Police step up "high visibility patrols" Officers from Upper Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team have been promoting responsible drink sales and reducing anti-social behaviour in the Hebden Bridge and other parts of the Upper Valley. Officers have been stepping up high visibility patrols in known anti-social behaviour hotspot areas and have been engaging with young people. They have been confiscating alcohol from young people and sending letters home to parents of youths found drinking alcohol in public or gathering in known anti-social behaviour hotspot areas. Police officers and police community support officers have been seizing alcohol and issuing dispersal notices preventing individuals from returning to the location for up to 24 hours. Individuals failing to comply with the dispersal notices are being warned they could be arrested and prosecuted. Undercover police officers have enrolled the help of young people to reinforce the responsible sale of alcohol. The group, accompanied by the police, attempted to buy alcohol over the counter. Officers were pleased that all local shop keepers approached refused the sale of alcohol to the group. Sergeant Chris Norbury said: “The idea is not to catch them out, we want them to look at every customer and question their age. Knowing that test purchasers are operating in this area will ensure they are on their guard and working within the boundaries of their license.” Police throughout the Calderdale district, supported by partner agencies, have been confiscating alcohol from young people and sending letters and information home to parents of youths found drinking alcohol in public or hanging around in known anti-social behaviour hotspots. Any young person who is again found drinking by police in public will be invited to attend an alcohol awareness session which they must attend with a parent. The courses are intended to raise awareness about the affect of alcohol on themselves and others and to highlight how they are more likely to become a victim of crime. Anyone failing to attend the meetings and who continues to behave anti-socially could be given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order. Sgt Norbury said: “We have increased our patrols to reduce instances of anti-social behaviour committed by the minority and increase reassurance and the quality of life for the majority. “It is important that parents are aware of the increased dangers their children face if they are participating in underage drinking. We ask parents to ensure they know where their children are and who they are with.” From the Hebden Bridge Neighbourhood Policing Homepage Arrival of new Sergeant PS 5841 Christopher Norbury has joined the Neighbourhood policing team for the Upper Valley and is in post from Friday 16th May, he will take responsibility for the wards of Hebden Bridge and Ryburn. PS Norbury has joined the force from North Yorkshire; having also previously worked in Greater Manchester he brings a wealth of operational knowledge with him. PS Norbury states his priorities are to work with the residents, businesses and partner agencies to improve the quality of life for the residents of Hebden Bridge and Ryburn and is looking forward to the challenges ahead. The date of the next Ward meeting is now on Wednesday 29th July 2008 at 6-30pm and will be held at the Hebden Bridge Police Station, Hope Street and will be attended by NPT Sergeant Norbury. The new Neighbourhood Policing Teams are now up and running from Hebden Bridge Police Station, they are available between 7am and midnight everyday and until 04.00am on Friday and Saturday. Your Local Contacts Inspector Nawaz Sgt 5841 Chris Norbury PC 3678 Martin Langan PCSO Emily Dean For non urgent enquiries, contact your local Community Beat Officer via e-mail calderdale.npt@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or on the following number; 01422 318181. See also Hebweb News: Policing Hebden Bridge (30th April 2008)
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