Neighbourhood Policing of Angmering

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Latest Angmering Policing News

February 2010 Police Report
Monthly Summary:
Total serials (logged incoming calls) for the Angmering area between 01/02/2010 and 28/02/2010 were 176.
February 2010
10 Criminal Damage; 18 Vehicle related (incl 11 Accidents); 0 Burglary (including 0 non dwelling); 4 Theft; 3 Violent Crime; 10 Anti Social Behaviour.
Crime Statistics for the Rolling 90 days (last 3 months information):
Recorded Crimes in Angmering were 93.
Overview:
The increase in Criminal Damage relates to a spree of damaged vehicles in the Downs Way area at the end of last month. Investigations are under way but we have no suspects as yet.
Vehicle related crime has increased due to some break-ins to vehicles. We are advising all valuable (including Sat Navs) be removed where ever possible. I am, however, happy to report no burglaries last month and other areas continuing at reduced levels
PCSO Activity
Although south of the A259, the damage to vehicles increase is a concern, we have had a similar spate in Ferring and so have had increased patrols, both marked and unmarked, in both areas. The thefts from vehicles appears to have moved off, but the increased patrols may relate to this. As the spring approaches, we will be increasing foot patrols to keep the levels of ASB where they are or lower.
(PCSO Neil Billingham)
(7 March 2010)

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Latest Angmering Policing News

January 2010 Police Report
Monthly Summary:
Total serials for the Angmering area between 01/01/2010 and 31/01/2010 were 202, down 20 from the last report.
January 2010
15 Criminal Damage; 14 Vehicle related (incl 7 Accidents); 1 Burglary (including 1 non dwelling); 5 Theft; 1 Violent Crime; 23 Anti Social Behaviour (including 1 mini moto).
Crime Statistics for the Rolling 90 days (last 3 months information):
Recorded Crimes in Angmering were 107.
Overview:
The snow fall we had resulted in the expected rise in ASB calls relating to snowballs. However, a number of them were of concern. The targeting of one particular property during this time seems to have been stopped by the home visits I mentioned last month. We will continue to monitor. A number of the snowball incidents along with a number of the ASB calls relate to items being thrown from a vehicle. We have suspects and this is being dealt with by colleagues in Worthing.
The Criminal Damage relates mainly to two areas: Ferndale Walk area and smashed windows. Increased patrolling (which will continue) seems to have put a lid on this. I am also following another line of enquiry relating to the windows.
PCSO Activity
As mentioned, I have increased my foot patrols, targeting the criminal damage. This would appear to be having the desired effect. The situation in the skate park seems to have improved as well, since the lights were changed. There is a certain amount of alcohol evidence, but I will be looking into this.
(PCSO Neil Billingham)
(7 February 2010)

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December 2009 Police Report
Monthly Summary:
Total serials for the Angmering area between 01/12/2009 and 31/12/2009 were 222, down 15 from the last report.
December 2009
4 Criminal Damage; 14 Vehicle related (incl 13 Accidents); 2 Burglary (including 2 non dwelling); 6 Theft; 3 Violent Crime; 31 Anti Social Behaviour (including 7 snow related).
Crime Statistics for the Rolling 90 days (last 3 months information):
Recorded Crimes in Angmering were 101.
Overview:
An increase in calls this month, the most concerning being an increase in Criminal Damage. This relates to incidents at the allotments in Honey Lane and damage to windows. I suspect someone has a catapult and is using it against windows through the village. If anyone knows of any youths with one, could they let me know.
We had one burglary dwelling, which relates to an insecure window. We have had a series of dwelling burglaries in Littlehampton that all relate to windows and doors being left open. Can I ask everyone to be aware of not giving burglars any opportunity. Keep all doors and windows secure!
The ASB figures relate mainly to issues we are having in Downs Way, although Bewley Road is becoming an issue. It appears a small group are throwing objects at doors and windows (possibly the same group as the catapult!), so again any information would be helpful.
PCSO Activity
In response to the damage and ASB in Bewley Road, we have set up a Directed Patrol Activity in the area. This means that units from across Arundel and Littlehampton will target the area during their patrols, looking for suspects and offenders. This is on top of my own targeted activity.
Regarding the reported Sexual Assaults, we have concluded our investigation into one, with no further Police action required. The other is still under investigation. Please take appropriate, sensible actions to maintain your own safety and security.
(PCSO Neil Billingham)
(8 January 2010)

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November 2009 Police Report
Monthly Summary:
Total serials for the Angmering area between 01/11/2009 and 30/11/2009 were 237, up 35 from the last report.
November 2009
21 Criminal Damage; 12 Vehicle related (incl 10 Accidents); 2 Burglary (including 1 non dwelling); 1 Theft; 4 Violent Crime; 20 Anti Social Behaviour.
Crime Statistics for the Rolling 90 days (last 3 months information):
Recorded Crimes in Angmering were 100 which is an increase of 16.
Overview:
The extensive criminal damage we saw in October and November seems to have run its course, although there are still a few issues in Bewley Road. As one would expect with the adverse weather, there has been an increase in accident related calls. Can everyone ask themselves during this period if their journey is absolutely necessary. If it can be postponed, do you really need to be on the roads?
The ASB figures are up, many relating to Bewley Road, the snow or both. I am actively working to target a named suspect, who I believe is active through the whole village.
PCSO Activity
During this period of cold weather, we will be patrolling whenever possible, but within the constraints of safety. Can I repeat the need to ask yourselves if you really need to be on the roads and to keep an eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and friends. Stay warm, stay safe..
(PCSO Neil Billingham)
(15 December 2009)

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Credit Card Scam
There is a Credit Card scam going around at the moment. People are being phoned by callers purporting to be from the Security and Fraud Department of your Credit Card company and told that your card has been used in an unusual purchase pattern. The caller then goes on to try and get you to divulge the security number of the reverse of your card. The caller may already have your card number somehow but needs the security number on the reverse to make a fraudulent purchase from your account. NEVER GIVE THIS NUMBER TO ANYONE WHO PHONES AND ASKS FOR IT. Credit Card companies say that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you do get such a call, the police have suggested that you report the matter to them. Please make your family and friends aware of this scam.
(19 November 2009)

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October 2009 Police Report
Monthly Summary:
Total serials for the Angmering area between 01/10/2009 and 31/10/2009 were 182, down 29 from the last report.
October 2009
9 Criminal Damage; 0 Vehicle related (12 Accidents); 1 Burglary (including 1 non dwelling); 1 Theft; 2 Violent Crime; 13 Anti Social Behaviour (ASB including 2 Section 59).
Crime Statistics for the Rolling 90 days (last 3 months information):
Recorded Crimes in Angmering were 79 which is a decrease of 18.
Overview:
Criminal Damage reports are up, mainly relating to the skate park. The violent crime reports relate to one of the children's homes and to a misunderstanding over a takeaway. We had only one burglary (non dwelling) which is encouraging. Reports of anti social behaviour are also down (skate park aside).
PCSO Activity
We will be focusing on the skate park in the next few weeks, increasing our presence were possible and discouraging the anti social behaviour. Parishioners should also be aware of using the services of a travelling knife sharpener who has been across the whole area. He is charging very high prices for what appears to be poor return. Please ask people to set the price before accepting the service if you wish to use him.
(PCSO Neil Billingham)
(9 November 2009)

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September 2009 Police Report
Monthly Summary:
Total serials for the Angmering area between 01/09/2009 and 30/09/2009 were 211, down 28 from the last report.
September 2009
5 Criminal Damage; 15 Vehicle related/Accidents; 2 Burglary (including 1 non dwelling); 9 Theft; 4 Violent Crime; 15 Anti Social Behaviour (ASB including 2 mini moto).
Crime Statistics for the Rolling 90 days (last 3 months information):
Recorded Crimes in Angmering were 88 which is a decrease of 29. Detected crimes 8.
Overview:
Reports of criminal damage are up slightly, but ASB reports are down. The majority of the ASB reports relate to Bewley Road, where we have two groups who appear to be responsible for the vast majority of incidents. A younger group are door knocking and stone throwing and an older group are playing football. I have spoken to the older group and the football will stop. The younger group I am working on identifying. This younger group is spilling over into Palmer Road.
We had one dwelling and one non dwelling burglary. Enquiries are on going.
PCSO Activity
As mentioned above, I am actively targeting the ASB. I have been patrolling the skate park on random days and times. This seems to be kerbing any excesses and reducing alcohol consumption on site. This will continue, as will the prioritising of Bewley and Palmer Roads.
The vehicle and accident information relates to all vehicle crime and incidents including crashes on the A259.
(PCSO Neil Billingham)
(15 October 2009)

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August 2009 Police Report
Monthly Summary:
Total serials for the Angmering area between 01/08/2009 and 31/08/2009 were 239.
August 2009
10 Criminal Damage; 3 Vehicle related; 11 Accidents; 2 Burglary (including 1 non dwelling); 7 Theft; 2 Violent Crime; 41 Anti Social Behaviour (ASB including 4 mini moto/vehicle).
Crime Statistics for the Rolling 90 days (last 3 months information):
Recorded Crimes in Angmering were 88 which is a decrease of 29. Detected crimes 8.
Overview:
Since this is my first report, I will not be drawing any direct comparisons to previous figures. My reports will follow the same basic layout as before, but with my own take on the figures. This may throw up some anomalies in the first few reports, but those should settle down after a few months.
PCSO Activity
As stated in my introduction on the Sussex Police and village websites, I have transferred onto the Angmering area from Yapton, Ford and Clymping. I will try to do as much as I can in a similar manner to Andrea, but obviously will be doing things in my own style. My first task will be to get to know the area, geographically initially, but I will be meeting people as and when I can over the next few months. This will be reflected in my reports and blogs. I look forward to meeting many of you over the coming weeks.
(PCSO Neil Billingham)
(9 September 2009)

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New PCSO commences duties

Following her four year stint as Angmering's PCSO, as reported in our news item of 9 July, Andrea Oakley takes up a position this month in a new post of PCSO within the Safer Schools Partnership team working in both Angmering and Westergate Schools.

PCSO Neil Billingham

As a result PCSO Neil Billingham, has been appointed by Sussex Police as Angmering's new Police Community Support Officer. Neil, who took up duties yesterday, brings with him nearly 3 years' experience as a PCSO west of the Arun. He comments:

"I joined Sussex Police as the Littlehampton Traffic Warden in mid 2004 and became a PCSO in November 2006. The change of rôle came about from working closely with existing PCSOs and PCs across the Littlehampton area and seeing the rewarding and varied rôles that they carry out.

Having worked closely with the communities in Yapton, Ford and Clymping to help deal with anti-social behaviour, act as a liaison with local businesses, build links with local schools and generally to be the visible and approachable face of Sussex Police in these communities, I am now transfering to the Angmering area. I see this as being a varied and exciting area in which to work, at a time when policing in Sussex is undergoing a period of change - with the opportunity to continue to rebuild communities and the polices' rôle within them."

(2 September 2009)

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PCSO Leaving
PCSO Andrea Oakley has today issued the following statement (see also News page item):

"As many of you may know, as part of my efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour in Angmering, I have developed a close relationship with Angmering School. Through my work with the Team around the School I have become increasingly interested in the role of Police Community Support Officers working within the school environment. A new post of PCSO within the Safer School Partnership team has become available working in both Angmering and Westergate Schools and I have been successful in securing this post which commences at the start of the new school year in September 2009.

Although I will be moving on to a new and challenging role, I will still be an integral part of the wider Angmering community. I would like to take this opportunity to that all of you for your support during the last 4 years of my time in Angmering. I am particularly proud of the achievement of the Neighbourhood Management Forum for all their fund raising efforts and their hard work in transforming a run-down London Bus into a fully functioning community facility which will benefit the whole community and be available to all. It has become a striking example of what can be achieved when a motivated and committed community works together.

My thanks and gratitude to the members of Angmering Parish Council and the members of St Margaret's Church who have been very supportive and helpful over the past 4 years.

Some of the problems and issues around Angmering have presented quite a challenge at times but, with the help and support of the community, progress has been made in reducing incidents of anti-social behaviour, speeding through the village and parking issues. However, there is still work to be done and I will do everything I can to help and support my successor and I know that the community of Angmering will be equally supportive of them as they have of me.

I leave Angmering with fond memories of the many kind individuals, children and families I have met and hopefully, in some cases, improved the quality of life for them as a member of the Angmering neighbourhood. I will still keep in touch with the children and parents through my work at the School and hope that you will stop for a chat if you see me around the school in the future.
Andrea Oakley"

(9 July 2009)


Local Policing Structure

Sussex Police have divided the County into a number of Districts. Our own, Arun District (part of West Downs Division), is divided into Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) areas, allowing Sussex Police to deliver a more localised service to reduce both crime and the fear of crime. The District is headed by a District Commander.

Angmering comes within the "Arundel NPT" area. This covers the town of Arundel and villages from Angmering in the east to Aldingbourne in the west.

Each Neighbourhood Policing Team has a Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant who is responsible for co-ordinating the efforts of the Neighbourhood Policing Constables and Police Community Support Officers that make up the team. Andrea Oakley is Angmering's appointed PCSO.


Who's Who

Chief Inspector Jim Bartlett - Arun District Commander

Inspector Rob Moore - Officer in charge of local NPT areas.

Sergeant Carolyn Kendall - Arundel Sergeant. Email: carolyn.kendall@sussex.pnn.police.uk

PCSO Neil BillinghamPCSO Neil Billingham - Angmering's appointed Police Community Support Officer. Email: Neil.billingham@sussex.pnn.police.uk. Primary Point of Contact: If you have any problems in the neighbourhood, phone PCSO Billingham on 0845 - 60 70 999 ext 19417Secondary Point of Contact: PCSO Billingham can also be contacted if necessary through the Angmering Parish Council Office. Call into the office or phone 01903-850756.

PCSO Neil Billingham
Neighbourhood Policing Team (Angmering)
Arundel Police Station,
The Causeway,
Arundel.
Tel: 0845 60 70 999 ext 19417
Email: Neil.billingham@sussex.pnn.police.uk

For background information and photo identification of PCSO Billingham and his latest messages to the community, click here to go to the Sussex Police website, then select "Arun" on the map, or enter your postcode. To find your Neighbourhood Policing Team Area select <Arundel>.


What are the powers of a PCSO?

The Home Office announced on the 18th January 2006 that the following powers should become STANDARD for all PCSOs

Environmental Powers

Transport Powers

Alcohol and tobacco powers

Powers to tackle anti-social behaviour

Enforcement powers

Security powers


The Rôle of the PCSO

The PCSO is an important person in our community. The PCSOs powers (see above) may be interesting, but they do not really give much insight into the intended rôle of the job. In the list below, Angmering's former PCSO, Emma Orpin, explains her wide and varied rôle:

Reduction of crime - Deterrent - Via high visibility patrols of particular problem areas at relevant times i.e. pub closing etc
Reduction in fear of crime - High visibility - Patrolling at times and in places where there are large numbers of people. This reassures and also gives me the opportunity to speak to lots of people and meet young children etc.
Intelligence gathering - Information is obtained via conversation with Members of the public, or by observation. All information is fed into the Divisional Intelligence Unit.
Combating Anti social behaviour - By tackling groups of youths, and adults in some cases, taking details, submitting intelligence, providing evidence for Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and ASBO's.
Witness Support - Supporting Witnesses by maintaining contact, picking them up and taking them to I.D. Parades, and staying with them throughout the process, and keeping them informed without discussing the individual case.
Neighbour disputes - providing liaison to resolve neighbour disputes as quickly and possible.
Traffic Issues - Reporting issues to Highways (In terms of road systems/signage/lines etc)
Parking Issues - Full powers of a traffic warden. Providing liaison for ongoing problems, referral to highways, issue of Fixed penalties etc.
Community Liaison/businesses - To feed info back to Sussex Police regarding issues, events etc and resolve any disputes/issues asap.
Neighbourhood Watch - Regular meetings with co-ordinators and residents. Contact and liaison with its local Chairman. Recruitment of new co-ordinators in areas where schemes do not exist.
Schools Liaison/Intervention - Involvement with School Intervention and Liaison Officers. Attend assemblies, provide lessons and intervene in situations at school. Work with schools to resolve issues which have come up for pupils outside school. I am also on the PTA of a local school.
Truancy Sweeps - With local authority truancy officer, stop check truants found on normal patrol. Check reasons for being out of school. Inform school and parents if necessary.
Youth Interaction (Scouts/youth clubs) - Regular involvement with youth groups. Support events and provide regular info for youths. Very informal contact sometimes reaps excellent rewards.
Crime Prevention Advice - e.g. if a house is burgled in a particular street, I will provide information to not only that house, but every house in that street and surrounding streets to make life harder for the burglars etc.
Pro-active Policing - e.g. if I notice criminal damage somewhere, i.e. a hole in a fence panel, I will knock on the door of the home and tackle the issue whether previously reported or not. I routinely deal with issues I come across before they are reported. Another example would be tackling door to door salesman if seen to make sure they are legitimate.
Parish Councils - Regular contact with the Parish Council to resolve issues and provide another point of contact for myself in the community. I also attend their meetings.
House to house enquiries - Carried out after any incidents in the village.
Scene guards - Provided to maintain the integrity of a crime scene so that Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCO) can obtain the best possible evidence.
Traffic control - Provided after accidents when blockages occur - to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
Missing person enquiries - Searches of the area etc. For example, I recently was approached by a mum in the village who hadn't seen her child for an hour or so even though it was raining heavily and he normally didn't leave sight of the house. Within 5 minutes, six cars were searching the area and the Police Helicopter was scrambled to search from the air. He was home within 2 hours.
Visiting victims of crime - To provide support advice and reassurance.
Mobile CCTV - To capture evidence and monitor hotspots.
Police surgeries - Held monthly to provide informal contact and an open invitation to the whole community should anyone wish to meet me, ask questions, or report issues.
Stop forms etc - Any interventions involve taking personal details which are held on record at Sussex Police.
Licensing checks - Off licences and pubs are checked to make sure they are not serving anyone underage or intoxicated. Offenders are reported to the licensing officer.
Alcohol / tobacco confiscation - Alcohol/tobacco is confiscated from anyone underage etc. Parents are informed and the source of the alcohol or cigarettes investigated.
Entry to save life/limb - If someone is feared to be ill etc inside a property, and no response can be raised, I can break in to save life, limb or property.
Section 59 - warning and seizure - Those people who use vehicles in an anti-social manner, likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public, will receive one warning only when their behaviour is reported to me. If any other complaint is received about themselves or their vehicle in a 12 month period thereafter, I have the power to seize the vehicle.
Removal of abandoned vehicles - Self explanatory.
Cycling on footpath -This Is an offence. I do ask people to get on the road unless very young, or push their bikes etc. If people refuse, I take details and issue Fixed Penalty Notices.
Powers of a traffic warden - Self explanatory.
Taking children home - If children are young and out late at night, or older children are misbehaving, I have been known to put them in the car and take them home and explain their behaviour to their parents, or the fact that 11year old shouldn't be out at 11pm etc!
Liaison with Councils - To resolve a whole host of community issues.
Fly tipping/Graffiti - If a resident will supply a skip or paint and brush, I can ask the Youth Offending Team to paint out graffiti or clear fly tipped rubbish free of charge.


District Council Community Wardens

Community Wardens also patrol the parish periodically. They are not part of Sussex Police but are part of Arun District Council's community safety initiative. They do not have the powers of either PCs or PCSOs but do act as eyes and ears in the community.

Arun District Council comment: "The Wardens play a major role in tackling some of the community safety issues faced by the district's residents by patrolling the streets of the district. Set up through the Arun Crime and Disorder Reduction partnership, the Wardens were a response to calls from the public that a more visible presence was needed on the streets of Arun. The team of two wardens work closely with Sussex Police to help advise people on ways to prevent themselves from becoming victims of crime.

Their presence has not only acted as a deterrent to would-be vandals and shoplifters, but has also been partly responsible for a recent increase in public confidence and safety - a recent Arun District survey found Arun was on balance a safe place to live, and 75% of respondents reported feeling safer as a result of the new Community Warden scheme. So if you have any concerns and you see the wardens, make sure you talk to them about your worries - in most cases they will able to help you themselves, or point you in the right direction to the people who can help.

For further information on the wardens, please contact the Community Safety Unit at Arun District Council on 01903 737500, visit the website at www.arun.gov.uk/communitysafety, or e-mail community.wardens@arun.gov.uk "


Report a Crime

Crimes may be reported direct to the Police in the following ways:

Alternatively, you may report a crime anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 (free call). To learn more about giving anonymous crime information, visit Crimestoppers website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/giving/givinginformationoncrime/


Report an Abandoned Vehicle

Sussex Police are leading a pioneering project employing new technology to provide a solution to the blight of abandoned vehicles within the county. Operation Crackdown is a multi-agency facility designed to save significant costs by reducing the time a vehicle remains abandoned. You can read more about this initiative and use Sussex Police's on-line abandoned vehicles reporting form by visiting www.sussex.police.uk/operations/crackdown.asp


Your Local Police Station

The Causeway
Arundel
BN18 9JJ

Phone: 0845-60 70 999

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 10:00 - 20:00 Sat 10:00 - 18:00, Bank Holidays 10:00 - 18:00 Closed Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day


Useful Links

Click on following links to access these websites for advice on crime prevention and related matters:

Sussex Police
Home Office
Crimestoppers
Crime Reduction Website
Sussex Safety Camera Partnership
National Neighbourhood Watch Association


Feature Article

A day in the life of a PCSO

PCSO Emma Orpin, who was Angmering's PCSO until 4 August 2005, provides further insight into the life of a PCSO by sharing with us the contents of her notebook for just one day during April 2005:

"Arrived at Littlehampton Police Station. Looked on the system and updated my notebook as to current jobs in the Angmering area. Caught the bus to Angmering. Visited Parish Council to discuss recent criminal damage. Called on businesses in the village to start to tackle the parking problem outside the shops. Designed a form to obtain staff car registration numbers to identify who is clogging the limited waiting more effectively, and move them quicker. Visited an address at [...] Road. Problem with children playing in a ditch to the rear of the property. Adults also use it as a toilet. Phoned Arun District Council who are going to cost and obtain approval for fencing to restrict access to the ditch. Obtained complaints about animal carcasses being thrown in there, possibly from illegal hunting activity - i.e 4 deer hooves tied together thrown in there, skinned Badger found etc. Intelligence form completed. Visited [...] Close to follow up on complaint about mini motorbike. Issued section 59 warning. Phoned the informant who was pleased with the result. Visit to [...] Way. Having problems with youths exposing themselves and children kicking footballs at a property. Will add road to my patrol. Made informant aware of procedures concerning Anti-Social Behaviour. Carried out 2 homes visits to see youths who were named. Parents have "grounded" the youths for one month each. House to house enquiries at [...] Close with regards to an assault. Results obtained from householders, plus extra witness details obtained. Crime report updated, spoke with Officer in Charge upon return to the station. Spoke with householders at Bramley Green re criminal damage to their property. They have refused to report the incidents but have agreed to call me on mobile to give names so that I can deal with the issue more informally and submit intelligence reports in case other property's are being affected. That way Sussex Police will have a place to start looking. Provided some education as to the reasons why every incident should be reported. Found mother searching for son which prompted Missing Person Search. Within five minutes of calling up 6 other units were searching the area and the Police Helicopter was scrambled to search from the air. During my search on foot, I came across a very dangerous site containing chemicals. Children are playing here. Spoke with my area Inspector and E-mailed the Crime Prevention Officer for urgent survey and likely report to Health and Safety Executive. Also informed Environmental health, and advised the Fire Brigade who put a marker on the address."

(May 2005)