Perseverance seems to pay off. Having contacted the police on 101 and had no help whatsoever as previously reported it looks as if a message of sorts did reach a helpful police contact. PCSO Newson phoned me today and I expressed the vulnerability of residents to the threats and I intimidation of the white van people. A subsequent email from PCSO Newson reads as follows:
David,
Reference the concern generated by the van mentioned- please be reassured we are aware of this vehicle, however we continue to rely on the support of the public to contact use when they have an issue, especially if there offences being committed. Please utilise the 999 system if the incident is happening at the time and this will be risk assessed and if appropriate officers will be dispatched to the area.
Jamie Newson
PCSO 3044
I have replied to him:
Jamie,
Thank you very much for your call and email. I will publish your comment and advice on the Parish Council website and its facebook page.
Is there any chance that in view of the remarks and concerns raised in our community about this vehicle and occupants that a quiet word from the police warning against touring our Parish and upsetting residents can be expected?
Very kind regards.
David Mantell
Thank goodness that one member of the police appears to restore some respect for the force!
However I then received a reply from PCSO Newson:
David,
Speaking with A/Insp Beresford, I believe we would be looking to deal positively with offences caused by the occupant of this van so a visit at this stage would not be appropriate. Please go on encouraging residents to call in and share intelligence with us.
Jamie
To which I replied:
That’s very disappointing. These people are a real menace. It really wouldn’t hurt to speak to the guy. And you have a video of them stealing so it’s unbelievable that you cannot have a word with the perpetrators.
Jamie – it often looks as if the police bend over backwards to defend wrongdoers and little to protect the victims.
Thanks anyway.
As I mentioned to you earlier our Parish Council is preparing a letter to the Police Commissioner and the Police expressing our concerns over the difficulties we, as a rural community, encounter.
Kind regards,
David Mantell
Chediston NHW Coordinator
So folks - In other words the police are NOT going to have a word with the troublemakers!