Issue 119 - the Pembury Village Website

CRIME IN PEMBURY
DISAPPOINTINGLY, THE figures for recorded crime have risen again, although only by
a small amount, but we know that this figure is far from accurate. Many people do not
report crime anymore purely and simply because they either can’t get through to the police,
are confronted by a wretched answering machine or are put off by the negative response. We
even had one parishioner who was threatened with arrest because, having witnessed what he
felt was criminal damage in the Lower Green Recreation Ground, the only number he knew
that he could call on his mobile phone was 999. Unfortunately, this was viewed as wasting
police time!
The main increase in the crime figures has come about by cases of assault jumping from 3 to 7
and acts of vandalism or anti-social behaviour from 13 to 20. Sadly, the increase in anti-social
behaviour is a national problem and one which collectively we seem unable to conquer. Now,
before the local constabulary accuse me of not supporting them, I want to make it quite clear
that I always have and always will, but that will not stop me from criticising them when I think
it is necessary.
It is my opinion that recently we have not received the assistance we should have done in
tackling the problem of vandalism, and even when we have repeatedly advised them of the
damage to the play equipment and facilities in the recreation ground, Woodhill Park, Westway,
etc. it would appear that no charges have yet been made. If I am wrong I will apologise now.
Keep on the alert, don’t make it easy for the would-be criminal or vandal and please contact
the police number 01892 502025 if you wish to report a non-emergency incident. When
reporting, make sure you get a crime number; please contact me (tel. 823068) if you have a
repeat of some of the communication problems recently experienced. If the incident is lifethreatening,
with immediate danger of injury or damage to property, a crime in progress or
offenders nearby, then the information in the phone book police advertisement is to phone 999.
Hugh Boorman
MONTH
Assault
Burglary
Dwelling
Burglary Other
Criminal
Damage
Fraud and
Deception
Theft from
Motor Vehicle
Theft of Motor
Vehicle
Vehicle
Interference
Theft Offences
TOTAL
April 2004
Mayy 2004
June 2004
TOTAL
2
3
2
7
1
2
3
1
1
4
5
11
20
1
1
2
1
3
4
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
7
10
10
12
28
50
ROAD
A21 B
Beagles Wood Road
Bellfield Road
Camden Avenue
Hastings Road
Henwood Green Road
Henwoods Mount
Highfield Close
High Street
Lower Green Road
Maidstone Road
Romford Road
The Grove
Tonbridge Road
Woodhill Park
TOTAL
1
2
1
1
1
1
7
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
3
5
1
1
2
3
3
20
2
2
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
3
2
1
10
2
3
2
1
5
9
1
1
7
8
1
2
1
2
5
50
33