Council put children's lives at risk

 

How long does it take to change a light bulb?

Customer Reference:
Enquiry Number: 4750103
Date Report Logged: 02/10/2012
Location: Broad Street
Subject: light out

For the attention of

Thank you for reporting the light out on Broad Street. It will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken quickly if it is an emergency, otherwise it will be completed as soon as possible.

Customer Reference:
Enquiry Number: 4752509
Date Report Logged: 29/11/2012
Location: Broad Street
Subject: light out

For the attention of

Thank you for reporting the light out on Broad Street. It will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken quickly if it is an emergency, otherwise it will be completed as soon as possible.

The above is a street light reported by people over 6 times the light is in Broad St Crewe right next to a school there is another light out a few feet away at the traffic lights and has been out for months. Childrens live are at risk as they leave school in the dark. Broad St is a main route and should be well lit. So why doe sit take over 2 months and nothing is done about? Is this a record no the light in Oxford St corner of Chell St in Crewe was reported 12 months ago and still hasnt been fixed. Is this discrimination against Crewe I bet this would get fixed quick if it was in Macclesfield. As lives are at risk we have asked Cllr  Brian Sylvester to help

Police seek witnesses to unprovoked attack in Crewe

 

Police are appealing for information after a man was subjected to an unprovoked attack in Crewe.

At 5.16am on Friday 7 December 2012, police were called to Walthall Street in Crewe after a 23 year-old man was assaulted by six men as he stood outside his address seeing his girlfriend safely home.

As the man, who is Slovakian, stood watching his girlfriend walk along the road he noticed a group of men standing nearby. As he turned to go back inside he was approached by the men who made a racist comment to him before launching an attack on him which left him with a badly broken wrist.

The men are described as white with English accents. One of them is thought to have been wearing a leather jacket.

DS Jim Boulton said: "This was an unprovoked attacked on an innocent man for what appears to be no other reason than the colour of his skin.

"This type of behaviour is unacceptable and we are determined to catch those responsible.

"If you were passing by Walthall Street at its junction with Gainsborough Road this morning and witnessed a group of men assaulting a man in the street, or if you have any information that may help with our investigation, please contact us."

Anyone with information should contact DC Jim Boulton on 101 quoting incident number 113 of 7 December 2012.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

OLYMPIC SPONSOR BLUE BELL BMW HONOURED AT CHESHIRE EAST SPORTS AWARDS

Blue Bell BMW Crewe has been honoured for its part in establishing the sporting legacy of 2012’s sensational Olympic and Paralympics Games in Cheshire East.

The dealership was presented with the special recognition award at the third prestigious Cheshire East Sport Awards, held at Cranage Hall on Thursday, 29 November, which looked back at a year of countless sporting triumphs across the area and of course the London 2012 Games.

160 guests attended the awards including Cheshire East Mayor, Councillor George Walton, and Congleton MP Fiona Bruce.

Barry Holt, Dealer Principal at Blue Bell Crewe, was presented with the award which recognised the dealership’s ‘Outstanding Contribution Towards the Delivery of a Legacy for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics in Cheshire East’ by Cheshire East Council’s Leisure and Play Manager Geoff Beadle.

Also in attendance were 42 London 2012 Volunteers, both Games Makers and Ambassadors, who supported the delivery of London 2012 and received a medal in recognition of their efforts.

The BMW Group actively supported British athletes throughout the country during this summer’s Olympic Games, after being named the official automotive sponsor of London 2012.

In line with the BMW Performance Team initiative, before and during the Games, Blue Bell Crewe worked closely with local athlete Fran Halsall, who reached the final of the 50m and 100M Freestyle and both relay events in London.

Fran was provided with a cutting edge BMW Z4 as part of her sponsorship deal to assist her in meeting transportation needs for training, competitions and events.

In June, Blue Bell BMW hosted an exclusive Olympic celebration evening to commemorate the very best in Cheshire East’s sporting talent as Games-fever griped the nation.

The celebration saw South Cheshire swimming sensation Charlotte Bradbury crowned as Blue Bell Crewe Young Sports Personality of the Year.

Barry Holt, Dealer Principal at Blue Bell Crewe, said: “We are immensely proud to receive this recognition award however the real reward will be to see the success of the future sportsmen and women inspired by the truly sensational Olympic Games this summer.

“It has been a tremendous year and we at Blue Bell have been thrilled to support the Games and we will continue to support the sporting stars of the future who are already on the path to winning Gold at future Olympics.”

For more information about Blue Bell BMW Crewe visit the dealership on Fourth Avenue, Weston Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6XH, or call 01270 212525.

12 Days of Christmas: Cheshire Police are out in force

 

Cheshire Police has started its winter drink driving campaign with a series of road safety events being run by the Cheshire Road Safety Group (CRSG) which comprises Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Cheshire Police and The Highways Agency and Halton, Warrington, Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East Borough Councils who all work together as a partnership for safer roads in Cheshire.

The events, which are being held at 12 different locations across Cheshire, will feature the ‘Think′ car − a vehicle involved in a road traffic collision - which has been donated by the Wilson family to Cheshire Police to illustrate the potential risks of drink driving.
The driver of the car, Matthew, was a 21-year-old man who died on impact after losing control and hitting a tree on a rural A-road in Cheshire. He was one and a half times over the legal alcohol limit at the time of the collision.
His family were keen to get the message across about drink driving to other young people and they have been supporting the winter drink drive campaign of Cheshire Police who are using the ‘think′ car as a platform to deliver road safety awareness.

Road Traffic Officer, Tony Hayhurst from Crewe, said: "Seeing the wreckage of a car is the biggest wake up call for many drivers - it opens their eyes to the reality of what can happen and more importantly, how a small amount of impairment, speed or short distraction could end in tragedy."
Hannah, who is the sister to Matthew, said: "The amount of alcohol that people drink can have a major effect on the circumstances of the evening. Drinking after consuming any amount of alcohol has the potential to impact on the competency of the driver."

The first of the 12 road safety events was held in Frodsham on Friday 30 November and there have since been events in Warrington and Chester, with more to follow.

Twelve days of Christmas road safety events:

• Friday 30 November from 1-5pm, Bears Paw, Frodsham
• Friday 30 November from 7 -10pm, Coliseum Retail Park, Cheshire Oaks
• Saturday 1 December from 10am − 4pm, Cockhedge Shopping Centre, Warrington
• Monday 3 December from 10.30am − 4pm, The Cross, Chester
• Saturday 8 December from 10.30am − 2pm, outside Marks & Spencer, Northwich
• Friday 7 December from 10am − 1pm, Crewe Retail Park (near M&S)
• Friday 7 December from 2-5pm, Nantwich town centre
• Tuesday 11 December from 10-4pm, Runcorn town centre, opposite the Co-op
• Wednesday 12 December from 9am − 2pm, Widnes market (but the Think car won′t be there)
• Thursday 13 December from 10am − 4pm, Asda in Runcorn
• Friday 14 December from 1-4pm, Morrisons, Stockton Heath and then from 7-10pm at the Mulberry Tree, Stockton Heath
• Thursday 20 December from 4-9pm, Bridge Street, Warrington

For more information and road safety advice, visit www.cheshire.police.uk.

Nantwich granted ArcAngel Protected Town status

 

Nantwich was officially granted its status as an ArcAngel Protected Town at a launch event on Friday 30 November.

Sergeant Richard Tomlinson of Nantwich NPU was present for the event which was held in the town square.

The latest ten licensees to sign up to the initiative included The Union, The Crown Hotel, The Wickstead Arms, Harrisons Café Bar, The Malbank, The Shakespeare, The Cat, Nakatcha, The White Horse and Leopard.

They joined the Nantwich Civic Hall and the Railway Hotel who signed up in October.

The licensees involved were required to meet a number of criteria designed to promote responsible drinking and public safety, and were assessed by local police and Cheshire East Licensing and Trading Standards.

Representatives from each premises were presented with certificates by the Mayor of Nantwich, Councillor Graham Fenton.

Sgt Tomlinson said: "We′re very pleased to have all the premises on board and have been impressed by their attitude and commitment.

"By working together, we have shown that we can reduce alcohol-related disorder and ensure that Nantwich is a safe place to enjoy a night out."

For more information on ArcAngel, visit www.cheshire.police.uk.

Updated Please use this pic - Police appeal for missing teenager

Cheshire Police are becoming increasingly concerned for the wellbeing of a 15-year-old teenager who was last seen in Congleton.

Jordan Forster was originally reported missing from the Crewe area on 29 November 2012.

He was later spotted in the Tunstall area and then on the following day in Congleton.

Jordan has known links to Congleton, Tunstall and Wigan however it cannot be overlooked that he may have travelled further a field.

He is described as being 5′ 6" tall with a skinny build and a pale complexion. He has a small scar above his right eyebrow. He was last seen wearing grey Adidas tracksuit bottoms and a grey Adidas hoodie, but he may have changed these since then.

Insp Jez Taylor said: "I would urge Jordan to get in touch as we are concerned for his welfare and want to know that he is okay. We would also urge anyone who has seen Jordan or someone matching this description over the past few days to get in touch."

Anyone with any information regarding the whereabouts of Jordan are urged to contact Cheshire Police by dialling 101 and quoting incident reference number 706 29/11/2012.

Spate of burglaries

Please be aware that there has recently been a spate of burglaries from out buildings, sheds and garages.
Over the last week there has been a rise to these types of thefts in your area. It does appear that the items which are being targeted are electrical items such as chainsaws, drills, hedge-cutters etc and in some cases bikes. As the dark nights have now drawn in and the weather is so cold opportunist thieves have more opportunity to commit these types of crimes as residents draw curtains and prefer to stay in the warm.
Please share the below Advice with residents

Shed & Outbuilding Security Advice
v        Never leave your garage or shed unlocked, ensure they are secured with a strong padlock and consider using window locks where appropriate. 
v        Doors should be solid and in a good state of repair so that they are not easily accessible. 
v        DIY stores will stock locks that have a grading system on them.  Try to ensure that the lock you are using is fit for purpose for securing your shed/outbuilding.
v        Consider the use of security lighting to illuminate key areas within your garden as a whole, but be mindful of the position of your security light.  A wrongly positioned light could actually offer pockets of shadows for an intruder to take cover in.  Consideration should also be given to your neighbours when installing such lights so they are not frustrated by them.
v        Consider the use of a shed or garage alarm, particularly if your shed or garage contains a high number of valuable items. 
v        Remember that sheds are not ideally designed for safe storage, so consider securing a steel cage to the floor of the shed to store more valuable items in, or padlock them securely to a fixed point. 
v        Property mark valuable items using a recognised system such as UV pens or Smart Water.  It is also worthwhile to take photographs and serial numbers of valuable items for insurance purposes. 
v        Finally, consider the area around your shed and garage.  Could the area benefit from some well placed rose or holly bushes in key positions, such as under windows or around doors?  Could a gravel path or equally noisy surface be laid so that any potential offenders create a noise approaching the area?  Most importantly, is your garden perimeter secure with no weak spots in hedges and fences or no items such as bins easily available for use as stepping stones over the fence?  Remember that once a burglar has entered a garden they have more of an opportunity to operate unseen.  By ensuring your perimeter is secure you remove the means for them to enter your property.  

GARDEN SHEDS

Many people keep valuable property, such as bikes and mowers, in their shed, as well as garden spades and forks which can be used as tools to help the burglar force entry to your home.

Even if the shed is only of light wooden construction, a suitable hasp, staple and padlock should be fitted to the door and frame. Hinges are usually exposed, so fit non-return screws to prevent their removal. The windows should also be screened with curtains and fitted with a lock, or sealed, if designed to open.

As extra security for your shed, buy and fit ‘ground anchors’ to chain or shackle bikes and mowers. Alternatively, simply chain and padlock them together.

GARAGES

The ideal protection for your garage: double opening wooden doors with a high security close shackle padlock and padbar; ‘up and over’ aluminium doors with specialist mortice locks; padlocking bolts or hasp and staple and close shackle padlocks.

Garages with ‘up and over’ doors which are attached to, and can give access to your house, can be secured from the inside by drilling holes into the two channels which allow the runner wheels and stays to move up and down. The holes should be drilled immediately above the wheels when the door is in the closed position. Padlocks can then be inserted through the holes to prevent the door being opened from the outside by an intruder.

Police warning: secure your home and don’t let your presents get into the wrong hands this Christmas

 

With only three weeks to go until Christmas, Cheshire Police are advising the public to be on their guard against burglars who target homes filled with gifts over the festive season.

The warning forms part of ACPO′s national burglary campaign. Over the past few weeks, police forces across the UK have been providing crime prevention advice to communities and taking action to combat thieves.

Nationally, burglary has fallen. You are now three times less likely to be the victim of burglary than in 1995. However, there is a trend for an increase in burglaries around the Christmas period so it is important that people take simple precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

In the run up to Christmas, criminals are on the lookout for signs of expensive purchases such as visible presents underneath Christmas trees, packaging on display or old electronic goods left outside suggesting new replacements have been purchased.

As market conditions have changed, the items most desired by burglars have also altered. Jewellery, cash and high value items that can be readily sold onto others are now more desirable than bulkier items that have little resale value. Smart phones, laptops, tablet computers and e-readers are all expected to sell well this December; their size and high value mean that they are also items on burglars′ Christmas lists.

Burglars can be both highly organised international criminals and opportunistic thieves but they all looking for high value items and an easy way in.

In November 2012, Cheshire Police dealt with an incident in which burglars targeted a home that had been left in darkness. The thieves stole a number of Christmas presents, in addition to jewellery and high value electrical items.

Anyone can become a victim of burglary but poor home security is the factor that makes people most vulnerable. Analysis of the Crime Survey 2009/2010 found that households without window locks and dead locks on outside doors were six times more likely to be burgled than those with these security fittings.

ACPO lead on burglary, Nottinghamshire Police′s Assistant Chief Constable Paul Broadbent said: "Burglary can mean much more to victims than the loss of possessions. It can leave them feeling scared, violated and vulnerable. If items are not insured, it can also lead to financial as well as emotional strain. A burglary over the Christmas period can almost certainly ruin the holiday.

"The police service has worked hard to tackle burglary and this is evident in the recorded crime figures, which show a six per cent fall in burglary in June 2012. We have made great use of new technology, DNA evidence and CCTV digitalisation in apprehending burglars. Restorative justice and work to divert individuals away from a life in crime have also been successful over recent years.

"This year we want to make sure people are aware that the most effective way to prevent becoming a victim of burglary is simple: secure property properly and remove high value items from view. Follow the tips below to keep your home safe and secure this Christmas."

• Don′t leave presents under the tree, particularly if visible from windows or doors.
• Make use of the free and secure registration websites to register items of value such as I.T., mobile phones, cycles, electrical items such as TVs, games consoles etc.
• Dispose of present packaging carefully as empty boxes left outside can advertise that you have new and desirable goods inside your home.
• Never keep large amounts of cash at home.
• Ensure that all doors and windows are locked - use a dead or double lock on outside doors
• Lock up sheds and garages so thieves cannot gain access to ladders and tools which they could use to gain access to your home.
• Never leave keys anywhere near the front door; burglars know where to look.
• When you go out at night, consider leaving the lights on with curtains drawn so it looks like someone is home.
• Visit www.securedbydesign.com for police approved security products.

If you do arrive home and notice signs of a break-in:

• Don′t go in or call out − the intruder could still be inside.
• Go to a neighbour′s to call the police.
• Don′t touch anything or tidy up.

Traffic Light Upgrade – Crewe Arms Roundabout

 

The traffic lights at a major road junction in Crewe are being upgraded this weekend as part of an ongoing refurbishment and energy-saving programme.

On Saturday, December 8, the traffic lights will be switched off on the Crewe Road/ Macon Way (Crewe Arms roundabout) while upgrade works take place. The junction will act as a conventional roundabout.

The works have been scheduled on a weekend to minimise delays for motorists.

The lights are being replaced with Light Emitting Diode (LED) traffic signals, which are more visible to drivers, longer-lasting and they also reduce maintenance costs compared to the existing signals.

The LED upgrade of traffic signals, which is happening across Cheshire East, will cut energy consumption by 75 per cent – significantly reducing CO2 emissions and cutting the Council’s electricity bill.

Partnership Improves Crewe’s Greenways

Local initiatives have come together to improve sustainable transport links in the north of Crewe.  Last week, project partners were on site working together to improve the route of the Leighton Greenway extension, which is to commence before Christmas.

The extended greenway route has been enhanced with tree planting and wildflower meadow areas as co-ordinated by Greenspaces South Cheshire with assistance from the local Catch 22 youth project.  Funding for these landscape enhancements has come from the Community Development Foundation with important match funding for the provision of trees from NLH Deliveries in Crewe.

Local volunteers, Cheshire East Highways staff and pupils from Sir William Stanier School working on the John Muir Award took part in planting 100 native trees and shrubs which will enhance the new greenway extension.

The Leighton Greenway Extension project is part of a national scheme of improved sustainable transport links and safe routes to school as funded by the Department for Transport’s Community Links Programme.  Cheshire East Council has been successful in securing £400k of investment to work on a range of measures in Crewe as supported by Active Crewe Travel group (ACT)  Works will  include re-surfacing, safety improvements and new signage for important route-ways in the town and will complement the Connect2 cycle route which is currently being created next to Middlewich Road.

Peter Foster, Regional Director for Sustrans said: We are really pleased to see the progress of these important improvements to Crewe’s sustainable transport network.  The fact that we have other partners on board and assistance from the local community adds further value to the project, enhancing the landscape alongside these improved routes.

Des Johnson, managing direct for NLH Deliveries added: We are pleased to be supporting this local initiative and providing native broadleaf trees which will assist with reducing the carbon footprint of our Crewe-based delivery company.

Crewe Swimming Pool Group

A swimming group from Crewe Swimming Pool has raised over £1,000 towards purchasing a new electronic wheelchair for Vicky Perez. Vicky, aged 34, is well known in the Crewe area for her achievements in sport as she is a former artistic gymnastics world champion and British Sports Acrobatics Wheelchair Champion. Each week Vicky participates in an ‘AquaFit’ water aerobics session at Crewe Swimming Pool as part of her exercise regime. Her current wheelchair is showing its age and earlier this year she had an incident in Crewe where a wheel fell off. The wheelchair provides her with the independence to allow her to visit the pool, shop and visit friends and family.

A Curry and Pie Afternoon at The Captain Webb pub, Underwood Lane, Crewe raised over £500. The owners - Mags & Dave Oakes – generously allowed their pub lounge to be used for the event and also provided all the plates, cutlery, and serviettes. The Bombay Restaurant, Mill Street, Crewe donated popadoms. The curries were made by swim member Jo Tilley and husband Sid. Fifty-nine meals were served raising £295. Puddings donated by swim members, a raffle with vouchers donated by South Cheshire College, quizzes and donations raised a further £227.

A risqué ‘Crewe Pool Hunks’ 2013 calendar has so far raised £400.

Mick Garner donated a mobility scooter which raised £200 towards most of the printing of the calendar.

Refreshments sold at the 75th anniversary open day at Crewe Pool raised £83.53.

Karen Charlton from the swimming group said, “We are overwhelmed with everyone’s generosity and the help people have given in making this fund raiser a success”.

Police appeal for information after Crewe indecent exposure

 

Police are appealing for information after man exposed himself to two women as they walked along Macon Way in Crewe in the early hours of Wednesday 28 November 2012.

The women in their early 20s were close by to the playing field at around 3.15am when they were approached by a man who then exposed himself to them and followed them for a short distance.

The women immediately reported the offence to police. The man is described as in his 40s, of average build and wearing black stockings, a black bra and heels.

PC Clare Curbishley said: "This was an isolated incident and the offender made no attempt to grab the women. Anyone with information that may help to trace this man should contact police.

"We would also remind women out late at night not to walk home alone, stick to areas that are well lit and do not use paths that are secluded."

Anyone with information should contact PC Clare Curbishley on 101 quoting incident number 64 of 28 November 2012.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Burglary prevention advice to East Cheshire residents

 

Residents in East Cheshire are being urged to brighten up their homes during the dark winter nights.

Residents across the eastern area are being urged to make their homes look ′lived in′ to avoid being victim to opportunist thieves.

Traditionally at this time of year there tends to be an increase in the number of burglaries reported to police as homes are left in darkness whilst people are out at work.

Officers are urging residents across the area to remain security conscious and to take steps to reduce their chances of falling foul of thieves.

DI Nigel Groom head of the burglary team for the eastern area, said: "Many burglars are attracted to homes that have been left in darkness.

"We are urging residents to take a few simple steps to ensure their home is secure − especially if you are going to be late home from work or out for the night."

Residents are being encouraged to reassess their current security measures in a bid to reduce their chances of being targeted:

• Buy timer switches for lights, radios and other appliances to give the impression that someone is at home − even if they are not.
• Make sure all windows and doors are closed and secured at all times.
• Keep desirable items out of view to passers-by - valuables should not be visible from windows and doors in your home.
• The same applies to valuable items stored away in garages or sheds - ensure that garages and sheds are locked with strong padlocks and, ideally, fitted with an alarm.
• Install outside lights - dusk till dawn lights with a low wattage bulb will give a constant light when needed. They switch on as it gets dark and turn off when it gets lighter.
• Consider other security measures in your garden such as motion sensitive lights, using gravel, which is noisy if anyone steps on it, and planting prickly bushes.
• Remember to be a good neighbour - if you see anyone acting suspiciously in your area - report it to police immediately.

DI Nigel Groom added: "We are committed to tackling burglaries in East Cheshire and will do all we can to ensure that those involved in this type of crime are caught and punished.

"Residents across the area can join in the fight against this type of crime. Neighbours are being urged to keep a watchful eye on their own neighbourhood and look out for people acting suspiciously in their area.

"Be on your guard and if you see anyone acting suspiciously then please report it to the police immediately - even the smallest amount of information can be useful when piecing together a case."

Spread the warmth – preparing for severe winter weather

 

With stockpiles of salt, an online information centre and modern gritting vehicles – Cheshire East Council says it is fully equipped to cope with the current wintry conditions.

As part of the Cheshire East Council’s ‘Spread the Warmth’ campaign, the authority is reminding residents of its preparations and current actions as the winter weather takes hold.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “Winter weather can be a worrying time for many people, especially those who need to travel. We aim to be as informative as possible in the event of severe weather conditions.

“I want to reassure residents that we are well equipped to deal with snow and ice in the weeks and months ahead.”

Duty officers receive detailed weather reports, around the clock, during the winter months. These officers then decide if gritting vehicles or snow-ploughs are required.

Thanks to Cheshire East Council’s online Highways Information Centre, gritting vehicles can be tracked live as they salt local routes: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways

Councillor Menlove continued: “The monitoring of weather conditions here in Cheshire East never stops during the winter months. Gritting vehicles or snow-ploughs can be dispatched in minutes in the event of conditions deteriorating quickly.

“Freezing temperatures usually result in gritting taking place twice a day – once in the early hours of the morning and again in the evening – but this can be increased or decreased according the conditions that day. Crews have been sent out regularly over the past few weeks to salt the roads, particularly on higher ground.

“We cannot guarantee that the route will be completely ice or snow-free – what we can do is ensure that every effort is made to keep salt stocks high, monitor weather conditions and take the appropriate action.”

Sean Reynolds, the chair of the local Adult Safeguarding Board, said: “Frozen roads, as well as the extra hours of darkness, bring obvious additional risks such as falls and involvement in road traffic accidents.

“For older people, a relatively gentle fall can result in a serious fracture. For Cheshire East’s most vulnerable citizens, winter can also mean increased loneliness and isolation.

“With this in mind, I would urge those feeling vulnerable to ask a friend, family member or neighbour to help them out with simple but important daily routines such as their food shopping or getting rubbish out to their bins.”

Dog handlers seek support from the public

Cheshire Police are asking local breeders, suppliers and the general public if they would like to donate suitable dogs or bitches for the purposes of training them to work alongside the police dog handlers.

Ideally, the police dog handlers are looking for a German Shepherd or Alsatian dog, or Mallinois dog aged between 12 months and 2 years old. The dog must be confident around people and other animals and enjoy the interaction.

Because of the training that the handlers put the dogs through, it is also essential that the dog meets with the following criteria:-

What makes a good training dog?

- A dog with confidence and with plenty of energy and enthusiasm

- Friendly in nature, i.e., wagging its tail and not aggressive around the public

- Playful − likes to run after a ball once thrown and

- A good nose − as some of the training will focus on searching for and finding toys when they are hidden out of sight

However, please note that dogs that have been reported to the police following any complaints made by the public are not being considered.

For anyone who has a dog they would like to donate, can you please ring and ask for Mike Jones on 01606 362681. For more information on police dogs please visit cheshire.police.uk.

Consider the consequences of your actions or else, Cheshire Police warn!

 

"No means no" and at this time of the year, sexual assaults and rapes are characteristically higher than at any other time. Cheshire Police are ensuring potential offenders are clear about the law relating to rape and how consent is key to having any sexual relationship or encounter with another person. All cases of rape and sexual assault will be investigated and anyone who commits rape which is such a distressing act cannot expect to offer any appalling excuses for their actions as the law is quite clear!

One of the myths Cheshire Police are trying to dispel about rape and sexual assault relates to where rapes are most likely to happen and who are the perpetrators. It is often perceived as an offence that takes place in open or desolate areas and involves the victim being approached by a stranger. This scenario cannot be further from the truth, the majority of rapes happen in the home, either the victims or the offender’s home and the people involved know each other.

These vile sexual acts scar for life many victims and many victims are constantly being subjected to forced sexual acts without the offender showing any signs of remorse or guilt.

Cheshire Police continue their campaign to reduce the number of rapes by making sure that their message reaches men between the ages of 30 and 50. Having looked at offences committed over the last few years, Cheshire Police have found the biggest group of offenders committing rape are men who fall within this age group. With the launch of ‘rape shatters lives, there is no excuse’ campaign by Cheshire Police, there will be no excuse for offenders who indulge in such selfish and abhorrent acts.

Cheshire Police are asking everyone to answer this question - ′have you ever tried to take things further without mutual consent? ′

The message is clear as one Cheshire Police spokesperson states, "Do not think that you can get away with sex without having the consent of the other person, Cheshire Police will put offenders before the courts as victims deserve to be heard and live their life free from fear of being forced to have sex. Everyone has the right to say no to sex."

Cheshire Police recently dealt with an offender who was sentenced to six years imprisonment. The local Cheshire man had been for a night out in Liverpool with a group of friends. At the end of the night, they all went back to the offender’s house, where they stayed up drinking and taking drugs.

Everyone had had a lot to drink and one of the girls fell asleep on the offender’s bed, although she doesn’t remember how she came to be in his bedroom. The victim awoke to find the offender on top of her raping her. The convicted offender denied having sex with her despite the forensic evidence showing his semen was present on her internal vaginal swabs.

Cheshire Police established a Dedicated Rape Unit a year ago and officers within the unit dealt with a total of 232 rape and sexual assaults between 19 September 2011 and 30^th September 2012 and have made 130 arrests.

By using the specialist skills and expertise of the detectives in the Unit and by working closely with the Crown Prosecution service whose officers form part of the Unit, Cheshire police have been able to improve on the number of cases of rape that are solved and Cheshire now ranks 3^rd highest for detection rates within the most similar group of forces.

The detection rate from October 2011 to September 2012 is 22% with a 17% increase in total rape detections in comparison with the same period for 2010/11. Although there has been a rise in the number of rape incidents being reported in the last year, the incidences of rape and offender’s motives for assaulting someone are overriding issues and it is this which Cheshire Police will be focusing on over the coming months.

For more information on the ‘rape shatters lives’ campaign, please go to cheshire.police.uk.

Cheshire Constabulary helps communities get ready for winter

 

Cheshire Constabulary is helping communities prepare for the cold weather as part of a national ‘Get Ready for Winter′ campaign.

On 29 and 30 November, Police Community Support Officers were out and about in the community, visiting the elderly and most vulnerable members of the community to offer advice and support.

A police spokesperson said: "As autumn comes to an end and we officially move into winter, it is important that people are well prepared for the months ahead.

"Cheshire Constabulary is working in partnership with Cheshire Fire & Rescue, The Met Office and Local Authorities to get key messages and support out into the local communities of Cheshire."

The messages include home safety and security, vehicle advice, property marking, personal safety, watch schemes, winter warmth advice and details of support services available through the voluntary sector.

For more information about this and other initiatives, visit the Cheshire Police website: www.cheshire.police.uk.