Police to carry out extra patrols on Bridgnorth roads during the summer
Police are increasing patrols and spot checks on rural roads around the Bridgnorth area during the summer months.
The move is designed to disrupt travelling criminals, reduce anti-social behaviour and target motorists committing driving offences.
Local officers supported by the West Mercia Police Force Operations Support Team and the Special Constabulary will step up motor patrols between May and September.
They will focus attention on the A442, A458 and A454 main roads in and out of Bridgnorth as well as minor roads to surrounding villages.
Inspector Andy James, the officer in charge of policing in the Bridgnorth area, said: “These will be dedicated police patrols during the summer period when traditionally, the area receives more visitors. It’s a busy time on our roads and in the past, there have been incidents of anti-social behaviour and low-level crime which has impacted on local people.
“The initiative is being run under the name of Operation Valley with a specific purpose of reducing these kind of incidents while providing increased reassurance to residents.”
He said officers would be keeping a lookout for speeding motorists and dangerous driving where the safety of other road users was being put at risk. “We will also be keeping an eye on the approaches to country pubs in the area to ensure motorists and visitors are driving and behaving in a safe and responsible manner.
“To this effect, police vehicles will also carryout spot checks and utilise Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to identify suspect vehicles.”
Inspector James said there will be a series of target days carried out under Operation Valley, selected randomly as resources allowed.
“The aim is to provide greater protection for people living in the area, both from criminals and those either driving or behaving in an anti-social manner. Among those dealt with by patrols operating in the area yesterday, were arrests for driving while disqualified and drink driving, a fixed penalty notice for possessing cannabis and a couple of cars seized for no insurance.
“Operation Valley should benefit the whole area and if anyone has information which might assist the police, contact Bridgnorth police station on 0300-333-3000, or the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800-555-111,” he added.
