Bedford and District Neighbourhood Watch Association Quarterly meeting
held at Kempston Police Headquarters on Thursday, 29th October 2009.
There was a request from Chairman Graham Boyle to return the registration forms issued earlier this year so that records could be updated – no security checks will be carried out.
Three new trustees were appointed, taking the places of the two who were leaving the area.
There were comments on the headline ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ from the Times and Citizen publication on 29th October, but it was pointed out that the article only related to the further collaboration and the sharing of resources between Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Police forces. Neighbourhood Watch was not involved.
Under the Special General Meeting agenda, Resolution A – Adoption of Amendment to the Constitution (Section A) was passed as was Resolution B – Adoption of the Constitution.
As the date of adoption was dependent on Charity Commission approval it was not possible to set a definite date. Members will be informed of the formal date.
The presentation by two Officers from Special Branch (Counter Terrorism) was interesting and well received by Neighbourhood Watch members.
Describing the various extremist groups it was pointed out that, although the terrorist threat level had been reduced, there was still a very real possibility of an attack.
Some groups were known to be operating locally within the County. There was clear evidence of fund raising – funds which were being used for training and arms purchased abroad.
At present various intelligence gathering Operations, which are interlinked, are aimed at the Police but the intention was to involve Neighbourhood Watch, partnerships and other agencies to get everyone’s help in vital intelligence gathering.
One Operation was aimed at intelligence gathering in respect of suspicious activities especially around vulnerable sites – these are often ‘soft’ targets, crowded areas which are easy targets. In these cases there would be at least one confirmatory reconnaissance, sometimes used as a rehearsal, close to the time and date of the intended attack. Maps, plans and sketches as well as cameras and camcorders together with ‘open source’ material will often be used by groups when planning such attacks. Another Operation involved gathering intelligence on fund raising – this can range from card or cheque fraud to sophisticated fraud involving loans, mortgages, insurance and false documentation. There was evidence that very large sums of money were being raised. A further Operation focussed on the theft of dangerous loads, marked and emergency services vehicles as well as military transport, buses and taxis. It was explained how the use of ANPR and intelligence flow can reduce this risk.
The success of the various ongoing Operations is only as good as the intelligence received. Special Branch will never have enough information but by involving partnerships it was hoped to prevent major incidents or attacks.
Neighbourhood Watch members are ideally placed to report suspicious incidents and activities – the more people looking and listening the better. If something does not look right, trust your instinct – report it. Make a note of the time and place of anything unusual, the more detailed the description the better.
With the public’s help in intelligence gathering, attacks from terrorist and extremist groups can be prevented.
Ring 0800 789321 where Special Branch Officers are on duty 24 hours a day – all information no matter how small is logged.
A report by Brian Jones. (Wilstead Neighbourhood Watch)