FIRST: As soon as the weather improves, we will start promoting our ‘Summer Burglary Campaign’. It will deal with windows left open for ventilation and people leaving side / back doors unlocked, as they work in their garden.
The number one items we recommend to prevent you being a victim of a burglary – is of course a burglar alarm – which you – always - set at night and whenever you go out. We only have opportunist thieves in RBWM - not Professional Burglars - who know nothing about alarms, so they are the best deterrent and defence – particularly, if the majority of homes in your road, already display them. Opportunists, always go, for the easiest option.
If you cannot afford an alarm – at least, put up a dummy box !
The second product to think about is a video doorbell. There are now loads on the market and depending upon your contract, they will send an alarm to you mobile phone, whenever the beam is broken. That is really useful during the early hours, as you can stop an offender, before they have actually broken in. Many have another useful facility – you can shout at someone on your property. If you have been woken up in the early hours, they will probably get a tongue lashing, for disturbing you – but they will leave and you have the video footage to send to us – even if no actual crime took place.
They are also really useful if a neighbour becomes the victim of a burglary or car crime as the offender may have walked into view of your camera and again you can forward the footage to us.
They have lots of uses. Many people purchase them to prevent parcel theft from the doorstep, which is becoming an issue as more and more of us order items online.
NEXT: The other campaign we will run with be the ‘Clear Car Campaign’ to prevent theft from cars. Opportunist thieves walk along parked cars trying car door handles and carrying out a quick internal search if they find a car left unlocked. Loose change left visible in the centre console / sunglasses left on the dashboard / a mobile phone holder stuck to the windscreen – can lead to a smashed window. The thief may get a few pounds in loose change, we keep there for meters / parking machines – you get the cost of a new window and the inconvenience – often worse – of having it fitted.
CAR TRACKER SYSTEMS:
We had a valuable RangeRover stolen last night in Old Windsor. Fortunately the car had a Tracker fitted and the police were able to recover it very quickly from Datchet. If you have a valuable / performance car always consider a Tracker. There are several on the market and prices vary for the range of services included. If you read these messages and see that you own a car which is frequently the target of thieves – consider a Tracker system. In most performance cars, these are installed during manufacture, to hide them and make them difficult to remove and in that case, they only need to be activated.
YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE !
SO – please – lock your car whenever it is parked up – AND – leave nothing on display, to tempt a thief.
NEXT: Community SpeedWatch
I now have the dedicated email for Community Speedwatch. Can you save it somewhere for future use, should you need it:
RBWMCommunitySpeedwa@thamesvalley.pnn.police.ukThis will be a central email that all our teams can access. If one pops up and is in their Neighbourhood, they will take it and make contact.
We are all set up and ready to go. As I said, PCSOs and RBWM Community Wardens have a list of roads they received before the lock down began and will start with those. If you feel your road has a problem, use this email and let us know, if there is a day of the week, time of day the issue is worse, so that we can target our response as accurately as possible.
NEXT: We have had a brilliant response to my article about The Food Academy’, along with offers of help and support. One stood out and is a perfect example of the good, which has come out of this Pandemic:
Dear Jeff,
I hope this finds you well.
I was thrilled to read your message in relation to the youth initiative – ‘The Food Academy’ in Windsor and Maidenhead.
I am part of the Sikh temple in Slough and am a resident of Sunningdale. The temple has featured on BBC news, in relation to its monumental food support over lockdown.
To give you an idea, we delivered over 1million meals in the first 90 days of lockdown and have continued non-stop, to the current day. Even the local council have turned to us to support residents.
I would welcome an opportunity to discuss how we can help this initiative and support the vulnerable youth locally.
Please let me know who the best contact is and I will arrange a meeting with our Coordinator.
Many thanks in advance and hopefully we can reach further people who require food support.
Nobody should go to sleep hungry.
All the best
Satnam Brar
What a wonderful response. I have put Satnam in touch with the team running the current course. If anyone needs to contact Satnam – for more information / to receive / or offer to support and be involved with the work he is doing– email me at my Police email below and I will forward your email to him.
NEXT: I mentioned in my last message that PCSO David Bullock from our Windsor Geographic Town Centre Team and been awarded the prestigious Berkshire PCSO of the year award.
Nominations are now being accepted for the next round:
2021 Community Policing Award nominations now open
The Community Policing Awards are now in their twentieth year. If you know someone who has gone above and beyond in their role or someone who you believe should be recognised for their hard work and efforts over the last year, make sure to nominate them before the nominations close on Friday 30 April 2021.
nominations for the 2021 Community Policing Awards are now open.
These awards take place annually at a ceremony held in Oxfordshire and this will be its twentieth year. The CPAs provide an opportunity to recognise and nominate the work of officers, staff and volunteers who have made the greatest contribution to their community over the past year.
The nominations will be collated and sifted down to a shortlist before they are put to a panel of judges who will make the final decision of who the community champions are.
This year there are nine categories: Please use the link to access the appropriate form to complete it.
The Police do a terrific job in difficult times. It only takes a few clicks – to say thank you ! That goes a long way, to let officers and staff know, they are really appreciated.
1. Community Police Officer 2021
Do you know a neighbourhood police officer who has made a difference to your community? Examples should demonstrate an ability to work within the officer’s community to tackle issues, defuse tensions and encourage or instigate positive engagement, not only working alone but with partners and colleagues.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QZHC5GQ2. Police Community Support Officer 2021
Can you think of a PCSO who has made an outstanding contribution to your community? Examples should include clear evidence of working with different members of the community to resolve issues and build relations and trust. PCSOs should encourage engagement with the police in a comfortable and honest manner and work well within the community and with colleagues and partners.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QL9BSVW3. Special Constable 2021
Do you know a Special Constable who has gone above and beyond to serve your community? Examples should include how they have helped your community, working with public and colleagues to assist in easing community tensions or solving issues.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WLKCVZD4. Diversity Champion 2021
Diversity champions improve engagement with minority groups in the community, working towards increasing diversity and improving accessibility between the force and the public. Do you know someone who has helped to improve diversity in your community? Examples should include how they have worked in the community with minority groups and on initiatives to raise awareness of diversity issues.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Q6J2MLW5. Cadet 2021
Cadets are young dedicated volunteers who want to make a difference in their community. Do you know a cadet who supports fellow cadets, shows initiative, supports community events, is committed to and is an advocate for the police force? Examples should include how they engage with local communities, how they are forward thinking and keen to progress within the cadet unit.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Q5ZNMRQ6. Volunteer 2021
Do you know a volunteer who actively supports the police and volunteers to work within a team in Thames Valley Police? Examples should include how they are an ambassador for the force, giving their time, own ideas and suggestions in order to improve how things are done.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WKNS7HV7. Community Volunteer 2021
Do you know a volunteer who assists with community concerns and enforcing the law? They are not employed by Thames Valley Police but work voluntarily to support the community they live/work within, enforcing the law or assisting with community concerns or working within the community to offer advice and create a safer and more welcoming environment.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/W8JVY6W8. Problem Solving Award 2021
Do you know an individual or team who have worked collectively to problem solve a community issue connected to crime reduction, anti-social behaviour and/or vulnerability which has made a real difference to a community. This can include partners, third sector and community members, as well as police staff and police officers across all departments.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Q65PT9N9. Lifetime Achievement 2021
Voted internally only, a member of Thames Valley Police nearing retirement that has completed at least 25 years’ service and has made an outstanding contribution to TVP.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QP9PN3FNominations for the 2021 Community Policing Awards close on Friday 30 April 2021.
NEXT: From RBWM:
From Friday 2 April, waste and recycling collections will be delayed by one day. For example, if your bins are normally collected on a Monday, they will be collected on a Tuesday instead. Normal waste collections will resume on Monday 12 April.:
Leisure centres reopening
Our leisure centres are getting ready to open their doors on 12 April. Here’s a reminder of what they each offer:
Braywick - new gym, wide range of fitness equipment, outdoor exercise classes, functional training, family and lane swimming pool (pictured), outdoor all-weather pitches, tennis courts.
Cox Green - outdoor all-weather pitches and tennis courts, gym, functional training, free weights, sports hall.
Furze Platt – gym, functional equipment, outdoor all-weather pitches, tennis and netball courts.
Windsor - new first-floor gym, free weights, family and lane swimming pool, outdoor exercise classes, functional training room, sports hall
There's also a Leisure Focus app to book classes, the gym, swimming, and a variety of activities. For more information about what’s available visit the Leisure Focus website. Remember, COVID-19 safety measures will still be in place when you visit.
Welcome back to our libraries
Maidenhead and Windsor Libraries are also gearing up to welcome you back from 12 April for browsing, bookable PC and study sessions, the click and collect service, and cashless council payments.
Assuming all goes well with the easing of lockdown, we hope to reopen Ascot (pictured) on 19 April followed by Dedworth, Cookham and Cox Green on 26 April. All other community libraries - Datchet, Sunninghill, Boyn Grove, Eton Wick, and Old Windsor - should reopen on 4 May. Our container library is due to reopen in June.
For more details visit the libraries section on our website. As with our leisure centres, COVID-19 safety measures will still be in place.
£10,000 awarded to local youth projects
Our Youth Ambassadors have awarded £10,000 in funding to youth projects throughout the borough.
Applications were submitted to the Youth Voice Youth Choice funding scheme earlier this year. The scheme, which has been running for 16 years, saw applicants aged between eight and 19, or up to 25 years old if they have a learning disability, apply for funding to support an individual or group youth project in the borough.
Among the successful applicants were youth groups The Old Windsor Tigers Football Club who received £650 for new equipment to use once training resumes, and WildSL6 who received £780 to deliver four wildflower workshops with pupils from Furze Platt Senior School, Maidenhead.
Charitable groups could also apply for the funding, including Windsor Horse Rangers who received £1,500 towards the cost of purchasing a new weight carrying master horse.
To learn more, visit Achieving for Children’s website or contact Elaine Keating, youth engagement officer.
https://www.achievingforchildren.org.uk/2020-youth-voiceelaine.keating@achievingforchildren.org.ukWeddings
Weddings will also return from 12 April as the Windsor Guildhall reopens to its busiest year on record.
Ceremonies are limited to 15 people from Monday and hopefully extended to 30 people from 17 May. Masks must currently be worn by guests with social distancing.
If you're looking to book your wedding or civil ceremony visit our website for more information.
Test don't guess
Remember to keep testing your children and teenagers twice weekly. This will help keep your family safe and education open next term.
As from Friday 9th April, everyone in England is being encouraged to take twice-weekly tests - even vaccinated, you can still pass on the virus. Regular testing and the vaccine rollout, are key in the government's plans to restart the economy, suppress and control the spread of variants, and allow us to do the things we miss.
You can pick up these tests at l\ocal pharmacies (more will be added)
https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/, via our Community Collect home testing service,
https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/home/council-and-democracy/contact-us/coronavirus-information-and-support/covid-19-community-collect-home-testing-kitsor at our new drive-though collect service at Ascot Racecourse (car park 3) Mondays and Wednesdays from 8am to midday.
Alternatively, you might be offered them by your employer if you cannot work at home, or at school/ college/ university if you're a student. If you need help doing the tests, or it's simply easier for you to visit us, book in with our Community Testing
https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/home/council-and-democracy/contact-us/coronavirus-information-and-support/covid-19-community-testingat Braywick or Windsor Leisure Centres.
The government is also launching an online service so tests can be sent to your home. More details about the government's new universal testing programme are on its website.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/twice-weekly-rapid-testing-to-be-available-to-everyone-in-englandThere's also a NHS site about this testing
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/scheme due to go on Friday 9th April.
Ask us about COVID-19
Now’s the time to submit your questions for our next public meeting of our Outbreak Engagement Board on Monday 19 April, which is again being live streamed from 2.30pm.
Submit your questions in advance by emailing our Democratic Services
Democratic.Services@rbwm.gov.ukby midday Friday 16 April. You won’t be able to ask questions during the session.
To join this meeting, visit our Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/WindsorMaidenhead?app=desktop&pli=1where it will appear once it starts. These meetings are also being recorded so if you miss them, you can watch them at your leisure.
NEXT:- John Logie Motor Boats in Windsor is offering all NHS nurses a free one-hour boat hire throughout April to show their gratitude for the amazing work they do.
Any local nurses wanting to enjoy their free hour on the river just need to show their ID at the jetty on Windsor Promenade (near Barry Avenue, Windsor).
You can find out more on the John Logie Motorboats website.
http://johnlogiemotorboats.com/NEXT: Peter had an issue sharing the last message, with his members, not registered on the database. We asked VisaV, who support the programme and they offered this advice – in case you are having the same problem:
Good morning Jeff,
It sounds like this user, is trying to forward the Alert message, using their own email program, rather than through the Alert system 'share' option.
I would suggest advising them that using the 'share' option on the Alert message itself, would be the way that we would advise using for sharing messages.
A guide for using the Alert forwarding system can be found here:
https://visavltd.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/207095979-How-to-share-a-messagePlease let me know if you need any further assistance.
Kind regards,
Joe
I hope that helps. If you have any issues with Alert – let me know and I forward them to the VisaV Help Desk.
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.
I have added a new email address below. The first email address is directly to your local Neighbourhood Team. The second is to our investigation team. Please use it to send any intelligence / video doorbell / CCTV footage you may have, which is relevant to any of the crimes lists below - quoting the reference number.
Alternatively you can call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or email -
www.crimestoppers-uk.orgMAIDENHEAD CENTRAL:
maidenheadcentralgeographical@thamesvalley.pnn.police.ukSR.windsor&
maidenhead@thamesvalley.pnn.police.ukNO CRIME TO REPORT.
RIVERSIDE & BELMONT:
7/4 Wednesday 11 p.m. Raymill Road East. The owner heard a noise and looked out and saw a figure running away. In the morning, they found a tyre had been damaged. Ref. No: 43210146525
MAIDENHEAD WEST
maidenheadwestgeographical@thamesvalley.pnn.police.ukSR.windsor&
maidenhead@thamesvalley.pnn.police.ukBISHAM, COOKHAM, HURLEY, THE WALTHAMS, LITTLEWICK GREEN & KNOWL HILL:
NO CRIME TO REPORT.
PINKNEYS GREEN & FURZE PLATT:
8/9 - 9/4 Thursday 6.30 p.m. / Friday 7 a.m. Deansfield Close. Car broken into and credit cards and driving licence stolen. Ref. No: 432100148536
MAIDENHEAD SOUTH
maidenheadsouthgeographical@thamesvalley.pnn.police.ukSR.windsor&
maidenhead@thamesvalley.pnn.police.ukBOYN HILL, COX GREEN & WOODLANDS PARK:
NO CRIME TO REPORT.
OLDFIELD, BRAY & HOLYPORT:
6/4 – 7/4 Tuesday 3 p.m. / Wednesday 5 p.m. Church Lane. Car rear index plate stolen. Ref. No: 43210146948
