Police Sergeant Phil Holton recently took over the East Northants North Safer Community Team (SCT), which is based in Oundle. The SCT is in charge of general day-to-day policing, as well as raising awareness in order to prevent crime. Using feedback from the community the SCT identifies local issues and prioritises tackling them.

In recent months tackling vehicle crime, burglary and inconsiderate behaviour in the Oundle region have been a priority. Most burglaries involve a forced entry, although one in four are aided by insecurities. The SCT recommends that residents ensure that all windows and doors are secure. Vehicle crime is comparatively low in the Oundle area, however Sergeant Phil Holton urges residents not to become complacent in the summer months. There was a spate of about 13 crimes involving vehicles on the second and third of May, mostly involving the theft of number plates.

The SCT has organised several Car Crime Awareness Days in the area, where advice was offered and over a hundred sets of anti-tamper number plate screws were handed out or fitted. These screws are designed to be very hard to remove once fitted, deterring criminals from taking them. Stolen number plates are often used by thieves for other criminal activities, by replacing their own number plats with a stolen one.

Anti-social behaviour has dropped in the area, possibly due to an increase in patrols in parts of Oundle particularly prone to problem behaviour. A youth in the Nassington area was recently dealt with for criminal damage to a window. Sergeant Holton has asked for the support of parents and guardians in dealing with anti-social behaviour, encouraging them to always be aware of where their children are and what they are doing. The team has also been engaging with local young people and increasing their awareness of the impact which anti-social behaviour has on the lives of local residents.

The SCT conducted a major operation (named Operation Ascot) at the end of January. It aimed to deal with rising numbers of household burglaries in and around Oundle, and was supported by the Special Constabulary (a volunteer branch of the police force). Numerous people were stopped and asked to account for their presence. No burglaries were reported during the operation, and afterwards burglary levels did not reach previous levels.

April this year saw a significant decrease in the number of crimes in the Oundle area, with violent crimes falling by over 12%. The only category of crime which saw a rise was criminal damage, which was up 4%.

The teams’s current priorities are speeding, burglaries and anti social behavior. PCSO Steve Ryan says that they are focusing especially on tackling anti-social behaviour in the Oundle and Nassington area.

If you have any information about a crime, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

The Northamptonshire Police non-emergency number has changed to 03000 111 222