PCC visit communities in BANES and Somerset
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Clare Moody last Friday (25th October) visited community groups, retail sector and Community Speed Watch (CSW) volunteers in Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES), to gain insight into any pressing policing issues facing communities and the proactive measures being taken to address them.
Clare started the day by joining Mendip CSW Watch volunteers led by Ashley Reay who were conducting a session along A336 in Farleigh Hungerford Arms in Bath. Ashley gave an overview of how CSW volunteers conduct a session. Ashley said it requires three CSW volunteer for each session, and in Mendip they have 32 teams. On how CSW monitors drivers’ speed, Ashley said, “Volunteers use hand-held devices that tell them about the speed at which drivers are travelling through their ‘patch’. When a driver is going a set amount above the speed limit – typically around 10% – the vehicle’s registration, make, model and colour are recorded”. CSW volunteers carry out a valuable role in keeping our roads safe.
Speeding is known as one of the Fatal 5. The Fatal 5 being the ingredients at nearly every fatal scene. These are: Impairment through drink or drugs (this includes use/misuse of prescription medication), not wearing a seat belt, driver distraction (including use of mobile phones), speeding and careless or dangerous driving. Community Speed Watch is a partnership between the Community, the Police and Local Authorities. It gives local people the ability to actively get involved in road safety.
Following this, Clare had the opportunity to visit Radstock Police station where he met response staff and had the tour of the building.
(Right) Don Morris, CEO Radstock Coop; Bev Craney, CEO Swallow; Cllr Dr Eleanor Jackson; PCC Clare Moody & Inspector Stuart King
From the police station, Clare visited Swallow Charity, a local charity which support young people and adults with learning disabilities. The Charity runs Swallow Café where Clare met with Radstock Cooperative Society Chief Executive, Don Morris, Swallow Chief Executive, Bev Craney and local resident Councillor Dr Eleanor Jackson.
Radstock Cooperative Society
Don shared concerns about the increase in shoplifting and abuse (physical and verbal) in their Radstock Cooperative Stores and the significant lack of trust and confidence in the local police response to take any action. Don shared that since 25th February 2024 to 25th October 2024 about 369 incidents (physical and verbal) were reported; 15 prosecutions were confirmed and 8 CCT were provided at every occasion in addition to names of individuals where known.
To address the challenges, Don said his team continue to report incidents to the online police portal, engage a security firm at key locations for theft and anti-social behaviour and body cameras. Don expressed concern staff spent considerable time in store and head office, reporting, CCTV, collating repeating offender’s details etc and only receive generic responses from the police. Don said, “his staff feel frustrated with the police as local PCSO is the intermediary between the business and police officers.”
Following this, Clare visited Youth Connect South West (YCSW) Hub in Radstock where she met with Sam Plummer, YCSW Head of Operations and Practice and team. Sam talked about their joint work with the police on a project called ‘teachable moments’, collaborating with McDonalds (high ASB), and detached youth work. Sam said the project has helped to increase police visibility. The main issues are underage drinking especially in Paulton, and general ASB.Young people don’t fear consequences.
Clare ended the day by visiting Shakespear Road in Radstock, where there is a sheltered accommodation for disabled people. These visits were arranged as part Clare’s commitment to hear community voice across Avon and Somerset area in policing matters.