Local Crime Update 31/05/2023

Please find below the crime record for the period from 16^th to 31^st May 23.Although overall there wasn’t much crime, I know many of you are very concerned by the sexual assault that took place in Warren Avenue Playing Fields.  Officers from our sexual offences team have carried out extensive door to door and CCTV enquiries in the surrounding roads.  SNT officers have carried out regular patrols in the area and given personal safety advice to residents.  Both teams joined together to hand out leaflets and speak to people in the park.  Fortunately, these sorts of crimes are very rare but at the same time horrific when they happen.  I’m pleased to see residents still using the park as it is a nice green space in a densely populated residential area.  Thank you to all residents who made calls re possible suspect sightings.

On a more positive note, there was only one vehicle stolen in the last fortnight and that was recovered. We also only had one theft of motor vehicle offence over the same period which was a theft of number plates.  Summertime does often see an increase in tool theft from vans so very pleasing to see none in the last fortnight.  Disappointing to see two incidents of damage being caused to fences.  Let’s hope this summer doesn’t see an increase in this sort of behaviour which is often caused by drunken silliness.

On the community engagement side, we’re holding a drop-in surgery at Shortlands Library on Saturday 24/06/23 from 10am to 11am.  Before that there’ll be a Cuppa With a Copper Event from 4pm to 5pm on Monday 12/06/23 at Costa Coffee, Westmoreland Road.  I’m also going to try & pop along to the Community Café at St Mary’s Church on the next two Wednesdays (07/06/23 and 14/06/23).

Hope to see some of you at these events.

Thanks as always for your help and support.