Organisations

Neighbourhood Watch


    In earlier times the Village Policeman acted as a stabilising influence within a rural setting. Life in the urban and inner city situation, understandably, was more complex and always evolved at a faster rate. So that crime reduction aims and.methods could become more widely understood in these areas Neighbourhood Watch Schemes were introduced in the early 1980's.

In 1993 the Winsham Parish Council recognised the need to improve the security in the village and after a successful General Meeting in the Jubilee Hall some 14 volunteers offered to act as Contact Persons under a Coordinator. The original scheme continues to operate, is well regarded and covers some 360 households and 16 farms.
Since April 1997 there has been a Neighbourhood Watch Administration Office in Yeovil for the East Somerset Police District.

Up to April 2000 the Windwhistle Police and Community Consultative Group (PQCG) met regularly with representation coming from Ilminster, Crewkerne and Chard. These meetings encouraged the exchange of information and open discussion on a wide range of crime related and other topics. Besides acting as a useful source of information for the Winsham Parish Council, the PCCG meetings also highlighted topics for inclusion in a regular Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin.

As all communities continue to evolve, the Avon and Somerset Police Authority has decided to replace PCCG meetings with COMMUNITY SAFETY CONSULTATION TEAMS. The teams will retain representation from the Police Authority, the Constabulary, District Councils and other relevant public and voluntary sen/ices. The aim, however, is that there should be local groups which will seek not only to improve the quality of life and safety in their respective communities but also to highlight specific needs for the Police Authority attention.

From September 2000 the "Somerton Sector Team" will cover Somerton, Ilminster, Crewkerne, Wincanton, Chard (- and Winsham).
Besides holding an annual meeting for Contact Persons in Winsham another event in 1999 was SHEDUCATION - a visit to the village in October 1999 by the "Crime Prevention Mobile Display and Advice Unit". In March 2000 there was a General Meeting in the Jubilee Hall so that the Crime Reduction Officer from Crewkerne could make a presentation. Very good advice was given on dwelling security, the identification and protection of personal property, credit card security and, of course vehicle security.


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This page revised 01 May 2009