Community raises concerns at ‘Coffee with a Cop’ meeting

The ongoing anti-social behaviour issues dominated discussions at the village’s latest meeting with community police officers. The ‘Coffee with a Cop’ meeting was held on Tuesday evening (September 29) at the Community Room at the Recreation Ground – and about 30 residents attended.

The two senior officers at the event explained how their team is carrying out plain-clothed patrols across H&I. Concerns about children’s safety when playing at the Rec, the continued use of illegal e-scooters and the reporting of incidents were also raised. 

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H&I county councillor Ros Hathorn attended, and was joined by district councillors James Rixon and Geo Sebastian. Afterwards, she said: “Tuesday’s ‘Coffee with a Cop’ did feel messier than the last event. 

“At the previous meeting, everyone seemed to be aware of the same alleged group causing many of the issues in the village. But on Tuesday, multiple groups were being discussed and the problems felt much more fragmented than before.” 

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The officers attending agreed that they will try to ensure there is a police presence on the Rec during the afternoons. They repeated their advice that residents should not get involved in incidents unless the safety of someone with them is at stake.

The importance of reporting incidents continues to be a key message, even when residents may feel an issue is minor. Officers added the current online reporting form is being revised to make it more user friendly. 

Ros added: “The officers were also interested in the VillageWatch app, and how it could be used alongside the police reporting system. Residents are urged to provide as much detail as possible in their reports to police, including exact times, locations and descriptions.” 

A map showing incident hotspots and the village WhatsApp group – both created by residents – were also discussed. While the officers seemed in favour of these tools, they stressed the importance of reporting officially through the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website. 

Andrea Cowley from The Connections Bus Project spoke about the importance of offering youth facilities in the village.

Police station

Meanwhile, teams have started moving into Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s new £45 million police station in Milton in preparations of its official opening. 

The modern policing hub – which is located next to the Park and Ride site – aims to replace Parkside Police Station, which is now considered outdated. 

It was originally scheduled to open in November 2025, however the project has faced delays. 

For example, since planning permission was granted in March 2021, changes to building regulations and updated Home Office guidance on custody suites have required revisions to the design. 

Also, an archaeological survey – part of the planning conditions – led to discoveries on the site, triggering a further five-month review.

Once operational, it will have 24 cells which is double the number currently available at Parkside. There will also be enhanced facilities to investigate complex crimes. 

A spokesperson said a press release with details of the official opening will be issued, although an official date has not yet been confirmed.

The new station at Milton also forms part of Cambridgeshire Police’s ambition to reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2035. The building will incorporate air source heat pumps and solar panels, with the aim of reducing energy consumption by 50 per cent in comparison with Parkside.

Report a crime or any ongoing incidents through the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website. 

Additional reporting by Amanda Borrill. 

READ MORE: £45 million Milton Police Station to open this summer; Safety reporting tool to be demonstrated at Council meeting