This evening I attended the Police Residents Meeting in the 260th Scout Group Hut off Spring Road. The meeting was attended by Sgt Mark Fellows, our Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant and Police Community Support Officer John Ludford, who brought the latest figures for crime on the Yarnfield Estate which were;

Since the last meeting in December (63 Days)

– 39 Total recorded Crimes (Down 6 on the previous equivalent period) Of which there were:

– 5 Burglaries from Homes (Up 3 on the previous month)
– 10 Vehicle Crimes (Up 5 on the previous month)
– 4 Assaults (Down 2 from the previous month)
– 2 Thefts from Shops
– 3 Damage to Dwellings
– The other recorded crimes were a variety of misdemenours

PCSO John Ludford gave a report on Events the Police have held since the last meeting these included:

– Pro-Lazer session on Fox Hollies Road, in which 14 drivers were issued warnings (for driving between 30mph and 40 mph) and 5 given fixed penalty tickets (3 of whom were driving over 50mph)
– A session outside Yarnfield School highlighting the safety of vehicle restraints for children (booster seats etc) – a rather worrying total of 23 drivers were not carrying their children legally and were advised on action they needed to take to ensure their children were safe and legal in the future.

He also mentioned upcoming schemes and events, the highlight of which will be a United Streets of Birmingham Event on the 29th of February, which will include a number of traffic safety events all over the city.

After a string of distraction burglaries in Acocks Green and Neighbouring Wards, the Police asked residents be on the look out for two Caucasian Males in their 30’s or 40’s. One man claimed that his son’s remote controlled helicopter had fallen in a resident’s back garden and whilst the owner was distracted the other man gained entry and stole money from the home. Police are asking that residents take precautions and remember to check identification on the door and not to let strangers in to their homes.

As we get closer to spring, the police also highlighted that criminals target sheds, as they aren’t as ‘safe as houses’, to use their own words. They recommended that people check the security of their sheds ensuring that they are locked and also suggested shed alarms which can be found at most DIY stores.

Finally, if you have young children, you may be interested in hearing that the 260th Scout Group, will be having a Half Term Fun Day this Wednesday, for Children between the ages 4-14; attendance costs £5 and you must provide your child with a packed lunch. The Fun Day runs from 10am to 4pm.