OFFICERS from West Mercia Police and Malvern Hills District Council joined forces for ‘A Day of Action’ to highlight how they are working together to protect communities.
More than 30 officers from Malvern’s Safer Neighbourhood Team took part in the operation on Thursday, March 30 along with special constables, members of force operations and officers from the council’s civil enforcement and street scene teams.
A number of activities were carried out at various locations across the district.
About 50 vehicles were stopped as part of road side checks carried on the day.
As a result a 29-year-old woman from Worcester was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and a 44-year-old man from Malvern was also arrested on suspicion of driving through drink or drugs.
Insurance and parking related offences were also picked up while checks were carried out by council officers to ensure motorists carrying trade waste had the proper licence. Information packs were handed out to several drivers making them aware of their obligations under the law.
The team also visited Hanley Castle, Dyson Perrins and The Chase schools to carry out bike marking.
In total 35 bikes were marked with a special code and registered on a national database which increases the chances of them being recovered if they are stolen.
A new CCTV camera was also installed in Upton-upon-Severn to provide increased coverage in the town.
Joint patrols were also carried out around schools by police and Civil Enforcement Officer to monitor parking issues including people abusing the blue badge scheme.
The Day of Action was the result of the formation of a new Safeguarding Tactical group, which brings a number of key organisations together across Malvern Hills District to co-ordinate activity aimed at keeping communities safe.
Following the success of the day, similar events are now planned in the future.
Chris Mair, chair of South Worcestershire Police Independent Advisory Group, attended on a ride along throughout the day.
He said: “At the heart of the day was the desire to display a high profile, physical presence and a reassurance to all sections of the public.
“Also key was the desire in this first event to develop partnership working – both within the police and with safety and enforcement teams within Malvern Hills District Council – and I believe this was achieved.”
Coun Bronwen Behan, responsible for community safety on Malvern Hills District Council, added: “The Day of Action was an excellent example of how we are all working together in partnership to tackle the issues that matter to our residents and keep our communities safe.”
