SCHOOL PREMISES
The on going School Watch Operation has proved successful in the past couple of months, as six local youths have been prosecuted for offences of criminal damage and causing nuisance on educational premises. These arrests and prosecutions were a direct result of local residents providing police with vital information; again I would like to point out that anyone found on school premises without permission will face positive police action. Anyone who has names of persons they have seen on school premises out of normal school hours, please feel free to contact me (John Seymour PC 1636) on 0845 60 60 365.
OPERATION TAKEAWAY
Just a reminder that this operation is still running and is targeting persons who drive without a valid driving licence or insurance. The message is simple take a chance and drive without any valid driving documentation and your vehicle will be seized by police and may be scrapped. The driver is then liable for any costs which are incurred for the police to recover and store the vehicle, as well as having their licence endorsed with penalty points and fined. Anyone who has information regarding persons driving without valid documents please contact me (you may remain anonymous if you wish).
ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS (ABC)
A number of local youths are now signed up to these agreements; a youth who on more that three occasions comes to police attention many be subject to an ABC. These contracts set out conditions designed at restricting the individual’s behaviour whilst in public; the conditions are decided between the Police and the Anti-Social Behaviour co-ordinator who is employed by Sedgefield Borough Council. The conditions will reflect the circumstances in which the individual had come to the police attention. If any individual continues to come to the police attention after agreeing to the ABC then this assists the police in making an application for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO).
ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR ORDERS
We currently have one local male who is subject to an ASBO this male has recently breached his order and the result has been him remanded in custody. This is a good example of how this legislation does work and hopefully sends a positive message out to other persons who persist in carrying out acts of anti social behaviour.
Crime in the last month was extremely low; out of the small amount of crime committed approximately 20% could have been prevented. Everyday tasks such as locking doors, windows or taking valuable property out of vehicles can assist us in crime reduction. A current trend in other areas of the County is theft of satellite navigation kits from vehicles. Please be aware of this if you own one.
MOBILE PHONES AND DRIVING
You may be aware that the penalty has increased if you are caught driving whilst using your mobile phone. The new penalty is a £60 fine and your license endorsed with three penalty points. The points will affect your insurance premium.
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