Safer School Police Officer

Loxford is fortunate to have a dedicated Safer Schools Officer who supports us in our link with the local Police service. Their role in Loxford is to work closely with staff, students and parents to tackle problems that concern the students and to make the students journeys to and from school safe. 

Dangerous and inconsiderate parking near the school site

We know that pick up and drop off times are difficult and very busy due to large amounts of children in the Primary and Secondary phases. However a small minority of parents are still parking without any thought for our local residents or the safety of students and staff.  Cars being parked across driveways, on the double yellow lines and on the zigzag lines are not acceptable. This is obviously both dangerous and illegal. This parking can pose a safety risk to pupils and parents that do walk and cycle to school, as well as to other road users.

The Highway Code rules 238/99 state

You MUST NOT wait or park on double yellow lines. You MUST NOT wait or park, or stop to set down and pick up passengers, on the zigzags near either pedestrian crossing. The Police can issue an instant PCN either by CCTV or Enforcement Officer.

The Highway Code rule 27 states

You MUST NOT park over dropped kerb driveways if you do not have the home owner’s permission. Again the Police can issue an instant PCN at any time either by CCTV or Enforcement Officer if you don’t have permission and the police receive a specific complaint from the resident. We have received complaints from residents in St Francis Way.

Please can we ask that you are aware of these rules and note that the Police will be visiting from time to time in order to enforce them.

Crime Prevention

Loxford School have received the following advice from our Crime Prevention Officers to share with you.

• Mobile Phones – Out of Sight is Safer!

Young people are especially vulnerable to mobile phone theft. Often the offences occur after school hours as children are travelling home from school.

• Our advice is simple – ‘ Out of Sight is Safer’.

Is it essential that you child takes their mobile phone to school?

If so please ensure they follow this advice:-

• Make essential calls from a safe environment – ideally before leaving school premises.
• Avoid using the mobile phone in public areas or where you feel unsafe.
• When using your mobile phone remain aware of you surroundings.
• Always use your phone’s security lock code or PIN number.
• Keep a secure record of the 15 digit IMEI number which can be found on the box, under the battery or by keying *#06# into your phone.
• Register your phone details on www.immobilise.com it’s free, quick and easy.
• Property mark your phone using UV pen with your postcode and door number.
• Report a lost or stolen phone to the police immediately.
• Inform your service provider if your phone is stolen or lost.
• Keep headphone off to ensure you remain vigilant

In addition, you can help police locate your stolen mobile device and potentially identify suspects by using relevant applications. Please refer to your mobile phone to see if such an application or function exists. For example:-

Find My iPhone – http://www.apple.com/uk/iphone/find-my-iphone-setup/

Android Phone – https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6160491?hl=en

Please discuss this issue with your child and above all remind them that their personal safety comes first. Further specialist advice can be obtained from Redbridge Police Crime Prevention & Problem Solving Office on 020 8554 9264.

If you see anything suspicious, call the police – dial 999. Non urgent enquiries can be made through the switchboard on 101.

If you have information about stolen mobile phones or any other crimes please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can call anonymously.

• Avoid quiet roads , alley ways
• On buses ensure you have planned your route prior to your travel
• For your own personal safety sit nearest to the driver

Staying Safe when travelling:

On foot:

• If you have a mobile phone then make sure it is out of sight but easily accessible should you need it, also make sure that it is charged.
• Where possible always walk with someone else.
• Stay in well lit areas and avoid short cuts through alleyways and other such places.
• Wherever you go always try to plan your route so that you pass through well lit areas or passing by shops or friends or family’s houses – tell someone about your route i.e. parents or a friend.
• Avoid situations – if you feel uneasy about a person or people walking ahead of you then cross the road.
• Avoid walking past parked cars with their engines running and people sitting in them as you could be dragged into a car (this is highly unlikely but following the advice removes the risk).
• Stay alert – if you have an iPod or personal stereo turn the volume down so that you can hear what is going on around you.
• Walk on the pavement towards oncoming traffic so that drivers can see you if you need help.
• Have your house keys ready as you approach your home so that you can get in safely without hanging around outside.
• If you are worried, frightened or feel you may be in danger then call 999

On trains/tube:

• If you have a mobile phone then make sure it is out of sight but easily accessible should you need it, also make sure that it is charged.
• Choose a carriage with several other passengers on it – especially if you are travelling alone.
• If someone sits near you and makes you feel uneasy then get up and move.
• At stations try to stay in sight of CCTV cameras
• Stay alert and be aware – thieves, pickpockets and robbers operate on trains and tubes so keep your property out of sight.
• If you are worried, frightened or feel you may be in danger then call 999 if you are unable get a reception on your mobile phone then alert a member of staff at the next station.

Buses:

• If you have a mobile phone then make sure it is out of sight but easily accessible should you need it, also make sure that it is charged.
• Travel downstairs on buses – especially if you are alone.
• If someone sits near you and makes you feel uneasy then get up and move.
• Try to sit in an aisle seat or sit as close to the driver as possible.
• Try to avoid lonely/quiet bus stops when waiting for a bus.
• If you are worried, frightened or feel you may be in danger then call 999 or alert the driver and he/she can contact police.

Bullying:

• Bullying can take many forms, for example name calling, being pushed, hit, hassled or threatened.
• Bullying can occur because of numerous reasons, for example your age, disability, faith, gender or sexuality. But whatever the reason bullying is not acceptable.
• If you are being bullied or know someone who is being bullied then don’t be afraid to let someone know.
• You could tell a parent, carer, teacher, youth worker, police officer or someone else that you trust.
• For help and advice on being bullied you can call CHILDLINE on 0800 1111