Help
K1
Drive to making shopping safer
Police are reassuring shoppers in West Bromwich by increasing the numbers of officers on patrol over the holiday.
Robbery, shoplifting, vehicle crime, fraud and thefts are traditionally a problem at this time of year and the increase in police patrols is taking place this week so that such criminal activities are disrupted, detected and deterred.
In addition to an increase in uniformed officers other measures to reassure shoppers include support from Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), the road policing unit, Special Constables and traffic wardens.
The force air operations unit will also be acting as the police eye in the sky in West Bromwich.
The Air Operations Unit (AOU), which operates from Birmingham International Airport, is one of the most experienced of its kind in the country and uses a twin-engine helicopter fitted with some of the most sophisticated equipment and communications systems currently available.
The crew on board will have a bird's eye view of the town, allowing them to inform officers on the ground of the exact location of offenders.
Sergeant Darren Fretwell from West Bromwich police station said: "People's guards are naturally down at this time of year.
"There is generally more goodwill towards others and people are more preoccupied with what they have to do in time for Christmas so aren't perhaps as vigilant as they normally would be.
"The criminal takes advantage of these factors.
"Our main concern is that people can shop safely and in confidence.
"The combined use of foot and sky patrols will give us an added advantage. We'll be able to monitor all activity and will have the manpower to act immediately.
"The fact there will be a huge uniformed police presence on the ground should also make offenders think twice"
In conjunction with the increase in patrols, West Midlands Police are offering the following advice to shoppers collecting gifts or planning a visit to the sales.
* Don't leave mobile phones or money in view;
* Carry your wallet in an inside pocket.
* If you use a handbag, always keep a tight hold of it and ensure it is fastened;
* Don't leave purchases in plain view in the car;
* Keep your card separate from your cheque book;
* Try not to carry more money than you need;
* Never keep a note of your PIN number with your cash card;
* If your mobile phone or credit/cash card is stolen, report it immediately - delay can result in you having to pay for calls or transactions made in your name.
By observing these guidelines people can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of theft this year.
Force News!
Press Releases
Rate Topic:
#26
- PoliceSpecials.com Master
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 2558
- Joined: 11-January 03
-
Posted 03 January 2005 - 01:24 PM
#27
- PoliceSpecials.com Master
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 2558
- Joined: 11-January 03
-
Posted 03 January 2005 - 01:25 PM
K1
Stamp out drunken attacks
Sandwell police are to take a hard-line approach to combat drink-fuelled attacks on hospital staff during the Christmas and New Year party season.
Officers will be working with staff at Sandwell General Hospital to implement a 'zero tolerance' policy for assaults on workers.
The new policy has been introduced in a bid to protect hospital staff - and police promise that violent visitors to the Accident and Emergency Department will face charges.
Chief Superintendent Gary Cann, who leads the Safer Nights initiative across the West Midlands, said: "The main aim of the initiative is to take a proactive stance against violence and disorder in the hospital.
"It aims to protect hospital staff who provide a service to the public and the patients who are visiting.
"Assaults and violence against our National Health Service colleagues, or anyone else for that matter, will not be tolerated."
Ch Supt Cann added: "We are adopting tough measures and any calls for police attendance will result in a prosecution.
"Any troublemakers at the hospital who disrupt the treatment of other patients, particularly over the Christmas period, will be dealt with."
The West Midlands Police 'Go Easy - Know Your Limits' poster campaign will also be displayed in the hospital's accident and emergency department as a warning to visitors.
The graphic posters show pictures of a man's severely bruised face, a man in hospital, and a woman collapsed drunk on a pavement.
West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson has welcomed the measures.
"Hospital staff do an amazing job each and every day.
"They have a right to work without the fear of being attacked," he said.
"The police are right to take a very firm stance against those who are violent towards other people - whether that's in the pub, out on the street or at the hospital."
Stamp out drunken attacks
Sandwell police are to take a hard-line approach to combat drink-fuelled attacks on hospital staff during the Christmas and New Year party season.
Officers will be working with staff at Sandwell General Hospital to implement a 'zero tolerance' policy for assaults on workers.
The new policy has been introduced in a bid to protect hospital staff - and police promise that violent visitors to the Accident and Emergency Department will face charges.
Chief Superintendent Gary Cann, who leads the Safer Nights initiative across the West Midlands, said: "The main aim of the initiative is to take a proactive stance against violence and disorder in the hospital.
"It aims to protect hospital staff who provide a service to the public and the patients who are visiting.
"Assaults and violence against our National Health Service colleagues, or anyone else for that matter, will not be tolerated."
Ch Supt Cann added: "We are adopting tough measures and any calls for police attendance will result in a prosecution.
"Any troublemakers at the hospital who disrupt the treatment of other patients, particularly over the Christmas period, will be dealt with."
The West Midlands Police 'Go Easy - Know Your Limits' poster campaign will also be displayed in the hospital's accident and emergency department as a warning to visitors.
The graphic posters show pictures of a man's severely bruised face, a man in hospital, and a woman collapsed drunk on a pavement.
West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson has welcomed the measures.
"Hospital staff do an amazing job each and every day.
"They have a right to work without the fear of being attacked," he said.
"The police are right to take a very firm stance against those who are violent towards other people - whether that's in the pub, out on the street or at the hospital."
#28
- PoliceSpecials.com Master
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 2319
- Joined: 18-June 03
-
Posted 26 May 2005 - 09:52 PM
H1 OCU
POLICE SECURE CLOSURE NOTICE FOR PROPERTY IN WALSALL Posted:
26th May 2005
On Thursday 26 May Walsall Magistrates Court heard an application from West Midlands Police for a closure notice on 8 Bryan Road, Walsall. The property has been made subject of a closure order following complaints of drug activity at the premises.
Walsall Magistrates granted the order today (Thurday 26 May) under Section 1 of the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 on 8 Bryan Road, Bescot, Walsall.
This action followed consultation between local police and Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council who were satisfied that there were reasonable grounds to suspect Class A drug production, its supply or its use had been taking place at the premises during the previous three months. The premises had also been linked with disorder or serious nuisance.
Now that the order has been granted the premises will be sealed and no further entry to the property will be allowed. Anyone who enters without the permission of West Midlands Police or Walsall Magistrates Court will be committing an offence and could be arrested.
PC Terry Bell of Walsall Police Station said "We have had a number of complaints and been given information about suspected drug activity at 8 Bryan Road. Many of the complaints also related to people in the community feeling frightened and intimidated by those using the property. We therefore used the legislation with a view to sending a serious message out to those who engage in this type of activity and to reassure the community that we are listening to their concerns and where necessary will take positive action".
West Midlands Police together with Safer Walsall Borough Partnership have now taken action in line with the legislation to close down the premises. Walsall Police will be closely monitoring this and other locations and further steps will be taken as appropriate.
POLICE SECURE CLOSURE NOTICE FOR PROPERTY IN WALSALL Posted:
26th May 2005
On Thursday 26 May Walsall Magistrates Court heard an application from West Midlands Police for a closure notice on 8 Bryan Road, Walsall. The property has been made subject of a closure order following complaints of drug activity at the premises.
Walsall Magistrates granted the order today (Thurday 26 May) under Section 1 of the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 on 8 Bryan Road, Bescot, Walsall.
This action followed consultation between local police and Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council who were satisfied that there were reasonable grounds to suspect Class A drug production, its supply or its use had been taking place at the premises during the previous three months. The premises had also been linked with disorder or serious nuisance.
Now that the order has been granted the premises will be sealed and no further entry to the property will be allowed. Anyone who enters without the permission of West Midlands Police or Walsall Magistrates Court will be committing an offence and could be arrested.
PC Terry Bell of Walsall Police Station said "We have had a number of complaints and been given information about suspected drug activity at 8 Bryan Road. Many of the complaints also related to people in the community feeling frightened and intimidated by those using the property. We therefore used the legislation with a view to sending a serious message out to those who engage in this type of activity and to reassure the community that we are listening to their concerns and where necessary will take positive action".
West Midlands Police together with Safer Walsall Borough Partnership have now taken action in line with the legislation to close down the premises. Walsall Police will be closely monitoring this and other locations and further steps will be taken as appropriate.
