Local Policing Report

June 2006

Regular readers may recall that I recently mentioned that my job title has changed from Beat Manager to Local Police Officer. So from now on my articles will come under the heading of Local Police report.

In May there was a re-launch of The Upton Shopwatch scheme. It was originally set up in 2001 to help shopkeepers deter potential thieves and provide the police a greater chance of capturing offenders. The scheme also provides reassurance to those running businesses on their own or with little staff. Whilst incidents of retail crime are relatively low the scheme was re-launched to include new businesses and to remind those, already in the scheme, of its benefits.

From 24th May until 30th June there will be a knife amnesty running in the area. People are being encouraged to surrender knives to local stations where they can be deposited in specially provided bins. For this area I would suggest going to Malvern Police Station as Upton is not permanently manned. Please do not post any knives through the letterbox. Any knives should be wrapped in cardboard or something similar and secured with tape.

Occasionally I do see reports of Laptop computers being stolen from cars. Apparently there is a way that Laptops can be detected even if they are hidden from view. For obvious reasons I will not explain how this is done but if you do own a laptop the best advice is to remove it from the car when not in use. If you do have to leave one in a car firstly conceal it from view and make sure it is switched off and not left on standby mode.

In recent weeks Telephone Kiosks, especially in rural areas, have been attacked and the cash boxes stolen. If you live near a kiosk please keep an eye out for anybody acting suspiciously in or around the kiosk.

Mindless vandalism is one type of crime which has a big impact on the community. Unfortunately some properties in School Lane area have recently come in for some unwanted attention with damage being caused to walls and fences. Anybody with information with regard to this damage, or other crimes, can give confidential information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

On a final note, a quick word about traffic problems during the festivals. During the recent Folk Festival a driver got quite frustrated by being held up by the parade going through the town. He was going to miss an airport flight. For all the parades that happen in the Town a road closure order is in place and all traffic is stopped until the parade is clear. Whilst we will try to assist the needs of local motorists we also have a duty to ensure the safety of those taking part. Please bear this in mind for the forthcoming Jazz Festival where there is a parade on the Saturday morning, around 11.30am and on the Sunday around noon, (24th and 25th June). PC 607 TAYLOR   Local Police Officer.