I noticed from the Parish Council Dec 2009 minutes the latest published crime figures, (see below).
There is a meeting in Bishopthorpe on Tuesday March 2nd 2010 in the Village Hall from 7.00pm. This is a residents meeting to raise concerns with our local Police team.
I have seen little evidence of the Police recently around Bishopthorpe apart from last weekend. Has anybody else seen any Police activity recently? Are we not better seeing the Police 'little but often' rather than 'after the horse has bolted'?
Bishopthorpe Figures 19th November 2009 - 11th December 2009
Arson
20/11 - Trampoline set on fire on Acaster Lane
04/12 - York RI Sailing Club set on fire
Criminal Damage
21/11 - Window broken on Main Street
22/11 - Damage to field shelter on Acaster Lane
06/12 - Threats to burn down house - 1 Arrested
06/12 - Oil poured over the door to the Methodist Church
06/12 - Paint on Play equipment / machinery at the play park on Keble Park North
Commercial Burglary
10/12 - Junior School entered, Damage caused - 1 Arrested
Burglary
26/11 - House entered on Keble Park North, key's and scooter taken
21/11 - Shed entered on the Allotments on Appleton Road
09/12 - Garage entered on Maclagan Road
ASB - (None crime)
20/11 - Scooters on Main Street
24/11 - Youths on play park on Keble Park North
26/11 - Youths on play park on Keble Park North
27/11 - Fire works been set off on Ferry Lane
09/12 - Youths outside the Methodist church.
I have seen the police - but they need time to eat and sleep too. I think we should be being more nosy. Have that cup of coffee on the doorstep, go for an evening walk, and if you hear that there's been an incident tell someone else... and someone else... because someone will have noticed the 'innocent' person just where they say they weren't at the appropriate time. Keep your ears and eyes open and then tell the police.
The Police have been quite active in Bishopthorpe and there have been arrests, but the justice system is not always robust enough to deter offenders. Crime and anti-social behavour is totally different from years gone by and the mere presence of Police is not the only effective way of dealing with such activities.
The community has to be ready to report such activities and be prepared to make a statement so that offenders can be brought to book.