Raft of new measures announced for Wisbech
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A focus on schools, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are among the latest initiatives being launched as part of the Safer Wisbech programme.
They come a year after the start of the programme which is tackling the perception that certain areas of Wisbech are unsafe to live in and visit.
Fenland Neighbourhoods Inspector Andy Morris said there would be a reintroduction of a school’s officer in the local policing team to work closely with schools, pupils, and parents to reduce the risk of young people being drawn into crime and anti-social behaviour.
He said police would also be working closely with Wisbech Town Council and retailers in the town centre to launch Shop Watch, a scheme to help prevent daytime town and city centre crime. It gives businesses the ability to communicate with each other using a two-way radio system linked to the local council or shopping centre CCTV control rooms and the police force.
And in the next few weeks, Operation Luscombe will be launched to tackle the effects of begging and associated street anti-social behaviour, using interventions and enforcement if required. It will address people’s support and welfare requirements, and aims to reduce anti-social behaviour, which has a detrimental effect on the local community and businesses.
Insp Morris said “Reaching out and listening to the local community is a priority for my team and helps us to deliver targeted work where it’s needed. Working with young people is so important, and that’s why we’re reintroducing a school’s officer within the Fenland Neighbourhood Policing Team. In Fenland alone there are 31 primary schools, four secondary school and three special educational needs schools; this equates to nearly 20,000 young people.
“We will continue our targeted activity, from acting on intelligence and carrying out enforcement activity through warrants, to speed enforcement and working with our local Speedwatch.
“I appreciate we may not be able please all the people all the time but it’s important for me to share the hard work your Fenland Neighbourhood team do.”