River Walk to Tesco's - update

We were pleased to see that the Vale's contractors have now removed the rusty old barbed wire and posts from along the river walk to Tescos.  There had been concern that the wire could cause injury as it was partially hidden by undergrowth.  We have asked them to look at the river path itself as it seems that more cracks are opening up in some places.  We'll update when we have more news about this.

PCSO's

We were very pleased that two PCSOs, Emma and Jo, were able to stop by our July meeting for half an hour or so.  Their time with us was appreciated as they have to cover a wide area in this part of Oxfordshire.  Residents told them about some of their concerns, mainly parking at junctions obscuring sight lines and the occasional speeding car.  The PCSOs told us that our two estates seem to have more visits from unlicensed scrap metal dealers and suspicious collectors than other areas in Abingdon, but on the other hand, we are the ‘best’ in Abingdon for reporting these suspicious door-to-door collectors.  Of course, some of these callers are genuine (for example, people collecting our newsletter subscriptions!!) but others are not.  We were told that the Police had recently taken one unlicensed door-to-door scrap metal dealer to Court.  If you are concerned about the genuineness of a door-to-door caller, just ring 101, the non-emergency Police number.

If residents would like contact from Abingdon neighbourhood team for questions or concerns (incidents cannot be reported through this channel) then they can email at:

abingdonneighbourhoodpoliceteam@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk

Flu Jabs - Marcham Road Health Centre Patients

Patients of Marcham Road Health Centre, who are aged 65 or over plus those patients who have serious long term health conditions can get their annual flu jabs on the following dates:

Sunday 17th September between 4pm and 5pm

Saturday 23rd September between 2pm and 3pm

Sunday 8th October between 4pm and 5pm

For more information see www.marchamroadhealthcentre.co.uk

Thames Valley Police - Bike Thefts

We have received increased reports of bike thefts in the Abingdon area.  Please consider the following crime prevention advice that may help keep your bike safe and secure:

1.    Always lock your bike even if you are leaving it just for a couple of minutes!

2.    Chain your bike to a non-moveable item like a bike rack

3.    Use a good quality chain or D-Lock

4.    Lock your bike in a well-lit area

5.    Lock any quick release wheels

6.    Remove any lights from your bike and take them with you

7.    Have your bike postcode marked so that if it is stolen it can be identified and returned to you

8.    Even lock your bike at home when it is in a shed or garage

If you would like any further advice on bike marking and security please contact you neighbourhood policing team by emailing AbingdonTownNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk or calling 101.

If you have seen any suspicious looking people or vehicles in the area or have any information relating bike thefts please call the Police via the 24 hour non-emergency telephone number 101.

Alternatively if you have information but wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.  No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.