Something Special in Ponteland

A local officer who retired from Northumbria Police and returned two days later to become a Special Constable has been recognised for his work in Ponteland.

Jon Gray who retired after 30 years' service came back as a Special Constable and still continues to work 20-30 hours per week, doing voluntary duties.

He made the finals of the Force's 2013 Excellence Awards following his dedication to the voluntary role.

Local to the area, Jon is recognised by the residents of Ponteland and is often approached even when not on duty.

Inspector Dave Balmer said: "Jon has been an asset to this team as a police officer for many years and continues to be an asset as a Special Constable.

"He was nominated for the Excellence Awards and was proud to say he made the finals. The people of Ponteland really do speak highly of Jon and he works hard to uphold his loyalty, commitment and reputation within Ponteland.

"Jon regularly pops into the station to update victims to update intelligence and has one of the highest amounts of intelligence updates in the sector.

"Working in excess of 20 hours a week coupled with the experience and skills he has amassed from his 30 years as a regular officer having Jon around is a huge asset to the sector.

"In the past year Jon has made a number of significant arrests and continues to exceed expectations. A simply outstanding individual, who has shown dedication to the service and his community the like of which I have not seen before."

Special Constable Jon Gray said: "I thoroughly enjoy what I do and it is a love of the job that keeps me going. I was a police officer for 30 years as I always wanted to protect the community and help tackle crime - I still do.

"It's not about the hours I work, it's more about the satisfaction of helping my colleagues keep Ponteland safe.

"Being nominated for an Excellence Award was a real honour and I hope I can continue to help police the local community in the future."

For more information about policing in your community follow Twitter @NPnmbland or like us at Facebook.com/NPNorthumberland. Google search - Police Northumberland.

Source: Northumbria Police

Bikes taken in Ponteland burglary

Police are appealing for information after three bikes were stolen during a burglary in Ponteland.

At 2:10am on Tuesday, March 12, police received a report of a garage having been broken into in the Meadowvale area.

Thieves got inside and stole three bikes and a hedge trimmer before making off.

One of the bikes is a black Scott Sportster Pro hybrid bike with a gel saddle and a wireless speedometer.

The second is a bronze Trek ladies hybrid bike with a pouch and iPod attachment on the handle bars.

And the third is a Specialized black small adult's mountain bike.

The hedgecutter taken is a petrol orange and white Bosch model.

Officers are carrying out house to house enquiries and speaking to local residents.

East Tynedale Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Oates said: "Bikes are attractive for thieves as they can be stolen relatively easy if not secured.

"I'd advise all homeowners to make sure their garages and sheds are locked - especially overnight. If you keep expensive items in your garages then make sure that they are secure at all times.

"Most importantly, if you see people hanging around your neighbourhood late at night or in the early hours of the morning and they look suspicious then ring the police."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on the non emergency number 101 ext 69191.

Two cars stolen in Ponteland

Two cars stolen in Ponteland

Police are appealing for information after two cars were stolen in Ponteland.

Between 6:45pm and 8:50pm on Thursday, March 8, thieves sneaked into Ponteland Leisure centre and stole a number of belongings from changing rooms.

Amongst the items taken were the sets of keys for two cars parked outside.

The thieves then made off with a Ford Focus and a Vauxhall Vectra.

The green Ford Focus license plate is EO03KPZ and the silver Vectra is DA54TZB.

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 ext69191.

PACT Meeting Ponteland

• 
  Start Time: 09:30 AM
• Date: Tuesday, 24 Jan 12
• Location: Sure Start, Thornhill Road, Ponteland, NE20 9PS

Residents in East Tynedale are invited to meet Officers from their Neighbourhood Policing Team at the next Partners and Communities Together (PACT) Meeting.

The event will take place on Tuesday 24th January 2012, at 09.30 am, in the Sure Start Centre, Thornhill Road, Ponteland NE20 9QB.

These events provide residents with the opportunity to drop in and discuss community issues with their local Officers, either in the group forum or individually at the end of the meeting.  These meetings are chaired by the Police, but also see involvement from partnership agencies.  Residents will also have the opportunity to receive crime prevention advice.

Policing in Ponteland

Officers from the East Tynedale Neighbourhood Policing Team have been out and about running a number of street engagement days.

The engagement days coincide with organised community events in the area.

The events give residents the chance to meet local officers face-to-face and discuss any concerns they have. It also allows police to give crime prevention advice and tell them about what's going on where they live.

One such event, held in Ponteland last week, saw officers out on the streets tackling the local issues of speeding in and around the major roads in Ponteland, bogus callers in the Darras Hall estate and scrap vehicles in the area.

They carried out high profile patrols throughout the Ponteland area, visiting shopping centres and businesses

Static speed check points were set up in key areas and officers were deployed with speed guns to monitor and deter speeding vehicles in the village.

Police and community wardens visited local addresses that had been identified as potentially vulnerable to bogus callers, chatted to homeowners and gave away crime prevention packs.

Officers also stopped and checked work vans and scrap vehicles to ensure only legitimate workmen were active on the estate.

East Tynedale Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Oates said: "The Ponteland day of action was a great success. Officers spoke to lots of people from the area who were happy to see officers out on the streets and doing something about the issues that concern them.

"We plan to continue these engagement events and roll them out throughout Tynedale over the next couple of months." 

Source: Northumbria Police

PACT Meeting Ponteland

• Start Time: 09:30 AM
• Date: Tuesday, 22 Mar 11
• Location: Children's Centre, Thornhill Road, Ponteland, NE20 9QB

Residents in East Tynedale are invited to meet Officers from their Neighbourhood Policing Team at the next Partners and Communities Together (PACT) Meeting.

The event will take place on Tuesday 22nd March, 2011, at 09.30 am, in the Children's Centre, Thornhill Road, Ponteland NE20 9QB.

These events provide residents with the opportunity to drop in and discuss community issues with their local Officers, either in the group forum or individually at the end of the meeting.  These meetings are chaired by the Police, but also see involvement from partnership agencies.  Residents will also have the opportunity to receive crime prevention advice.

Policing Surgery Ponteland

Policing Surgery Ponteland

Event Date: 11 Dec 2010

East Tynedale Local Policing Team would like to invite you to a Neighbourhood Policing Surgery to be held in Ponteland.
These sessions give members of the public a chance to meet their local Community Support Officer and to discuss any community concerns they may have.
The next local drop in session will be held at The Co-op, The Broadway, Ponteland, NE20 9PW, on Saturday December 11th, from 11 am - 12 pm.

Ponteland bike theft

Police are appealing for information after the theft of a bike in Ponteland.
Between 7.30pm on Friday October 8 and 9.30am on Saturday October 9, thieves stole a Kona mountain bike from outside a house in Thornhill Road.
The red and black Kona Dirt Jump mountain bike is worth around £400.
Anyone with any information into the theft is asked to contact police on 03456 043 043 ext 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Source: Northumbria Police

Policing Surgery Ponteland

East Tynedale Local Policing Team would like to invite you to a Neighbourhood Policing Surgery to be held in Ponteland.
These sessions give members of the public a chance to meet their local Community Support Officer and to discuss any community concerns they may have.
The next local drop in session will be held at Ponteland Library, Thornhill Road, Ponteland, NE20 9PZ. on Saturday October 9th, from 11 am - 12 pm.

Policing Surgery Ponteland

East Tynedale Local Policing Team would like to invite you to a Neighbourhood Policing Surgery to be held in Ponteland.

These sessions give members of the public a chance to meet their local Community Support Officer and to discuss any community concerns they may have.

The next local drop in session will be held at Ponteland Library, Thornhill Road, Ponteland, NE20 90A, on Friday, September 24th, 2010, from 10 am - 11 am.

Police Surgery, Ponteland

Police Surgery, Ponteland

Event Date: 28 Aug 2010

East Tynedale Local Policing Team would like to invite you to a Neighbourhood Policing Surgery to be held in Ponteland.

These sessions give members of the public a chance to meet their local Community Support Officer and to discuss any community concerns they may have.

The next local drop in session will be held at The United Reformed Church, The Broadway, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne, on Saturday August 28th, from 11 am - 12 pm.

New bike gives Ponteland police off road presence

Ponteland's beat bobby has a new set of wheels to help him police the community – thanks to a grant from civic leaders.

Ponteland Town Council and Darras Hall Estate Committee shared the cost of the £700 Giant Roam XR3 bike for Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Paul Henery after hearing the benefits it could bring to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

With numerous paths, parks and bridleways in the area, the bike gives PC Henery a speedy off road mode of transport when hunting or chasing criminals, as well as a highly visible presence to help address fear of crime.

Town Mayor Robin Ramsay said: "The Council is keen to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses and this bike is another weapon our local police can use to tackle criminal activity. We thought it was an extremely worthwhile joint initiative we were more than happy to support."

John Scott, Vice-Chairman of Darras Hall Estates Committee, added: "PC Henery made the point that there are places in Darras Hall he can get to quickly on a bike which are simply not accessible by car, including bridlepaths. It also gives us high visibility policing and we felt the bike was something he should have."

PC Henery said: "I'm really grateful for the bike as it's going to make a difference to how I can patrol the area. I'll be able to provide a greater visible police presence in and around Ponteland and because I'm on a bike I can access hard-to-reach areas, such as the bridlepath, in order to tackle anti-social behaviour. I find that when I ride a bike I can talk to the public easily while patrolling Ponteland's paths and tracks, something which is not possible in a car."

Photo:
PC Henery is pictured on his new bike with Town Mayor Robin Ramsay and John Scott, Vice-Chairman of Darras Hall Estates Committee.

Policing Surgery Ponteland

Event Date: 31 Jul 2010

East Tynedale Local Policing Team would like to invite you to a Neighbourhood Policing Surgery to be held in Ponteland.

These sessions give members of the public a chance to meet their local Community Support Officer and to discuss any community concerns they may have.

The next local drop in session will be held at Ponteland Library, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne, on Saturday July 31st, from 11 am - 12 pm.

Sergeants Newsletter

Don't make it easy for car thieves

Criminals always on the lookout for insecure vehicles to steal from

There have been a total of 24 crimes reported in the Ponteland area between May 15 and June 16.

They break down as follows:
• two burglaries (dwelling)
• one burglary (non-dwelling)
• five thefts (two of charity boxes)
• eight thefts from motor vehicle
• two assaults
• one possession of cannabis
• five criminal damage.

There have been five arrests in relation to these offences and enquiries are ongoing which may lead to further arrests.  I would like to take this opportunity to remind people to make sure they lock all their property but particularly their car doors, even if the car is on a private drive behind a wall. Criminals are on the lookout for insecure vehicles all the time - let's not make it easy for them.

The next Local Multi-Agency Problem Solving (LMAPS) meeting will be at the East Centre, Prudhoe on July 13 at 9.30am. The next LMAPS meeting in Ponteland is at the Memorial Hall on August 10 at 9.30am.

By PC Paul Henery,
Ponteland Community Beat Officer

Lock out the burglars, urge police

POLICE are asking Ponteland residents to help them lock out the burglars.

There have been 16 burglaries in Ponteland since February and police believe opportunist thieves are targeting unsuspecting home owners who leave doors unlocked, sheds open and bikes insecure.

Neighbourhood Beat Manager for Ponteland Paul Henery said: "Ponteland is a safe place and we want to keep it that way. I'm urging residents to take steps of their own to ensure that thieves know Ponteland isn't somewhere they can come and commit crimes."

Officers are holding a Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting in Ponteland on Tuesday, April 20 and also a policing surgery at Merton Hall on Saturday, April 17.

People can come along and speak to officers at both events about ways to make their home more secure.
Anyone with information into the break-ins or any other crime in the area is asked to contact police on 03456 043043, extension 69191, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Source: Morpeth Herald

PubWatch launched in Ponteland

POLICE, licensees and residents in Ponteland have come together to start a PubWatch scheme.

Following the success of other similar initiatives around East Tynedale, Neighbourhood Beat Manager Paul Henery has met with local licensees in the village who have formed their own PubWatch scheme in Ponteland.

All 21 of the licensed premises in Ponteland are signed up to the scheme. That includes nine pubs, the leisure centre and social club, eight restaurants, three supermarkets and one off-licence.

PC Henery said : "Due to the relatively small number of pubs in the town centre we have managed to get all of the licensed premises to sign up to the scheme which is fantastic. And it means if someone is banned from one of the pubs then they won't be able to go to a restaurant or somewhere else that sells alcohol and cause more trouble.

The PubWatch members appointed local landlord Paul Holliday as chairman of the scheme and he attends meetings held every two months with police, local council officers, and other licensees signed up to the scheme to discuss any current local problems and share national good practice between members.

He said: "It's an excellent way to give the licensees and public in Ponteland a united voice to deal with a number of issues in the town, the chance to liase with the police and council regularly and it helps ensure Ponteland remains a safe drinking environment for residents and visitors."

If you want any further information about a PubWatch scheme in your area you can contact your local Neighbourhood team on 03456 043 043.

Source: Northumbria Police

Publicans rally round to call time on disorder

PONTELAND'S licensees have teamed up with police to clamp down on drunk and disorderly behaviour.

Following the success of other similar initiatives across Northumberland, Neighbourhood Beat Manager Paul Henery met with local licensees in the village and Darras Hall and they agreed to form their own PubWatch scheme.

All of the 21 licensed premises in Ponteland have signed up. They include nine pubs, a leisure centre and social club, eight restaurants, three supermarkets and one off-licence.

PC Henery said: "PubWatch schemes are running in other parts of Northumberland and are proving a real success in addressing alcohol-related crime and disorder.

"After speaking with local residents here in Ponteland, it became apparent that some of their concerns could be addressed by introducing a PubWatch scheme in the area.

"Due to the relatively small number of pubs in the town centre we have managed to get all of the licensed premises to sign up to the scheme, which is fantastic.

"And it means if someone is banned from one of the pubs then they won't be able to go to a restaurant or somewhere else that sells alcohol and cause more trouble."

The PubWatch members appointed landlord Paul Holliday, owner of the Diamond Inn, as Chairman of the scheme.

He will attend meetings held every two months with police, local council officers and the other licensees signed up to the scheme to discuss any current local problems and share national good practice between members.

Mr Holliday said: "It's an excellent way to give the licensees and public in Ponteland a united voice to deal with a number of issues in the town, the chance to liaise with the police and council regularly and it helps ensure Ponteland remains a safe drinking environment for residents and visitors."

Morpeth already operates a successful PubWatch initiative, which is supported by many premises and landlords throughout the town.
For further information about PubWatch schemes contact the local neighbourhood policing team on 03456 043043.

Source: Morpeth Herald

Sergeants Newsletter

Peacock on the loose in Darras

Appeal for witnesses to house fire

By PC Jon Gray,Community Beat Officer, Ponteland

The reports of property crime have remained low since the last publication, with no house burglaries reported at all during this period.

A premises on the Meadowfield trading estate was broken into and scrap metal was taken. Two garden sheds were broken into on Darras Hall.

The majority of offences were reported during the last week in May, including a car being stolen from Thornhill Road, another damaged in Merton Way, damage to some noticeboards/windows (not high value) and five assaults. All the violent offences have 'positive lines of enquiry' which are being followed up.

Readers should be reminded that in most of the assaults that take place in this area, the injured party will know the offender. They will often involve school pupils who will fall out over various things, a small core group of teenagers who think that the best form of social advancement is to pick on other teenagers (but always when the odds are in their favour), domestic assaults, and drink-fuelled disagreements amongst adults. It is very rare that a total stranger will attack you without warning. It has happened in this area, but it is not the norm.

On 27th May, a fire occurred at a house under renovation on Whinfell Road during the early hours of the morning. This one is under investigation. Any information would be welcome about this offence.

Staying with damage offences, two youths were detained in connection with the numerous windows broken at the High School last month. Finally, a resident from the Moor Lane area of Darras brought our attention to a peacock that is living in the area of Moor Lane and Sandringham Way. There is a strong division of opinion amongst the area's residents, with a pro and anti peacock lobby (along with a resident dog fox whose views are firmly decided). This is just to make the owner aware that some people are bothered by this bird, which has been around for sometime now and - with the absence of a feral leopard on the estate - could be around for sometime in the future. The complaint has been passed to Castle Morpeth Borough Council's environmental health department.

Take care, keep reporting things.