Police Constable Mark Smith reported that there had been only four crimes in the Parish during the previous month. These were the theft of two White Star plates from Shawford Parish Hall, two acts of vandalism to cars parked in the Captain Barnard Car Park and an interference with a Car in Otterbourne road. When questioned about cars parked in Shawford village, PC Mark Smith advised that the Police will issue Parking Tickets to cars parked inconsiderately and which are causing an obstruction. Whilst the Highways Authority is reluctant to increase the Yellow Lining, the Parking of cars opposite the Bridge Hotel is viewed as a Traffic Calming measure.
Whilst Police Constable Mark Smith was not able to attend the meeting, he had submitted a written report in which he reported that the culprit who caused significant graffiti damage at Shepherds Down School, the M3 underpass and the Bus Shelter opposite Shepherds Lane, was known to the police but no action could be taken due to a lack of evidence. The culprit has now left the area.
Police Constable Mark Smith reported upon a major issue of concern. This was the large amount of Graffiti that appeared over the Christmas holiday at the entrance of Shepherds Down School, in the M3 underpass and in the Bus Shelter opposite Shepherds Lane. The nature of the Graffiti was considered particularly offensive and appeared to be targeted at the pupils of Shepherds Down School. The cost of cleaning off this graffiti is significant, but the Parish Council has made the arrangements for its immediate cleaning of property which is the responsibility of the Parish Council. The suspected culprits are understood to be known to the Police who are progressing their investigations.
Although Police Constable Mark Smith was not in attendance, he had submitted a written report in which he referenced a house burglary opposite Shawford Down. Disturbingly, there have been two similar offences occurring in Otterbourne, one of which occurred on Christmas Day. It is hoped that the areas of Compton and Otterbourne will not now be targeted by travelling criminals, and that residents will be vigilant.
Police Constable Mark Smith reported that there had only been three offences within the Parish since the 1st November 2003. These consisted of one instance of damage to fences and two of thefts from motor vehicles in the car park of the Bridge Hotel and The Captain Barnard.
Police Constable Mark Smith reported that there had only been two crimes reported within the Parish during the month, some damage to the Scout Hut and a car broken into at the bottom of Shawford Down when a handbag was stolen.
However, Police Constable Clive Barham was in attendance and he gave his usual comprehensive report on Crime in the area during the preceding month. P.C.Barham also advised that after seven years he is to take up new duties, still based at Twyford Police Station, and as a result will no longer be the "Beat Officer" for the Parish. A unanimous vote of thanks to Clive was expressed by the full Parish Council for the work he has undertaken within the Parish over those seven years. His replacement is yet to be identified.
P.C. Clive Barham reported on 8 crimes within the Parish, covering burglary, theft, graffiti and vandalism, as well as break-ins to several cars.
Police Constable Barham reported that since 1 February there have been three crimes reported in the parish. A moped was stolen and two cars broken into and jackets stolen. He announced that a letter is to be circulated announcing a merger between Twyford and Alresford Police Sections. This is not expected to affect the Parish much, but if anything it should result in a small improvement in police coverage of the area.
It was agreed to write to the Chief Constable expressing appreciation and thanks for all the hard and useful work carried out in the area by PC Clive Barham, particularly his regular reports in the Parish Magazine and the recent Report of the Compton and Shawford Community Safety & Security Survey 1997.
PC Barham reported on seven crimes that had been recently committed in the area, and advised that there had been 150 replies to the Compton and Shawford Safety Survey on which he is writing a report for councillors.