ACTON SECTOR (POLICE) WORKING GROUP

REPORT OF A MEETING ON MARCH 17, 2004

The meeting was attended by one policeman and around 12 residents

Inspector Newberry has moved to Central London; his replacement will be in place at the beginning of April.

PC Liz Huggins gave the Police report

Burglary has recently gone up; TAKE ALL NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS
Vehicle crime is not all being reported. INFORM THE POLICE even if you are not claiming on insurance; they need to know what is occurring
Mobile phone snatching continues; DO NOT use mobiles in the street. The police are employing plain-clothes cops on cycles to catch them.

Anti-social behaviour. This is a real and increasing problem, with groups of youngsters causing a nuisance, hanging around or making a noise. We are asked to REPORT THEM even if they are not actually committing a crime. New Anti-social Orders are coming in and steps can be taken, finally with parents, if it continues.

A member reported a meeting with Richard Barnes of the MPA; he was concerned at the low numbers of police in Ealing compared to other boroughs, the increasing demands of paper work and the lack of incentives for police to stay on after retirement. 30% of Ealing police are probationers.

The problems of S Acton estate were brought up. The Council appear to be unsupportive of the police initiative. They should be coping with graffiti, lighting and security.

The absence of Councillors from the meeting was regretted.

The next meeting is May 19. The public are encouraged to attend. I would enjoy support!

Liz Dendy, March 18, 2004