Thickley

Shoplifting:

Shoplifting isn’t a victimless crime – it impacts local businesses and can contribute to wider issues of antisocial behaviour. Being visible helps us deter crime and support shop owners directly with the aid of our recently updated shopwatch scheme.

We have conducted the following:
-Carry out high visibility patrols within the locality.
-We are in regular contact with shops, engaging on a daily basis.
- We have a zero tolerance approach with suspects/offenders of shoplifting and have in turn made numerous arrests.
- We also work with various partners to assist in the tackle against shoplifters including DCC.
- We have recently re launched our Shildon Shopwatch scheme which is proving to be very beneficial to shops to help deter unwanted thefts by information sharing and communicating between stores.

Road Safety:
We will focus on improving road safety across Shildon by targeting unlawful and anti-social use of vehicles. Officers will carry out regular patrols and roadside checks to identify drivers committing offences such as driving without insurance, valid documents, or in a manner that causes danger or nuisance. Vehicles found to be used illegally will be seized, and offenders will be reported for all relevant road traffic offences. Our aim is to reduce harm, increase community confidence, and keep Shildon’s roads safe for everyone.

What We Have Done – Shildon Road Safety Priority

Over the past month, we have taken firm action to tackle dangerous and unlawful vehicle use in Shildon. Officers have seized four vehicles for offences including no insurance and document failures. We have engaged in multiple pursuits, each resulting in the drivers being safely detained and subsequently arrested. In addition, several individuals have been arrested on suspicion of drug-driving and drink-driving, and others have been reported for driving without insurance. These actions demonstrate our continued commitment to improving road safety and reducing harm within the community.

Safeguarding of vulnerable people:

We will prioritise the safeguarding of vulnerable people in Shildon, with a focus on those who are at risk of going missing, including residents living with dementia. Officers will work closely with families, carers, and partner agencies to promote and utilise the Herbert Protocol, ensuring vital information is available quickly in the event someone goes missing. Our aim is to reduce risk, improve response times, and ensure vulnerable members of our community are located and brought to safety as swiftly as possible.

What We Have Done – Vulnerable Persons & Missing People Priority

PCSO Brown is currently leading the rollout of a new force-wide scheme designed to support individuals living with dementia. The scheme will provide vulnerable residents with a wristband or tag containing an NFC chip, helping officers quickly access essential information and aiding the rapid locating of individuals should they go missing. This initiative is due to launch within the next month, and further details will be shared soon.

This month, officers have also completed several Herbert Protocols, ensuring up-to-date information is readily available for those most at risk. We encourage families and carers to contact us if they believe a Herbert Protocol would be beneficial for a loved one.

Additionally, our team has been making effective use of the drone, which has proven extremely valuable in helping to locate missing persons quickly and safely.