Extra police on the beat in ‘positive steps forward’ for Hartlepool
It comes following the introduction of Richard Lewis as chief constable at Cleveland Police last year and his desire to provide more neighbourhood policing across the area.
Chief Inspector for Hartlepool Peter Graham, speaking at a Safer Hartlepool Partnership meeting, reiterated the ambition to strengthen neighbourhood policing in the town, with work already underway.
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Hide AdHe said: “We’ve gone from a situation where earlier this year January, February time, we were down to really low numbers in neighbourhood policing.
He added they have gone from having two teams covering six days a week to three teams covering seven days, with all three teams having a sergeant, and there is a dedicated inspector for the area.
Targeted work of the neighbourhood police officers includes addressing retail crime and protecting the vulnerable.
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Hide AdThey are also looking at priorities highlighted in the latest Hartlepool community safety plan, which include tackling drug and drink related incidents, anti-social behaviour, and domestic abuse.
Chief Inspector Graham added: “We are now starting to get some real positive results and engagement is starting to increase, so it’s really good.
“We are working really closely with the community safety team and some of the results, specifically antisocial behaviour, are working really well.
“We’re a new team being generated, lots of objectives, so it’s a really, really positive place for the community safety team.”
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Hide AdCouncil leader Cllr Shane Moore noted it has been a common request from residents to see increased policing in the area and he is pleased to see the ‘positive step forward’.
He said: “A comment we’ve heard for many years is there is a desire from the public to see police back on the beat and to get to know their local police, so the police know their communities and they can build that intelligence.
“I appreciate plans were delayed with everything that’s been going on but for me it’s a really positive step forward and I’m looking forward to seeing the results from it all.”