Cookham Discussion Board

FIRST – COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH

The new procedure in now up and running.  The police will no longer be involved – other than sending the ‘educational’ letters.

THE PROCEDURE IS AS FOLLOWS:

If you believe there is speeding occurring in your road, you need to set up a ‘Community SpeedWatch Executive Committee’ of at least 3 residents from your road.  There cannot be an overarching ‘area’ CSW ‘committee’.  The Police & Crime Commissioner, emphasises, this is ‘Community’ SpeedWatch and must be totally managed by – ‘the community’.

The Executive Committee, registers their proposed scheme on the CSW Website:

https://www.communityspeedwatch.org/FRONT-v2-Home.php

On the website, they register their members and upload from Google Earth, StreetView (it is very simple – it is within the CSW website) the road they wish to monitor and the exact location of the spot they wish to use, to monitor speeding cars.  There are restrictions – a dangerous location / a bend in the road with interferes with readings etc.  A TVP staff member allocated to supporting CSW, examines the information and either permits the scheme, or suggest more suitable locations after carrying out a risk assessment.

If the scheme is approved, details are provided about the equipment required.  The PCC has provided a few sets of equipment for schemes to borrow for up to 6 months.

If none are available, roads can purchase their own – A Bushnell 101911 radar gun – the approved hand held speed indicator device costs about £180 from major online stores.  The website contains full details of what is required.

Once the scheme is approved and the necessary equipment purchased / borrowed, the road can carry out as many CSWs as they wish, when they wish.  The only prohibition is they cannot be carried out in the dark.

PHASE 1:

A CSW requires at least 3 people on the roadside:
One person uses the speedgun and calls out the speed
A second person takes down the index of the car and records the speed
A Third member writes down a brief description of the make model and colour of the car.
Often, you may need more people.  If the road is busy to share this work.

The information is written down on a sheet printed out from the website.  Cars exceeding the 30 mph limit by 3 mph, are recorded.  There are similar recording limits for other speed limits in the road.

One of the Executive Committee, then enters the data directly into the website.  The website then automatically creates letters for the registered owners of the vehicles recorded.  These are printed and posted out from any police station within TVP.  The fact that a letter has been sent, is also recorded in PNC (The Police National Computer) against that registered owner and vehicle.

The letter is part of an education programme and no fines are issued.  If the car is recorded a second time, the website sends out a more severe letter.  If the index is recorded a third time, a police officer is dispatched to speak to the registered owner face to face !

Phase 2:

If after 6 months, there is still an issue, the matter is handed over to Neighbourhood Police Officers, who carry out Speed Enforcement, including the issuing of fines a tickets.

Phase 3:

If after a further 6 months of police involvement, the data is handed over to the local Authority Highways department and the police Traffic Team for a final resolution and traffic calming measures.

The website is easy to access and contains all the necessary information you will need to set up, manage and run a scheme.

BEST OF LUCK – OVER TO YOU !

NEXT: FROM RBWM:

Hi Jeff,

We’ve one item this week we’d love your help sharing across your organisation or community:

Ukraine support webpage and phoneline launched

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead now has a dedicated webpage

https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/ukraine-support

detailing how you can help those affected by the war in Ukraine. This includes links to the latest advice and support for anyone wishing to apply to offer suitable accommodation for Ukrainians arriving in the UK.

Alternatively, there’s also a local Ukraine telephone support line on 0203 514 8117. You can call for advice from 9am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 10am to 5pm Wednesday. Ukrainians can call for advice 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm Saturday, and 11am to 2pm Sunday.

If you know a refugee individual or family you wish to sponsor, and are able to provide suitable accommodation for at least six months, whether that be a spare room in your own home or an unoccupied self-contained residential unit, then please visit the government’s Homes for Ukraine website Homes for Ukraine – Homes for Ukraine – Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine (campaign.gov.uk).

https://www.gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine

If you aren’t able to offer accommodation but would like to help with the humanitarian efforts, these organisations are running appeals:
Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal | Disasters Emergency Committee (dec.org.uk) - https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal | British Red Cross - https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal
International Rescue Committee Crisis in Ukraine: Donate Now - International Rescue Committee (rescue-uk.org) https://help.rescue-uk.org/ukraine-crisis
As always, many thanks for your help supporting us to get these important messages across the Royal Borough. If you’ve any questions, drop us an email to: volunteer@rbwm.gov.uk.

All our best,

Community Information Champions 
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead 
Town Hall 
St Ives Road 
Maidenhead SL6 1RF 

NEXT: Statement on Home Office accommodation site for asylum seekers

The council has recently been informed by the Home Office that it will shortly be using the Holiday Inn at Maidenhead for the foreseeable future to accommodate asylum seekers while their claims for sanctuary and protection in the UK are assessed.

This is a private arrangement between the Home Office and the hotel, which is closing to the public. The council was not involved in this arrangement and will not be involved in the running of this accommodation site or provision of day-to-day support, which is all being handled centrally via the Home Office. We will continue to liaise with the Home Office, NHS services and other partners with respect to our statutory duties.

This is a national situation and there are more than 100 hotels nationally operating as accommodation sites for asylum seekers, including in other parts of Berkshire. In recent weeks, we have seen the heart-warming way our community has rallied quickly, generously and compassionately to support Ukrainian refugees coming to the Royal Borough, and we hope the asylum seekers will receive an equally warm welcome from the vast majority of residents.

NEXT:  There’s still time to join our Resident Parking Discount Scheme

Our new resident parking discount scheme starts in just over a week (Monday 4 April), but there’s still time for you to apply.

It offers one hour’s free parking in six popular car parks. Residents of the Royal Borough can apply for the virtual permits required, free-of-charge, ready to start using their discounted sessions from Monday 4 April.

Applications only need to be submitted once and will last for up to two years. Applicants do not need to have a smart phone to apply for permits or use the discounts.

Guidance on the application process and a full FAQ can be found on our parking discount page.

https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/parking-discount

NEXT:  Do you love to sing ? - The Signature A Cappela singers are excited to announce a free five-week course for any ladies that love to sing. The course takes place at St Edwards Parish Centre, SL4 3BA, starting Thursday 12 May at 7.15pm. For more details and to register visit the Signature Signers website

https://signaturesingers.com/love-to-sing/

or the Eventbrite page

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/love-to-sing-registration-298037447027

NEXT: FROM ROBERT – IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated technology to break into and drive your car right off your street.
If your car has keyless entry or keyless start functions it can leave you vulnerable to vehicle thieves who use relay devices to hack into and steal keyless cars. It is estimated that thieves now exploit this technology in approximately 90% of vehicle thefts in the UK, and it can take less than 60 seconds.
Below are some of our top tips for securing your vehicle from keyless car theft:
For as little as £5 you can protect your car by using a signal blocking pouch, also known as a Faraday bag. This is a simple, affordable level of security that blocks a key’s signal due to metallic material lining the pouch.
Car keys are often kept near the front of a property, close enough for thieves to hack the signal and break into your vehicle. Consider storing keys in signal suppression bags, disabling the wireless signal or turning off keyless entry if possible.
Not got a keyless car? It is still essential to store car keys and fobs out of sight. As a rule, if thieves can see keys through a window or letterbox, they can steal them.
Old-fashioned tech can be the most effective. A Pedal Box is a bright yellow metal box made to wrap around your foot pedals and prevent access to them. Steering wheel locks are also highly effective, and both can be easily seen through a car window and act as a deterrent.
CCTV can deter potential thieves and play a pivotal role in any future police investigations. You can get cameras for all budgets, including doorbell video cameras. Already got CCTV? Make sure lenses are clean and free of obstructions such as garden foliage and cobwebs, and check the camera is in a good position to capture unwanted visitors to your home.
Most of us treat our garages like an outdoor storage room. Garden supplies, Christmas decorations, fitness equipment that started gathering dust around February…but do you actually use your garage to store your car? Keeping your car in a locked, secure garage is one of the most effective ways of protecting your vehicle from thieves.
Improve the chances of recovering your vehicle and catching car thieves by installing a tracker. Trackers can help you find vehicles even if they are concealed from sight in shipping containers, disguised or hidden underground. They can also aid police investigations, helping us bring car thieves to justice. There are lots of different vehicle tracker companies offering a variety of payment and security plans. Do your research to pick a tracker that works for you, and make sure it holds some form of official approval or accreditation.
We see numerous examples of work vans being targeted for tools due to their value, or other vehicles broken into if there are signs of valuables inside such as GPS holders or phone charging cables. Although we know it isn’t always possible, please remove any valuables that can be stored elsewhere and lock and secure vehicles when you leave them. Also check that your insurance covers any potential theft from your van.
Watch our short animation with some of our key tips:
https://youtu.be/oGAXw2A5lPY
Read more on our website:
https://www.surrey.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/vehicle-safe-and-sound/


NEXT:  To protect bikes:
Do you own a high value bike?   Do you use Strava or a bike ride tracking app ?
Protect your privacy and protect your bike!
High value bikes are being targeted everywhere. They are generally being taken from sheds and garages and sold online via social media selling platforms.
Make sure your privacy settings on bike ride apps are changed so that your start and end point aren’t shared; this is clearly your home address and where you probably store your bike.
Mark your bike by using a property or police approved forensic marking solution only visible under Ultraviolet (UV) light
Register your bike free of charge using one of the accredited property databases such as https://www.immobilise.com/
Always ensure your bike is locked or anchored to an immovable point, even inside your shed or garage Use a D-Lock - anything less won’t do

If you see anyone acting suspiciously, please call 101.
Please share this alert with any cycling clubs or groups you may belong to.

FINALLY – TWO CASES OF BLACKMAIL – BOTH DIFFERENT BLACKMAIL:

A SEXTORTION:  A young man was approached by an attractive woman online.  Intimate acts took place later, which the woman videoed.  Immediately demands came through for £500.

A PET BLACKMAIL:  A family lost their pet cat and put up posters around their area.  The poster had their name, address and phone number.  They received a call from a withheld number saying they had the cat, but would only return it if the owner paid £500 !  This has now escalated into threats to kill the cat if the payment is not made.  They have not provided any proof that they have the cat.  The owner believes this is a scam.

CRIME

I have attached reference numbers to each crime report. If you live in the vicinity of any of the crimes mentioned and have CCTV or a video doorbell, can you please check the footage. If you have any that might be of interest to the police, can you please make contact with us, quoting reference number given.

Alternatively you can call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or email - www.crimestoppers-uk.org


MAIDENHEAD CENTRAL:
maidenheadcentralgeographical@thamesvalley.police.uk
31/3  Thursday 2.15 a.m.  Cordwallis Road.  Report od a man walking along the road, trying car door handles.  Ref. No:  432200138486
29/3  Tuesday 8.30 a.m. / 9 p.m.  Car Park, Stafferton Way.  Grey, Porsche Cayenne index EY ** JPO stolen

RIVERSIDE & BELMONT:
NO CRIME TO REPORT.

MAIDENHEAD WEST
maidenheadwestgeographical@thamesvalley.police.uk
BISHAM, COOKHAM, HURLEY, THE WALTHAMS, LITTLEWICK GREEN & KNOWL HILL:
30/3  Wednesday 11.25 p.m.  Shepherds Close, Hurley.  Catalytic converter stolen from a Honda Civic.  Ref. No:  432200138314

PINKNEYS GREEN & FURZE PLATT:
28/3 – 29/3  Monday 10 p.m. / Tuesday 7 a.m.  Sandringham Road.  Car dented previous week, thought to have been an accident in the road.  Overnight Monday / Tuesday, the car was covered in eggs and flour.  Ref. No:  432200135471

MAIDENHEAD SOUTH
maidenheadsouthgeographical@thamesvalley.police.uk
BOYN HILL, COX GREEN & WOODLANDS PARK
NO CRIME TO REPORT.

OLDFIELD, BRAY & HOLYPORT:
NO CRIME TO REPORT.