Welcome to my newsletter and as  always, my aim is to keep you informed about what your Safer Neighbourhood Team are doing to tackle the local issues you identify through the various meetings and local Police surgeries.

          In my last newsletter I mentioned our priority was to tackle underage drinking in licensed premises and public places and the supply of alcohol to under 18 year olds.

To address these concerns my team have been working closely with licensed premises, partner agencies and local residents to crackdown on this type of behaviour. Two local women have since been fined for supplying alcohol, one of which has also been banned from licensed premises. Two local youths were also prosecuted for producing false identities in an attempt to buy alcohol.

          We will continue to clamp down on alcohol related incidents which generally leads to crime and anti social behaviour.

          Parking has been identified as a problem in Pickering. Working together with our colleagues at Local and District Councils and the Highways Agency, the shortage of spaces is currently being addressed and Police will continue to educate blue badge holders around issues surrounding their misuse.

          Officers have being carrying out speed enforcement and road side checks and in respect of the Pickering area, latest figures show that between 23 August 2010 and 22 November 2010 a total of 63 fixed penalty notices were issued. These offences included 23 for exceeding a 30mph speed limit, 9 for failing to wear a seat belt and 5 for using a mobile phone whilst driving.  SNT officers have also being carrying out lighting checks in the winter. In one 2 hour time period 26 vehicles were stopped and dealt with for vehicle defects.

          We would like to appeal directly to our elderly residents and those who have elderly parents or relatives to be vigilant against allowing cold callers into their homes. A door chain is a useful way to prevent access to someone who’s identity they are unsure of. Make them aware that all callers must carry identification and if they have any doubts must not allow them in. Remember -

STOP before you open the door

CHAIN put it on

CHECK the caller for their identification and check it before letting them in.

 Roy Brown.