Town Council welcomes crackdown on vehicle-related crime

Shipston’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, led by PC Craig Purcell, has been cracking down on vehicle-related crime across the town and local area, with impressive results.

Following a number of complaints from residents and town councillors about speeding, obstruction of pavements and junctions, and illegal parking, the policing team decided to get tough. Since December, Community Safety Officers, accompanied by PC Purcell, have been a very visible presence on the town’s streets.

Over 98 speeding offences have been recorded since the last Community Forum in December, 38 of which were in Shipston. Six vehicles have been seized for offences including theft of fuel, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

Cones have been placed on streets to try and prevent inconsiderate parking on busy junctions and residential streets, including around the medical centre, primary school, and in the vicinity of the two building sites on Stratford Road. Letters are due to be issued to parents and residents in worstaffected areas to help tackle the parking problems.

PC Craig Purcell said "We recognise the challenges some residents face in parking around the medical centre and schools but public safety is our priority. Vehicle-related crime has been the number one concern raised by residents since I joined the team at Shipston and we’re determined to crack down on speeding, illegal parking and other issues which can directly affect the safety of residents.

"Mayor, Ronnie Murphy, said "I am delighted to see the Safer Neighbourhood Team taking such a proactive approach to this issue. I hope that by focusing on these activities, residents and visitors to the town will be encouraged to drive safely and be considerate to other road and pavement users."

Visit www.warwickshire.police.uk/shipston_bigvote by 3rd March to vote for forthcoming police priorities.