Westcotes

ASB with particular focus on those seeking and using sex workers in public places.
You Said: We’ve received a number of reports about some specific areas that have been used for sex work.
What We Are Going To Do: Typically this is a sensitive area of policing where we see high levels of vulnerabilities with those involved. That being said we cannot accept the families and residents that make up our communities being exposed to this behaviour. Therefore we are going to target those who are using sex workers in public places through specific intelligence led operations with a view to deterring these activities taking place.

We have continued to carry out high-visibility and plain-clothes patrols in areas identified through community reports and local intelligence as being linked to street sex work and associated anti-social behaviour.

During October, officers conducted a number of targeted patrols aimed at identifying and disrupting individuals seeking to purchase sexual services in public places. Vehicles and individuals found in these areas were stopped and spoken to, with intelligence gathered to support ongoing enforcement activity.

Officers have also worked with partner agencies to ensure that vulnerable individuals involved in sex work are offered appropriate safeguarding and support, whilst maintaining a robust approach towards those whose behaviour is having a negative impact on local residents and families.

We will continue to monitor reports, gather intelligence and carry out proactive operations where necessary to deter this behaviour and improve the quality of life for those living in the affected areas.

Drug dealing and use particularly around residential properties being used to facilitate this.
You Said: You are concerned and frustrated by individuals involved in drug use and dealing in public spaces across our beat.
What We Are Going To Do: We have a number of days of action planned where you will see officers out in force, targeting those involved in drug-related offences. Our focus will be on enforcement, disruption, and working with partners to tackle the root causes and reduce harm in the community.

Throughout October, the Beat Team carried out proactive patrols and targeted activity in areas where concerns have been raised about drug use and drug dealing. Officers gathered intelligence, conducted stop searches, and engaged with residents to identify those involved in criminality and the properties being used to facilitate drug-related activity.

Working alongside partner agencies, we have continued to develop intelligence regarding addresses suspected of being linked to drug supply and exploitation, with positive action taken where appropriate. High-visibility patrols have also been conducted to disrupt those involved in drug-related offences and provide reassurance to local communities.

Tackling drug dealing and the harm it causes remains a priority. We will continue to act on information provided by the public, target offenders, and work with partners to address the underlying issues that allow this activity to take place.

Priority: Preventing Theft From Motor Vehicles
You Said: Traditionally, when the nights start to get longer we see an increase in theft from motor vehicle and the associated concern that comes with it.
What We Are Going To Do: We have a set plan to remove the easy wins for criminals by pushing awareness to every resident of what makes it easy from valuables in cars to unlocked cars and leaving keys near your letterbox. Lets stay a step ahead.

Throughout October, the Beat Team has focused on preventing theft from motor vehicles through a combination of high-visibility patrols, engagement with residents, and crime prevention advice. Officers have carried out patrols in areas identified as being at greater risk and have spoken with motorists about simple steps that can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim, including removing valuables from vehicles, ensuring vehicles are locked, and storing keys securely away from doors and windows.

We have also used community engagement opportunities and online messaging to raise awareness of the tactics used by offenders and encourage residents to report suspicious activity. By helping residents make their vehicles less attractive targets and increasing visible patrols in key locations, we aim to reduce opportunities for criminals and prevent offences from occurring.

As we move into the darker months, this work will continue alongside regular patrols and targeted activity in response to emerging reports and intelligence.