Anti-social behaviour in Ross-on-Wye is falling, say police, because of a new “no nonsense” approach to policing inspired by a tough talking inspector who also aims to make the town a no go area for criminals.
The war on nuisance and crime follows the arrival, two months ago, at Ross-on-Wye Police Station of Inspector Jim McLaughlin, who is also the Geographic Commander for South Herefordshire.
The tough talking Scot made no secret of his feelings about his practical policing methods which aim to get parents more involved. He said: “On arrival, my first task was to reduce the levels of anti-social behaviour and general nuisance in Ross. I see parental responsibility as being a key factor in resolving this. Where my officers found juveniles behaving anti-socially, they were taken home and the issues addressed with their parents.
“I work on the ‘educate, then legislate’ principle. If offenders don’t heed the first warning, they won’t get a second chance with me. I won’t tolerate a few individuals spoiling everyone else’s enjoyment of this lovely town.”
Police spokesman Pete Butcher exclusively told the Journal: “In May of this year there were 92 reported incidents of anti-social behaviour in Ross Town, in June there were 80 and so far in July there have been 70. Usually the numbers increase in the summer months so the figures are definitely going in the right direction.
“For the wider South Herefordshire area which includes Ledbury and the Golden Valley the figures were 249 in May, 230 in June and 200 in July.”
Jim’s other priority is making it difficult for criminals to come on to his patch by using sophisticated Automatic Number Plate Recognition software. It works by using special cameras installed in police vehicles to scan the number plates of passing vehicles and then checks the registration against more than 100 databases to identify vehicles that are untaxed, have no insurance, have been stolen or are known to be used by drink-drivers, drug dealers or criminals.
Another high priority is to target those people who manufacture or sell drugs in the area. “Illegal drugs are the scourge of modern society and they have no place in South Herefordshire,” said Inspector McLaughlin
