A police chief insists this week that nowhere in Herefordshire should be a ‘no-go area’ and he gives townsfolk assurances that Leominster – and the rest of the county – are safe places.
Comments from Inspector Pete Wilson, who is in charge of policing North Herefordshire, have come in the wake of last week’s Journal report claiming that The Grange at Leominster is a place to avoid after dark.
While expressing surprise at local concerns that the park is an “unsavoury no-go area” at night, Inspector Wilson said police facts and figures paint a different picture.
After fears were expressed at a special Policing Matters Group meeting in Leominster last week, police have announced plans to compile a study among residents living near The Grange over the next two weeks in order to “determine the full scope of the perceived problem”. Inspector Wilson pointed out that, in the four months from July 1 to October 31, police recorded 34 incidents at The Grange.
Records reveal that 13 incidents were caught on CCTV, five reported by officers on patrol and only 16 were reported by members of the public.
Only two involved actual crimes, and no assaults were reported.
“Ten of these incidents involved the drinking of alcohol, five of which resulted in drinks being confiscated and further action taken against those responsible,” he said.
“West Mercia Police have worked very hard to reduce disorder and anti-social behaviour in Leominster over the past few years,” he continued. “We have been investing money in CCTV for the town; working with partners such as HAND (local landlords) and the council with pub bans and anti-social behaviour orders, as well as providing support for the community with local policing teams.”
He continued: “I know my officers do respond to incidents at The Grange; do patrol the area regularly; do confiscate alcohol from those found drinking and do report litter matters to the council.”
Inspector Wilson said the figures did not appear to reflect local concerns.
“The Journal article, and the concerns expressed at the meeting, might indicate that not all incidents are being reported to us.
“If that be the case, we would urge people to report all incidents of anti-social behaviour and the like immediately, on the new low cost 0300 333 3000 number or 999 in an emergency.”
He continued: “That way we not only know about them but can then act quickly to do something about them.
“Alternatively, come and tell us of your concerns at the next PACT (Partners & Communities Together) meeting at 7pm on November 19 at the Forbury Chapel in Leominster.
Inspector Wilson added: “In response to concerns already voiced, the police will be undertaking a survey of all residents in the vicinity of The Grange to determine the full scope of the perceived problem and draw up a plan to tackle any issues identified.
“Nowhere in Herefordshire is – or should be – a no-go area in anyone’s mind.
Herefordshire and Leominster are safe places – let’s keep it that way.”