A campaign aimed at addressing the fear of crime is being launched in Herefordshire on 1st October 2008. The county is already one of the safest places in the UK, and has one of the best performing police divisions too, with higher than average detection rates and an overall crime rate that continues to fall year on year.
Supt Kevin Purcell, in charge of policing operations for the county, said, "The initiative has been developed to counter the imbalance between fear of crime and the reality. Herefordshire really is a safe place but surveys seem to indicate that fear of crime is higher than it should be. That is a concern for us".
People in the county will shortly see a range of posters at various locations, on the backs of buses and on beer mats at their local, reminding everyone that the county is a great place to be.
We are now firmly into autumn, "season of mists and mellow fruitfulness", as Keats penned. The mellow fruitfulness is fine but the mists (and fog) can be problematic. As we all know, mists and fogs reduce visibility considerably, yet still some people will drive around without their headlights on.
If you need proof that headlights work in fog, look at the photo on the left. Now just cover the headlights with the tip of a pen and the lorry vanishes. Please use headlights in fog, not just sidelights which are ineffective. Remember you might be able to see in daytime fog but others probably won't see you if you don't have your headlights on.
The time of year is also a timely reminder to get the car checked over before the winter comes - check your antifreeze, tyre pressures, all your lights and make sure you carry some sort of emergency pack in case you get stranded.
Ledbury Town
The town Policing team have a new member with CSO Heather Mika joining them following the departure of CSO Leatte Clarke to become a Police Officer. Heather is welcomed to the team and will be a welcome sight out on the streets. PS Russell Winfield has also left the team now to move into a new role in Headquarters and Sarah Hughes will be joining us as the team Sergeant on 19th October
Halloween will be on us this month with children knocking on the doors for the annual “Trick or Treat”. As there are elements out there that see this as a time to throw eggs and flour about can I please make you aware that the LPT will be asking shops to query ANY children/youths that are attempting to purchase any of these items in an attempt to stop this mindless anti social behaviour.
Contacts :PC 3554 Pete Askwith tel 07814 554496 (NOT FOR REPORTING INCIDENTS)
CSO Carol Marsh and CSO Heather Mika tel 08716 169707 (NOT FOR REPORTING INCIDENTS)
Email: ledburytown.lpt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk
Voicemail: 01432346759
Ledbury Rural
A large number of sheep and lambs have been stolen over the summer from the Colwall area. If you have had a similar experience in your area, please report it to us.
Theft of scrap metal is a general problem through the region, with nothing too sacred to take. Church roofs are particularly vulnerable, as are other isolated buildings, building sites, post boxes, farm gates etc. Beware also of bogus scrap metal dealers wanting to take your scrap to be weighed before you are paid – it is unlikely you will see them again!
Suspicious vehicles: if you are concerned by the presence of a vehicle in your area, please report it, if possible with the make & colour and registration number.
Contacts: PC 3441 Deborah Huggins tel 07814 554498 CSO Alison Dore and CSO Paul Smith tel 07816 169707. These numbers are NOT FOR REPORTING INCIDENTS,
email ledburyrural.lpt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk
General
Please be vigilant when answering the door to strangers – always ask for identification and if you feel uncomfortable with the caller refuse entry. A genuine caller will always understand if you want to check out his/her identity with the company before allowing access to your property. If you feel caller is bogus, or they refuse to give identification, please ring our helpline straight away so we can investigate for you. If you are concerned about a water board official, the freephone hotline number is 0800 281141
Think Jessica – don’t be a scam mail victim. There are plenty of people out there wanting to part you from your hard earned money! If you have access to the internet, please look at www.thinkjessica.com for further information and help.