Community Safety Newsletter

Keeping South Staffordshire Safe

A new Deputy Commander

Halloween

Good news for crime figures

When comparing crime figures over a 12 month time frame burglary residential has seen a reduction of 4%; theft of motor vehicle remains the same and theft of motor vehicles has reduced by 30%. Automatic number plate readers (ANPR) are helping to identify vehicles travelling into the district from neighbouring counties that have been involved or linked to crimes and to assist Staffordshire Police in tackling cross border crime.

Several arrests have been made in relation to car thefts and car jacking due to targetted police operations.

Less serious violence has seen a reduction of 5%, within this number there are further reductions of 9% for domestic abuse related incidents and 5% for crimes relating to violence against women and girls. More serious violence has also seen a reduction of 26%. A campaign has run over the summer months offering a free personal alarm to residents who attended festivals, went on days out with friends or picnics with the family, as an addition in the backpack along with the sandwiches and the suncream.

Drug offences have seen an increase of 67%, but this is a positive outcome of the increased number of stop and searches and targeted police operations over the past few weeks. Arrests have been made following cannabis being found and seized in the Penkridge and Great Wyrley areas. The levels of drug offences in South Staffordshire continues to be below other Local Policing Teams in Staffordshire.

Anti-social behaviour continues to reduce with a decrease of 22%.

For further advice about home and/or vehicle security Crime prevention advice | Staffordshire Police

If you don’t want to click on the link then contact communitysafety@sstaffs.gov.uk

Welcome to the new Deputy Commander to South Staffordshire Local Policing Team

I am delighted to introduce myself. My name is Inspector Nicola Brookes and I am committed to listening to the concerns of the community and keeping South Staffordshire safe. With over 20 years as a police officer, I bring a wealth of knowledge and have a great deal of experience with Neighbourhood Policing as a Constable, Sergeant and an Inspector. My approach to policing is rooted in community engagement and collaboration. I believe that building strong relationships with residents and partners is key to creating a safe and supportive environment.

I am here to listen to your concerns, address your needs, and work together to find effective solutions.

In my previous roles, I have successfully led various initiatives aimed at reducing crime and enhancing public safety. I am particularly passionate about community focused problem solving and delivering an outstanding local policing service.

I look forward to meeting the community and will endeavour to make our community a better place. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions by calling 101 or visit www.staffordshire.police.uk and report online. Together, we can achieve great things.

Thank you for your support.

Enjoy Halloween safely

South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership wants you to enjoy Halloween, but remember, not everyone wants to take part!

Trick or treating advice

Here’s a few things to remember when you’re out this Halloween.

• If you’re going trick or treating, make sure you go with an adult and let your parent or carer know where you’re going and when to expect you back.
• Don’t knock if there’s a sign saying ‘No trick or treat here.’
• Be careful not to frighten elderly or vulnerable people.
• Don’t go trick or treating alone – stay with your group.
• Only visit areas where there are streetlights.
• Don’t throw eggs and flour.
• Be careful crossing roads in the dark.

Have a great time, stay safe and look out for each other. If you or someone you know is in danger call 999.

Residents Advice

If you do not want trick or treaters call into South Staffordshire Council Offices or South Staffordshire Council’s Leisure Centres at Penkridge, Cheslyn Hay, Codsall or Wombourne for a “No Trick or Treat Card” for your front door or window.

If you witness anti-social behaviour, call 101. If you witness a crime in progress, call 999

You can also make a report via LiveChat: Home | Staffordshire Police

Don’t open the door if you don’t want trick or treaters.

Perton News October 2024

Doors to new Staffordshire History Centre to open next month

People interested in exploring over a thousand years of Staffordshire’s history can do so when a new heritage centre for the county opens to the public on Wednesday 6 November.

The new £8.7 million Staffordshire History Centre project has been delivered by Staffordshire County Council and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund with a grant of £4,858,699. 

Combining three important collections from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Archive Service, the County Museum, and the William Salt Library, the new History Centre will offer visitors the chance to access and research fascinating archives and artefacts that tell the story of Staffordshire’s past.

Located on Eastgate Street in Stafford, the centre includes modern search rooms, strong rooms capable of holding a further 55 years of archives and collections and a bright exhibition space for displays and exhibitions. The centre will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

The adjacent restored William Salt Library building, part of the new centre, showcases William Salt’s unique collection and the history of the library itself, which has been cherished by local residents for decades.

An exciting programme of activities and touring exhibitions will also take history into local communities right across the county.

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said: “We’re all incredibly excited about the project and delighted to be able to announce the opening date as 6 November.

“We’re extremely grateful for the funding from the Heritage Fund and we can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors alike to research and learn more about the rich history and culture that has shaped our great county.”

A Hub for History and Learning

The new centre is not just a place for historical collections. It features a remodelled research room, perfect for local historians, genealogists, and academics to delve deep into Staffordshire’s past.

The new education and learning space will host a range of school programmes, workshops, and events designed for all ages. During November and December there will be a range of activities for visitors to join in with including walking tours, spotlight talks and family friendly festive crafts.