Abingdon Neighbourhood Police Team Newsletter February 2021

Priorities
Anti-social behaviour (ASB)
In January, officers from the neighbourhood team were granted two closure orders by Oxford Magistrates’ Court. One for a property on Kimmeridge Road, Cumnor and another at Vineyard, Abingdon. Officers applied for the orders following reports of anti-social behaviour, criminality and drug activity. The purpose of the orders is to restrict persons entering the addresses, due to the number of reports and associated behaviour. The orders also ensure the safe guarding of the residents. Both orders will last for 3 months.
 
Burglary
On Thursday 7th January, a male broke into the Co-op in Kennington by smashing a window. The male stole several bottles of alcohol before making off from the scene. Following officers’ enquiries, a male was subsequently arrested the following morning and has been bailed whilst further enquiries are carried out.
 
At around 6.45pm on Friday 8th January, two unknown offenders entered a property in Hurst Lane, Cumnor. They were confronted by the occupants of the property, a woman and three men, and an altercation took place. The offenders threatened the occupants with a baton and what is thought to be a crowbar. Nothing was taken during the incident.  
 
Two thefts occurred following burglaries to paddocks and stables on Sandford Lane, Kennington. The first took place between Wednesday 6th January at 5pm and Thursday 7th January at 9am. The second took place between 4.30pm on Sunday 10th and 9am on Monday 11th January. One male has been arrested and has been released under investigation whilst further investigations are carried out.
 
If you would like any crime prevention advice, including a home security assessment, please contact the team by emailing
Alternatively, you can download our free Home Security Guide by visiting https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/police-forces/thames-valley-police/areas/advice/home-security-guide/
 
Electric Scooter advice
We have received several reports in relation to the use of E-scooters in the area. We would like to take this opportunity to clarify the law and rules surrounding the use of E-scooters: E-scooters are classed as a motor vehicle and so the use of them falls under the Road Traffic Act 1988. As private e-scooters cannot be insured, taxed or registered, as motor vehicles need to be, they can only be used on private land, with the permission of the landowner. Rental e-scooters as part of the government trials can be used on public roads but not on pavements. However, there are currently no government trials taking place in the Abingdon area. Therefore, the use of an E-scooter is currently illegal unless it is being ridden on private land. Following the reports the team have received, PCSO Jamie Horner has written a warning letter to one rider and PCSO Clare Atkins has been carrying out enquiries, following a separate complaint. 
 
What the team have been doing
Due to a recent series of theft of milk from doorsteps across the South and Vale area, PCSO Maddie Highmoor has been conducting enquires and reassurance patrols in Abingdon and Kennington.
 
PCSO Rich Osborn has been following up reports of criminal damage in Marcham, by completing house to house and CCTV enquiries. Damage was caused to several vehicles in the village on the evening of Friday 15th January. Despite the associated social media attention in relation to the incidents, we believe there may be some victims who have not officially reported damage to the police. Investigations are ongoing at this time, however if you have any information about the incidents, please get in contact.
 
On Tuesday 2nd February, the neighbourhood team responded to several reports of young people gathering in the town centre, being anti-social, fighting and breaching the current COVID restrictions. A number of young people were stopped checked. Follow up work is being completed, including the review of CCTV. All persons identified will receive a home visit and be spoken to about their conduct, and their parents/guardians reminded of the restrictions in place. If there are further breaches, the parents/legal guardians will be issued with COVID 19 Fixed Penalty Notices.
 
Have Your Say meetings
Due to the current social restrictions in place, face to face ‘Have Your Say’ meetings are currently not being held until it is safe to do so again. Please use the details below to contact the team about any concerns you have.
 
Please get in touch/follow us using the following:
E-mail:
Twitter: @tvpsouthandvale
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tvpsouthandvale
Phone: 101
Always phone 999 in an emergency
 
Message Sent By
Susannah Morley (Police, PCSO, Abingdon)

Permanent link to this article: https://kennington-pc.gov.uk/abingdon-neighbourhood-police-team-newsletter-february-2021/