BOVEY TRACEY RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

There have been a number of excellent well attended events so far this year in Bovey Tracey.  In the first week of June the annual Craft Fair took place in Mill Marsh Park and this celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the event.  At the end of July/beginning of August our Carnival week included a large number of activities in the town including bingo, a car quest and a quiz.  At the very popular Picnic in the Park singers and musicians performed on a stage to a very appreciative audience.  The large number of attendees was made up of local residents and visitors. 

The carnival procession was followed the following day by the Grand Summer Fete in Mill Marsh Park with retailers and activities for children. All these proved to be popular and our usual Funfair was also there.

All these activities are possible because our Council allows Mill Marsh Park to be available for the organisers. Our local Town Council is well organised and have numerous meetings. They work hard, have excellent public council meetings and listen to comments from the public to ensure that the town is such a positive place in which to live or to visit.

The following contribution was prepared by Les Calder:

 SHED/GARAGE CRIME  Recently, in Bovey Tracey there have been reports of potential criminal activity in connection with garden sheds and garages.  Here is an example of which I have some first hand knowledge. Very close to where I live, a neighbour contacted me about an attempt to steal possessions from her outside garden sheds that had occurred overnight. On going around to the back garden to help, it could obviously be seen that the  criminal had entered the three sheds with a view to stealing what he/she considered the best items of choice by way of probable value and mobility.  The perpetrator had even pulled out all the items from two of the sheds and these were strewn out in the back garden.    

From closer examination it seemed that, on this occasion, nothing in fact had been taken and we now believe this may have been that the criminal was disturbed as, on reflection,  during that night around midnight my dog unusually barked and I put on some lights to take her and myself into our back garden.   These additional lights coming on may have caused him to flee empty handed.   The moral from the story is to ensure, as far as possible, good security with padlocks (not too expensive) on sheds and garden doors.  In addition security lights to detect any movement are also worthwhile.    As a dog lover, I recommend a small four legged friend (in my case a Sheltie ! )   

It is a similar warning re garages as there has also been reports locally of suspicious characters asking people if they live alone and apparently looking at garages.  Keep them secure and if you see anything suspicious, record car/van numbers and call 101 .    

These articles were prepared by Paul Beecher – Chairman Residents’ Association and Les Calder – Neighbourhood Watch Lead Coordinator