Police increase patrols in Coalbrookdale following anti-social behaviour
Residents in Coalbrookdale will notice an increased police presence over the coming weeks as the Cuckoo Oak and Ironbridge Safer Neighbourhood Team launches a targeted crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
Officers have commenced high-visibility foot patrols throughout the area in response to a surge in local concerns regarding illegal activity and public nuisance.
The police activity is focused on two primary issues that have been blighting the local landscape recently. Officers have received multiple reports of off-road bikes being used illegally in and around Loamhole Dingle, causing a disturbance to the peace and potential danger to pedestrians. Additionally, there have been frequent sightings of youths unlawfully accessing the Coalbrookdale Viaduct, a practice that raises significant safety concerns for both the individuals involved and the integrity of the historic structure.
West Mercia Police are now calling on the community to act as their eyes and ears to help curb these disruptions. Those who live nearby or frequently walk in the area are encouraged to report any instances of people trespassing on the viaduct through the force’s online portal. Informants are asked to provide as much detail as possible, including specific descriptions of any anti-social behaviour or physical damage witnessed during these incidents.
Furthermore, a specialised email address has been established to deal specifically with the menace of off-road bikes. Anyone with information regarding the illegal use of these vehicles should contact opspree@westmercia.police.uk with relevant details. To assist in potential prosecutions, the public is advised to note down times, precise locations, and descriptions of the riders or bikes, provided it is entirely safe to do so.
The Safer Neighbourhood Team has emphasised that these patrols will remain a priority in the foreseeable future. Local officers maintain that the most effective way to prevent and detect crime is through a robust partnership between the police and the public. Residents are reminded that while non-urgent information should be sent through the provided channels, they should always dial 999 if a crime is currently in progress or if there is an immediate risk to life.
