Neighbourhood Watch
Co-ordinator:        Bob Clark
                             01379 890 184
Vice Co-ordinator:Peter Beck
                             01379 890 495

Neighbourhood Watch is a group of concerned neighbours who combine together with the aim of reducing crime in their immediate area. It involves neighbours getting to know each other and working together in an atmosphere of mutual assistance.
It is all about local people being the eyes and ears of the police and passing information on to them about any suspicious or unsocial activity. In return the police notify Neighbourhood Watch of recent crimes and other matters of local or general interest.
In order to pass information quickly, with regard to recent crime and suspicious incidents, notices are placed in the following locations:

Simonds Garage                               The Blue Orchid Chinese Take Away
The Botesdale Fish & Chip Shop        The Botesdale Post Office
The Country Garden Village Store       The Hair Place Salon
The Health Centre                              The Newsagent
Co-Op Supermarket

Botesdale is divided into 12 sectors, each with its own deputy co-ordinator. The overall co-ordinator for Botesdale is Mr Bob Clark and he is assisted by Mr Peter Beck . If a crime is committed a deputy co-ordinator will visit the aggrieved person(s) and offer advice with regard to security and any other relevant matter. If a serious crime message is received, such as one involving personal injury, this will be given immediate attention and the deputy co-ordinator will notify as many residents as possible in his/her sector.

Village Neighbourhood Watch meetings are held twice a year and these enable local members to discuss recent crimes and other matters that adversely affect members of the community.
Crime Prevention
Dear Neighbour,

If you are new to the area may we extend a welcome to this part of Suffolk. The Villages of Botesdale and Rickinghall are covered by the Neighbourhood Watch (NW) Scheme, which is run in conjunction with the Suffolk Police. The Villages are split into 29 NW sectors each with its own NW Co-ordinator, who will normally be the bearer of this letter.

We do live in an area with a low crime rate. If you do see a crime being committed however, or if a suspected individual or vehicle involved in crime is still present, then you should call 999. If you have concerns about criminal or anti-social behaviour, or see something which you think may be relevant to these, then call your Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator on whose Sector it has occurred.

To report a crime, even a minor crime, call Suffolk Police HQ on 01473-613500 and tell the operator that you wish to report a crime. The operator will then pass you through to the contact centre, who will allocate the appropriate response.


When a recent crime or other matter of importance is brought to our attention then weinform the NW Co-ordinator on whose Sector it has occurred and also post notices in the following locations when appropriate:-

1) Botesdale Post Office. 2) Newsagents. 3) The Hair Place Salon
4) The Health Centre 5) Botesdale Fish & Chip Shop. 6) The Blue Orchid Takeaway 7) Co-op Supermarket. 8) Osmond House Notice Board.

This keeps everybody aware of any problems which might arise.

Botesdale and Rickinghall are a safe environment to live in with a low crime rate. This does not mean we should be complacent and the following basic crime reduction rules should apply:-

Always lock up your doors and windows, even when only out for a short period.

Always remove your keys and valuables from your vehicle, even when shopping.

Always cancel papers and milk, and let your neighbours know you are away, even if only overnight.

Always lock up sheds, garages and other outhouses when they are not in use.

Always report to Police any persons or vehicles which are suspicious. (I know from my own Police experience, Police would rather be told of something which turns out to be innocent, than later deal with a crime, which could have been prevented.)

PARKING ON THE DRIFT

As you all know The Drift has now been made one way. This is to help with congestion and previous problems that have been encountered with the free flow of traffic.

The road is extremely narrow, even with the one-way system so everyone needs to be sensible about the use of this road, especially in respect of where we park.

Sensible parking means:

1… If you live or are visiting someone in The Drift then please park on driveways.

2… If you are visiting The Health Centre then please use their car park. That’s what its for.

3… Do not park on the road if it’s going to block the free flow of traffic. Park somewhere else – The walk will do you good.

IF A VEHICLE CANNOT GET PAST BECAUSE OF WHERE YOU ARE PARKED THIS IS AN OBSTRUCTION AND WILL GET YOU A £30.00 TICKET

4… DO NOT PARK ON THE PAVEMENT (OR PART OF IT)
Thinking, I know, is that you then don’t obstruct the road!
You just obstruct the pavement instead and people have to walk in the road to get past you.

THE PAVEMENT IS FOR PEOPLE – OBSTRUCT IT OR PARK ON IT AND YOU WILL GET A £30.00 TICKET

5… Also:
Please remember to park the right way round on the road at night (Facing the direction of travel) This is so that cars can see your red reflectors!

Don’t park on or near bends or road junctions (It cuts down on visibility and is illegal)

IF YOU DON’T PARK PROPERLY – YOU’VE GOT IT – A £30.00 TICKET!

As a result of numerous complaints recently PCSO Kegge and myself WILL be making a concerted effort to monitor parking problems over the next couple of weeks. Just because we don’t catch you today – doesn’t mean we wont catch you tomorrow!

Don’t cause an accident or someone an injury by parking inconsiderately – you will be liable. With the winter here and icy conditions, this is even more important.

Thank you for your help and support in this matter

WPc 24 Shadbolt Tel 01473 613500

PCSO 3127 Kegge

Pauline.Shadbolt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk