|
|
-
Some pictures of the Boot End tenants and residents ( BETAR ) association's visit to the Welsh Mountain Zoo, on Tuesday 29th. July 2007. The event attracted some 60 plus persons, including CBM Chris Byron, and was a spectacular day out for all.
The day began with a coach ride to the zoo, arriving just prior to 11am, and concluded just after 4pm thanks to heavy rain. Apart from the end of day downpour, the weather remained sunny and dry throughout.
|
-
GREENFIELD PRIMARY
SCHOOL FETE
This was a well turned out event attracting the local residents of Greenfield which also gave them chance to meet the local Policing Team.
|
-
GREENFIELD GALA DAY
GREENFIELD COMMUNITY CENTRE
The tennants and Residents Association worked very hard to organise this successful event which they do annually, the idea behind the day is to enhance community spirit.
There were numerous stalls set up, hot dogs, ice cream van, tombola, cakes which had been donated from the residents of Greenfield.
For the children there were childrens rides, football challenges.
There were Irish dancers, who initially paraded around the streets, then returned to the community centre where they conducted a demonstration.
A local Historian attended in possession of old photographs and books which proved to be very popular with all age groups.
Flintshire Wildlife & Pet Rescue attended with some owls etc.. and Local CBM`S Colin OARE and Chris BYRON took part in the day s events.
|
-
On Sunday 22nd July Community Beat Managers Elaine Roberts and Steve Parkes-Smith welcomed a group from the Flint Brownies for an insight into the work of the Police.
The group had a look around the police car, tried out equipment and had photos taken. Everyone had an enjoyable evening.
If you are connected with similar groups in the Neighbourhood let us know and you too can come along to see us!
Pc Steve Parkes-smith
|
-
Indeed it is, yesterday saw North FLINTSHIRE undergo a 3 hour review, by the Chief Constable and the Divisional Commander ( Chief Superintendent - R Purdie ), examining how we manage our neighbourhood policing delivery.
The process is very robust and explores areas such as communication, engagement and things like reassurance.
As a result of the process we did very well, although we have been challenged to improve some of our processes improving policing in our communities.
We welcomed the process because it enabled us to fully appreciate what we do well and what we can improve. We accept that we don’t always get it right and it is important to understand why, and change tact accordingly.
There are exciting times ahead and we are organising ourselves to meet them.
I look forward to updating you in the near future
Neil Maxwell ( Insp )
Left to right
Sgt James Lee, C/Supt R Purdie, Insp Neil Maxwell, Glesni Driver, Chief Constable
Ps - The posters behind on the notice board, came from Cornist Primary School - FLINT and were the results of an Easter Egg Competition ' Police themed'
|
-
Saturday 15th saw me and two police cadets ( Stephanie and Vicky ) canvass various sections of Flint with a small and simple questionairre designed to get your views.
We spoke with 87 residents in both FLINT Trelawny and FLINT Coleshill wards and found the results to be quite interesting.
I am now looking to put right some of the things mentioned and also build on the positive points.
It is good that people have commented they have no problems and feel reassured as this is exactly the result we want and rightly so - crime is dramatically down from last year and the year before, and fear of crime should replicate this. Interestingly it is anti social behaviour that features next highest.
It is this area ( Anti Social ) that I will now work on with the neighbourhood policing team in FLINT.
Keep Reading for more results - Holywell next.
Jim
Sgt James LEE
|
-
VIOLENT CRIME is DOWN by 30.7% when compared to the same period last year.
While I’m on the subject of crime levels, here are a few more statistics that speak for themselves: -
|
CRIME CATEGORY |
DOWN BY |
|
All crime |
-18.7% |
|
Vehicle crime |
-17.7% |
|
Dwelling Burglary |
-22.0% |
|
Criminal Damage |
-12.7% |
|
Anti-social behaviour |
-14.7% |
This is the result of a lot of hard work by the police officers in North Flintshire, members of the community and other bodies such as the Council. We don’t intend to rest on our laurels. To increase the probabilities of success, we are running a number of operations that essentially mean we are targeting offenders in a number of ways all at the same time. This approach is going to remain part of our day-to-day policing to ensure that the downward trend in crime continues. Over the next few weeks, I’ll let you know how we are getting on but, suffice to say that we have already had some pleasing results.
|
-
Below is an extract from a forum entry by PC Steve Harris one of the three CBMs for FLINT.
   
On Tuesday 5th February ten pupils from Flint High School visited Flint Police Station.With The help of my colleagues PC Steve Parkes-Smith and PCSO Mathew Griffiths we had a ball. Any visit to Flint Police Station needs to be fun and this certainly was. We don't have to nag them about nuisance behaviour, litter, alcohol etc. They know all that already.
The morning started with a tour of the police station, sadly we do not have cells here any longer. They saw the IT systems availble to us and met other staff. This was followed by a demonstration of all the kit we carry and wear on a daily basis. Our body armour and a fully equiped load vest can weigh up to 12.5 kg (nearly two stone!).
A look at the police vehicles and the PSU equipment. That was fun - everyone had a go at weilding a baton aganst a couple of shields with police behind them.
We then went to the court next door where we set up a mock court - The scene was set. Dave had stolen a mars bar from his friends bag. So Dave was in the dock, everyone played a part as magistrates, clerk, solicitors, victim and witneses.All their roles were explained.
Was Dave guilty ? Well yes, his friends the magistrates sentenced him to 4 years hard labour at a penal colony for theft of the mars bar !!
|
-
Below is an extract from a community forum from our newest CBM PC Tim Shurmer, who has only been with us for 4 weeks, already he is tackling one of our most demanding estates. From the outset his approach is partnership and accountability, great to witness. The future is good - The future is
'keep it clean please'.
' PC 1539 Tim Shurmer'
"This morning I was joined by two of my colleagues from the Holywell Housing Office for a tour of a local housing estate. The purpose of our visit was to take a close up and personal view of the dwellings that made up the estate. Most of the tenants deserved credit for the care they have taken in maintaining their homes. However, we were saddened to see that many of the properties had been allowed to accumulate rubbish and various debris on the gardens and surrounding verges. There is little excuse for this. There is a reguIar and reliable refuse collection service and, whilst I fully appreciate that not everybody has the means to transport larger items of unwanted furniture or appliances, the local council will do this on their behalf. This will either be free of charge, or for a very small fee, depending on their personal circumstances, and the nature of the item(s) involved.
I have resolved to organise, and participate in, a 'clean-up day on the estate, which will, with the help of the residents, help to restore some of the civic pride which seems to have slipped in the minds of the minority. Exact dates and procedure will be advertised well in advance on the estate concerned (which I have deliberately not named) and I urge all to get involved.
If there is anybody reading this who is unaware of the service I mentioned, and needs to dispose of unwanted items, I suggest you contact your local council office, who will be delighted to help. It really is that easy to keep your environment clean and safe".
|
-
“Presented to the Flint Police in recognition of their contribution to community well-being in Flint”
These are the words engraved on a plaque presented to the police officers and police staff working in the North Flintshire Territory by Flint Town Council. To say that it is rare for a Council to do this is a gross understatement. I am extremely grateful to them for taking the time to thank us in this way; it really is very much appreciated.
On the 28th of January this year, I received the plaque during a presentation evening hosted by Flint Town Council. I was extremely proud and please to be thanked in this way and to be presented with the plaque on behalf of all my colleagues is simply fantastic. Community Beat Manager PC Steve Harris, PCSO Matt Griffiths, and Sgt Scott Gallagher have all worked directly with the Council and done a fantastic job but, without the support of their colleagues in other rolls such as response, they would have achieved far less. This award really is as the Council intended, for all who work in North Flintshire. I therefore mustered as many staff as I could to attend and many came in while off duty. They often come into work in their own time but for once it was nice to see them doing so for such a brilliant event. Some of our special constable also attended, they work very hard for the Community putting in a considerable number of hours without being paid a penny. I can’t thank them enough.
So why have the Council given us this award?
Put simply, we have a fantastic working relationship with Flint Town Council that is a model worthy of some praise. The Council Members challenge us regularly over many issues but what is important is that we work in partnership to find solutions. When we ask the council for help, they always respond and do what they can. Of course we disagree at times but that is to be expected. It is though always positive. This means that we are able to work positively and dynamically as a partnership to achieve much more than is the norm. It says as much about Flint Town Council as it does about the police. I have been the Inspector for North Flintshire for over 2 years now and have seen much that the Town Council has done and witness first hand how it goes about business. I am therefore more than qualified to say that the Council is very hard working, dynamic, highly motivated and has considerable determination to improve the quality of life for everyone who lives or visits Flint. The same is true of the Police staff and officers who cover Flint Town. This therefore is a brilliant partnership that enables us to achieve a considerable amount from the resources we have. In other words, we get the best out of what we have and that is what the award is about.
To explain this in statistical terms, the below are some of the crime reductions we have seen in North Flintshire which have been directly contributed to by this partnership.
|
CRIME CATEGORY |
DOWN BY |
|
Violent Crime |
-29.2% |
|
Vehicle crime |
-21.6% |
|
Dwelling Burglary |
-31.3% |
|
Criminal Damage |
-12.5% |
|
Anti-social behaviour |
-14.3% |
As a final note, I just want to say how please I am with the effort of all the staff in North Flintshire and the results they are achieving. This partnership did not happen by accident. It is the result of a lot of hard work on the part of the Police and Flint Town Council.
|
-
This is a simple idea that stems from a Cash point outside a supermarket express in FLINT. The box and footprints are very simple human conditioners and successfully provide reassurance to users of the cash point whilst protecting identity theft.
Community Safety ( PC Hazel GOSS MBE ) has taken this idea to the local authority and are just awaiting approval from the Welsh Assembly ( who own the highways ) before we can role it out across the county.
A simple way to make people feel safe as well as keep them safe.
Sgt Scott Gallagher
|
-
At this months Joint Action Group ( JAG) meeting, we learnt that the FLINT schools collectively had secured approx over £33,000 worth of funding by the Arson reduction team.
This money can now be used to help improve security / prevention and detection initiatives.
Great example of partnerships working together.
Sgt Scott Gallagher
|
-
Staff from North FLINTSHIRE received some nice news in today’s mail. As a territory we have been acknowledged by FLINT town council for our collective efforts in the town and the community of FLINT. In particular with our work and enthusiasm organising and dealing with community events such as the Flint Festival.
We have been invited to a small ceremony where Inspector Maxwell will receive a plaque in recognition of the work done by warranted officers support staff and volunteers. Light refreshments are also been provided we are being told.
Naturally we are very, very pleased and are making efforts internally to try and ensure as many territory staff can attend as possible without affecting our service delivery.
Really nice news, but as our chief would say – ‘We must not rest on our laurels’.
Sgt Scott Gallagher
|
-
Trains halted in gas blast scare
Below is the article from the Evening leader - www.eveningleader.co.uk
Trains halted in Flintshire during gas blast scare
TRAINS carrying passengers through Flintshire were halted amid fears of a major gas explosion last night.
The alert also led to the closure of a road and the evacuation of houses and a restaurant, after a mains gas leak and an arson attack on a skip were reported 50 metres apart, and within five minutes of each other. North Wales Fire Service were called out when the scent of gas was reported on the Castle Park Industrial Estate in Flint at around 6.45pm yesterday. Gas emergency service Transco and the police rushed to the scene, and while there received a report of a skip fire near the Proctor and Johnson building, which is thought to have been started deliberately. Because of the dangers of gas and fire in close proximity, buildings within a 500-metre radius of the site were evacuated. People were cleared from six homes, while the nearby McDonalds and an office building on the site were also evacuated. The A548 road was closed off by police cars, and emergency plans were put in place for a long-term closure had the leak ignited. The railway line was also shut down for 20 minutes, as the incident took place close to Flint station. Sgt Scott Gallagher of North Wales Police said: "We are looking
into the cause of the skip fire, but we are not linking the arson attack and the gas leak at this stage. "A gas leak started at the same time as a skip fire. It could have been a horrendous set of circumstances. "Our main concern was the safety of the public in Flint and we thank the people who co-operated with our request to evacuate the area. "We were able to get everyone out quickly." Sgt Gallagher added: "Transco advised us to evacuate the maximum area until we knew it was safe. "Typically of the Flint community, people co-operated straight away and understood the dangers they were facing." An engineer from Manweb-Scottish Power was called as there were a large amount of electrics in the area. For safety reasons, firefighters were not allowed to put out the skip fire in case the gas ignited. The gas leak was stopped at 8.10pm and the fire was put out at 8.39pm. Last Updated: 08 November 2007 11:08 AM
|
-
Sunday 11th November, will see our remembrance parade and ceromonies in North FLINTSHIRE. As police we assist in several parades ( Holywell, Bagillt and Flint ), but are conscious that many other services are held in our territory.
I am 39yrs old, and often refelct on the origin of the Cenotaph, today I found the below on the web and share it with you.......
Cenotaph
Originally intended as a small part of the Peace Day events of July 1919, the Cenotaph was designed and built by Edwin Lutyens at the request of the then Prime Minister Lloyd George.
Literally meaning 'Empty Tomb' in Greek, The Cenotaph was initially a wood and plaster construction intended for the first anniversary of the Armistice in 1919. At its unveiling the base of the monument was spontaneously covered in wreaths to the dead and missing from The Great War. Such was the extent of public enthusiasm for the construction it was decided that The Cenotaph should become a permanent and lasting memorial.
The Cenotaph, made from Portland stone, was unveiled in 1920. The inscription reads simply "The Glorious Dead".
On the Sunday nearest to 11th November at 11am each year, a Remembrance Service is held at the Cenotaph to commemorate British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who died in the two World Wars and later conflicts. The monarch, religious leaders, politicians, representatives of state and the armed and auxiliary forces, gather to pay respect to those who gave their lives defending others.
The service has changed little since it was first introduced in 1921, hymns are sung, prayers are said and a two minute silence is observed. Official wreaths are laid on the steps of The Cenotaph. The ceremony ends with a march past of war veterans; a poignant gesture of respect for their fallen comrades.
Services of Remembrance are held at war memorials and cenotaphs throughout Britain and the Commonwealth nations. The style and size of these memorials vary considerably from place to place.
Why a two minute silence ?
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 the guns of Europe fell silent. After four years of the most bitter and devastating fighting, The Great War was finally over. The Armistice was signed at 5am in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiegne, France on November 11, 1918. Six hours later, at 11am, the war ended.
The first Remembrance Day was conducted in 1919 throughout Britain and the Commonwealth. Originally called Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of hostilities the previous year. It came to symbolise the end of the war and provide an opportunity to remember those who had died.
After the end of the Second World War in 1945 Armistice Day became Remembrance Day to include all those who had fallen in the two World Wars and later conflicts.
In a letter published in the London Evening News on 8 May 1919, an Australian journalist, Edward George Honey, proposed a respectful silence to remember those who had given their lives in the First World War. This was brought to the attention of King George V and on 7 November 1919, the King issued a proclamation which called for a two minute silence:
|
|
|
|
|
|
All locomotion should cease, so that, in perfect stillness, the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead. |
|
|
|
|
|
The second Sunday of November is Remembrance Sunday. At 11am a two minute silence is observed at war memorials, cenotaphs, religious services and shopping centres throughout the country. The Royal Family, along with leading politicians and religious leaders gather at The Cenotaph in Whitehall, London for a service and all branches of the civilian and military services are represented in ceremonies throughout Britain and the Commonwealth.
LETS NEVER FORGET - Sgt Scott Gallagher
|
|
|
|