Gloucester City Centre Safer Community Team

Gloucester Police Launch Crackdown And Issue Security Advice After Over 150 Bikes Stolen In May And June

July 7 2010

Gloucester Police have launched a crackdown and issued security advice after a spate of bike thefts in the city centre and Barton Street area in May and June.

The Gate streets were hardest hit in the centre of Gloucester while Bruton Way and Weston Road were the other hotspots. In total over 150 bikes and £32,000’s worth of bikes were stolen in May and June in Gloucester.

To tackle the problem, uniformed and covert patrols have been increased, Safer Community Teams (SCTs) are holding a range of security coding events and crime prevention officers are giving advice to cyclists and local shops that are sometimes sold stolen bikes.

Detective Inspector Kevin McCloskey, of Gloucester Priority Policing Team, said: “Cycle thefts remain one of the most common property crimes in the country, and may have increased recently due to the increase in websites which thieves often use to sell bikes on.

“I can reassure the local community that we are doing everything we can to curb this increase. We are monitoring hotspot areas, stopping known offenders and reviewing CCTV wherever possible to catch those responsible.

“This weekend there was only one offence in the city, which represents good progress.

“The one key piece of advice we would give cyclists is to try to use D-locks to secure their bike instead of a chain, which are often far easier to break.”

Police have also urged people to do the following:

• Consider taking out insurance when bikes are purchased.
• Photograph your bike when it is purchased and note any unique features.
• Ensure your bike is security marked in different places on the frame.
• Ensure your bike is locked out of sight in a garage or shed if possible.
• In the city centre, secure your bike with a lock to a fixed heavy object for additional safety.
• For maximum protection use two locks of different types. Thieves are less likely to carry tools to break both locks and if they do, it will take them longer.
• Leave your bike in a well-lit area.
• Leave your bike in different places to prevent it being spotted and remove any small, easily-stolen accessories.
• Register bikes for free at www.immobilise.com - If the police find a registered bike, they can try to reunite it with the owner.

Barton, Tredworth and White City SCT are holding four bike postcoding events this month at Barton Street Police Station and encouraging members of the public to come along:

Saturday July 17, 2010, 1pm-2pm

Tuesday July 20, 2010, 6pm-7pm

Saturday July 24, 2010, 10am- 11am

Thursday July 29, 2010, 4pm - 5pm.

The Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Barton Street SCT are also running

bike security events in the area and giving away free locks to youngsters.

In Gloucester, police have been upping patrols in hotspot areas. Fourteen officers were on foot in the city on Monday, July 5 to address the issue and during two hours, 16 people on bikes were stopped and checked and security advice given where necessary.

Gloucester City SCT officers will also be manning a stand in the city centre in the next two weeks to give security advice and free security postcoding, while other activity is planned.

Police Sergeant Eleanor Lakin, of Gloucester City SCT, said: “Our crime reduction team is seeking to speak to cycle retail shops, as we are keen to ensure all bikes are registered when sold.

“Within the next couple of days we are also looking at having a dedicated webpage within our neighbourhood policing site.

“This will be specifically highlighting cycle security, and events we are running at the station and in the city where people can come and have their bikes coded and registered.”

Families Meet Police At St Peter’s Fun Day

 June 28 2010

Gloucester City Safer Community Team officers were at St Peter’s School Family Fun Day last week.

And as well as giving out crime prevention advice and listening to feedback from the local community, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) Frankie McIntosh and Steph Mason laid on some special treats for children visiting the school.

PCSO Mason said: “We took along the police van which all ages loved having a look around and gave away some police puppets and balloons we had as freebies.

“We also decided to take the old-style fingerprint cards and ink strips and gave the children the opportunity to have their fingerprints taken.

“Many of the children had already covered what is DNA and the difference in finger prints in science class but loved seeing and having copies to take home.

“The event was a good opportunity for all families at the event to meet their local police and I hope it will make them feel confident we are there to help.”

Gloucester City Officers At Hempsted Family Fun Day

June 28 2010

 Gloucester City Safer Community Team (SCT) officers attended the Hempsted Family Fun Day at the Gordon League Rugby Club on Saturday.

The event was organised by Julie Simpkins to raise money for Smiles after school club and was well attended with various shows and stalls throughout the day. Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and members of the Crime Prevention Panel were also there.

Officers from the SCT gave out crime prevention advice, spoke to the local community and security postcoded bicycles and other items at the event.

PC Mark Evans, of Gloucester City SCT said: “There were regular visits from children, parents and other local residents wanting their cycles coded and to have a look around the police van and find out what it was all about.

“In total 21 cycles were coded, numerous mobile phones security marking issued, crime prevention advice and freebies given out.  The aim from our perspective was to get to know the local community and help make people feel confident in what we are doing to deal with the issues that matter to them.

“The total amount of money raised is not known as of yet, however a good day was had all round.”

To find out more about Gloucester City SCT, please click here.

Gloucester City SCT Help Run Knife Crime Awareness Event At Gloucestershire College

 June 18 2010

Gloucester City Safer Community Team (SCT) officers helped run a knife crime awareness event at Gloucestershire College last week.

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) Steph Mason and Kim Carter joined student link worker Stuart Clark at the exhibition to talk to students about the issues around knife crime.

Leaflets were handed out and a knife arch, which police frequently use to search people entering pubs and clubs in the city, was displayed.

A young victim of knife crime also came along to show the facial scarring that resulted from the attack he suffered.

PCSO Mason said: “Many students were interested in the knife arch, saying it was a positive way of tackling knife crime and that it made them feel safer. The feedback from students was positive and they were impressed with the college for taking a positive and open approach with the subject.

“Getting out there and helping educate people on the impact of knife crime and the measures we are taking to combat it is a crucial part of our work as a SCT. If we can deter one person from picking up a knife we’ll have done our job. I also hope this makes the general public feel confident we are taking long-term steps to tackle the issue.”

For more information Gloucester City SCT, click here.

City PCSO's join the walkers on the Pied Piper walkathon

Sunday 6th June 2010 saw the annual Pied Piper 25 mile walkathon start from Gloucester Docks at 8am and continue until 6.30pm.  Two Gloucester City PCSOs were also there in full strength to ride with the walkers.  The weather held out for the event unlike last year when there was heavy rain and the walkers came out in good force to brave the rough terrain of the 25 mile walk across Gloucester.

The first part of the course was the most relaxed and gentle part, a stroll along the canal path to the Pilot Inn in Hardwicke allowing pleasurable views of the river as the sun broke through.  However, the relaxation of the first part of the walk was soon changed by the hard realisation that the next 21 miles would be far from easy. The journey from the Pilot Inn up to Upton St Leonards was mainly up hill but with the beautiful Gloucestershire Country side surrounding the walkers it was worth it to see such picture views.

PCSO Steph Mason had already completed a half marathon for the Pied Piper charity this year and it was her suggestion that PSCO Kim Carter and herself join the walkers but on Police pedal cycles so that they could support the walkers and still get involved in one of Gloucestershires biggest walks, which has all communities working together.

Steph and Kim were able to meet many people from all areas of Gloucestershire and experience the walk.  The middle stages saw a family open up their home in Hucclecote to all the walkers, supplying hot drinks and food. It gave a real sense of what the community is about and the strong relationships between Police Community Support officers and local residents.

The last part of the walk was by far the hardest but Steph and Kim were able to show their support to walkers coming through by encouraging them and helping where needed.

The two PCSOs were extremely proud to have taken part in the walk and honoured to be invited back next year.

Crime Down By 14.9% In Gloucester

Crime in Gloucester is down by 14.9% compared to last year, according to the latest annual figures.

For more information, read the full press release by clicking here.

Kingsholm Tag Rugby Team

On Friday, May 21, Kingsholm Church of England Primary School entered into the Gloucestershire Constabulary annual tag rugby tournament at Hartpury College. 
On a very hot, sunny day year 5 and 6 pupils played against other schools around the county and came second in their table, only losing one game.  They made it through to the quarter finals against Cheltenham’s Catholic School of St Gregory the Great.  It was a great game to watch with free flowing rugby played by both teams. Unfortunately, Kingsholm lost yet again by a couple of tries.

PC Ray Davies, PCSOs Jordan White and Becki Kent are all very proud of the team efforts and are keen to continue to work with the school.

PC Ray Davies said: “Kingsholm showed they have ability and passion to go even further in future competitions.  There were some brilliant team and individual tries which show they have bright talent.

“Kingsholm are also part of the schools summer tag rugby league where they are un-beaten with one game to go.  What ever the result Kingsholm should be proud of their achievements.”

The police would like to say thank you to the staff and the parents for allowing them the time and effort to work with the students. 

PC Davies said: “It has been a brilliant opportunity to get to know the children and this has also reflected with the relationship that has grown between the police and the students out of school.” 

 

City Partnership find out more about local Police after tour of HQ

A group of Gloucester city centre residents were given a tour of Police Headquarters and the Tri-Service Contact Centre in Quedgeley on May 25 as part of efforts to bring local police closer to the community they are working in

The Gloucester City Centre Community Partnership, which is made up of local residents who work with the SCT to help decide priorities and deal with local issues, were shown around by PC Martin Roddy.

Police Headquarters at Waterwells, Quedgeley houses various departments including the forensic science and Specialist Criminal Investigation Services unit while the contact centre is where all non-emergency and emergency calls to Gloucestershire Police are taken by operators.

Gloucester City PC Mark Mansfield said: “The evening was very informative and allowed members of the partnership to see how the service operates and how it works with multiple agencies when a crisis occurs such as the floods back in 2007.

“This sort of exercise really helps bind us together with the local community and gives residents a deeper understanding of the work we are doing. If it helps people feel we are more accessible and approachable then they will have more confidence in us when they need help and that’s crucial.”

Hempsted Post Office Gets New Police Information Point

 A new Police Information Point  (PIP) has been set up at Hempsted village Post Office. 

The PIP includes a board which gives details of local officers, contact information and local priorities, and has been placed so that it is visible for residents who visit the shop.

It also holds copies of a community leaflet that can be filled by residents with any issues they may have. Completed leaflets can be placed directly into a locked letterbox for a police officer to collect.  

PC Mark Evans, of the SCT said: “This is an ideal location to place the PIP board as it is a hub of activity for local residents.

“Hempsted community officers will check the letterbox on a regular basis and act on any information given to them by the public.

“If you submit information and ask to be contacted then officers will make an appointment with you. 

“Any issues raised that are not police-related will be passed on to partner agencies to address. “

For more information on policing priorities in Hempsted and details of who the local officers are there click here.

SCT Tackle Begging In Gloucester

Gloucester City SCT continue to tackle begging in the city.

During May PCSOs and PCs from the Gloucester City SCT have been working hard to address the issue in the city. This has led to five people being reported to court for the offence and one man being arrested.

Gloucester SCT continue to work hard with our partner agencies to combat this matter.

SCT Arrest Eight Following Drugs Raid In Kingsholm

Police from the SCT raided a house and arrested eight people in connection with drugs-related offences in a proactive operation on Wednesday, May 17.

Officers executed a warrant at an address in the Kingsholm area and recovered a quantity of the class B drug mephedrone.

It follows the setting of a new policing priority in the area to tackle drug-related issues.

PC Steve Crown, Community Beat Officer for Gloucester City SCT, said: “Drug-related issues in the Kingsholm community were named as a local priority following the most recent panel meeting on May 15 and we are working hard with the Housing Association and the local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership to find solutions.

“We hope action like this and increased patrols, backed up by longer-term activity with our partners, should give people confidence that we can tackle the problems they have asked us to.

“This raid was in response to intelligence and we would like to thank the local community for assisting us. If we receive information in the future, we will act on it.”

Three men from Gloucester (aged 34, 44 and 31), a 22-year-old man from Stroud, a 23-year-old man from Westbury-on-Severn and a 22-year-old woman from Ross were arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and bailed to attend Gloucester Police Station on July 2.

A 32-year-old man and 43-year-old man, both from Gloucester, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance with intent to supply and also bailed to attend Gloucester Police Station on July 2.

Gloucester City SCT Remind Public Of Safety Items Available From Reception

Gloucester City SCT is reminding the public that security items designed to protect people and their property are available from the city’s police station front desk in Longsmith Street.

The SCT often set up community events where these items are demonstrated but they are eager to let people know they are available at other times too.

PCSO Steph Mason said: “Not as many people as we would like are aware of this service, which is almost a one-stop shop for their security and safety needs.

“We cover a range of items from bike coding pens to shed alarms, door chains and timer switches.

“We would recommend people mark their electrical items and bikes, for example, as these are often their most expensive possessions.

“For personal safety we also have personal and jogger alarms. These items are generally sold cheaper than advertised on the internet or in shops.”

Security items are available from Reception, Bearland Police Station, Longsmith Street, Gloucester. For a full list of items and prices, please email gloscity-sct@gloucestershire.police.uk

Gloucester City SCT Attend King’s School May Fair

 Gloucester City SCT officers were in attendance at the King’s School May Fair last Saturday, May 8. 

The event was being hosted by the school after a four-year break and this year took on an international theme which was adopted by each tutor group's stall, enabling visitors to go around the world in just a day.

PCSOs from the City Centre SCT were there to give out crime prevention advice and listen to any concerns members of the community have about their area.

PCSO Mohamed Ginwalla, of Gloucester City SCT, said: “Despite the international theme the weather was typically British and we all had to move inside.

“We were very happy with the response from the public though and had a great time getting out in the community and giving out crime prevention and safety advice.

“Hopefully events like this will build everyone’s trust and confidence in us that we can help them. If you have a problem or concern, we will be able to offer advice or point you in the direction of where you can get assistance."

Gloucester City SCT Officers Attend Hospital For Crime Prevention And Bike Coding Event

  April 30 2010

Gloucester City Safer Community Team (SCT) held a community event at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital earlier this week.

Bike coding and crime prevention advice was offered to visitors and staff at the main entrance of the hospital.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Stephanie Mason, Crime Reduction Officer PC John Whitmarsh, members of the crime prevention panel and the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Trust Manager Clive Harrison were present.

PCSO Mason said: ”It was great to be out there in the community, providing help and advice to people and getting their feedback. We hope these type of events give people confidence that their local police are there to consult and get to know.”

Gloucester City PCSOs Deliver Easter Surprise To Children In Hospital

Officers from Gloucester City SCT helped brighten up Easter for children in hospital in the county over the bank holiday weekend. To find out more, please read the press release by clicking here.

Gloucester City SCT Officers Complete Forest Of Dean Half Marathon For Charity

Gloucester City SCT officers helped raise money for charity by competing in the Forest of Dean Half Marathon at the end of March. Click here to read more.

PCSO Helps To Raise Awareness Of Level Crossing Dangers

A Police Community Support Officer from the Gloucester City Safer Community Team (SCT) is helping to raise awareness of the dangers of level crossings.

PCSO Stephanie Mason will be joining representatives from Network Rail, the British Transport Police and the train operating companies on Wednesday April 21 to set up a “Don’t run the risk” at level crossings awareness stand.

The stand will be near to the Horton Road level crossing between 8am and 12pm.

PCSO Stephanie Mason said: “We want to be at the crossing to catch the morning school run.

“Those children currently in year six will be moving onto secondary school in September and may be using the crossing without a parent or guardian for the first time. It is vital that we supply them with information about the dangers now.”

Representatives from the organisations will be handing out information leaflets and talking to pedestrians and drivers.

City Centre Launches Street Pastor Scheme

Street pastors will be walking the streets of Gloucester city centre for the first time on Friday night (February 4) to offer a reassuring presence to those out and about. 
To find out more click here.

Gloucester City - Photo Gallery

Police Information Points

Below is a list of all of our Police Information Points (PIPs). if you require any further information please contact the Safer Community Team on 0845 090 1234

Gloucester City Centre

• The Dukeries (in the Tennants Consultative Community Room). This PIP takes place every Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm

 Kingsholm and Wotton

• Gloucester Royal Hospital, the PIP can be found in the new build section of the hospital by the health information centre.  This PIP is for information only and is not staffed.
• Families Centre, Sherborne Street. This PIP takes place on every second Wednesday of the month between 10.30am and 11.30am.  

Police Community Consultative Meeting