Personal Safety on Shepherd’s Cot
Following a number of recent confrontations between members of Shepherd Cot Trust clubs and groups of individuals present on Cot land without permission and apparently showing intent to commit or actually committing public order offences, trustees and the clubs want to remind all members that their own safety must be the first consideration in such events.
A number of simple guidelines should be followed to minimise the risk of our members being the targets of threatening or violent behaviour:
- try to avoid approaching such individuals if you can, especially in darkness, and never do so alone
- if you are the target of threats or abuse, leave the area quickly and try to avoid a verbal exchange
- if you think you or other people might be in danger or property belonging to clubs or club members might be at risk, contact the police immediately. The police have asked us to remind everyone that non-emergency incidents should be reported by telephoning 101 (when a Crime Reference number will be given). Emergency calls should always be made using 999 in the usual way
- when leaving or arriving at clubhouses at night time, try to use areas which are well-lit and if you can, do so with company and carry a torch
In order that trustees can monitor safety and security incidents on the Cot and continue to improve members’ safety, anyone who witnesses or is involved in any such event should immediately tell the secretary of the Trust, Steven Reynolds, preferably by email or if not by phone, giving the date, time and as many details of the incident as possible.
Steven’s contact details are:
sreynaldo26@aol.com
07957186597
Trustees are in the process of introducing measures to make the Cot a safer place with the installation of gates, cameras and better lighting. Your safety and your full enjoyment of the Cot’s facilities are very important.
Your trustees
6 October 2015