Westcotes Weekly Update

Westcotes Weekly Update

Westcotes Weekly Update – Neighbourhood Policing Team 

This week, the Westcotes Neighbourhood Policing Team has continued working to support local residents, address community concerns, protect vulnerable people and improve safety across the area.

Here is an update on our recent activity.

No Trick or Treat Leaflets

With Halloween approaching, we have been distributing No Trick or Treat leaflets to help residents communicate that they do not wish to receive trick-or-treat visitors at their homes.

While Halloween can be an enjoyable occasion for many families, we recognise that not everyone wishes to participate. Some residents may be elderly, vulnerable, live alone or simply prefer not to have people knocking on their door. The leaflets help make residents' wishes clear and encourage children and families to respect those who choose not to take part.

Neighbourhood Links – Upperton Road

We have been engaging with the local community at Starbucks on Upperton Road, encouraging residents to sign up to Neighbourhood Links.

Neighbourhood Links provides a way for people to stay informed about local policing activity, crime prevention advice and issues affecting their neighbourhood. By signing up, residents can improve their awareness of local concerns and receive relevant updates to help them take steps to protect themselves, their families and their property.

Community engagement is an important part of neighbourhood policing. We want residents to feel informed, involved and confident in working alongside us to address issues affecting Westcotes.

Bike Register – Great Central Way

We have also been promoting bike registration around Great Central Way, speaking with cyclists about the importance of protecting their bicycles and taking preventative measures against theft.

Registering a bike and keeping its details up to date, including its frame number and any identifying features, can help establish ownership if it is lost or stolen. Keeping a record of your bicycle and reporting theft promptly can also assist police enquiries and improve the chances of it being returned to its rightful owner.

Welfare Concern – Supporting a Vulnerable Resident

We attended a call concerning the welfare of an elderly person. Responding to concerns about vulnerable members of our community is an important part of our role, and we take such reports seriously.

Welfare concerns can arise for a variety of reasons, and it is important that they are assessed appropriately, with consideration given to the individual's circumstances, immediate safety and any support they may require.

We would encourage residents to continue looking out for one another. If you are concerned about an elderly neighbour, a vulnerable person or someone who may be struggling, reporting your concerns can help ensure they receive appropriate attention and support.

Late-Night Patrols – Bede Park

Our officers have been conducting late-night patrols around Bede Park, maintaining a visible police presence and monitoring the area during the evening and night.

These patrols form part of our ongoing work to address local concerns, deter antisocial behaviour and help residents and visitors feel safer when using public spaces. Being present in the community also gives officers opportunities to identify emerging issues and engage with people who live in, work in or visit the area.

We will continue to focus our patrols on local concerns and encourage members of the public to report incidents or suspicious activity so that appropriate action can be considered.

University Student Safeguarding

We have continued our work around safeguarding students at university, with a focus on promoting safety, identifying concerns and supporting the wellbeing of those living, studying and socialising in the area.

For many students, moving to university brings new experiences and greater independence. It is important that they understand how to keep themselves safe, recognise potentially harmful situations and know where to turn for advice or assistance.

Our work includes addressing safeguarding concerns and supporting wider efforts to help students feel safe within their university environment and the surrounding community. We encourage students to remain aware of their surroundings, look out for friends and report concerns when something does not feel right.

Working Together to Keep Westcotes Safe

Our neighbourhood policing work is not just about responding to incidents. It is also about prevention, reassurance, safeguarding and building strong relationships with the people who live and work in our community.

Thank you to everyone who has spoken with us, shared concerns or supported our work this week. Your information and involvement help us understand local priorities and shape our policing activity.

To stay informed about local policing updates, consider signing up to Neighbourhood Links and keeping in touch with your local policing team.

In an emergency, always call 999. For non-emergency matters, contact police on 101 or report information online through the appropriate police channels.

Westcotes Neighbourhood Policing Team