Teddy Bears Picnic in Dartmoor National Park 2012

The second annual Teddy Bears' picnic organised by Dartmoor National Park Rangers takes place this Thursday 2nd August 11.30am to 1pm at Venford.

Details and whom to contact on the flyer reproduced below:)

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Rotary Club of Ashburton Buckfastleigh Artex 2012

The Rotary Club of Ashburton Buckfastleigh 13th annual Art Exhibition - ARTEX - is again being held by kind permission of the Abbot at Buckfast Abbey.

Thursday 2nd August - Monday 13th August

Again the exhibits are in the splendour of the Mediaeval Guest Hall, and set in the beautiful gardens of the Abbey.

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With AnneMarie Morris MP visiting ODE True Food Cafe Shaldon

Joined 'Fiesty' MP for Newton Abbot Constituency AnneMarie Morris today at ODE True Food Cafe Shaldon, Tim Bougard's latest catering venture in Shaldon. It is an eco sustainable venture with views over Teignmouth. Thanks for the welcome guys.

New Video Highlights Teignmouth And Shaldon's 'Moment To Shine' (published 18.07.12)

Teignbridge District Council press release which includes a video of MUSE running with the Olympic Torch

http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16243

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3OprKTvc-s&feature=player_embedded

Closure Update Buckfastleigh Post Office Raid

I reproduce below a copy of a letter I have received as a Ward Member for Ashburton Buckfastleigh from the Post Office regarding the temporary closure of Buckfastleigh Post Office following the raid on the building. Sorry for the poor quality. Please pass on details to those Members of the Community who do use the internet.  Thanks.

Rotary Artex Exhibition August 2012 Buckfast Abbey

The Rotary Club of Ashburton Buckfastleigh is holding its 13th annual Art Exhibition - by kind permission of the Abbot - at Buckfast Abbey between Thursday 2nd August and Monday 13th August 2012.

If you are a local resident or visitor come along and support us - even buy that special picture.

for updates, news, views and general random thoughts follow me on Twitter at #vogelphilipc

Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Kingskerswell and Rural Policing report June 2012

I've also been sent which I reproduce below a text copy of the Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Kingskerswell and Rural Newsletter. Its much better in its original PDF format.

 July / August 2012 

Welcome to this month’s newsletter, this is a bumper summer edition to cover two months. 

Having learnt from my error last month I will now be sending the newsletter using blind copy in order to maintain privacy of e-mail addresses. 

I am pleased that the first edition was well received and as ever I welcome feedback. 

Contacts: 

Sgt 5546 Phil Williams – Neighbourhood Sergeant 

Newton Abbot Town - PC 4183 Ian Russell / PCSO 30479 Shaun Woodward / PCSO 30112 Sharon Roffey / PCSO 30497 Charlotte Perkin / PCSO 30245 Debbie McCaffery 

Kingsteignton – PC 4290 Lou Barlow / PCSO 30465 Ness Pike / PCSO 30385 Glen Naldrett 

Buckland / Milber and College Ward – PC 6800 Dave Rogers / PCSO 30556 Rob Wright 

Kingskerswell & Rural – PC6800 Rogers / PCSO 30556 Rob Wright / PCSO 30479 Shaun Woodward / PCSO 30497 Charlotte Perkin / PCSO 30245 Debbie McCaffery 

Telephone: 101 

E-mail: teignbridge@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk 

Website: www.neighbourhoodpolicing.devon-cornwall.police.uk 

Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Kingskerswell and Rural 

Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Kingskerswell and Rural 

Newsletter 

Newsletter 

Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Kingskerswell and Rural 

Police are urging tourists to undertake some simple safety measures whilst on holiday in Devon and Cornwall. 

Over the next few months, police will be distributing posters and leaflets containing crime prevention advice for holidaymakers to accommodation and leisure providers across the region. 

PC Dave Rogers from Newton Abbot, said: “We want everyone who visits the south west to enjoy their time here and look forward to coming back again. It only takes a few minutes to read the safety advice offered. By taking these few simple steps visitors can have peace of mind and keep themselves and their property safe. 

“Our region is one of the safest places to live and visit but in the unlikely event that holidaymakers become a victim of crime, or witness a crime, we would urge them to contact the police on 101 or in an emergency dial 999." 

Top three safety tips while on your holiday: 

Don’t leave valuables in your car. 

 Keep your mobile phone in a safe place. 

 Don’t leave bags unattended. 

Other safety tips: 

 Stick to well-lit paths and avoid walking alone at night. 

 Secure your vehicle/caravan/room/tent and do not leave any valuables on display. 

 Keep your vehicle keys in a safe place. 

 Use personal safes provided by your accommodation where possible. 

Enjoy a safe holiday 

Beware of PPI Scams 

Within the last month we have had a scam reported to us which focuses on PPI repayments, with one unfortunate gentleman being conned out of £1200. 

The scam works in a number of ways; potential victims receive a cold call, apparently from the British Bankers' (or Banking) Association, claiming they are due a repayment of some thousands of pounds in PPI repayments. As the conversation continues, it becomes apparent that the customer has to pay an upfront fee to receive this money. The British Bankers' Association does not sell products or services to the public and will never make telephone calls or send emails to members of the public except in reply to their queries. Nor will they ask you to verify personal information or account details 

Another method focuses on individuals who have made claims via seemingly legitimate companies having been advised that they are entitled to thousands of pounds worth of compensation, but in order to do so they have to pay a fee upfront. Of course once the money is paid no compensation is received. 

Upfront payments are often requested by one of the following methods: 

Money Transfer: Payment can be requested via Western Union or the Post Office’s MoneyGram® service. 

Ukash Vouchers: Consumers are asked to purchase cash vouchers through a local high street shop and use the reference code to send the payment by email or over the telephone. If you have been a victim and paid money via the Ukash voucher scheme, contact UKash immediately on 00800 2478 5274 (open 24 hours) to see if the payment can be blocked. For further information see the warnings on the Ukash website. 

Paysafecard: Consumers are asked to purchase payment cards through a local high street shop and use the reference code to send the payment by email or over the telephone. If you have been a victim and paid money via Paysafecard, contact the company immediately on 0845 021 3059 (open 24 hours) to see if the payment can be blocked. For further information see the Paysafecard website. 

Bank Transfer or Debit and Credit Cards: Scammers sometimes ask consumers to provide their bank or card details in order for them to withdraw payment. If you have already given out these details, you should contact your bank or card provider immediately to stop or check any unauthorised transactions. 

If you believe you may have been mis-sold PPI, please contact your bank directly who will be able to advise you. 

Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Kingskerswell and Rural 

Newsletter 

Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Kingskerswell and Rural 

Newsletter 

Police are reminding people to protect themselves and their personal items when travelling to the Olympics or watching the games at venues across the region. 

Many people will be travelling to the Olympic events over the forthcoming month so the numbers of people using the roads and public transport is likely to increase. People should allow for this increase by taking extra care on the roads and with their personal belongings on public transport. 

PC Lou Barlow from Newton Abbot said: “Many people will have secured tickets to see live events, or will want to watch them in venues across Devon and Cornwall, so there will be more people travelling on the roads or using public transport. 

“Roads maybe busier and drivers should take extra care, allowing plenty of time for their journey, plan their route and should always drive with patience and without distraction. 

“If people are using public transport, they should always keep their bags and personal items close and never leave them unattended. People should use their common sense in order to protect their personal safety. Inform others of your journey times, carry a mobile phone and keep your money concealed. Remember to keep your valuables safe and well hidden.” 

Officers are also advising people to be careful with their personal belongings at venues whilst watching the events. As spectators will be engrossed in the action on screens, opportunistic thieves may take the advantage to steal personal items, such as purses, mobile phones and ipads. 

“It only takes a minute or two for a thief to snatch a purse or mobile phone from an unattended bag or table” said PC Lou Barlow. “So it is important to remember to be vigilant with your belongings and not leave them just placed on tables or bar in full view.” 

“We would recommend marking all property which will improve the chances of it being returned if it is stolen.” 

Devon and Cornwall Police supports Immobilise, the world's largest free register of ownership details which forms a very effective tool in helping to reduce crime and reunite stolen goods with their rightful owners. 

Members of the public simply register their valued possessions and ownership details are viewable on the police national property database. For further information visit: http://www.immobilise.com/ 

Protect yourself and your personal property 

Newsletter Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Kingskerswell and Rural 

On Wednesday 13th June, a cross section of Decoy residents attended a Teignbridge Neighbourhood Watch start up meeting, at Decoy Primary School, with the kind permission of the Headteacher and Governors, 

The meeting was held as there had been interest shown in the possibility of Neighbourhood Watch schemes being started in the area. 

In addition to the residents, there were representatives from the local police, Teignbridge Neighbourhood Watch, Decoy Country Park. Councillor Gordon Hook also attended. 

Short presentations were made covering Neighbourhood Watch, what it can and does do and this provoked a lively discussion and questions from the floor. 

Informal discussions following the meeting revealed that a considerable number of residents showed interest in finding out more about Neighbourhood Watch, how to get involved and how to consider starting and running a scheme. 

If anyone is interested in requesting information, please contact the Teignbridge Neighbourhood Watch office on: 

01626 326604 

E-mail: NHWTeignbridge@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk 

By post: Teignbridge Neighbourhood Watch, 

Teignmouth Police Office, 

Exeter Road, 

Teignmouth, 

TQ14 9FN. 

The office is staffed each Thursday between 0900 hrs. to 14-00 hrs. but an out of hours answer phone is available. 

Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Kingskerswell and Rural 

New measures to combat metal theft have been rolled out across the South of England. 

Spearheaded by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), Operation Tornado is being launched across the south after being trialled successfully in the North East of the country. 

Estimated to cost the UK approximately £1billion a year, metal theft is increasing nationally due to the global rise in metal prices, resulting in, inconvenience and expense to thousands of people and in some cases causing risk to life. All affected industries are working together with the police to tackle the problem at a national level. 

With the aim of deterring would be thieves, Op Tornado makes it easier to trace sellers of stolen metal through an identification scheme, constricting the market in which thieves can operate and making it more difficult to sell-on stolen goods. 

Scrap metal yards across the region have been asked to sign up to the scheme. Anyone going to a yard to sell metal will be asked for evidence of identity in the form of a passport, national identity card or photo driving licence, supported by proof of address such as a recent utility bill. 

PC Ian Russell from Newton Abbot said: “We have been successfully working with scrap dealers for a number of years with an aim to decreasing the market in which thieves can operate both as a force and as a region and this is a natural progression. Because this is a national scheme, thieves are going to find it difficult to dispose of their stolen goods wherever they go. By working in this way – we will avoid merely displacing the crime. 

“The measures that we have implemented will make it easier for us to identify and track down the offenders and prosecute them. We are determined to work constructively with the industry to prevent and disrupt these thefts. We will also be looking at identifying those businesses that are flouting legislation and will be taking positive action against them.” 

Police are reminding anyone taking metal to yards to sell to ensure they take the necessary documents and proof of I.D. to avoid being turned away and are encouraging the public to alert their local police if they are not asked to provide appropriate identification. 

Officers across the region are also working with dealers to gather intelligence, and encourage the reporting of suspected thieves. 

If you have information about illegal activities in your area, please contact your local policing team by calling 101. 

Tornado brings the wind of change to metal thieves 

Newsletter 

Newsletter 

Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Kingskerswell and Rural 

Protecting frontline police officers and staff remains a key aim in maintaining the safety of our communities says Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer. 

The message comes in the wake of a national report that shows 76 per cent of the organisation’s workforce are in frontline roles. 

The report by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) looks at how forces are dealing with funding challenges following the first year of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) and how future planning is taking place during the rest of the CSR programme. 

The CSR has meant Devon and Cornwall Police has to save £51 million over four years, with an inevitable loss of police officer and police staff posts as a result. 

Chief Constable Sawyer said: “Before the CSR we had already carried out a large number of changes in our back office functions which saw us make considerable savings and put 200 police officers back on the frontline. Achieving the correct balance between frontline and back office is essential for us to deliver a balanced, efficient police service and I will continue to protect the frontline where possible.” 

Despite the HMIC report showing Devon and Cornwall Police as a whole having a large proportion of staff in frontline duties, it suggests that frontline police officers have shown a reduction – according to the HMIC’s definition of a frontline officer. 

However, Mr Sawyer backed Devon and Cornwall’s approach to getting as many officers and staff as possible into frontline roles. 

He said: “I believe the HMIC frontline definition no longer captures the ways in which this Force has redesigned itself to improve both service and efficiency. 

“For example, HMIC determine an investigating officer to be only partially frontline, whilst a response officer is considered fully frontline. In the case of investigators, which are driving the numbers in this calculation, we consider these roles are dedicated crime fighters and fully frontline. 

“While we will see a 17 per cent reduction in police officer posts over the CSR’s four years here in Devon and Cornwall, and that is above the national average, we have designed a sustainable policing model for public safety. 

“Our national and local funding arrangements as well as the unique geography and summer policing, for which we are not funded, bring an additional challenge.” 

He added: “We have seen a small increase in crime last year, some three per cent, but we still remain one of the safest places in the country and are one of the highest performing forces when our public are asked if we do a good job.” 

HMIC report – dealing with policing in the age of austerity 

Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Kingskerswell and Rural 

Current Priorities 

Tor View, Buckland. 

Youths and adults using foul and abusive language, intimidating behaviour and causing damage to property 

McDonalds / Sainsbury’s car park, Decoy. 

Anti-social use of vehicles in the evenings, driving recklessly, creating noise and littering. 

Brunswick House 

There have been several reports of anti-social behaviour within the block, relating to one address. 

Kingsteignton Retail Park 

Damage being caused to building materials. 

Updates on how the priorities are being tackled can be seen on the neighbourhood policing teams’ website: 

www.neighbourhoodpolicing.devon-cornwall.police.uk 

Newsletter 

Ashburton Policing Report June 2012

  ASHBURTON NEIGHBOURHOOD REPORT JUNE 2012

 

Over the past month 70 incidents were reported from Ashburton, 21 of these concerned the A38 and a further 6 were traffic related incidents in the town itself.

 

Only 6 incidents of anti-social behaviour were reported.  These have all related to groups of noisy youths in the town, around North Street and the Bus stop.  I will be reviewing these logs with a view to identifying those involved and then sending anti social behaviour warning letters out to them.  These are an effective tool that can assist in ‘modifying ‘the behaviour of some people whilst in other cases they can be the first step towards an anti social behaviour order.

 

15 crimes were reported. They include 3 Burglaries, one of which related to an incident at the Silver Lion Jewellers on 8^th June. 3 males from East Devon have been arrested in connection with this offence, with the investigation currently ongoing.  3 offences of assault were recorded along with 3 offences of criminal damage, which included damage being caused to the bus stop opposite East End Terrace.  A 17yr old male from Buckfastleigh has been arrested and charged with this offence and 1 of the assaults.

 

In Bickington 9 incident reports were made. 2 of these were reports of a herd of cows on the A383. We received 2 reports of flooding on the A383 following torrential rain on !4^th June. No crimes were recorded.

 

In Widecombe 2 incidents were reported, including a report of an abandoned canoe near Poundsgate. No crimes were recorded.

 

In June PCSO Jon Box has left us for pastures new in Plymstock, having worked from Ashburton for 4 years.  Over this period he has covered both Ashburton and Buckfastleigh and has been a regular sight around the town.  He has been replaced by PCSO Tamzin Campbell Moseley who will be based at Ashburton and will cover both towns until October until we are joined by 2 new PCSO’s.

 

Please report any suspicious activity or behaviour at the time on the new non-emergency telephone number of 101 – or use 999 in an emergency situation, ie if a crime is being committed.

 

My next Police surgery at the Ashburton Information Centre is from 10-11am on Wednesday 18th July.

 

I can be contacted at Ashburton Police Station via the Central no. 101 or via e-mail –Teignbridge@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

Alternatively the totally confidential Crimestoppers no.0800 555111 can be used to pass information to the Police.

 

PC 4486 Dudley

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Results of the Buckfastleigh Devonia Site Consultation

Residents of Buckfastleigh wishing to see the DNPA's summary of the Devonia Site consultation exercise it is at:
http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/254590/2012-07-06_Summary_of_Additional_Matters_Site_Consultation.pdf

Nice to see there could be life in the site yet.

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A Brace of Rotary Presidents

The Rotary Club of Ashburton Buckfastleigh for one brief moment in time had a brace of Presidents at the annual Handover Lunch at the Furzeleigh Mill Hotel Ashburton.

Outgoing 2011-2012 President Rtn. Graham Smart handed over the Chain of Office to incoming 2012-2013 President Rtn. Philip Vogel, at the Tuesday weekly lunch meeting of the Club that included members and their guests.

Over the last year the Club under Rtn. Graham raised funds amongst other causes for Help the Heroes, Childrens’ Hospice South West, Farms for City Children, Shelterbox and Ashburton Rollers. Several of the year’s highlights were the South-West Premier of ‘War Horse’ at the Apollo Paignton, Artex and the Choral Concert at  Buckfast Abby and Members enjoyed a charity meal at the Ashburton Cookery School to aid The Bank Youth Project.

2012-2013 President Rtn. Philip handing over a Past President's Pin to 2011-2012 Past President Rtn. Graham.

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New Campaign Helps Driving Instructors Tell 'The Honest Truth' About Safer Driving

Today I attended the launch of the Honest Truth Campaign - a project to reduce the number of deaths and injuries of young people on our roads.

I think it best for the press release and video to speak for themselves.

Over 300 driving instructors around Devon and Cornwall are set to receive brand new teaching resources from a pioneering road safety campaign.

The Honest Truth Partnership is based in South Devon but is already working throughout the South West - and with national ambition - bringing together the Fire Service, Police, County and District Councils, local Community Safety Partnership and driving instructors.

It's believed to be the first time the public sector has worked directly with driving instructors to reach learners and parents with safer driving messages. Instructors have free resources and seats on the Board of the partnership.

With 312 instructors already signed up to an earlier version of the campaign, hopes are high that even more will come on board following a major overhaul of the project. Being launched this week with events in Exeter and Bodmin, the new resources for instructors include an information booklet, website, in-car 'Message of the Day' prompt cards, leaflets for students and parents, and sets of posters. Together these are designed to tell students 'The Honest Truth' about safer driving, encouraging them to make small changes to their habits to help save lives.

The campaign has been developed alongside instructors and young drivers, and features animal-human hybrids representing eight issues which contribute to serious or fatal crashes and their consequences. These are speed, drink, drugs, seatbelts, mobile phones, distractions, showing off and improper insurance. Each animal is linked to the topic - for example a cheetah for 'speed' - with students asked 'Which one are you?'

Each topic is supported with statistics, real life stories and key messages as part of the Instructor's Resource Pack, helping driving instructors teach their students how to reduce their risk of accidents on the road.

Sgt. Olly Tayler from Devon and Cornwall Police is the current Chair of The Honest Truth Partnership. He said:

"We're incredibly excited to be extending The Honest Truth campaign. We've been working together on a brand new look and resources which instructors have told us they would like.

"Small changes really do save lives, and it's that message that is at the heart of The Honest Truth. You never forget the sights, sounds and smells of a major crash, and telling a parent that their child has died is the most heart-wrenching thing you can do. Together we want to make sure that our learner drivers and their parents truly understand the risks, and hopefully we'll reduce the number of accidents involving young people on our roads."

The founding partners of the project are Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon County Council, Teignbridge District Council (as part of the South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership), Locke's School of Motoring and Peppers School of Motoring. The new look has been designed by Teignbridge District Council.

All sides agree that the partnership nature of the scheme has been a big benefit, with organisations working together towards a common goal of saving lives and making the area safer.

Jenny Connor from Peppers School of Motoring is a member of The Honest Truth Board. She said:

"The Honest Truth is a true partnership which has given driving instructors seats at the top table. We've worked closely with the authorities, instructors and young people to develop our new resources, and I truly believe they'll be a huge help to our members.

"We'd like all driving instructors to show their support and sign-up to The Honest Truth. It's free to join, and thanks to support from the authorities the resources are also free for instructors in Devon and Cornwall."

Interest in The Honest Truth has been steadily growing since its launch with a single leaflet in November 2009. With its new products it is planned to share the project with other areas, and thorough evaluation in partnership with the University of Plymouth has proven how effective it is. The newly produced report shows that students studying with instructors who use The Honest Truth material are three times more likely to change their driving habits than those who have not seen the campaign.

Its reputation has now attracted interest from a variety of instructors, driving schools and authorities in Somerset, Hertfordshire, Kent and Dorset.

Becca Gordon from Teignbridge District Council is Vice-Chair of The Honest Truth Partnership. She said:

"We have an infectious passion for this project which has really turned people on to it and helped get others on board. It's been a labour of love for the Board, and we're really encouraged with the support and interest it has generated.

"Our next step is to seek out major sponsorship and take the project to new heights. We've got a lot of ideas for more products to help driving instructors, and hopefully we'll soon have the means to develop them."

The Honest Truth is unveiling its new resources to instructors at events this week. For Devon-based instructors the event is at Police Headquarters at Middlemoor, Exeter, on Tuesday 03 July from 7pm - 9pm. In Cornwall it will be at Bodmin Police Hub on Thursday 05 July from 7pm - 9pm. Any driving instructors who would like to come and find out more can contact Chantel Hobley on 01626 215894 or info@thehonesttruth.co.uk to register on a first-come, first-served basis.

Any instructors who can't make the events can find out more and sign-up to The Honest Truth online at www.thehonesttruth.co.uk or www.facebook.com/thehonesttruthUK. Instructors who have previously signed-up to the campaign and can't make the events will be posted their Resource Pack soon.

Bus Shelter Eastern Rd Ashburton

As local residents will already know the recently refurbished bus shelter at Eastern Rd Ashburton was vandalised last week, and I have been asked by a number of residents what is happening about it.

I have heard today from the Police that a male has been arrested and charged to appear before the Court.

Further updates as I receive them about the clearing up and reinstallation of the shelter.