Westcotes Weekly Update

Weekly Update from Westcotes Neighbourhood Policing Team

It’s been another busy (and very wet…) week for your local team.

First up, a successful test purchase operation was carried out in the area. These operations are designed to ensure businesses are complying with legislation around age-restricted sales. We work alongside partner agencies and use controlled procedures to test whether retailers are appropriately challenging and refusing underage attempts. We’re pleased to report that the operation achieved its intended outcome and reinforces the importance of responsible retailing in our community.

We have also arrested two individuals on recall to prison. Recall means they had breached the conditions of their licence following release. Swift action was taken to locate and detain them, ensuring they are returned to custody in line with court-imposed conditions.

Our officers have continued high-visibility patrols at hotspot locations, focusing on areas identified through crime data, community intelligence, and recent reports. These patrols are targeted, intelligence-led, and designed to deter offending, reassure residents, and disrupt criminal or anti-social behaviour before it escalates.

Meanwhile, our PCSOs have been out and about conducting Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) surveys.
So what does that involve?
ASB surveys are structured engagement tools used to capture residents’ lived experiences of issues such as noise nuisance, street drinking, intimidation, vandalism, vehicle-related disorder, and other behaviours that negatively impact quality of life. PCSOs speak directly with residents, businesses, and community groups to:
Identify patterns and peak times of concern
Understand how behaviour is affecting individuals (sleep disruption, fear of crime, reluctance to use public spaces, etc.)
Gather evidence that supports problem-solving plans
Inform partnership work with housing providers, local authorities, and support services
This information is crucial. It allows us to move beyond isolated reports and build a broader intelligence picture. That, in turn, shapes patrol plans, enforcement activity, preventative measures, and long-term solutions. In short, your feedback directly influences how we police the area.

As always, please continue to report concerns to us. Your information helps us prioritise and act effectively.