Thirsk Police say not in our neighbourhood

Thirsk police are celebrating the success of a number of initiatives carried out in the past week as part of the national “Not In My Neighbourhood Week” .A number of clean-ups and crime prevention initiatives were held across the east Thirsk area in a bid to tackle problems affecting resident’s quality of life. Activities included: · A Burglary prevention initiative · A litter pick in the Hambleton estate area · The clearing of an overgrown footpath leading to the Millennium Green · A residents action meeting In an attempt to alert residents to the potential for opportunist burglars, officers from Thirsk Safer Neighbourhood Team patrolled the area during the early evening, putting leaflets through the doors of any insecure properties they came across, warning the householder that their home was a potential target for sneak-in burglars. Sergeant Frances Hannan of Thirsk Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “With dark evenings now upon us, opportunist, sneak-in burglars take full advantage of insecure doors and windows.“Simply by locking your front door, even when you are at home, can prevent unwelcome intruders. Ensure windows and doors are secured before leaving the house. If you will be out at night, leave a low-energy light on a timer switch to make the house appear lived in. The majority of burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves. A few simple steps can help prevent a lot of crime.” The team also delivered leaflets to 1250 households, inviting people to an open meeting at East Thirsk Community Hall. Residents were able to meet their local officers and raise any concerns about issues affecting their quality of life. Sgt Hannan added: “We held the meeting to enable the local community to voice their concerns about any problems in their area. Although the turnout was a disappointing 12, a number of issues were raised which we can now focus our activities on. “The main concerns from people were older children and vandalism in the local parks, speeding and dog-fouling. “If anyone has any problems they would like to talk to us about, we would encourage them to get in touch. If we don’t know they are happening, it’s hard for us to put them right.”Officers also teamed up with the Probation Service and local businesses to clear an overgrown footpath leading from St Mary’s Walk to the Millennium Green. “The footpath had become a ‘darkened alleyway’ and provided a haven for youths to gather and indulge in anti-social behaviour, which caused problems for local residents. “With the help of the Probation Service, Todds Waste Management, Jewsons and KC Conveniences, the footpath is now much more open and accessible for all residents” added Sgt Hannan. Thirsk Ward Councillor Gareth Dadd commented: “Using the probation service to provide this otherwise costly work is excellent. It is the beginning of phased work from a problem solving group surrounding the St Mary’s footpath, It is appropriate to have this done in the Not in My Neighbourhood Week, a first class example of partnership working.The team also carried out a litter pick in the Hambleton Estate area. Members of the team include Sgt Hannan, PC Duncan Pears, PC Claire Mayes, PC Kev Brookes and PCSO Nigel Warby. If you would like to speak with any of the team please ring 0845 60 60 247 and ask for them by name or leave a message to be forwarded on to them. 


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