Police Warning

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a man was robbed in West Harling woods yesterday (6 December 2020).

It happened at about 3.30pm when the victim, a 70-year-old man, was out walking his dog in the woods, near to West Harling Road towards Gasthorpe.

The victim was hit from behind and was knocked unconscious falling to the floor. He regained consciousness about 10 minutes later to find his wallet, containing cash and cards and his mobile phone had been stolen.

He suffered facial and head injuries but did not require hospital treatment.

Officers will be increasing patrols in the area and police are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area yesterday. Anyone with information should contact Detective Constable Clare Gardner at Thetford CID on 101 quoting crime reference 36/85896/20. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Support & Resources Available

Resources:

For your information, the latest government guidelines:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november

Norfolk County Council resources, including campaign materials (various languages) and resident support information: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/care-support-and-health/health-and-wellbeing/adults-health/coronavirus

Voluntary Norfolk for volunteer recruitment and voluntary sector support: https://www.voluntarynorfolk.org.uk/voluntary-sector-support/

Further funding opportunities may also be available to your group, so keep an eye on the Norfolk Community Foundation website: https://www.norfolkfoundation.com/funding-support/grants/groups/

Resident Support:

Residents who require support (food, loneliness, financial hardship) can still call Norfolk County Council on 0344 8008020 option 1, option 4

If you become aware of any residents experiencing financial hardship as a result of Covid-19 and they’re struggling to pay for everyday essentials, the Norfolk Assistance Scheme may be able to help: www.norfolk.gov.uk/NAS  or call 0344 8008020

Better Together Norfolk – Information, advice or a friendly chat: 0300 303 3920

The Silver Line – Helpline for older people providing information, friendship & advice that’s free, confidential and available 24/7: 0800 470 8090

Avian Influenza

Unfortunately Avain flu has made an appearance again and some of you will be in the protection and surveillance zones for the outbreak at Snetterton.

If anyone suspects birds that they keep of being unwell or they have died they are to contact DEFRA/APHA  on 03000 201301. No movements of birds and the strictest of biosecurity must be maintained within these zones.

There is a housing order coming into force on the 14th December. This means that all types of captive birds should be housed or contained in areas that prevent wild birds having access to your birds feed and water. If anyone keeps a mixed flock of different species they need to separate them from each other so if you keep ducks and chickens make sure they are penned separately. There is exemptions to the housing order where the welfare of the birds will be compromised by being housed this normally applies to exotic waterfowl and birds such as Emus , but steps should still be taken to reduce contact with wild birds and biosecurity should be in place.

The threat to Human health is extremely low and there is no need for anyone to dispose of their birds. Poultry meat and eggs are all safe to eat.

Everyone in our villages can help reduce the spread of this disease by avoiding walking through areas that have domestic poultry on them and disinfecting their footwear after walking in places that birds frequent particularly waterfowl. If you keep birds in your garden please prevent your other pets from going in your bird areas to reduce disease spread.

How to spot avian influenza (bird flu), what to do if you suspect it, and measures to prevent it.

Carers Matter Norfolk

From the 1st Sep there is a new and improved Carers Matter Norfolk service and we are anxious to reach out to as many carers and people who are support people as possible. The new service offers an advice line and one to one locally based Carer Connectors. Carer Connectors can now carry out Carers Assessments and can help people assess or services such as grants from the health and welfare fund, short breaks and group support.  The service can be contacted via the advice line 0800 083 1148 or via our website on www.carersmatternorfolk.org.uk.

Could You Be A Volunteer Police Cadet Leader

We are currently looking for a dynamic individual to assist with Dereham and/or Thetford Cadets.  Some of our cadets are referred to us and have led quite disadvantaged lives.  We are looking to recruit volunteers with a real passion to try to make another’s life better; showing them there are other options rather than crime.  If you joined the police to make the world a better place then this could be for you.  Several of our Cadets have gone on to have careers with the Police, either as staff, Specials and a couple as Police Officers.  This is a real opportunity to change a life.  You may have heard that we take the Cadets away each year for a weekend of walking in Derbyshire, and for many this is their first holiday of their young lives.  The wonder and excitement of young people experiencing something, that many of us take for granted, is very poignant.

We are currently not holding face to face sessions but are hoping this will change, depending on Covid19, for 2021.  For officers and staff this offers a unique opportunity to engage with the young and build on your communication skills, which will also benefit your career development.

FAQ

What days and times are Cadets Sessions? Thursdays from 1900-2100hrs

Will I have to attend every week? No.  Other leaders will commit to sessions so that you can cover when you are available – there will be an availability rota.

How much time would I need to give up?  If you attend a training session that would be 2hrs per week, but some weeks others will cover, unless you wish to get involved in planning of events

Will there be any training? Yes as a member of staff you will be asked to complete Safeguarding Training to be a leader

Can I go with Cadets to events in the summer? Yes you can discuss options with your Cadet Team leader

If you are interested or want to find out more about Cadets please contact Michele Fallows at Cadets@norfolk.police.uk who can explain what Cadet Leaders do in more depth.

Second Lockdown

Communities urged to stay safe and be sensible ahead of second lockdown  
Police in Norfolk are urging people to stay safe and be sensible as England prepares to enter a second phase on lockdown on Thursday (5 November 2020). It comes as new measures are introduced to help stop the spread of coronavirus which will see people required to stay at home, restrictions on gatherings and non-essential businesses closed, including shops, restaurants and bars.

Officers are encouraging people to continue adhering to the existing restrictions, sticking to the rule of six and maintaining social distancing. Temporary Assistant Chief Constable, Julie Wvendth, said: “It’s reasonable to assume people will want to make the most of their freedom before Thursday. However, it’s important to remember the existing rules still apply and we want people to be sensible and stay safe.”

Over the weekend, officers issued four fixed penalty notices to people in Norwich in breach of the rule of six. Three related to a Halloween party while the fourth was in connection with a protest. In Cromer, following a joint visit by police and North Norfolk District Council on Saturday night (31 October) a fixed penalty notice was issued to bar/resturant Lily Mais the following day for breaching COVID regulations in failing to take steps to ensure that customers remained seated while consuming food or drink on the premises. T/ACC Wvendth added: “We know these changes can be difficult and uncomfortable for some and we’ve acknowledged this in our approached to enforcing the regulations by engaging, explaining and encouraging people to follow the rules. Enforcement has always been a last resort.   “However, people who are knowingly and blatantly breaching regulations leave us with no option but issue a fine. We can’t waste time with endless engagement and the public would expect us to act in these circumstances.”  

Additional information on the new measures can be found on the Government website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november