Chippenham police crackdown on vandals (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Chippenham police crackdown on vandals

7:31am Wednesday 25th November 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(4)

Police Officers in Chippenham have been working with a number of partners to tackle rising levels of criminal damage near to the town centre.

Over the last few months, there have been increasing reports of damage to cars and windows in the areas of Lowden Road, Stockwood Road, Southmead Road, London Road and Wood Lane towards Pewsham.

The damage has tended to occur from Thursday to Monday in the early hours of the morning, with alcohol cited as a key contributory factor.

In response, officers have been working closely with the town’s licensed premises, Pubwatch, Wiltshire Council’s licensing team and the town’s CCTV operators to reduce the number of drunk and disorderly people and to identify potential troublemakers and ‘hot spots’ in order to intercept these people before they are able to cause any damage.

This partnership approach has been very successful with 26 arrests and 12 fixed penalty notices issued for disorder in the last month alone.

Sergeant Allan George of the Chippenham Town Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We have been working hard with our partners to address the concerns of residents living near to the town centre. While we recognise that the majority of people are responsible drinkers, by proactively targeting the minority who are likely to cause damage to property we have managed to reduce levels of criminal damage in this area.”

“My message to those intent on engaging in anti-social behaviour or causing damage is that we will be watching you and if alcohol is found to be a contributory factor you could face a Pubwatch ban from all licensed premises in Chippenham and referral to the anti-social behaviour reduction panel.”

“In order to further reduce the chance of becoming a victim of criminal damage, I would advise people to park on driveways and in garages where possible, remove their aerials and fold in mirrors. People under the influence of alcohol are not always steady on their feet and damage can be accidental rather than deliberate.”

Anyone who has concerns about criminal damage or anti-social behaviour in their area can contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0845 408 7000. Or information can be left anonymously, if preferred, by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Reports can also be made through partner agencies such as Housing Associations and Wiltshire Council.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(4)