NEWSBEAT

CRACKING DOWN ON

THE MOBILE MENACE

WEST MERCIA CONSTABULARY is cracking down on motorists who use a hand-held mobile phone while driving, after the latest statistics show that too many drivers are continuing to flout the law – putting themselves and other road users at risk.

A total of 472 drivers across the force area were caught using a hand-held mobile phone during August. This is an increase on figures from 2005 when an average of 436 drivers each month were issued with £30 fixed penalty tickets.

These new figures have promoted a tougher approach by West Mercia, who will be specifically targeting drivers who use their mobiles on the move, on roads in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

The force is also keen to educate drivers about the dangers involved in using their mobile while driving. Figures show motorists are four times more likely to be involved in a collision if they use a hand-held mobile while driving.

John Roberts, Force Casualty Reduction Manager said: "It is an offence to use a hand-held mobile phone to make or receive calls and text messages, even when stationary at traffic lights or in a queue of traffic. If drivers are caught they will be given a £30 fixed penalty fine, which could rise to a maximum of £1,000 if the matter goes to court.

"If you are making a call and you are involved in a collision you could be prosecuted for careless or dangerous driving. These offences carry severe penalties including heavy fines, disqualification from driving and imprisonment.

"Using a mobile phone distracts you from what is happening on the road. A lapse in concentration means drivers react more slowly and take longer to brake. They are much less aware of what is happening on the roads. They fail to see road signs, do not maintain proper lane position or a steady speed; they are more likely to tailgate the vehicle in front and may pull out in front of other traffic. The only safe option is for people to keep their mobiles switched off while they are driving."

Mobile phone safety is one of the key areas of the Force’s ongoing Seven Deadly Sins campaign, which aims to raise awareness about road safety and reduce the number of people who are killed and injured in collisions on the roads in West Mercia.

The other key areas are motorcycle safety; speed; driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; poor driving; illegal vehicles; and seatbelt safety.

1

October means just one thing for many children in the county – the chance to go Trick or Treating at the end of the month.

The tradition of dressing up in ghoulish costumes and knocking on doors to ask for treats such as sweets and snacks is fast catching on in this country.

But while Hallowe’en is an exciting time for youngsters, there are dangers involved – and uninvited guests at the doorstop can prove a nuisance or even a terrifying experience for the elderly.

A few simple steps can avoid these problems, however, and ensure everyone stays safe and has a good time.

Firstly, children under 12 should be accompanied by a responsible adult, while over 12s should go out in small groups. Stay in familiar areas and stick to established routes – never go into a stranger’s home or accept lifts from people you don’t know.

Take a mobile phone or change for a payphone in case of emergencies and use a torch when out in the dark. Don’t eat any treats, which look as if they have been tampered with.

Only trick or treat at homes where you know you will be welcomed: please respect any notices put up by householders asking you to stay away – these will be available from the Force website at the end of the month and will also be printed in local newspapers.

Parents should talk to their children about safety precautions beforehand, especially stranger danger, find out who else their children will be going with and plan a safe route.

Finally motorists need to keep an extra eye out for children out on dark streets.

30^th aug/21^st Sept: £60 was removed from purse situated in a locker in a care home.

1^st Sept: A glass pane was broken at a bank in the Homend, and a Citroen Panel van parked in Barnett Avenue was broken into and tools and cash stolen.

1^st/2^nd Sept: A trailer was stolen from plant nursery premises in Little Marcle Road.

2^nd Sept: An 11-year-old male was injured in an incident in Orchard Lane when other youths tried to take his rucksack.

3^rd Sept: A white transit van was damaged and the owner assaulted in an incident in New Street.

4^th Sept: An attempt was made to steal the B.T. kiosk on the A438. The kiosk was left behind but unusable.

1^st/5^th Sept: Attempts were made to break into property in the Lower Road Trading Estate.

2^nd Sept: A pair of leopard ornaments were stolen from a shop in the Homend and later retrieved.

3^rd Sept: A black Ford Escort was stolen from outside the owners’ garage in Coachmans Court. An assistant was assaulted at a shop in the Homend.

5^th Sept: A yellow Leyland Daf loaded with paving slabs and sand was stolen from commercial premises in Hereford Road. The gate to the premises was damaged, as was the lorry.

9^th Sept: An area of grass was set alight by a group of youths in The Southend. A young female was injured in an incident in Masefield Close.

11^th Sept: An attempt was made to steal several confectionery bars from a store in High Street.

12^th/13^th Sept: A galvanised trailer was taken from a property in Barnett Avenue. The padlock and chain securing it to a wall were also taken.

13^th / 15^th Sept: A black Honda 250 motorcycle with silver duck tape on the seat was stolen from a town centre car park.

15^th/18^th Sept: Metal gates were damaged, a window broken and graffiti written into wet concrete at John Masefield High School.

15^th / 29^th: Wing mirrors and registration plates were stolen from a Vauxhall Astra L392JOB parked in Falcon Lane.

16^th Sept: A litter bin was set alight in Lawnside Road, and a garden fence was damaged in New Street.

16^th/17^th Sept: A green Nissan Micra was damaged whilst parked in a car park in Orchard Road. A trailer loaded with chipboard was stolen from outside a property in Woodleigh Road.

18^th/19^th Sept: A fence and a notice board were damaged in the Leadon Hill picnic area, and a number of wooden railings stolen.

20^th/21^st Sept: Overnight a Mitsubishi L200 pickup was targeted by offenders who removed the bonnet, rear tailgate, odometer and electronic control unit. The incident happened in Worcester Road.

22^nd Sept: Damage was caused to a car parked in the school car park at John Masefield High School.

22^nd/25^th Sept: The combination lock was broken and a yellow BMX was removed from the cycle rack at John Masefield High School. The cycle was later found elsewhere on the premises.

23^rd Sept: Damage was caused to a window, electric conduit and rubbish bins at the High School.

24^th Sept: A Sony Erikson mobile phone was taken from a bag in the changing room at the Rugby Club.

29^th Sept: A home made blue single axled trailer was stolen from driveway of property in Lambourne Close.

29^th/30^th Sept: An aluminium trailer and padlock were stolen from premises in The Langlands.

30^th Sept/1^st Oct: Damage was caused to a vehicle parked in Margaret Road.

21/22^nd Sept: A secure red aluminium trailer was stolen from parking area at Forge Bank.

13^th Sept: Sports clothing was stolen from a lorry parked on the A417. PVC curtains on the lorry were damaged.

12^th Sept: A digital camera, DVD recorder, flat screen television and jewellery were stolen when an isolated house was broken into.

5^th/8^th Sept: An Ifor Williams trailer was removed from the back of a vehicle parked in The Crescent and stolen.

23^rd/25^th Sept: A Royal Mail letterbox was stolen from Walwyn Road.

13^th Sept: 20 alloy wheels & tyres, scrap value only, were stolen from a workshop. A trailer was stolen from another workshop & believed used in theft of the wheels.

18^th/21^st Sept: A trailer was stolen from the rear garden of a farm.

8^th/9^th Sept: A minibus parked at premises in Putley was damaged.

11^th Sept: A white 6 berth Ace Jubilee caravan was stolen from the front drive of a property in the village.

12^th Sept: Mobile phones were stolen at an isolated rural property after the door was forced.

21^st/28^th Sept: 32 cushions for garden seats were stolen from a storage container in a garden in Floyds Lane.

22^nd/23^rd Sept: An Erdie 120 car trailer was taken from premises in The Swallow.

24^th/26^th Sept: Blue glazed flower pots and contents were taken from a rear garden in the village.

7^th Sept: An attempt was made to remove a double glazed unit into a house in Yarkhill

1^st Sept: A 17-year-old Ledbury male was arrested and released on police bail on suspicion of robbery.

2^nd Sept: A 30-year-old Ledbury male was arrested in Hereford on suspicion of causing criminal damage. He was later released.

3^rd Sept: A 28-year-old male from Shobden was arrested in Ledbury for offences against the person. He was held in custody. A 36-year-old female and a 30-year-old male, both from Ledbury, were also arrested and released on bail in relation to the same incident.

4^th Sept: A 43-year-old Ledbury male was arrested and remanded in custody on suspicion of burglary. He later had his licence revoked and was returned to prison.

8^th Sept: A 46-year-old Ledbury male was arrested for sending malicious text messages and released after caution.

11^th Sept: A 23-year-old male was arrested and released on police bail on suspicion of assault and breach of bail.

13^th Sept: A 45-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and assault. He was remanded in custody. A 63-year-old Ledbury male was arrested for Drink/driving and driving whilst disqualified. He was bailed to appear in Court later this month.

17^th Sept: A 21-year-old female was arrested and released on police bail on suspicion of being drunk in charge of a vehicle.

18^th Sept: A Ledbury male, aged 22, was arrested on suspicion of theft. He was bailed to appear in Court later this month.

19^th Sept: A 25-year-old female was arrested on drink/driving charges and bailed to appear in Court later this month.

24^th Sept: A 52-year-old male from Ledbury was arrested at Wellington Heath for drink/driving offences. He will appear in Court later this month.

25^th Sept: A 23-year-old Ledbury male was arrested in Hereford on suspicion of Assault. He was released on Police bail until next month.

28^th Sept: A 28-year-old male was arrested in Hereford following a driving incident in Ashperton.

29^th Sept: A 39-year-old Ledbury male was arrested for breach of County Court Injunction.

The front counter at Ledbury Police Station operates surgery hours as follows :-

Monday to Sunday 9am to 1pm

Tuesday and Friday 4pm to 7pm

Monday, Wednesday &

Thursday 4pm to 8pm

BUT, the counter will remain open during the afternoons except during sickness or holiday periods.

The counter is closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. All other public Holidays the counter will open 9am to 1pm

Emergency only 999

West Mercia Police 08457 444888

Crimestoppers 0800 555111 Hereford Division Media 01432 347340

Mobile 07967 743147

PC 3441 Deborah HUGGINS, Ledbury RURAL Beat Manager can be contacted on Tel: 08457 444888 and on mobile 07814 554 498 or via email: deborah.huggins@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

Community Support Officer Alison DORE can be contacted on Tel: 08457 444888 and on mobile 07970 602 338 or via email: alison.dore@westmercia.pnn. police.uk

PC 3554 Pete ASKWITH, Ledbury TOWN Beat Manager can be contacted on Tel: 08457 444888 and on mobile 07814 554 496 or via email: peter.askwith@westmercia.pnn.police.uk