Mobile police station takes officers to public
WEARDALE'S Neighbourhood Policing Team started its open sessions this week at St John’s Chapel. (May 23 edition)A mobile police station set-up shop in the town’s market place where residents could go and voice any concerns or issues they may have had and also receive crime prevention advice.
PC Kelly Hawkes from Stanhope said: “It’s been a bit quiet but then is the first day and people might be a bit shy. “It may also be the case that there is nothing they want to talk to us about, but as long as they know we are here waiting to listen to any problems they may have then we’re happy.
“We cover a vast area and it can often be difficult for people to come and see us if they want to talk about anything. If it’s not an emergency, a lot of people probably prefer face to face interaction rather than over the phone so this mobile station will give them a place where they can easily come and talk to us.
“The vehicle is not inconspicuous and whatever the problem may be, even if someone thinks they would be wasting our time or we may not be interested, we want them to come and tell us.”
The mobile unit will now travel to a number of locations around Weardale and officers are keen hear from anyone with concerns, ideas or suggestions which could help the police and other agencies improve the quality of life in the area.
Residents will also have the opportunity to meet recently-appointed police community support officers (PCSOs) like Nicola Firby and Steve Urch. Nicola, who covers the Stanhope and Frosterley area, said: “I’ve only just started and am really keen to do a good job for the people in the area.
“Residents have told us they like to see us out on the street and I am already building good relationships with people in the area.” The mobile station will be in the following locations between 10am and 3pm on the below dates: Wednesday May 28–Wolsingham; Wednesday June 4 – Tow Law; Wednesday, June 11 – Frosterley;Tuesday June 19– Wolsingham; Wednesday June 25– Rookhope.
For more information, contact Sgt Dave Lyall at the Stanhope police office in the Durham Dales centre on 0845 6060 365, ext 674 4470 or email david.lyall@durham.pnn.police.uk
