Police target rural crime in South Shropshire and Bridgnorth
Police in South Shropshire and Bridgnorth are launching a new initiative targeting rural crime across the area.
In the current fragile economic climate, criminals are turning to rural areas committing offences such as theft of heating oil and catalytic converters, shed breakins, stealing power tools, burglaries, thefts from farms and scrap metal thefts.
Isolated rural locations are often not covered by CCTV nor have the watchful eyes of neighbours and it may be some time before victims realise property is missing.
Sergeant Nikki Roberts based at Ludlow, who has organised the new initiative, said it was looking at the issue of rural crime from three different angles.
She said: “Officers have met with members of the rural community to seek their views and to listen to their concerns. One of their main requests is for more information about criminal activity in their local areas.”
“In order to deal with this educational aspect, officers in south Shropshire and Bridgnorth have compiled an email distribution list informing residents and businesses of recent thefts in their area and giving advice on how they can prevent themselves becoming victims of similar crimes.
“There is also the West Mercia dotMailer system, which is the Force email based system. Members of the public can subscribe to this by entering our website, click on “get involved,” choosing “watch schemes” and then sign up for email alerts.
“For agricultural businesses, a number of farm walks are being organised with local businesses and residents invited to attend and they will be given practical advice on security of larger premises. These commence in May and will be in partnership with other agencies such as Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Health and Safety Executive. Locations and dates will be advertised nearer the time”.
Sergeant Roberts said the police were supporting Shropshire Council in compiling a leaflet listing various crime prevention security products ranging from oil tank alarms to house alarms which call your mobile phone. The leaflet will be distributed to retail outlets for shoppers to pick up and products can be bought from Shropshire Council Community Action Team officers.
Farmers and others working in agriculture are also being encouraged to work with the police and to take advantage of special crime prevention methods tailored to their specific needs. Under this scheme, agricultural machinery can be security marked and registered at competitive rates.
She added: “As well as the educational and preventative elements, the initiative’s enforcement aspect will combine a number of proactive elements, including road checks in partnership with VOSA and Trading Standards, increased activity in the stopping of vehicles travelling through rural areas, and robust investigation and positive action against criminals found targeting these areas.”
For further information about the new initiative and to be included on the crime news distribution list, contact Sergeant Roberts at Ludlow police station by calling 101 or your Safer Neighbourhood Team at www.westmercia.uk/localpolicing 0300 333 3000.
