Arson Top Target for CREW

ARSON prevention is to be the main theme of the next Safer Hart Crime Reduction and Environment Week to be held in Fleet from July 27 to August 2.

This follows a big rise in the number of arson related wildfires in the Church Crookham and Fleet area since April 1 –around 80 have been reported.

The main CREW surgery will  be held in the Hart Shopping Centre on Monday July 27 (2-4pm) when the public can talk to members of the fire service, the police and the Hart District Council Community Safety Team.

There will also be two arson reduction drop-in sessions in local areas vulnerable to wildfires.

These will be at Velmead Common car park, Aldershot Road, Church Crookham on July 28 (2-5.30pm) and Bourley Road car park on July 30 (same hours). CREW hopes to attract members of the public including ramblers and dog walkers who use the areas.

Anyone who sees fire setters or anyone acting suspiciously should contact the Arson Task Force on 023 8064 4000.

Garden Contest

As usual CREW will be holding a Best Kept Garden competition with a prize of £25 worth of garden vouchers. Anyone wishing to nominate a front garden should phone Richard Denham on 01252 774229 or email richard.denham@hart.gov.uk

During the week there will be extra enforcement patrols, street cleaning, litter picks, graffiti removal, food safety inspections, test purchasing, licensing checks and other activities.

Cllr Nippy Singh, Hart’s portfolio holder for People and Partnerships, describes CREW as “a fantastic opportunity for residents, partner agencies and the local authority to work together at improving our community.”