News
Keeping Morpeth safe
Dated: 05 Sep 2012
Police in Morpeth have been working with partners and local residents to make sure the area remains a safe and pleasant place to live.
Over the summer officers have been responding to the views of the local community who have told them that speeding and anti-social behaviour (ASB) are of particular concern.
Acting Morpeth Neighbourhood Inspector Sharon Wilmore-Greaves said: "During the summer speeding motorcycles were a particular concern on the rural roads when there is an increase in farm traffic and tourists who are not familiar with the roads.
"Throughout August the Morpeth Neighbourhood Policing Team have been out and about on 25 different occasions conducting speed checks in the areas where the public have raised concerns."
As a result, 1,513 vehicle checks were conducted and of those checked eight had warnings issued. The checks were conducted in Scots Gap, Mitford Road, A196 [Green Lane], Hebron, Stannington Village, Longhirst, Togston, Cambo, Hepscott, Widdrington Mile Road, Ulgham, Tranwell, Glororum and Longhorsley.
In addition to the speed checks, and to compliment the road safety initiative, Morpeth Neighbourhood Policing team have worked together with HM Customs and Excise and VOSA to conduct road checks on vehicles in urban and rural areas for illegal fuel (red diesel), road traffic offences, stolen goods and gather intelligence.
In total 25 vehicles were stopped and checked with a number of positive outcomes including seven prohibition notices.
In response to concerns about ASB, and as part of the forcewide "Put yourself in their shoes" campaign, patrols were stepped up across the Morpeth sector to deal with anticipated increase in ASB during the summer holidays. During August 24 letters were also sent to parents informing them of their children's involvements in ASB.
In Pegswood, a residents meeting was called to address community concerns together with ISOS Housing and the Parish Council. Together with residents concerns were addressed and a mini clear up of a den used by local kids knocked ASB on the head.
Acting Inspector Wilmore-Greaves added: "We continue to listen to and act on community concerns and take a robust approach to ASB and any other problems brought to our attention."