Hello again. This is my second article for the Beacon. You may recall in the first article I explained how your Safer Neighbourhood police team is structured in the town. There has recently been two changes to the make up of the team. Inspector Taylor has now left us and has been replaced by Inspector Tim Hutchinson. We have also had a recent addition to the team in SC Dan Howard. My intention is to  explain some of the things we are currently concentrating on, why we are doing so and what effect our actions are having.

          We consult with members of the community on a regular basis. This is done through a variety of means such as CAP (Community and Police meetings), Police surgeries, Neighbourhood Watch and our regular day to day contact with the public. During these meetings our attention is drawn to issues which impact on the  community as a whole. Through this  process we have identified two recurring issues, anti-social behaviour and poor driving  behaviour.

          Anti-social behaviour is a topic we are all familiar with. It is constantly raised through numerous forms of media, and whilst the town does experience issues of this nature, it is not at levels experienced in bigger conurbations. To combat the problems, we have implemented a local problem solving plan. This plan targets our patrols at the relevant times and areas where we are experiencing problems, together with the people who have been recognised as causing the problems. Over the last twelve months we have seized a large amount of alcohol on the streets of Pickering and had numerous convictions for anti-social offences. One of our main targets has recently been given a custodial sentence, and we are actively pursuing applications for ASBO`s against at least two others. We are introducing a “BOOZE BUSTING” campaign in partnership with off-licensed premises, who will assist us in identifying people who are supplying alcohol to under age drinkers.

          As a result of this activity, reported incidents have reduced in excess of 20% and a 21% reduction in violent crime.

          With regards to poor driver behaviour, local officers have now undertaken training with the SL700 speed gun. The force as a whole, has implemented Operation Anvil which targets poor driver behaviour, and we are actively engaged in the  enforcement of speeding offences, failure to wear seat belts and the use of mobile phones whilst driving.

          You will see officers throughout the town area enforcing these offences. Since the introduction of the new speed gun in April, 15 tickets have been issued. Please do not become a statistic of this campaign!

We would like to thank you for your continuing support. Please continue to report problems to us.

Paul Storey PC554.