ABSOLUTELYFINALPLAN1stJune09 AW.pdf - Biddestone Village

Questionnaire Results: Police, Community Safety and CrimeA Neighbourhood Policing Team initiative has been instigatedto include a Beat Manager, Police Officers, CommunitySupport Officers and members of the Special Constabulary.This is to provide cover for several local parishes. It has had startupproblems because of a shortage of staff.In 2006 only two cases of theft were reported to the police,one of a stolen tax disc from a car and the other of some hangingbaskets. In the last two years, there have been a significant numberof other break-ins and thefts in the Parish including distractionburglaries as well as cases of people posing as representativesfrom utilities companies in order to gain entry into the property.For this reason, although the parish is seen as a relativelysafe place to live, many people are concerned about thethreat of burglary (61.3%) while other types of theft (23%) andvandalism (25%) are also significant worries. A small numberof people replied that there are areas of the parish in whichthey feel unsafe. There is very limited street lighting in theparish which makes some residents nervous about walking at night.However, the majority of residents were not keen to introduce furtherlighting.safety and responsibility whilst moving around the parish. Cyclists needto use the roads responsibly and the control of dogs has to beunderstood.The conditions and narrowness of the roads affects the safety ofdrivers, cyclists, pedestrians and riders of horses. A high proportion ofpeople who own horses in the area use the roads, lanes andbridleways, as does the local riding school. Many others ride into thevillages, which has implications on road safety.“It is important to protect and preserve villages ofexceptional beauty and historical interest as placeswhere people of all ages are happy to live and feel secureand safe.”Most respondents said that they would like to be members of theNeighbourhood Watch scheme. A new coordinator is needed for thescheme to keep residents aware of thefts and scams and to liaise withthe police.36% said the police coverage was reasonable30% said it was poorThe poaching of fish from the By Brook in Slaughterford and otherwildlife throughout the parish is a continuing problem as well as flytipping. The community needs to be aware of ways to improve personalBiddestone & Slaughterford Parish Plan36