NEWS

Village shopkeepers meet police Last night local shops and trades were invited by the police to a meeting at Redhall School, in order to discuss issues of concern and begin the process of developing a formal partnership to fight crime and anti-social behaviour. Around twenty representatives from Gornal businesses attended, concerned by a number of recent incidents in the village centre. The senior officer in charge of our area, Inspector Murcott, was present along with Community Partnerships Officer Ray Dawson and our local 'bobby', Nick Gostling. Inspector Murcott explained that crime had risen by around 23% in Gornal over the past year. The reasons were complex but could include the dramatic increase in population and housing stock. However, in areas like Pensnett and Russell's Hall it had actually decreased. He wanted to replicate some of the successful strategies adopted in other areas, and a key component was the establishment of a partnership between the police and local business. Insp. Murcott introduced Community Partnerships Officer Ray Dawson, who outlined the benefits of the proposed partnerhip. Once a formal structure is in place, it becomes easier to apply for funding for anti-crime initiatives such as CCTV, and an automated 'early warning system' can be put in place to help to discourage potential offenders. The officers listened patiently and at times sympathetically to a variety of complaints from the traders about poor telephone call handling and long response times. Insp. Murcott revealed that a new call centre system would soon be operational, but his assessment of dwindling police numbers was in stark contrast to the Council's boasts at the last North Dudley Area Committee of a massive injection of officers. It appears that both sides may be telling the truth; there are plenty of untrained policemen joining the force, but meanwhile experienced officers are leaving. One of Inspector Murcott's key points was that the 'Dixon of Dock Green' days when everything could be left to the police were gone, and - he believes - may never have existed anyway. Whereas at one time the public were told not to get involved in trouble but to get in touch with the professionals, Insp. Murcott said that we all have a responsibility, if we are able, to sort out minor problems rather than report something to the police that would simply add to a long list of outstanding calls. One can understand police frustration at time 'wasted' attending incidents where there are no lines of enquiry to follow; Insp. Murcott made an effective contrast for example between current investigations into a brutal rape and two other serious assaults, compared to a recent call that sent several policemen scrambling to a 'major public disorder' in Gornal that turned out to be parents fighting over a kids football game. At the same time, the instruction to get involved ourselves rather than call the police was an ironic one for some members of the audience. Last week a Gornal shopkeeper ejected an abusive teenager from his shop and was himself arrested and cautioned. Also, a pub licensee reported to the meeting that he made a citizen's arrest of a youth who had thrown a firework onto his premises, and when the police arrived they told him to release the perpetrator, who was allowed to walk free. Almost everyone present last night had a story to tell of smashed windows, abusive gangs, and almost daily shoplifting, and it was pointed out that three years ago the police organised a similar meeting and 'nothing came of it'. However, there does appear to be a genuine desire on both sides to tackle this problem effectively. The officers were pleased with the turnout (referring to an example where they sent a mailshot to 500 homes on Milking Bank and three people turned up!), and a further meeting will be held next month.

Next: Tudor Place off-licence petition..