Neighbourhood Policing - A closer look at efforts to protect Hull City Centre

HULL

As part of Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action, today we are shining a light on officers who serve local communities within Hull city centre.

The teams work relentlessly to tackle key issues affecting the city centre with a recent focus on shoplifting offences.

Through building relationships with local businesses and the surrounding community, officers are able to identify individuals quickly to aiding the speed of investigations and helping proactively to prevent crime.

Following feedback from businesses and the wider community, local neighbourhood officers have increased patrols around the Queen Victoria Square area, regularly visiting shops that are particularly vulnerable to shop theft and attract antisocial behaviour.

Yesterday the team were involved in a day of action, with groups of officers patrolling around the city centre, assisted by members of the council to crack down on anti-social behaviour around the city centre.

Officers are often joined by staff from the council, patrolling in plain clothes to target antisocial behaviour in and around the city centre.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector David Lonsdale who covers the Hull City Centre said “Neighbourhood Policing is all about solving problems within our local communities and keeping them safe. Our work is much more effective when have a deep understanding of the areas we cover, helping us prevent crime instead of simply reacting to incidents.

“The team work daily with Hull City Council along with many other partner organisations to help protect the community, this partnership approach ensures that the communities served benefit from the strengths of various organisations, not just the police.

“To tackle shoplifting in Hull, we work with a local organisation that equips businesses with radio systems. These radios connect shops in at-risk areas directly, not just to each other, but also to our local police officers out on the beat.

“We have seen these radios make a real difference. They empower security guards, shop workers and police to team up and quickly resolve situations, preventing them from escalating into bigger issues. I believe that this collective effort helps everyone in the community feel much safer.”

Sergeant Lee Waller said “Seeing the dedicated work the team has put into tackling antisocial behaviour in the city centre makes me incredibly proud. While it is a challenge we can’t erase entirely, it’s clear our consistent, proven methods for dealing with repeat offenders are bringing about, real positive changes here in Hull city centre.”

Humberside Police are investing directly into Neighbourhood Policing, which means you will see more officers on the beat in your local area, keeping you safer on the street wherever you are in Hull.

To receive updates from your local policing team you can sign up to My Community Alert, this can be done online, by visiting your local police station or simply speaking to a local officer.