This week our local BBC have reported on car meets including visiting Kilnwood Vale to hear from residents about the impact car meets.
I was keen to point out that, following police action, these only happen sporadically but they are dangerous, disruptive and impact otherwise very quiet areas. They must be stopped.
There have been incidents of spectators being hit by out-of-control cars and there is an obvious risk to other uninvolved road users.
We need to prevent the car meets from taking place. Last year I held a public meeting in Kilnwood Vale with our Police Commissioner Katy Bourne and local police on this issue and the police have been taking robust action against those who attend. They also undertake preventative patrolling. While I welcome the police response we would all prefer that their newly reinforced numbers were investigating crimes and focussed on town and village centres and residential areas rather than being called upon to take action against a selfish minority – hence my drive for speed cameras and other preventative measures in the areas affected.
A recent national study recently ranked Horsham in the top 20 for “least violent” areas. The Horsham Town Police Team are having a real impact and I know residents are feeling more reassured. I know the team are keen to role this model out to Billingshurst and Southwater and I am pleased they have arranged a dedicated Q&A session in Southwater on Friday 1st March 6-9pm at Beeson House for residents to meet the team and to ask questions. This “Local Policing for Local People” event will be visiting other villages across the District over the course of the year.
While we want to see a regular and visible police presence in our communities, they need also to be active “online”: over 50% of all reported crime is fraud related and over 80% of that is facilitated using digital technology. It is really important that we all know how to keep ourselves and our personal information safe online. Surrey and Sussex Police’s Cyber Crime unit are holding cyber security webinars next week (see my Facebook for more information) and the Home Office last week launched its Stop! Think Fraud campaign. The website has some useful reminders and tips on staying safe online: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/
