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Community Safety Page Contents

 Local Police Contacts | Ampthill Community Beat Manager | Bedfordshire Police Text Messaging Service | CCTV in Ampthill | Ampthill Community Safety Forum | Ampthill Community Safety Group | Safer Homes Campaign | Avoiding Distraction Burglaries and Rogue Traders | No Cold Calling Zone | Neighbourhood Watch | Ring Master - Community Messaging Service | Immobilise | Bedfordshire Crimestoppers | Domestic Abuse | Did you know that it is an offence to Consume alcohol in Public in Ampthill? | Licensing Issues | Local Fire Service | Do you want to get involved in tackling Community Safety Issues? | Do you want further information? | What does the Ampthill Town plan say about Community Safety issues?

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Policing

Local Police Contacts

• 24/7 General Assistance & Enquiries (Non-Emergency): 01234 841212
• Text Messaging Service (Non-Emergency): 07786 200011
• In an Emergency/Crime in Progress: 999
• www.askthepolice.co.uk
• Community Safety Advice for Bedfordshire - www.safer-beds.org

Ampthill Community Beat Manager & Safer Neighbourhoods Team

Paul Element - Ampthill Police Station, Woburn Street, Ampthill, MK45 2HX. Tel: 01234 842618. Email: paul.element@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk 

Assisted by PSCO's Arno Van Heygen and Sarah Goldsmith, plus Special Constables Dave Maxwell and Nikki Jackson

Ampthill Inspector: Tania Coulling and Sergeant: Lisa Johnson

Ampthill Safer Neihbourhood Team: 01234 842627 or snt.ampthill@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk

The team works to identify and respond to the issues most important to you and the Community Safety Forum is integral to informing this work.

Call the team when you have a non urgent, local crime or anti-social behaviour problem that you would like them to deal with

Bedfordshire Police Text Messaging Service

Bedfordshire Police have launched a new text messgaing service for non-emergencies. Now anyone is able to contact the police by texting 07786 200011 to send a message direct into the force's call handling centre.

Text messages should contain an address or location details, plus nearby landmarks or shops and as much information about events or an enquiry as possible. These are sent via your regular mobile service provider into the call centre. A response will be sent to confirm receipt and, where necessary, further information may be requested.

CCTV in Ampthill

CCTV in Ampthill went live in early October 2008. A total of 5 cameras are covering major areas of the town that include areas of:

• Church Street
• Dunstable Street
• Oliver Street
• Bedford Street
• Woburn Street
• Ampthill Park
• Zig Zags (including Kings Arms Path area)

The cameras are constantly monitored at the Stevenage Control Centre and trained staff have direct contact with Bedfordshire Police.  

If an incident occurs in the aforementioned areas make a note of the time and report this to our Beat Manager, as chances are it will have been caught by the cameras and could assist the police greatly in their enquiries. Additionally, if an incident is occuring ensure that you report it immediately as cameras can be trained on the incident by operators.

Ampthill Community Safety Forum

Next Meeting: Monday 1st February 2010 @ Baptist Church, Ampthill from 7.30pm

This new and exciting initiative is being developed by Central Beds Council, as part of the Council's commitment to Central Beds Community Safety Partnership. The Council is a key stakeholder in this partnership, along with the Police, the Fire & Rescue Service, the Primary Care Trust, Aragon Housing Association and Beds Youth Offending Service.

This new Community Safety Forum will bring all these partners together at quarterly meetings and has the potential to find sustainable solutions to the wide range of community safety issues that impact on the quality of life of people throughout Ampthill and district. Residents in Ampthill, Millbrook, Clophill and Maulden will have the opportunity to be involved, participate and have a voice in shaping and supporting community safety improvements across the area. 

It's your opportunity to come along and hear first-hand:

• How crime and anti-social behaviour is being tackled by your local Beat Manager and their team
• Details of future crime reduction strategies
• Updates from Fire & Rescue Commanders on local projects
• Opportunities to raise your concerns around local  community safety issues
• Access to feedback from  Problem Solving groups  

The Forum has the potential to be a positive means of serving the local community and in providing you with the opportunity to shape, influence and monitor how community safety issues, from unacceptable noise at night to under age drinking can be tackled. 

If you'd like further information please contact the Community Safety Forum Coordinator Leona Ellis at leona.ellis@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or ring 0300 300 4311.

Visit: Central Bedfordshire Council - Ampthill Community Safety Forum Page & the Community Safety Forum/Group Page (under the Engaging Ampthill Section) for details of past meetings.

Ampthill Community Safety Group 

Aim - to promote community safety within Ampthill in order to improve the quality of life for residents.

Objectives:  

• Devise and develop initiatives working in partnership with local authorities, agencies, and organisations.
• Set appropriate priorities and targets.
• Pursue funding schemes in order to finance projects.
• Provide feedback to Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedfordshire Police.
• Act as a consultative body for Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedfordshire Police.
• Recommend priorities for the Ampthill Safer Neighbourhood Team.

The group meets every six weeks on a Tuesday at 7pm (finishing at 8.30) in the Waitrose meeting room. There are currently nine volunteers in the group. To learn more contact John Plummer at plummer723@btinternet.com.

Visit: The Community Safety Forum/Group Page (under the Engaging Ampthill Section) for details of past meetings.

Safer Homes Campaign

The 'Safer Homes' Campaign aims to ensure the number of break-ins in Bedfordshire continues to fall. To ensure this is the case ask yourself the following questions:

• Where are the keys to my vehicle left when I'm at home, are they on display or near a letterbox?
• Have I checked all the doors and windows are secure before I go to bed? (Another member of the family may have left one open without your knowledge)
• Did I lock that UPVC front/back door of mine? (Did you know that if you do not double lock your UPVC door then the burglar can pop it open, then close it upon leaving and you would hardly tell that you had been visited).
• (As you get out of bed in the night ask yourself) Who is outside at this time of night/morning? Is there anybody acting suspiciously around my house or car or my neighbours property?

If you see anything you think is suspicious then call the Police on 01234 841212 and if you believe that someone is trying to break into a property or vehicle then call 999.

You may be asked the following questions to assist the police, namely:

• The Location of the Offence
• Description and Number of Offenders
• Have the Offenders got a vehicle with them? If so can what is the make, the colour and can you see the index number of the vehicle? This can assist the police should the offenders leave the scene before they arrive).
• You may be asked to stay on the phone to continue giving the information room details of what you are witnessing the offenders doing and to update the police should they move to another location or leave the scene.

If you want advice about home security then you should contact your Safer Neighbourhood Team on 01234 842627.

Avoiding Distraction Burglaries and Rogue Traders

Incidents of distraction burglary or rogue trading crimes are rare, but when they happen it can be deeply shocking, especially when they occur at your doorstep.

Bogus callers are conmen (or women) who tell a variety of stories to get into your home and steal from you. They may pretend to be from the council, gas, water or electricity companies or even from the police to make you believe they have a good reason to enter your home. This crime is called distraction burglary.

Rogue Traders pretend to be tradesmen or salesmen offering good at bargain prices. Their aim is to pressurise you into paying them for work that either doesn't need doing at all or could be done for considerably less money by a reputable company.

Rogue traders and bogus callers sometimes work alone, sometimes in pairs and they can be men, women or sometimes children. A common factor is that both rogue traders and bogus callers prey on vulnerable older or disabled people.

Help reduce distraction burglary: Remember the following routine:

• Home or Away - keep all doors LOCKED.
• STOP - Is anyone expected? Is the backdoor locked (if I'm going to answer the front door)?
• CHAIN - Put chain on before answering the door
• CHECK - Ask for callers I.D. Check it by phone.
• NOT SURE? DON'T OPEN THE DOOR!

If in doubt call the Police. Telephone 999. 

Please contact your local Crime Prevention Officer for the area in which you live. For guidance and advice call 01234 841212 or email saferhomes@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk. Telephone Consumer Direct for more help and advice on dealing with rogue traders on 08454 04 05 06.

'No Cold Calling' Zone

Have you experienced cold calling recently? Read on to find out how to report it and help prevent it happening again.

Ampthill is a 'No Cold Calling' Town and Bedfordshire has a Rapid Response Team in place to deal with incidents of this type. This initiative is publicised in the town with No Cold Calling Zone (NCCZ) signage affixed to lampposts. These signs give you the NCCZ Hotline number which is 08454 04 05 06. Each household in the area will also have received booklets and stickers with information connected to the No Cold Calling Scheme.

You are asked to contact the Hotline immediately if they experience cold calling in their area. The dedicated Hotline number is manned from 08.00am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 1.00pm on Saturday.  Bedfordshire Trading Standards have direct access to the Bedfordshire Police control room to request police support in appropriate circumstances.

Residents are advised to dial 999 if they require urgent assistance outside of normal office hours, or if at any time they feel afraid, harassed, threatened or intimidated.

Residents are also asked to call the Hotline if someone calls without an appointment and wants to gain entry to their home, offers to carry out work to their home, or tries to sell them goods at the door.

Neighbourhood Watch

Why not try to join (or set up) a Neighbourhood Watch or Home Watch scheme, as it's a good way of working together to make your community safer. For more information call 01234 275165 or email bedfordneighbourhoodwatch@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk.

If you are already a member of your local Neighbourhood Watch, be a good neighbour and look out for older and vulnerable people in your area.

Ringmaster - Community Messaging Service

Ringmaster is a computerised crime messaging system run by Bedfordshire Police, which offers local residents, Neighbourhood Watch members, businesses, farms, and Bedfordshire Police's partners, throughout Bedfordshire, details about crime and events in their local area.

• The service is free to everyone.
• You don't need to be involved in Neighbourhood Watch to join Ringmaster.
• You can receive information via email direct to your computer, view your messages online, or receive messages via phone at a time to suit you.
• Receive crime reduction advice and help tackle crime in your local area
  Currently we have 8,000 members of the public and other partner agencies registered on the system.

You can join Ringmaster by applying online at www.safer-beds.org or alternatively you can phone 01234 275288 and an application form can be sent through the post.

Immobilise

Create a FREE private and secure portfolio of all your personal property. If it is then lost or stolen, use immobilise to tell law enforcement, your insurer and the second-hand trade to assist in recovering your property and catch the thief. Website: www.immobilise.com/

Bedfordshire CRIMESTOPPERS

If you have any information about crime in your area please call Crimestoppers on:

0800 555 111

and REPORT it NOW

You do not have to give your name and you may be eligible for a reward

Domestic Abuse

Are you or someone you know experiencing domestic abuse but don't know where to go?

Domestic Abuse is often thought of as physical violence only, but the reality is that domestic abuse has a larger impact than this and can include:

• Emotional Abuse - for example constantly putting you down or isolation from family and friends
• Financial Abuse - for example not allowed access to your own money
• Psychological Abuse - for example playing 'mind games'
• Sexual Abuse

I in 4 Women & 1 in 6 Men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.

The Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Information Line can help. Trained staff are on hand to access a whole range of specialist local services:

• Freephone Number: 0808 202 1796
• Website: www.bedsdv.org.uk 

Did you know that it is an offence to Consume alcohol in Public in Ampthill?

This new 'Alcohol Consumption in Designated Places Order' came into force on 1st September 2005 and now makes it an offence to consume alcohol in certain designated places in Ampthill. This will provide  Police Officers with the power to require people to stop drinking and surrender alcohol. It will be an offence to fail to comply with that request.

SCHEDULE OF DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES WHERE IT IS AN OFFENCE TO DRINK IN PUBLIC: 

Licensing Issues

Licensing Manager Mid Bedfordshire District Council Priory House Monks Walk Chicksands Shefford Beds  SG17 5TQ Tel: 01462 611 222 Website:  www.midbeds.gov.uk

Licensing Officer       Ampthill Police Station    Woburn Street Ampthill Beds  MK45 2HX    Tel: 01234 841212

Firefighting

• Ampthill Fire Station, Oliver Street, Ampthill

Services of Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue:

• Save & Protect Life, Property & the Environment by dealing with emergencies, fires and other incidents
• Arson Letter box fits
• Arson reduction initiatives
• Home fire safety checks
• Smoke detector fits
• Fire Awareness Child Education (FACE)
• Open Days
• School Visits
• Kitchen fire demonstrations
• After the incident response
• Road traffic collision reduction initiatives
• Driver awareness campaigns
• Leaflets, newsletters and posters for local communities and organisations
• Attending fetes, galas, carnivals and charity events
• Providing business fire safety advice
• Providing advice on request
• Community fire safety presentations

Fire Contacts:

• Community Safety Team - 01234 355550
• Free Home Fire Safety Check - 0800 0435042

Do you want to get involved in tackling Community Safety Issues?

• Becoming one of the Town's Police Specials - www.bedfordshire.police.uk/index.php?_id=429 or for more information www.policespecials.com
• Respect - Tackling Anti-Social behaviour & its causes - www.respect.gov.uk  
• Neighbourhood Watch - www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/neighbourhoodwatch/nwatch01.htm

Do you want further information?

Countywide

• Bedfordshire Police
• Bedfordshire & Luton Fire & Rescue Service
• NHS Bedfordshire 
• East of England Ambulance Service
• Bedfordshire & Luton Resilience Forum

What does the Ampthill Town plan say about Community Safety issues? 

Ampthill is the only town in the area without a forum dedicated to the types of community safety issues, which could be managed at a local level by businesses and residents. The remit should cover all community safety matters and include support to the implementation of the Community Fire Safety Policy.The residents of Ampthill sought more visible policing and efforts are being made to use the mobile police station more effectively. This also offers the potential to become a multi-agency facility.

ACTIONS

• Establish a Community Safety Group.
• Establish HOMEWATCH Schemes across the town.
• Support the police in use of the mobile police station.
• Educate residents and businesses on considerate parking and address the strategy for tackling illegal parking.
• Road Safety - improve access for emergency services' vehicles.

THE VISION FOR THE FUTURE

• A forum to manage community safety issues locally.
• Active HOMEWATCH schemes across the town.
• An identifiable and easily contactable Police presence, engaging with and offering reassurance to the community.
• A safe environment in which the Emergency Services can respond quickly and efficiently to community needs.

POLICY STATEMENTS

• The town supports the establishment of a Community Safety Group.
• The town supports the established HOMEWATCH Schemes and seeks to prove wider coverage.
• The town supports the work of the Police on COCOON WATCH.