South Cotswolds Safer Community Team

Warrant Carried Out At Lechlade Address – Two Cautioned

On Friday evening, July 8, local officers from Fairford and officers from Cirencester carried out a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at a home address in Lechlade.

A small quantity of cannabis was seized from the address and two individuals were given formal cautions for possession of a class B drug.

As the officers completed their search they identified another man who was suspected of drug dealing.  The 20-year-old local man was searched and what is believed to be illegal drugs were found. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and later bailed to return to the police station on September 14, pending further enquiries.

The warrant was executed as a result of information from the local community and officers hope it reassures residents that any and all information they give will be taken seriously.

Sergeant Rich Smith said; “We are very grateful for the support of the local community during these incidents.  It is with their co-operation and assistance that we can deal with such offences robustly. 

“If you do witness any suspicious or illegal activity please call us on 0845 090 1234. You can also give information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Six Vehicles In Stratton Damaged – Appeal For Witnesses

Police are asking local residents for information after six vehicles were damaged in Stratton Heights, Cirencester over the weekend. Click here to read more.  

Policing In Cirencester

Statement from Sergeant Rich Smith; 

"We are aware of some concerns amongst local residents that the level of policing in the area is being reduced. We would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that this is certainly not the case and would like to let you know how we police the Cirencester area and how we use CCTV in the town."

 The full statement from Sergeant Smith can be read by clicking here.  

Crime In The Cotswolds Falls by 24%

Crime has fallen in Gloucestershire for the sixth year in succession. To read the details about the 2009/2010 crime figures for your area click here. 

Community Panel Meeting For The Rural North

At the Community Panel Meeting in May that was held in Cowley at the Girl Guide Head Quarters PCSOs Andrea Shutt and Victoria Beale reported on work undertaken on the priorities that were identified as areas of concern for local residents.

 To read more click here.  

Crime Continues To Fall In Cirencester

Recent figures for the Cirencester area show that crime is continuing to fall.

Crime in the South Cotswolds has seen a reduction of 26.7% in the last three months when compared to the same period in 2009.

Sergeant for the area, Rich Smith, said; “We’re of course very pleased that our crime figures continue to drop and would like to reassure the local community that we will work tirelessly to see these figures reduce further.

“The Safer Community Team (SCT) are also eager to continue working with local residents and our partner agencies to address the issues that are most important to them.”

Neighbourhood panel meetings are the perfect opportunity for residents to voice any concerns they have for an area so that the police and the local council can take action where appropriate.

Sergeant Smith continued; “These meetings are incredibly beneficial and have more influence on the way neighbourhoods are policed than perhaps people realise.

“By listening to the concerns of the community we can prioritise the issues that matter most to the people that live here and so we would encourage people to come along and get involved.

“The community priorities decided in these meetings don’t just have to be issues linked to policing. We will work with our colleagues in other agencies, such as the Cotswold District Council, to support their work on other areas of concern such as littering and dog fouling.”

Current community priorities for the South Cotswold area include vehicles speeding through rural villages in the area and anti social behaviour.

“These priorities were decided upon as a result of our consultation with local residents and listening to want they want us to focus on,” said Sergeant Smith. “A number of tactics are being taken to address both of these issues and we are pleased to say that the last three months have in a 21.2% reduction of incidents of anti social behaviour when compared to the same time last year.

“We are confident that through listening to the concerns of the neighbourhood and working with our partner agencies we can keep Cirencester and the surrounding areas a safe and pleasant place to live.”

Operation to prevent and detect crime on roads

Cirencester Police have carried out an operation to prevent and detect crime on roads in the area. Read more about Operation Nowen HERE.  

Kayaks Stolen From South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre

South Cotswolds Police are investigating after a trailer containing four kayaks was stolen from the South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre at lake 12. 

Can you help us with our investigation? More information can be found here . 

Man Charged Following Assault In Vaisey Road, Stratton

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested following an incident in Vaisey Road in Stratton in which a 20-year-old man suffered serious injuries.

More information can be found here . 

Police Investigation - Can You Help?

Were you in The Rock Cafe nightclub on Saturday January 30? If so you may be able to help police with an investigation. 

 More information can be found here. 

Update on anti-social youths in the park in Robert Franklin Way

After numerous reports of anti-social youths in the park in Robert Franklin Way, regular patrols were conducted in the area, late at night.  The Safer Community Team have spoken directly to local families in the area, particularly local youths that are known to use the park late at night, and positive action was taken.  After 3 months work, we have received positive feedback from the local community that things had improved dramatically in the area.

Two incidents of criminal damage in South Cerney were reported to police.  Offenders have been arrested and Officers have been able to use new Community Orientated Policing methods, ensuring that the victim has been given the opportunity to speak directly to offenders, and explain the implications of their actions in an attempt to get them to rectify their behaviour. Offenders were also able to financially compensate victims for the damage.  This method has been working exceptionally well in the local community of South Cerney.

Regular speed checks continue to be carried out throughout the area, providing education to drivers and penalty tickets where applicable.