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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
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