How our local neighbourhood teams are playing a part in Op Shield

As Operation Shield continues, our local Neighbourhood Policing teams continue to work to target those who commit crimes across within our force area to make our communities safer. 

Our Neighbourhood Policing teams work with one goal in mind – to make our communities safer and stronger through the use of community engagement and early intervention with a focus on crime reduction. 

Based over two stations, the Beverley and Haltemprice Neighbourhood Policing team are made up of a total of 25 officers with one Inspector, two sergeants, eight police constables and 11 police community support officers. They are also supported by two Special Sergeants and 11 Special Constables who assist with priorities across the area and provide that increased level visibility. 

Across the team, they have specific areas which they are assigned to working closely with to help develop relationships in the community. 

We spoke with Inspector Matt Wilson to understand what it is like working as part of the local neighbourhood team across Beverley and Haltemprice, and how the work they are doing has an impact throughout Op Shield. 

He said: “As Op Shield is focusing on previous feedback given by the community, our area is utilising the development of operations like Operation Yellowfin and Operation Yokahama to help tackle the crimes which we are seeing in the community. 

“Within our local area, we are aware of issues with quad bikes, off road bikes and mopeds. With the help of resources from Op Yellowfin and Yokahama, we have been able to hold days of action, or execute pre-planned warrants in partnership with our Specialist Operations Unit (SOU). These days are all about catching or disrupting offenders and providing the public with reassurance. We want them to know that we hear their concerns and, with help from the information that they provide to us, we are taking action.

“In the coming weeks, we intend to continue with this work alongside officers from Patrol and SOU to clamp down on these offenders. Our aim is to take them, and these bikes, off our roads.

“Whilst my team have their own areas which they work closely with, the team do work together as one to ensure we are making our communities safer. They not only know what is going on in their area but also across the area as a whole. If there is a particular issue, we come together to work as a cluster and make sure that our resources are targeted when they need to be to protect our communities from prevailing issues.

“We continue to act on the information that we receive from the public, including that which relates to drug related offences and have already carried out a number of warrants as a result. We know what impact such offences can have on an area, and those who live in the community. That’s why it is so important for us to listen to what our communities are telling us.

“We not only work for, but also work with the law-abiding members of our community to make the area a safer place to live. With help from the public in reporting information, we will target the criminal minority to make their lives uncomfortable. 

“You can expect to see our Neighbourhood Policing Teams out and about, proactively knocking on doors and publicising our Humber Talking survey to encourage more people to take part so we can identify any emerging problems or concerns, and tackle them at an early stage. 

“Criminal behaviour in our area will not be tolerated and those engaging in such behaviour are not welcome in our area.”

We would always encourage you to report any offences to us so we can build the bigger picture and take appropriate action.

You can provide information to the charity Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555111, or on their website www.crimestoppers.org.uk 

To keep up with the latest Op Shield updates, make sure to follow @HumberBeat on Facebook and Instagram, and follow #OpShield.