A MAJOR operation aimed at reducing crime in Malvern has been hailed a success by the town’s Safer Neighbourhood Team.
Throughout February, Malvern Hills Community Safety Partnership (CSP) carried out a series of daily patrols to provide home security and advice to residents as part of Operation Buzzard.
Daytime activities including roadshows, bicycle marking and Smartwater packs have coincided with nightly patrols of plain clothed officers who have focused on protecting vulnerable parts of the district and police said the work has resulted in a number of burglary arrests.
One success of the operation came on March 2 when two men from Gloucester were detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary after being found on the driveway of an address in Hanley Castle in possession of items thought to be from shed break-ins in Malvern.
Insp Sanders of Malvern Hills SNT said: “This has been a great opportunity for us to get out and see the residents of Malvern who perhaps otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to come to our events or feel that they could call us just for a bit of simple security advice.
“Through this operation we have been able to give advice and provide security equipment that will go some way to deterring thieves and reduce the likelihood of those residents becoming a victim of crime.
“Malvern remains a safe place to live but there is always value in being security conscious and also being aware of the safety and security of friends, relatives and neighbours.
“The success we have had in making arrests of suspected offenders has been extremely pleasing and we hope our focus on bicycle security will provide similar good results.”
During Operation Buzzard the crime reduction roadshow visited 34 different residential areas in Malvern Hills, completed 114 home free security assessments and had more than 1,200 visitors.
The operation will continue with the focus switching to bicycle security. Email [email protected] for more information.
