Monthly Column by
Sector Inspector Matt Snow
We are now half way through the three month period for the priorities set by the Panel Meeting in July. The Panel agreed to focus one of the priorities on issues affecting life in Hampton. These include anti-social behaviour by young people gathering on the streets in Hampton, the parking problems in some areas of the neighbourhood and reducing the amount of shoplifting in Serpentine Green.
We expected an increase of calls about anti-social behaviour in the summer months and targeted our patrols at weekends to tackle this problem. We confiscating alcohol from some under-age drinkers and dispersed noisy groups. We were successful in nipping a lot of the problems in the bud in July. By setting standards early we stopped bad behaviour becoming a habit throughout the summer. We continue to have sporadic problems which we deal with when they arise. However, some of the calls to deal with young people are more to do with callers' perceptions that a group of young people must be an anti-social gathering. When we speak to them they are local residents meeting their friends and behaving well.
Parking remains a difficult topic in Hampton with narrow streets and insufficient parking spaces. On 12th August we carried out a Parking Blitz to tackle the complaints of obstruction which we heard about at the panel meeting. We chose a working day after work as everyone should have returned home and parked their cars. Four PCSOs and a sergeant visited every street in Hampton. One Fixed Penalty Notice was issued for obstruction. Since my decision at the beginning of August that the team should issue tickets rather than warn residents seven tickets have been issued. Our colleagues in the Fire Service have also conducted patrols and have found their fire engine was not obstructed.
Our patrols of the Serpentine Green Centre have provided a uniform presence for people using the facilities - both Hampton residents and people who travel to Hampton for shopping. We have worked with the Centre management and dealt with a local man collapsing in the Centre and investigated racist graffiti in the public toilets. Our patrols have seen a reduction in the number of shoplifting offences in Serpentine Green since July. The vast majority of offenders live away from Hampton. I'm sure you will agree that no-one in Hampton wants Serpentine Green to be known as a soft touch for criminals as it encourages thieves to travel to the area. By working with Serpentine Green management and the other security companies on site we can ensure the Centre remains a safe place for everyone.
All this work has been supported by our amazing team of Special Constables who patrol with us and have focussed this summer on working at the times when the team are not around. These police officers are volunteers who want to support the community. They are running a stall at Hampton Autumn Fayre next week, so do stop and speak with them and maybe consider joining them.
Thanks
Matt