Saltford Parish Council (SPC) held its annual ‘Meet Your Community Police Officer’ event on Thursday 3 November at Saltford Hall, which was open to all residents to attend.
The Parish Council was pleased to welcome PC James Evans, Neighbourhood Officer for the Keynsham Beat Team, to speak and to answer resident’s questions.
At SPC’s invitation the event was chaired by Saltford B&NES Ward Councillor Duncan Hounsell. SPC was also pleased to welcome Councillor Alastair Singleton, B&NES Council’s representative on the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel (and also a B&NES Councillor for Saltford Ward).
The meeting was attended by many residents as well as SPC Councillors.
Trevor Wilmot, Avon and Somerset Police’s Neighbourhood Watch Administrator, had sent through a comprehensive report (copy below) which was presented by Cllr Hounsell at the start of the meeting. It highlighted safety and crime prevention steps that residents could take, particularly at this time of year when the days are darker for longer and people make plans for Bonfire Night and the festive season. Trevor Wilmot’s report also stated that Saltford is a low crime area, and that the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme continues to grow. Anyone interested in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme can contact Trevor Wilmot via the A&S Police website.
Saltford’s B&NES Ward Councillor Alastair Singleton then shared information on the role of the A&S Police and Crime Panel and its responsibility for scrutinising the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Shelford. Cllr Singleton provided an update following changes in police personnel in the B&NES area in 2022, stating that Mark Shelford’s appointment and those of other staff had resulted in many positive changes and improved quality of work. Cllr Singleton added that priorities of the Police and Crime Commissioner included recruitment and retention of staff, and that there was a current focus on addressing drug dealing / ‘county lines’ as well as violence against women and girls. Cllr Singleton also said that reducing reoffending was also a current key priority. Further to the information shared by Cllr Singleton, A&S Police have shared this document which gives information on the first of a series of forums attended by the Police and Crime Commissioner and local Councillors, including information on the PCC’s aims and also some of the questions that were asked at the event.
PC James Evans was then asked by Cllr Hounsell to share the background to his 20+ year career in policing, including the past five years as a member of the Keynsham Beat Team. PC Evans mentioned his own personal links to the area that he is now the Neighbourhood Officer for, and also gave an insight into the day-to-day workings of the Keynsham Beat Team, including: team size, shift patterns, geographical areas covered, the beat team’s work with other teams in A&S police, plus other practical policing information.
The opportunity was then given to everyone present at the meeting to ask questions or to raise concerns regarding policing matters in the Saltford area. These included questions about what parking issues the police can attend to (obstructions in the highway) as well as associated issues relating to high visitor numbers in Saltford during periods of good weather. PC Evans added that police can accompany B&NES Council’s Enforcement Officers (‘traffic wardens’) at busy times if required, and SPC said that they would share this with B&NES Council to help aid enforcement in the summer months.
Other matters raised by residents included catalytic converter thefts at local Park and Rides; the Keynsham Police custody centre and how those taken there travel onwards following exiting the police station (welfare, bus tickets etc); excessive noise and police visits associated with local short term holiday lets; and parking concerns particularly on roads near Saltford Primary School during school drop-off and pick-up times.
PC Evans responded to all questions and concerns from residents. This included providing further information or signposting to where additional information could be found, plus agreeing to action points where possible e.g. more PCSO visits to roads near Saltford Primary School. He also added that staff numbers had increased in the Beat team and reassured those present that there is always policing provision for Saltford as the Keynsham Team is supported by nearby teams when required.
Further to setting up new Neighbourhood Watch schemes, helpful information provided included the option for residents to set up their own ‘Community Speed Watch’ schemes, as well as information on how best to report issues to the police. Guidance included calling 101 (999 in an emergency), which goes to all members of the Keynsham Beat Team for awareness and response. Alternatively residents can contact the Keynsham Beat Team via their webpage.
After the meeting formally ended, residents had the opportunity to discuss matters of concern directly with PC James Evans.
Saltford Parish Council would like to thank everyone who came along and participated to the meeting, and especially to PC James Evans for his constructive and informative responses regarding local concerns (and for kindly attending on his day off!). SPC also very much appreciates Saltford’s B&NES Ward Cllrs Alastair Singleton and Cllr Duncan Hounsell for their contribution to the meeting.
The ‘Meet Your Community Police Officers’ event is hosted annually by Saltford Parish Council. Information about the next meeting will be on SPC’s website, social media and noticeboard.
Copy of Trevor Wilmot’s report (Neighbourhood Watch Administrator, A&S Police):
Membership of Neighbourhood Watch continues to show strong interest as the area returns to a level of normality following the Covid 19 restrictions that we imposed. Public meetings are returning after a long period of online gatherings. Despite those difficult times Neighbourhood Watch continued to grow to a point where we now have over 120,000 members in the Avon and Somerset police area. We did have some resignations in Saltford, but these schemes have either found replacement coordinators or the Watch was amalgamated into another scheme.
Myself and my fellow Neighbourhood Watch administrators have been working with the new Fraud Unit of the police, Crimestoppes, Trading Standards and Action Fraud to be able to keep everyone informed of any new scams that have shown up in our area. Unfortunately scams are a growth “industry” and appear almost daily. Unfortunately the offenders are very good at their job and jump on anything that will bring them money. At the moment the fuel relief payments are one of the scams. Remember that the vast majority of people will have these payments taken off their bills so there is no need to put in a claim. Missed delivery texts are also prevalent so be careful if you get one of these. Think, are you even expecting a delivery? Have you placed an order? If so, does the company you’ve dealt with even know your mobile number and most transactions are conducted by email.
As the clocks have gone back and it gets dark earlier, it’s worth thinking about making your home look occupied whenever you go out. Leave a light on a timer switch and have a radio tuned to a talk station to give the impression there’s someone in.
Christmas is fast approaching so remember to protect yourself when out shopping. Make sure your purses and wallets are kept secure and be wary of anyone getting too close when you’re entering your pin number. Shield the keypad with your hand. When shopping, don’t leave bags of gifts in your car – especially in plain sight. If you are doing a “big shp” and want to put what you’ve purchased in your car, put the gifts in the boot and consider moving to another parking space if possible. This will make anyone watching the car park think that you’ve left and the car’s empty when you leave/arrive.
Catalytic converter theft unfortunately continues to happen, with park and ride car parks being especially targeting by criminals. Owners of Japanese vehicles should be especially careful as these are popular targets. Be wary of anyone who seem to be working or repairing their vehicle in car parks. Don’t approach them but make a note of any vehicle they may be using and a description if possible. As always, don’t put yourself at risk.
Saltford is a very low crime area, with most of the offences occurring in the Keynsham area, although these have also reduced in number. By taking simple crime prevention steps we hope that crime numbers continue to fall. Thank you all for your continued support of the Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Please contact me if I can help or if you want to start a new Watch.
Trevor Wilmot (7164), NHW Administrator, Northeast
Neighbourhood & Partnership Directorate | Avon and Somerset Police