trading Standards operation in November 2008, two under-age volunteers aged 14 visited Aladdin’s Cave, Collier Row Road, Romford and were sold a sharp craft knife by shop keeper Imran Ashgar.

Neither of the children was asked for identification by Mr Ashgar even though the packaging the knife was contained in, stated clearly that it should not be sold to anyone under 18.

Cllr Andrew Mann said “Knife crime in Havering is low but we want to make the borough safer. The Council has a zero tolerance attitude to the selling of knives and I will continue to push the Council to carry on with their test purchasing operations so that the message goes out loud and clear - we don’t want people carrying knives on our streets.”

Former Woolworths store granted alcohol license

Cllr Andy Mann and Joe Webster were at the Town Hall today, for the licensing committee meeting looking at the application for the former Woolworths store to sell alcohol. The application was to sell alcohol from 06.00 to midnight, seven days a week in the store, in Collier Row Road. It has also been confirmed that the store will become a Costcutter.

Havering Police had objected to the proposed hours of use and had suggested a earlier finish time, more in line with other shops in the Town. The applicant made a good presentation on how he was going to run the store and what measures he would have in place to deal with any anti social behaviour, such as cctv cameras, separate area for alcohol, training of staff, etc.

There were only four formal objections allowed to be heard and a two of those spoke at the meeting to voice there concerns. Despite being elected to represent the people, Councillors are not allowed to speak, unless they actually live in the direct area and are personally affected.

After the debate, the three Councillor members of the committee retired to consider their decision, after an hour’s debate, they returned. The committee decided to grant the application; however they only allowed the license to start from 07.30 in the morning and to end by 8.30pm.

If the application was refused entirely, the applicant would be entitled to go straight to a magistrate court and appeal, and would have got far greater hours, so as it goes, this was probably the best outcome that could have been achieved.

Mawneys Action Member Joe Webster said “Despite objections from residents, the decision that was taken to reduce the operating hours was the best that could have been achieved, as a former member myself of the Licensing Committee, I know that the limitations members have under the rules”

Cllr Mann said “We will be watching the store closely over the coming months once it is open, we all except that we need shops and stores open in Collier Row, but there has always been as issue with the amount of alcohol that is available to young people, which has often led to anti social behaviour”.

Collier Row Police Matters

Havering Park Ward Councillor, Andrew Mann recently attended the Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), ward panel meeting. The ward panel is made up of local residents who live in the ward and is supported by the SNT Police team.

Lots of issues were discussed, not just Police issues, but ones that often cross boundaries with the Council and Cllr Mann was on hand to answer some of the issues raised. The panel also discussed the priorities for the ward Police team.

Cllr Mann said “The ward panel is an important part of the SNT set up and one of the huge benefits of this system is local people set priorities for the local Police, as they are the ones in touch with what is going on in their own neighbourhoods”

Cllr Mann has also recently had a briefing on local Policing issues from Havering Park Ward Sgt, Jon Harwood and Mawneys Ward Sgt, Neil Donohue (pictured above with Cllr Mann). Issued discussed included local ward priorities, general policing matters affecting the Collier Row area and reviewing some of the recent operations that the reams had been involved in.

For more information on your SNT, click here to take you to the Met Police SNT page for Havering, just click on your ward or enter your postcode.

New Police Phone Number non-emergency

The Metropolitan Police have issued a new contact number for non-emergency situations. The number, 0300 123 1212 , comes into effect immediately and is available 24 hours a day all year round.

In an emergency always call 999. This is when a crime is happening or about to happen. For example, if your house is being burgled (or the suspect is nearby) call 999, if your house has been burgled call 0300 123 1212 .

Similarly, if your car is being stolen (or the suspect is nearby) call 999, if your car has been stolen call 0300 123 1212.

You can also call 0300 123 1212 when you want to speak to your local police, seek advice on police matters or comment on the service you have received from the Police.

Visit http://www.met.police.uk/for more information.

STOP BURGLARS FROM SIMPLY WALKING INTO YOUR HOME

Residents across Havering are being urged to ensure their homes are locked up securely after a rise in house burglary. Break-ins sometimes increase in the winter months but most burglaries can be prevented by simply ensuring doors are locked.

Havering was the eighth safest out of London’s 32 boroughs for burglary in the 12 months to November 2008, however burglary has been on the rise. There were 1,281 burglaries during the 12 month period – an increase of 307 offences compared to the previous 12 months. Seven out of ten burglaries were a result of the victims forgetting to lock, or not properly locking, their front or rear door.

Most of these burglaries are due to people failing to lock uPVC doors correctly. uPVC multi-lock doors have a central lock which engages additional bolts or hooks when the handle is lifted. However, the door won’t be locked unless the key is also turned. Simply closing the door and lifting the handle without turning the key will mean the door will be shut, but not locked.

The awareness campaign this week is part of the Council’s Better Together campaign to reduce crime. The Council will be placing posters across the borough and there will be radio adverts to raise awareness.

Havering Council Said "It seems so obvious to tell people to lock their doors but it is a message we have to make loud and clear. Incredibly, most burglars never need to break into a home – they simply just walk in. “uPVC doors are very secure – but only if they are locked properly".

Police Warning

Havering Police have had disturbing reports around a 'scam' that is being used to try to get vulnerable residents to part with their cash. If you, or a family friend, relative or neighbour is elderly or particularly vulnerable please help by passing on this message to them.

The Suspect, a white male knocks on the doorstep and chats to the home owner about doing a quick environmental survey usually on recycling.

The trick is they then entice the victim to take part in the quick doorstep survey to enable them to be entered into a free draw for Holiday Vouchers, a cash prize and, or bottle of wine. Personal details are usually taken i.e. name, address and phone number.

The victim is then given a card stating ' Protect your health ' indoor air pollution - the facts.
The address shown on the bottom of the card is 38 Thorney Road, Capel St Mary, Ipswich. IP9 2LH.

The victim usually then receives a unsolicited phone call and ,or further visit with a prize,usually a cheap bottle of wine, and then the suspects try and pressure the elderly victim to purchase expensive cleaning products.

A vehicle that may be concerned within this scam is a Green Range Rover with a registration number of R381DRT.

Should you have any information regarding this Scam please contact Havering Police on 0300 123 12 12, or if you receive such a visit or see the vehicle in your street call 999 immediately.

Police SNT are on their bikes

The Havering Park Ward Safer Neighbourhood Team has recently taken delivery of five new cycles for use by the team’s Police officers and P.C.S.Os. Pictured above on the bikes recently in Havering Village, are L to R (P.C. Di Hefferan and PCSC Pete Watts)

Havering Park Ward is one of the largest wards in Havering, covering two Country parks. By having the bikes, it has allowed the team to get around the ward much easier and quicker.

The bikes were funded through a capital grant of £5,000 from the North Romford Area Committee in the budget year 2007 / 2008. An allocation of this years budget has not yet been made, the year runs out on the 30th March, so Cllr Binion (The Chairman of North Romford A C) needs to get a move on, as valuable money is not being spent in the community.

Parcel Scam

Royal Mail has issued a warning on a mail scam originating from Belize. A card is posted to homes from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting they were unable to deliver a parcel and asks the occupier to contact them on 0906 6611911.

This is a premium rate number and callers will be billed £15 for the phone call. If you receive a card with these details, contact Royal Mail Fraud on 02072396655 or ICSTIS (the premium rate service regulator) at http://www.icstis.org.uk/ http://www.icstis.org.uk/

Tree Planting in Havering Country Park

Cllr Andy Mann and Denis Stevens joined the Friends of Havering Country Park, along with residents, the Havering Park SNT Police team, Councillors, including the Mayor of Havering, for the event to mark National Tree Planting week.

8 Giant Redwoods (Sequoiadendron giganteum) were planted along Wellingtonia Avenue, in the middle of the Park and will form part of the existing Avenue of mature trees.

This Avenue was originally planted during the 1890s by the owners of Machiters Manor House. Some of the new trees have been donated by members of the friends group and the Safer Neighbourhood Team.

One tree was donated by the Collier Row & Mawneys Residents Association, with Andy and Denis on hand to help with its planting.

As Denis Stevens is a dab hand in the greenhouse, he has also taken some cuttings and hopes to be able to nature a few more trees for the park over the next few years, there are still many gaps in the avenue and more need replacing, but at £60 each, its not cheap replacing them.

Local Police News

Both the Havering Park and Mawneys Ward Safer Neighbourhood Teams have a published a local newsletter about the work and activities they are currently taking part in.

Havering Park Ward
The current ward priorities are youth and racial anti-social behaviour, anti social behaviour caused by motorists / motor bikes in parks (such as Bedfords and Havering Country parks) and Burglary. The team are also targeting graffiti in Collier Row, collection information on tags.

Click Here for the Havering Park Newsletter

Mawneys Ward
The team have been tackling burglaries on the ward, particularly between midday and early evening, also on the list of priorities is anti social behaviour in Collier Row town centre, working with the local authority they have been issuing acceptable behaviour contracts to youths causing trouble. The team also supported the soul in the city event with the Good Shepherd church, the event was a held in Lawns Park early in the year.

Click Here for the Mawneys Newsletter