South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have identified through emerging trends and historical data that between February and April 2011, anti social behaviour related fires were at their highest in the Woodhouse area (within the SNA boundary).
To proactively address the predicted increase within the same period this year Steve Vinson, Arson Intervention Officer for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has set up Operation Equinox.
Running from the 6th February 2012 to the 31st April 2012, Safer Neighbourhood Staff will be working with Steve and his colleagues at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue on a number of planned initiatives.
On Monday the 6th February 2012, Woodhouse PCSO Tom Skehan spent time in Woodhouse with Steve Vinson engaging with residents and visitors to the village. Questionnaires were completed ascertaining the views of the community where follow up enquiries have been conducted. Members of the public were pleased that they had been asked their views and provided with updates on the work in the area.
On Wednesday 8th February 2012, Woodhouse PCSO Jane Eklid-Singh attended the Shirebrook Valley Steering Group with Steve to discuss their planned activities under Operation Equinox and to ascertain any current concerns the members felt required their attention. Members were pleased with the attendance and support in preventing incidents on the Shirebrook corridor.
On Thursday 9th February 2012, PCSO Anna Smith carried out joint patrols in the area with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue to identify hazards which could potentially attract arsonists. The old Transco warehouse on Junction Lane, a site recently demolished following pressures from SYP and SYFR was checked where several Calor gas bottles were discovered. These were reported to Calor for removal. Reassurance visits were also made to residents where they had previously reported wheelie bin fires. Several old carpets were identified as a hazard near to a residential building, which were reported for removal by the Council.
On Monday 13th February 2012, further cycle patrols are scheduled to take place in the Woodhouse area with PCSOs and SYFR cyclists.
On Tuesday 14th February 2012, Chris Lukins, South East Community Assembly Officer (Environmental Enforcement) will be taking to the streets with Woodhouse PCSO Justine Wieteska and SYFR to address complaints in key areas, where reports have been made regarding flytipping, littering or vandalising property with graffitti. Fixed Penalty Notices will be issued where appropriate to anyone found committing offences.
On Thursday 16th February 2012, Woodhouse PCSO Tom Skehan and SYFR will be attending Woodhouse Forum meeting to update attendees of the work undertaken so far. This will be an ideal opportunity to gather further information and concerns from the public.
On Tuesday 21st February 2012, futher cycle patrols are scheduled to take place in the Woodhouse area with PCSOs and SYFR cyclists.
On Wednesday 22nd February 2012 (afternoon), and Wednesday 7th March 2012 (morning), PCSOs and SYFR will be present in Woodhouse Village engaging with members of the community.
On Thursday 23rd February 2012, Woodhouse PCSO Jane Eklid-Singh and Steve will be attending Brunswick Primary School, Woodhouse to deliver an assembly focused around anti social behaviour and arson. On Thursday 1st March 2012, 6 pupils from this school are working with Jane and Steve in the Woodhouse area. The group will be focusing their attentions on highlighting wheelie bin security with residents through the use of bin safety stickers.
On Thursday 15th March 2012, local PCSOs and SYFR will be attending the Woodhouse Forum meeting to update on the progress of Operation Equinox. A final update on the results of the operation will be provided at their follow up meeting on Thursday 19th April 2012.
