Westcotes

Priority: Drug dealing and use particularly around residential properties being used to facilitate this.
You Said: Those involved in drug dealing/use are a concern for you, particularly where properties are being used by them in residential areas near where you live.
What we are going to do: We will continue to take action against those who allow their properties to be used by drug users and dealers using the powers we have along with our partners and we will ensure the properties do not fall back into the same situation.

We have been focussing on addresses on our beat that are being used by drug users and dealers and since our last update we have removed the occupants of 3 of the most problematic addresses that were causing the biggest issues to the surrounding residents and wider community. Carrying out steps like this is not taken lightly and due consideration is always given to the welfare and safeguarding of those who are being removed, however, at times this is the only option when considering the welfare of the wider community.

The reduction in the number of drug users in these areas is immediately obvious and we hope offers some peace to the residents who have had to endure this whilst we have been working to remove them, which depending on the circumstances can require the approval of a court.

We know there are still problematic addresses on our area and we have been listening to your concerns about them as we work with our partners to find appropriate solutions to give you the peace you need.

Each time we engage with drug users, regardless of the circumstances, we make every effort to encourage them through one of the support channels available to them to prevent this behaviour reoccurring. This has been no different and whilst removing the users from these addresses we have made every effort to get them on the right tracks. It’s a difficult task with many obstacles but with perseverance we will find the right approach to make the positive difference we are all striving for.

Priority: Antisocial Behaviour
You said: Antisocial Behaviour including those congregating to drink alcohol and make noise, youths preventing you from being able to relax in your own homes and businesses.
What we are going to do: We are following up on the warnings we have given out and escalating them where we find those committing ASB have not complied with the warnings they were given. A community meeting is in the process of being planned to ensure the steps we take remain relevant to you. We are recruiting 2 new PCSO’s to increase our visibility and capability.

WE DID: Following complaints about tents that were erected in the vicinity of Westcotes House and the ASB associated with them including the mess being made, substance misuse and noise, we’ve taken a joint approach to this along with our partners and the tents have all been removed and the occupants have been encouraged to use the support mechanisms that have been offered to them to get them in a better, safer place.

An individual who was causing a nuisance to local shops by harassing their customers has been added to the list of people with ASB warning letters. Having an ASB warning letter means we can now closely monitor their behaviour and either escalate or de-escalate the action taken against them accordingly.

We have been working with some of you to prevent the nuisance that youths have been causing with noise and drinking late at night particularly around Wilberforce Road and Bede Park, and whilst this has led to some areas being cleared, we are watching closely as we know too well how quickly this can reoccur, so our new PCSO’s are closely monitoring these areas to prevent the problems reoccurring.

Theft From Motor Vehicle

You said: You are concerned about your cars being broken into and statistics also show us that this is an area we need to focus on.
What we are going to do: A specific operation aimed at preventing these crimes occurring and targeting those committing them is underway.

We Did: I am very pleased to report that we are seeing a reduction in the number of thefts from motor vehicles. Following a lengthy investigation, 2 main suspects were identified and arrested following which there has been a clear decrease in these crimes. As is always the case, it’s just a small section of repeat offenders that are responsible for the majority of the crimes that we are subject to, and this is yet another example of this. Unfortunately its you who has had to suffer the consequences of their actions with a large number of vehicles having been damaged and items taken, but we’ve consistently worked towards identifying and arresting these offenders and it comes with great satisfaction that we are seeing a drop in these offences.

What’s also good to see is that we are finding less valuables on display in unattended vehicles and fewer unlocked vehicles. This will be adding to the reduction in these crimes, so keep up with the good habits to reduce the opportunities for criminals.

Whilst not entirely related to theft from motor vehicles, but still on the subject of theft, One Stop has been targeted persistently by thieves so it was with great satisfaction to catch a prolific thief who has been targeting the store and have conditions put on them preventing them from attending the location. This means if they are seen near the store they can be arrested creating another obstacle for them and making it that little bit harder to commit their crimes.