INTRODUCTION
It’s strange that you don’t see one for ages and then two arrive at the same time… No not buses, but Community Officers. The town has not had a dedicated community Officer since the retirement of Mick Sears last autumn (although there has been continued police presence) and I am pleased to introduce myself as his, some may say long overdue, replacement.

PCSOs
I have been in post since late November, which is the same time that the second Police Community Support Officer for Woodbridge, Amy Cowan, started. Amy joins the current PCSO Jamie Newson and both can be seen on high visibility patrol throughout the town.

PARKING
A lot has obviously happened in the short time that I have been here and as a result shifts have been altered, along with duties. However, I feel a difference has been noticed throughout the town with plenty of positive comments having been received.
One of the most requested / repeated questions relates to parking, not only in the Thoroughfare but also, throughout the town. This is an issue that affects a great number of people and businesses and is one that we, as a team, will be looking to address. Some of you whom traverse the Thoroughfare, and park, during the restricted times may have received ‘advice’ notices relating to various ‘offences’ that have been committed. These are intended to inform people of the restrictions and are not designed to get backs up. I, and others, have noticed an improvement over recent weeks. Long may this continue.
There does however, come a time when actions need to get more formal and by this I mean the issue of ‘fixed penalty notices’ (£30.00 fines). There are a number of parking spaces, both able bodied and disabled very close to the town centre. I would ask that these are used and that the Thoroughfare can therefore be less congested and a safer place for pedestrians to walk and shop. This was the original thinking behind the restrictions.

CRIMINAL DAMAGE and GRAFFITI
Another cause for concern is the amount of Criminal Damage, including graffiti that is occurring throughout the town. Again this is something that, due to the actions of a few, impacts on the whole community. I would ask that if anyone is witness to damage being caused please call the police AT THE TIME, as this will give us the best chance of catching and dealing with those responsible. Of course this also applies to any crime or suspicious behaviour that is witnessed. I would also gladly welcome any information relating to those who are responsible in order that they can be dealt with by appropriate means. Any information received will be treated in confidence.

CONTACT
To end on a positive note, overall crime in Woodbridge last month fell when compared to December 2005. This was particularly evident within the town centre, whilst the figures for the whole of the Woodbridge sector saw the second highest decrease throughout the force with a reduction of some 15% (304 offences).

By working together we can ALL help to make Woodbridge a place in which people are proud to reside and visit. I can be contacted by email: karle.howard@suffolk.pnn.police.uk, or by telephone 01473 383470.

If immediate police presence is required then always dial 999.

Karle Howard PC361