PCC Clare Moody Joins Bridgwater’s Neighbourhood Police

In her third day on the job, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Clare Moody took to the streets of Bridgwater Town Centre to witness first-hand the collaborative efforts of the combined neighbourhood policing team, mounted officers, targeted CCTV, and Police Community Support Officers (PSCOs). This proactive initiative stems from an increase in the precept, the portion of people’s council tax allocated to fund the police service, which includes a commitment to ten targeted initiatives aimed at disrupting crime and anti-social behaviour.

PCC Clare Moody emphasised the importance of enhancing neighbourhood policing, a cornerstone of her manifesto. Engaging directly with the people of Bridgwater and observing the positive impact of police presence in the community was a privilege for her. During her visit, she spoke with local business workers, like Gail Fry from Children’s Hospice South West, who shared concerns about persistent anti-social behaviour affecting staff and customers. With the assurance from Inspector Sarah and PC Kat Forrest that the area would be targeted by the Neighbourhood Policing Team, residents like Gail can look forward to increased safety measures.

Accompanying the foot patrols were mounted police officers, garnering attention and serving as a visible deterrent to criminal activity. Their ability to access areas inaccessible to patrol cars was noted as a significant asset in disrupting criminal behaviour.

“When I was out campaigning ahead of the elections, the clear message I got from the communities was a desire for visible and proactive policing.

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhoods, and collaborative efforts between police, communities, and early intervention services are essential to address safety concerns effectively. Operations like these build confidence by showcasing police efforts to prevent crime and tackle anti-social behaviour.”

PCC Clare Moody

The day’s activity was a direct response to community concerns and priorities and is part of a broader strategy focusing on providing additional resources for neighbourhood teams to enhance community visibility and tackle local issues. Through coordinated action and community engagement, these initiatives aim to deliver safer environments and address public concerns effectively.