Police report drop in anti-social behaviour in Telford market town
Police reported crime was down by more than 40 per cent in one area
Reports of anti-social behaviour have fallen in Wellington over the past year, according to West Mercia Police.
At a meeting between Wellington Town Council, local police, councillors and business representatives, West Mercia Police revealed that reports of anti-social behaviour had fallen across large parts of the market town.
Inspector Ben Tanfield reported a 44 per cent reduction in reports in Wellington North and a seven per cent decrease in Arleston and College ward. Levels had remained broadly unchanged in Wellington West.
The meeting brought together police, councillors and traders to discuss concerns and identify practical ways to keep the town centre safe and welcoming.
Among the actions agreed were increasing business use of DISC, an online platform that enables traders and police to share information and security alerts, and continuing to promote local Police Surgeries and weekly police drop-in sessions at the Telford Interfaith Centre.
The council and police also pledged to increase the visibility of patrols and enforcement activity in the town centre. The Wellington Safer Neighbourhood Team has recently been strengthened with new officers joining in September.
Councillor Paul Davis said: "We want our town centre to continue to be a safe, welcoming place for residents, shoppers, visitors and our brilliant local businesses.
“Through this most recent meeting we’ve been able to agree further practical steps and we will continue to work closely to achieve this.
“I can’t emphasise enough, the important role residents and businesses play in supporting our police and councillors to keep Wellington safe, and that starts by reporting every crime, however insignificant it may seem.
“If you witness an incident, experience anti-social behaviour, or become aware of a crime, please report it.”