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Derbyshire Constabulary Canal Watch Update

The Derbyshire Constabulary Canal Watch scheme
has been running for well over 12 months now based around the Mercia Marina at Willington, Derbyshire

PCSO Claire North, PCSO Holly McConachie and PC Chris Ferns

Started on Saturday 6th September 2008 as an idea of PC Chris Fearn of Derbyshire Constabulary, the Mercia area neighbourhood officer who working in partnership with, South Derbyshire County Council, Mercia Marina and British Waterways aimed to provide a safer community within the boating world locally.

Canal Watch in Derbyshire is still headed up by PC Fearn and has been extended to other counties who have contacted him for information on the how's and who's etc. Each of the other forces will be adapting the concept to suit their own area.

The Derbyshire Canal Watch scheme now has around 400 members, this is still growing as the Mercia Marina grows, each member has joined the Canal Watch community messaging service, where the Police broadcast messages to members via there preferred choice, phone, text, email etc about problems within the area , problems ranging from anti-social behaviour to burglary or thefts.

The Derbyshire Canal Watch has been a great success meaning that there has been very little going on along the stretch of the 17 miles of canal system within the South Derbyshire area covered.

To apply to join Canal watch, apply online at www.canalwatch.org.uk, or pick up an application pack from Mercia Marina.

New members joining the Canal Watch scheme will receive a pack with information on how to apply to become a member of canal watch, useful contacts, and how to report matters arising with regards to the safe operation of the canal system. Members will also receive ultra violet pens for marking their property in their boats and two Canal Watch stickers, which will identify boats that are members of this scheme.

Members are also encouraged to report matters of crime against boats and acts of criminal damage along the canal system as well as problems arising with the canal or towpath. These reports will then be channeled to the appropriate authority with responsibility for further action.

Members will also be eligible to join the “Ringmaster” network where Derbyshire Police raise awareness of any problems within the area.

PC Chris Fearn from Mercia Safer Neighbourhood team has now been joined by more help in the guise of PCSO Claire North and PCSO Holly McConachie.

Derbyshire Constabulary Canal Watch will be conducting monthly police surgeries at the Tea Rooms at Mercia Marina 10.00-14.00 in 2010 11 Jan, 8 Feb, 2 Mar, 1 April - Everyone is welcome, so please pay them a visit.

To contact your local safer Neighbourhood team please call: 0845 123 33 33