River crime setback?

boatone

boatone

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Just a few cables from Boulters Lock
www.tmba.org.uk
Some here will remember hearing of the relationship between the EA and PC Jim Halstead (Staines?) in tackling river crime.

A little birdy tells me that he is likely to return to normal policing duties due to funding problems. If this is true it will be a great pity as I understand his involvement has had a positive impact on the river.

Anyone with more info?
 
I have no knowledge of that Tony. I just wanted to comment that there was something reassuring about seeing the Thames Valley Police Boat on patrol.
As a matter of interest I have the Blue Light from "In Valle Tamesis" (1978-1991). This was acquired by me in about 1992 and presented by the then Assistant Chief Constable all nicely mounted with a plaque.
 
From Jim himself...

[ QUOTE ]

Ladies and Gents
It is with regret that I have to inform you that due to funding issues, Surrey Police have withdrawn the post of River Officer.

Thank you very much to all those people who have assisted me in the last five years

Jim Halstead
Surrey Police


[/ QUOTE ]

Serious cutbacks for the second year running for Surrey Police has meant Jim is being reassigned. Crying shame, and shame on government for spending too much on flock wallpaper a soddin Duck hutches. Makes my blood boil.

Apart from PC Halstead being genuinely concerned for all matters relating to the river it was for us river users reassuring to know that there was one person who know what was going on and be on the end of the phone. If he wasn't on duty he would always call back to follow matters up.

We used to have three police launches based down here in Shepperton upto 1995 I think and the River Police Station too. The launches were often found creeping along almost silently close to the bank at night. Ah well, back to ringing 999... "What's the address, oh Riverside? where that???"
 
[ QUOTE ]
But do they go up on to the non-tidal river?

[/ QUOTE ]

Ian, I think technically they go up as far as Bell Weir. Whether they do such a patrol or not I don't know.
 
Yep, they are based above the lock .

Technically ( AFAIK ) the Met Police Boundary with Surrey Police is Thames Ditton. But i know they have been through Mouldy Sock a few times.

I will ask them when i see them . They do admit that most of their time is taken up in London though.
 
For what it's worth:

Surrey police are responsible for both sides of the river from Bell Weir to a few hundred yards downstream of Sunbury lock (Hampton).

Surrey police continue to look after South side of the river down to Kingston borders and the Met have north side from Hampton to Kingston.

Thereafter the Met are responsible for both sides.
 
This is not good news and the trade is up in arms about Jim Halstead being taken off River Duties. This is a paragraph from a letter that has been sent from the Chairman of The Thames Boating Trades Association (The TBTA is a region of the BMF)

“Our Members are devastated at the news that the post is to form part of your staff cuts. We ask that you reconsider this decision as a matter of urgency. We are in the middle of the summer boating season and the Officer’s close work with the Environment Agency and the Metropolitan Police has made a real improvement on the Lower River Thames.
Our Members and others will be writing to you and to their M.P.’s to ensure that the Post continues.
The TBTA have a very high regard for P.C. Jim Halstead and co-opted him, as a volunteer, to join our TBTA Committee. His role at our meetings, at Member’s premises and on the River Thames and in communicating with all River User Groups has been exemplary”.

Should any forum members wish to write to the Chief Constable in support of Jim Halstead staying on the river, P.M. me and I will let you have the address.
All the best
 
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