Community engagement event a success

Officers in Stone have held a successful community engagement event in the town in response to residents’ concerns.

Around 20 people attended the event held outside the town’s library on the High Street on Thursday (21 October).

Concerns raised included issues relating to drug use, with officers advising residents of the recent proactive stop-and-searches carried out in the area along with drugs warrants.

Officers are still keen to hear from anyone who may have information over drug use in the town to get in touch.

Other residents raised concerns over the previously reported vandalism to businesses in which a number of windows were smashed.

Officers were able to advise people that a man remains in custody in relation to these occurrences and no further similar incidents have been reported.

Violence was also raised as a concern and officers advised that they have been and will continue to run Safer Nights Operations during weekends and the number of reported incidents has been low.

Officers have advised residents that there is currently a public space protection order on the pedestrianised High Street which prohibits vehicles travelling along the street unless loading and unloading.

A total of 30 motorists were stopped by officers yesterday evening after they were spotted driving along the High Street.

Drivers told officers that they do not think the signage is clear enough, so police are going to raise this with the local authority.

Future operations are planned in the area to monitor the situation, and fines may be issued as a last resort.

Speaking of the event, Deputy Commander, Inspector Laura Morrey of Stafford Borough neighbourhood policing team (NPT) said: “I really enjoyed meeting the local community and talking through their concerns.

“We really want to encourage residents to report issues so we can take action.

“As a team we will be visible on the town centre as the festive period approaches and would encourage the local community to come and speak to us.”

To find out more about policing in your local area, visit: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/a/your-area/.

To report a crime, contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter or call 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or call 999 in an emergency.