A successful Burnham-On-Sea crime-cracking group is celebrating its third year of making the town a safer place.
The Mid Burnham Local Action Team (LAT) was set up by residents and the police in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour and make the community part of policing in Burnham.
Members of the Mid Burnham LAT manned a stand at Tescos in Love Lane on Saturday (April 8), when tamper-proof tax disc holders were available along with crime reduction advice on how to prevent your car being a target for an opportunist thief.
Our photo shows crime advice leaflets being given to local reisdents Christine Price and Linda Ronald by Burnham PCSO Andy Dancy outside the store on Saturday morning.
Now, the LAT is planning a drive to reduce vehicle crime in and around the Burnham area.
Successful projects driven by the LAT include raising cash for a youth shelter in Winchester Park, a Community Speedwatch scheme, setting up goal posts for a local under-12 football team, and taking part in the town’s Summer Challenge.
Burnham Police Community Support Officer Stuart Nichols, who has had a close link with the running of the Mid Burnham LAT, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The LAT is built on a foundation for partnership working and has been set-up to help people to engage in community activities for the good of their own community.”
“Because we are a partnership, The LAT is in a position to debate and take action on all manner of physical, social and environmental concerns.”
There are currently over 20 Local Action Teams set-up within Sedgemoor, each consisting of members of the community and representatives from the police, council and local businesses.
Each group has been set-up by residents that actively want to improve the community that they and their family and friends live within.
PCSO Nichols, pictured right, added: “Criminals look for opportunities to commit crime and leaving items on display or your vehicle insecure will increase the chances of becoming a victim.”
“Whether it be car stereos, satellite navigation systems or a coat and bag, everything should be removed from display.”
The Mid Burnham LAT will be holding an AGM on Thursday, April 27, 2006, at the Chichester Close Community Hall at 7.30pm. The team would like to welcome anybody who feels they can actively make a difference, and improve the community they live in.
