Officers host crime prevention stall in Welwyn Garden City

Engaging with the community is always at the heart of neighbourhood policing and this was seen front and centre at a crime prevention stall set up by local officers in Welwyn Garden City recently.

PC Anne Lopez and PCSOs Anne Devine and Bill McCaskie, from the Welwyn Hatfield Safer Neighbourhood Team, hosted a stall outside the shops in Haldens on Friday 1 December offer crime prevention advice to residents passing by.

They were accompanied by Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators Paul Gosbee and Fiona Rowe.

In Hertfordshire, the PCs and PCSOs who cover local policing sit on Safer Neighbourhood Teams. They regularly consult the public to identify the issues that are of most concern and work to resolve them. A Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator is a volunteer who oversees their local Neighbourhood Watch scheme or groups of schemes in their area.

The stall was a great chance for local people to discuss feelings and concerns and receive peace of mind from those responsible with keeping them and their neighbourhood safe. There was also a chance to receive purse bells and chains when speaking to the officers.

PCSO Anne Devine said: “We gave out some purse bells and chains which are a great deterrent of theft and pickpocketing. The noisy bell or chain will alert victims and potentially scare off any potential thieves.

“it was a pleasure to meet all those that came along to the stall and spoke with us about crime prevention. I hope you found the event useful.”

You can use our community voice platform ‘echo’ to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives and campaigns. Visit Echo (opens in a new windows) and tell us your thoughts.

PC Anne Lopez and PCSOs Anne Devine and Bill McCaskie picture at the stall