Safe & Secure Campaign Proving A Success

Dozens of mobile phones, more than half a dozen bikes, a laptop and an mp3 player were among property security marked by police at a Shrewsbury restaurant during a force-wide campaign to reduce burglary and theft.

The Local Policing Team for Meole Brace set up a stand in McDonald's on the retail park on Monday (4 January) and the day proved so successful that owner Bob Beckett has asked if they can make it a regular event.

Operation Protect is an ongoing campaign dedicated to tackling burglary and a Safe and Secure action week is running until Friday (8 January).

Across Shropshire, Local Policing teams have been security marking pedal bikes free of charge at times and places advertised in their areas.

They have also been issuing advice on home, garden and vehicle security to those coming along.

The team in Meole Brace took the initiative a step further and widened the security marking to include any valuable small electrical items and after three hours had marked up 59 mobile phones, seven bicycles, a laptop and an mp3 player.

Sergeant Darren Smith, who was at the event with Constable Tanya Grey and Community Support Office Jacqui Baldwin, said the feedback from those in the restaurant had been wholly positive.

"Those who came in thought it was a great idea. As well as helping those the items belong to, security marking also helps the police as it both discourages theft and helps us to return recovered stolen items to their rightful owner," he said.

"Bob Beckett from McDonalds, with whom we already work closely to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area, was so impressed with how Monday went that he has asked if we can make the security marking a regular event.

"We are now hoping to go into the restaurant and do the same thing about once a month."

Security marking events are continuing across Shropshire, with events being advertised by local policing teams.

Ludlow Town Local Policing Team will be at the town's Youth Centre from 4pm on Monday (11 January) to mark bikes and offer advice. They will even have a number of bike locks to give away, free of charge.

Community Support Office Siobhan Wrigley added that members of the public could also attend Ludlow Police Station, where a limited number of bike locks will also be available or contact the team on 0300 333 3000 for any security advice.

For more information about West Mercia Police's Safe and Secure campaign and advice on securing your home and belongings, visit our Advice Centre or your local police station front counter.

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