Successful crime prevention roadshows on the Isle of Wight

© Copyright Hampshire Constabulary

Officers from the Island’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams have joined forces with Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards team, Age UK, and the Blue Lamp Trust.

Together they’ve hosted successful crime prevention roadshow events.

Between Friday 20 April and Sunday 6 May events were held at locations including: Ryde Bus Station, East Cowes Square, and Medina Park in Whippingham. In addition events have been held in conjunction with the mobile library service at Wootton, Brading, St Helens, and Havenstreet.

During the fortnight of activity the organisations involved have provided crime prevention advice about burglary, vehicle and doorstep crime to more than 350 people.

At Ryde Bus Station two elderly ladies staying at a hotel in the town made a point of requesting personal safety alarms and thanked the agencies on hand for their help. On Sunday 6 May at St Helens car boot sale and Ryde Esplanade the teams spoke to traders and visitors to highlight scam awareness and doorstep crime.

In addition on Saturday 9 June PCSO’s (Police Community Support Officers) from the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Ryde and ten Police Cadets will be delivering letters and crime prevention packs to residents in areas including: Bembridge, Seaview, and Fishbourne.

Temporary Police Sergeant Dave Cooper from the team based at Ryde said: “We’ve been carrying out these events to highlight crime prevention advice to residents as part of our role in the Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership. Over the summer similar events will be held on the south and west of the Island.

“I’m delighted that so many people have come to speak to us, some wanted to collect information to share with elderly or vulnerable friends and relatives. Community engagement like this is a key part of our role and helps us to understand what issues residents want us to address.

“I’d also like to remind people that reporting crime and suspicious incidents to us is vital to building a comprehensive picture of what is happening in our local communities and whether there are any trends developing. We need you to report incidents so that we can consider an appropriate response with our partners. You can make a report by calling 101 or visiting www.hampshire.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress”.