'POSITIVE' measures are being taken to cut crime in Bere Alston, it was reported this week.

The announcement, by community constable Ian Pirie, came after it was shown that in one week in January there was more crime in Bere Alston than in the whole of the Okehampton area.

Crimes reported in the Okehampton area last week were thought to be the lowest on record, but PC Pirie said it was still worrying that the number of incidents in Bere Alston outnumbered them.

'The police are very concerned about an outbreak of disorderly behaviour in the village and wish to take positive action against those involved to prevent any further occurences,' he said.

Damage had included stones being thrown on to the roof of the social club, damaging roofing tiles, and the window of a car parked in the club's car park being smashed.

'There was also an assault in The Close — between the social club and Cornwall Street — at around 7pm on January 15 when a woman was knocked to the ground by three or four youths,' PC Pirie said.

Police are working with the local Neighbourhood Watch to try to find those responsible, but the vandalism has included damage to the Neighbourhood Watch signs themselves.

Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Paul Graeme-Drury said it appeared some kind of hammer had been used to smash the signs. 'They must have been quite determined, as the signs are over two-and-a-half metres off the ground,' he said.

Mr Graeme-Drury said local businesses had kindly funded new signs, which would be erected in the next couple of weeks. 'There is the chance someone is doing this because they think we are having an effect,' he added.

The Watch had examined

local crime figures to see what areas could be tackled. 'Criminal damage and bored youngsters is one area we felt we could approach.'

Mr Graeme-Drury said much of the damage in the area — such as broken wing mirrors and damage to walls, which often went unreported — was probably caused by skateboarders.

'There wouldn't be the problem if the youngsters had somewhere to go. We are supporting Bere Alston WASPS — Wheeled Area Sports Park Supporters — to find an area for recreational facilities for them, including a skateboard park.'

Other vandalism in the village included frequent cases of windows being smashed — often in the parish hall. 'But recently someone put a brick through the window of a house in Sherrell Park,' he said.

'A lot of very positive things are happening to try to improve the situation, but we would ask everyone to keep their ears and eyes open and note any relevant incidents.

'If people are afraid of reprisals if they report information to the police, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously.'

Anyone with any information on any of the incidents is asked to either contact PC Pirie at Tavistock police station on 08705 777444 or leave information via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

l Monthly police surgeries are to start in Bere Alston on Monday, February 4 in the parish council offices. The surgeries are a chance to discuss matters in complete confidence with the local community constable.

The first surgery will take place from 10am to 11.30am. Dates of future surgeries will be posted on notice boards and in shop windows.