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Visible and accessible presence the cornerstone of new Local Policing Charter
Building strong relationships with local communities is the cornerstone of West Mercia Police’s Local Policing Charter as the force reinforces its commitment to neighbourhood policing.

Launched this month, the refreshed Local Policing Charter is based on three principles – visibility, accessibility, engagement – and sets out the force’s promise to ensure a two-way conversation to understand how local teams can respond to concerns and improve confidence in the service we deliver.

The charter has been co-produced with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion, to ensure it aligns to the Police and Crime Plan priorities, as well as Parish and Town Councils and Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs).

It has a focus on crime, safety and anti-social behaviour (ASB) which will be achieved through targeted high visibility patrols in high footfall areas and intelligent use of data to address crime/ASB or confidence.

Using a problem-solving approach, the charter will be delivered locally by understanding and agreeing local priorities which will be reviewed periodically.

Our Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) will continue to engage with parish and town councils, with regular contact through written updates and engaging with communities both in person and via social media and our Neighbourhood Matters website, ensuring we are accessible to all.

The new Local Policing Charter will deliver:

·  Improved services to the public

·  Improved communication and engagement channels with communities

·  Policing with the community

·  Increased confidence and trust with the public

·  Intelligent and targeted deployment of resource

·  Enhanced and consistent service to the public

·  Increased visibility and accessibility in communities

·  Strong partnership working

These outcomes will be measured through several methods, including the annual Town and Parish Council Survey and the Public Confidence and Perception survey – both of which are produced by the PCC.

Assistant Chief Constable of West Mercia Police Grant Wills said: “We are committed to building safer, stronger communities through a visible, accessible, and engaging police presence.

“Our focus is on delivering community policing that responds to local needs, fosters trust, and promotes public safety.

“We recognise that community policing goes beyond traditional law enforcement – it is about building strong relationships with those we serve by actively engaging with citizens and being an integral part of policing with the community.

“To achieve this, we will prioritise targeted visible patrols, which offer the kind of accessibility that allows officers to build relationships and engage directly with the public.

“This approach fosters a two-way dialogue that is essential for understanding the community’s concerns and improving trust.

“Visibility is a cornerstone of the Charter because it reassures residents and deters crime through a more approachable, human-centred police presence.

“Finally, our efforts to enhance visibility and accessibility will be supported by evidence-based problem solving, ensuring that we address the root causes of crime, working with local partners to reduce harm and prevent crime before it occurs. Our commitment is to always be accessible, and the Local Policing Community Charter sets out how we will achieve this.”

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “Engaging with our communities is incredibly important. It is vital that we aren’t just broadcasting, but allowing people to have their voice and their concerns heard.

“I know that communities want their police service to be visible and accessible, so I am pleased to have worked with the force on this charter that clearly sets out their commitments on how they will achieve this.”

·  You can read our new Local Policing Charter here
Attachments

 

A new home for Bromsgrove Men in Sheds

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Bromsgrove Men in Sheds has moved to their new home at Finch End Farm Finstall where they are sharing a unit with H20 Restoration Limited.

 

Men in Sheds is part of Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest.  To find out more about joining Men in Sheds or to offer support contact Jo Hughes on 01527 570490 or email jo.hughes@ageukbrwf.co.uk

Road Closure

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        PUBLIC NOTICE

 

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14 (AS AMENDED)

 

WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

 

NOTICE OF THE CLOSURE OF C2177 UPPER GAMBOLDS LANE, FINSTALL, WORCESTERSHIRE (“THE HIGHWAY”)

 

Reason for restriction: Urgent edge of carriageway reconstruction and verge works, including construction of a retaining wall.  There is a likelihood of danger to the public or of serious damage to the road.  There is a need to close the highway in the following terms:-

 

  1. The effect of this Notice is that no vehicle shall proceed along that part of the highway from its junction with C2045 Copyholt Lane to its junction with C2176 Dusthouse Lane.

 

  1. This provision shall continue in force for a maximum of 21 days commencing 24 February 2025.

 

  1. Alternative routes: – C2176 Dusthouse Lane, B4184 Alcester Road, C2045 Holyoakes Lane, C2045 Copyholt Lane and vice versa.
     

 

Nothing in this Notice shall prevent at any time access for pedestrians to any premises situated on or adjacent to the highway, or to any other premises accessible for pedestrians from and only from the highway.

THOMAS POLLOCK

Head of Commercial Law (Legal & Governance)

Date 24 February 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fraud Update

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WEEKLY FRAUD UPDATE FROM WEST MERCIA POLICE – ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT – 25/02/2025
                                              ARE YOUR CHILDREN SAFE ONLINE?

 

Whilst the world of the Internet offers great opportunities for young and old alike, it also presents many risks. The use of the Internet by children has increased greatly in the last 2 years for social, entertainment and educational reasons.

So, with extra time being spent online, how can you protect the younger family members from the potential issues they may face, and make them aware?

First of all, make sure all the safety settings are set up and in place including:
•    Parental controls on all devices, browsers, and Apps to filter out inappropriate material.
•    Set strong privacy settings to make sure personal information is only visible to trusted individuals i.e. “Friends only”.
•    Make use of Safe search filters, such as Google SafeSearch, to block out harmful content
•    Set daily usage time limits for Apps, and overall daily screentime.
•    Explain and encourage safe searching, websites, and apps. Check what they are watching and sharing on streaming sites such as YouTube and TikTok
Always remember that anything you share online, such as images, videos and comments may hang around for much longer than you think.
You could also consider some of the following ideas to protect your children further:
•  Explain about the online risks such as grooming, bullying and sexting (never share inappropriate images you would not want your family and friends to see)
•    Make sure your child understands what personal information they should never share including location, passwords. Phone numbers, schools, date of birth.
•    Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on accounts for a second layer of protection.
•    Make them aware that most apps may collect data, even when privacy settings are in place.

Not everything online will be true so teach them how to spot misinformation, fake profiles and most important of all – never be rushed into making any decisions.

If there is anything you are not sure about, never cover it up, but do talk to an adult, or a trusted friend or relative.

 

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours
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If you’ve fallen for fraud

Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk

Fake Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report fraudulent mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudster’s phone number.

Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number – 159 – to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks

 

 

 

 

Worcestershire Advice Network (WAN) Household Support Fund scheme

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Road Closure

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Fire and Rescue in our community

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Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has launched the consultation around its Community Risk Management Plan 2025-30 (CRMP).

They would be very interested to know your views and hope that you will take part in the consultation which can be accessed via the following link:

https://www.hwfire.org.uk/crmp/

The link takes you to full details concerning the CRMP, including a video introduction.

Online safety tips…

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From the WEST MERCIA POLICE – ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT 

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

At the start of another New Year, what better time to make a new resolution to examine how we can protect ourselves from fraudsters, strengthen our protection and do all we can to avoid being a victim of the scammers in the coming months.

There is no doubt the criminals will be planning their next moves to defraud any unsuspecting members of the public, and their methods are becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot. The use of AI to generate messages, images and clone voices increases the need for greater vigilance in all we do online.

                                                    What can we do?

3 SIMPLE STEPS TO PROTECT

  1. Use strong and separate passwords for each of your online accounts. Try 3 random words with at least 8 characters and a combination of upper and lower case, numbers and symbols.
  2. Step Verification (2SV) – Also known as 2 Factor Authentication (2FA) for your online accounts adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code or PIN to confirm your identity when you log in.
  3. Take time to stop and think before continuing a phone call, or clicking on a link from an unknown source. Never be pressurised into making a quick decision. Always check the email address before opening emails claiming to be from bona fide organisations such as your Bank, Government organisations or other businesses.

OTHER SIMPLE WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

  1. Install the latest Software and App updates on your devices as these often contain security patches to protect you from hackers.
  2. Back up your data regularly, by storing your important files in a separate location such as an external hard drive or on the Cloud. This way all is not lost if you experience a ransomware attack, device loss or damage.
  3. Be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks as they are often unsecured and can expose your activities to others. Using a Virtual Private Network – VPN – can protect your privacy.
  4. Protect your personal information online, and do not share too much information about yourself on social media, online forums and other similar platforms. This is how you could become a target for scammers and identity thieves. Check your privacy settings on Social Media to make sure only your real friends see your posts.
  5. Beware of your Digital Footprint – every time you go online you leave a digital “footprint” which can show where you are and what you are doing. Once you post a file or photo online it may stay there forever and be used by others, so do not share anything that may cause you problems or embarrassment in the future.
  6. Educate yourself and your family about online safety by learning how to spot common online scams, and how to avoid them, and use the internet responsibly and respectfully to protect you and your family.

Community Safety – drop-ins

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During January Bromsgrove Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be available for a face to face chat at the following locations and times:

*Thursday 9th January , 3A Neighbourhood Bar and Eatery, Aston Fields from 11:00am – 12:30pm
*Monday 13th January , Asda, Market Street from 10:00am-11:00am
*Tuesday 21st January , The Methodist Church Stratford Road from 10:30am -11:30am
*Tuesday 28th January , Waitrose , 3 Saint John Street from 6:00pm-7:00pm

Wishing you a very Happy New Year! We want to thank our community for your continued support and cooperation and hope you all have a peaceful New Year!

Christmas Carols

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Thank you to all who joined in the carol singing at Finstall village hall last Friday, 20th December; everyone was in fine voice!

Thanks also to the WI ladies providing the tea, coffee and mince pies, and to Tardebigge Cider for the warming cups of cider.

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