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Sunday, 26 February 2006 |
I wonder where little Johnny’s gone. I’ll bet he’s out with his little mates, climbing trees, running about playing Cowboys and Indians all those things boys and girls do, which gives them plenty of fresh air and makes them healthy. That’s what you think and hope they are doing.
Unfortunately its not the case with all children,, and our village is suffering from vandalism that has gone beyond funny. Yes we get road signs turned, indicating to strangers a wrong route, or we get street signs half pulled off the wall. Not serious? Well it doesn’t stop there, because once they get away with it, things warm up. The bus stop is now a gathering point for youths who are consuming alcohol. Are they travelling into Garmouth, or are they locals, in other words, your children? Once fuelled with courage from alcohol the cowards of the night now target the old and vulnerable. Windows are being broken, signs ripped up, rubbish strewn around, all under cover of darkness. Recently the Village Hall was hosting a meeting when there was a knock on the outer door. An 84 years old member of the meeting answered the door and was pelted with eggs.
Oh what harmless fun. Is it ?
On the outskirts of the village is a concealed entrance to a premises, such that the owner has, like many others, rigged up a mirror to make his exit from the premises safe for other road users. Our Heros of the night took it to be a target for stones and on being challenged were brave enough to run off hurling verbal abuse at the householder. There was no car involved, and you can be sure they hadn’t walked in from any other village, so it’s reasonable to suppose they’re local.
We have got to the stage where there are many people who will no longer leave their houses after dark. There are some people, at present a minority, who fear living in their homes. I havn’t made it up, I’ve sought opinions, because I, and many others, don’t want to go down a road of uncertainty and fear of our own streets.
Unfortunately we don’t have a village Bobby - present methods of policing are different, and understandably so. But, have heart. The Police can only act on what they know, and if we don’t report incidents, nothing will, or can be done.
So the answer lies in our own hands.
If the incident has passed and you know the attendance of the Police would be futile, then ring Crimestoppers on
0800 555 111
and report the incident. It will, and has to be logged. Enough such reports will begin to stand out and some sort of action taken. By this method you can, if you wish, remain anonymous.
If the Anti Social behaviour is such that you think something should be done sooner rather than later, ring the Anti Social Behaviour Helpline on
0800 5877197
If you are of the opinion that you have witnessed an out and out crime then ring
0845 600 5 700
We must protect our streets and elderly.
Fuzz.
The editor would like to thank all of the contributions who took time out from their busy schedules to help in the construction of this newsletter.
Editorial comment:
Whilst I agree with most of the points and issues raised in this article. Please be assured that the streets of our Village are the safest in the North East.
You only have to watch the News or read the papers to hear what is happening else where. Believe me as I have lived in all parts of the world where there are some real problems in comparison.
Granted the youths of the village are bored, there isn’t a lot for them to do but it is only a phase in their lives before they become responsible adults can you remember that you got up to in your day?
I am regularly out walking around the village late at night the groups of youths may appear to be intimidating but if you stop to speak to them they are some of the most pleasant and respectful persons I have ever come across.
Some of you may be aware that one of the Park rubbish bins was torched and the burning plastic and contents ran down hill towards our new play park It was only the quick thinking of local residents that stopped an expensive fire. We now get random visits from Special Community Police especially at night.
Please get things into context we live in a very safe and secure Village try to understand that youths are little devils when they chose but under no circumstance feel intimidated don’t let a few spoil our environment.
Jerry
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 26 February 2006 )
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