Post by Madhatter on Mar 10, 2007 16:11:43 GMT
FEARS about a high number of serious armed robberies which have plagued pubs, stores and businesses have been put to Warwickshire Police Force's most senior officer.
Armed robbers have, over the past two years, been targeting businesses in Nuneaton, Bedworth and North Warwickshire, with more than 20 premises hit this year alone.
Not only have the huge amount of armed attacks worried business bosses and staff, but also local communities, which is why North Warwickshire’s MP, Mike O’Brien, called for crunch-talks with Warwickshire Police Force’s Chief Constable Keith Bristow.
Mr O’Brien, who is the country’s second most senior legal eagle, the government’s solicitor general, met with the force’s most senior officer to find out what action is being taken to try and stop the robbers.
"I have talked to local business people who have been victims of robbery with violence,†he said.
"Many people are worried, there are a lot of robberies in an area like this. It seems that village facilities, such as the post office and club in Fillongley recently, are being targeted. I have expressed my concerns in the past, but I welcomed the chance to get the full briefing from the chief constable. He was able to tell me how the police are dealing with the problem.â€
The leading police officer stressed that intelligence indicates that the majority of offences have been carried out by robbers from Coventry or Birmingham.
Teams of local detectives have been tasked to work with colleagues from neighbouring forces to gather and share intelligence to try and catch the robbers.
Like in Nuneaton and Bedworth, officers have sent out letters to all premises in North Warwickshire to encourage them to step-up security and get advice from crime reduction departments, but Mr O’Brien said that there has been a poor up-take on the offer.
Officers have also been taking part in ‘Operation Endear,’ which provides police patrols around vulnerable locations late at a night, a scheme the local MP has welcomed.
"The strategy is one of increased police vigilence, intelligence led operations and hardening potential targets by ensuring that businesses take steps to reduce their vulnerability,†he said.
"That sounds a sensible approach and they have had some success with it. I was reassured that the police are undertaking a number of other steps to alert local traders but it is important that traders take the advice. Some multi-national companies who own large chains have been slow to commit the monies or the staff training to ensure premises are less vulnerable.
"I am satisfied that the police are doing their job but they need assistance too."
Article published on
09/03/2007 14:58:19 hennews.co.uk
Armed robbers have, over the past two years, been targeting businesses in Nuneaton, Bedworth and North Warwickshire, with more than 20 premises hit this year alone.
Not only have the huge amount of armed attacks worried business bosses and staff, but also local communities, which is why North Warwickshire’s MP, Mike O’Brien, called for crunch-talks with Warwickshire Police Force’s Chief Constable Keith Bristow.
Mr O’Brien, who is the country’s second most senior legal eagle, the government’s solicitor general, met with the force’s most senior officer to find out what action is being taken to try and stop the robbers.
"I have talked to local business people who have been victims of robbery with violence,†he said.
"Many people are worried, there are a lot of robberies in an area like this. It seems that village facilities, such as the post office and club in Fillongley recently, are being targeted. I have expressed my concerns in the past, but I welcomed the chance to get the full briefing from the chief constable. He was able to tell me how the police are dealing with the problem.â€
The leading police officer stressed that intelligence indicates that the majority of offences have been carried out by robbers from Coventry or Birmingham.
Teams of local detectives have been tasked to work with colleagues from neighbouring forces to gather and share intelligence to try and catch the robbers.
Like in Nuneaton and Bedworth, officers have sent out letters to all premises in North Warwickshire to encourage them to step-up security and get advice from crime reduction departments, but Mr O’Brien said that there has been a poor up-take on the offer.
Officers have also been taking part in ‘Operation Endear,’ which provides police patrols around vulnerable locations late at a night, a scheme the local MP has welcomed.
"The strategy is one of increased police vigilence, intelligence led operations and hardening potential targets by ensuring that businesses take steps to reduce their vulnerability,†he said.
"That sounds a sensible approach and they have had some success with it. I was reassured that the police are undertaking a number of other steps to alert local traders but it is important that traders take the advice. Some multi-national companies who own large chains have been slow to commit the monies or the staff training to ensure premises are less vulnerable.
"I am satisfied that the police are doing their job but they need assistance too."
Article published on
09/03/2007 14:58:19 hennews.co.uk
