Author: Sonja Francis

PRAISE and tributes for PCSO, Jackie Madden, who is based in Thame, have followed her award for being Oxfordshire’s top Police Community Support Officer, as reported yesterday (19/05/09.

Jackie is dedicated to the job. One resident who nominated Jackie, said: “She has engaged with the community better than any other; she and her team have helped make the area feel safe.” Jackie has a reputation for being very approachable and has given confidence to her local community by being highly visible, attending events, holding bi-monthly surgeries, and conducting school patrols ? indeed she is a familiar friendly face to many children in the area.

A spokesperson from Chinnor parish council said that they: “..have seen a reduction in youths congregating in unsuitable locations in the village, and have also seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour,” all of which they attribute to Jackie?s hard work.

One resident commented that, thanks to Jacki: “I have confidence that I would be supported if I had to use the police service in the future.”

PCSO Jackie Madden, won her title as part of Thames Valley Police’s annual Community Policing Awards, which recognises Police staff who have delivered an outstanding service to the public.

There were 281 nominations from members of the public, partner organisations and Thames Valley Police colleagues, a 51 per cent rise on last year?s figure.

Deputy Chief Constable Francis Habgood, one of the judges for this year?s competition, said:

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote and I am delighted by the volume of nominations that we have received.

“Strengthening Neighbourhood Policing so that it better responds to local needs and improves public confidence is a key objective for Thames Valley Police. The range and breadth of activities that these special people have been involved in is staggering.”

THE family of Greg Stiles, killed in a five-car crash just outside Thame on Sunday (17/05/09), have today paid tribute to him.

“Greg was an active and athletic young man who was popular among his friends, family and work colleagues. He was usually a shy and reserved person, content to get on with life and make the best of what was available to him. Greg went to Barley Hill Primary School and was then a Lord Williams?s School pupil until 2008 when he completed his A-Levels.

“With his dry sense of humour and positive work ethic, Greg was highly regarded among his colleagues and was in the middle of completing a scaffolding course as an employee of Connect Scaffolding in Thame. He was well known in the Thame area and had also worked as a lifeguard at Thame Leisure Centre for a number of years. Greg would always think of others before himself and rarely had a bad word to say about anyone; a sentiment that is echoed by all that knew him.

“Outside of work, Greg enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend Abi and his many friends. He also visited the gym regularly and was a Vale of the White Horse motocross club champion; an activity in which he had participated in from a young age.

“One of life?s real tryers, Greg will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

Greg?s family is appealing for anyone who may be able to provide information in relation to the events surrounding his death to contact police, or the Crimestoppers charity.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Dan Watford at the Aylesbury Roads Policing base via 0845 8 505 505. If you don?t want to talk to police or leave your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

THE police are appealing for witnesses to a car crash in Kingsey, near Thame, in which a teenager died and one of five cars involved failed to stop.

The fatal collision happened yesterday, Sunday, May 17, 2009, just before 3pm, on the Risborough Road between Kingsey and Longwick.

The collision involved a blue Ford Fiesta, a blue Vauxhall Corsa, a silver Clio, a Toyota Yaris and a 4×4 vehicle. A man in his late teens, travelling in the Ford Fiesta, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the same vehicle, a woman in her late teens, was airlifted to John Radcliffe Hospital where she remains in a critical condition.

A woman travelling in the blue Vauxhall Corsa was taken to Stoke Mandeville Hospital with minor injuries and is in a stable condition.

The 4×4 vehicle, travelling from Longwick to Kingsey, failed to stop at the scene of the collision and police are urging the driver to contact them. Police are also keen to speak to anyone who saw a 4×4 vehicle prior to the collision in the area or witnessed the incident to come forward.

The driver of the 4×4 vehicle and anyone who witnessed the collision is urged to contact PC Dan Watford at Aylesbury Roads Policing Department via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

If you do not want to talk to the police, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 anonymously.

THE trial of a Towersey man, accused of committing an indecent act on an eight year-old boy, began today (18/05/09).

The jury in the case against 55 year-old Richard Nicholas Graves, of Towersey, near Thame, heard how he is alleged to have touched the boy, a family friend, inappropriately, after the boy, his sister and his cousins, had played in Grave’s swimming pool.

Graves denies the charge against him, though he has admitted that he may have touched the boy’s boxer shorts to see if they had dried after the swim.

The trial continues tomorrow (Tuesday).

BETWEEN 17:00hrs on Saturday, May 9, 2009 & 20:00hrs on Sunday, May 10, a property in Chowns Close, Thame, was burgled. Entry was gained via a rear window and property was stolen.

If you have any information relating to this message, please call the police on 08458 505 505.