By Press Release
The Freshwater community was again out in force on Monday evening for a second meeting in eight days to discuss a group of young teenagers who have been causing trouble in the village over the last few months.
This time they were addressed by senior police officers, Inspector Gooding and Sergeant Matthews, while two police officers patrolled outside to ensure there was no repeat of the interruptions at last week’s meeting when youths gathered outside the West Wight Sports and Community Centre and twice had to be dispersed.
Last week the IW Observer reported how George Cameron, a local parish councillor, felt he had to resign in an attempt to put an end to repeated attacks on his property. He said of the perpetrators: “It’s the same ones who are banned from the area and everyone knows who they are, including the police, but they still come into the village every night.”
Inspector Gooding said he was there to allay people’s fears over a number of incidents in the village including breaking and entering, front doors being smashed, windows broken, theft from businesses, a bus being delayed because a driver was attacked and bricks and stones being thrown at residents. He said: “We have taken robust action with the suspects regarding these crimes. These are incidents which have been reported to us. Two suspects have been accused of criminal damage, have been identified, taken to court and placed on bail. They are on curfews between 7pm and 7am and we are conducting curfew checks.
“I have every faith in my officers in the area that they will keep you safe and hold these people responsible.
“I don’t want you to feel fear in your homes. There is an extremely low crime rate on this part of the Island and the threat is very low.
“There were eight crimes in January reported and the young people have been held accountable for all of them. We urge you to speak to us and report a crime if you see it.
“Not all young people in Freshwater are out causing crime. In general, they are nice people and cause no threat or damage. I don’t want you to feel they are up to no good in the area.”
He also warned again vigilantes in the area adding: “It is very empowering for people to take things into their own hands. You have every right to speak out appropriately, but there is a fine line in contacting the police and exacerbating the situation.”
The inspector also sought to address claims that Island police were under-resourced. He added: “We have one sergeant and eight PCs on call at all times. We also have our own CID, as well as armed response and dedicated traffic, high harm and domestic abuse teams. The Island is not a poor relation in Hampshire.”
Isle of Wight Observer