Newsletter

On the beat in Telford Local Policing Area Newsletter

April 2026

In this edition …

Operation Spotlight

 Last year 56 people were killed and 486 were seriously injured in road traffic collisions across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire. Common causation factors listed in these collisions include:

During the month of April we will be supporting Operation Spotlight, a national operation to highlight and raise awareness of the work roads policing officers, Safer Neighbourhood Teams and communities do every day to tackle these issues to try and reduce the number that are killed or seriously injured on our roads.

Man sentenced for shining laser at police aircraft

A man has been sentenced for shining a laser at a police aircraft, while it was assisting officers with an incident. Reed Beers, aged 60, of Old Office Road in Dawley, pleaded guilty to dazzling or distracting a pilot during the incident on Tuesday 10th March.

The crew were able to pinpoint the location of the laser and told officers on the ground, who attended an address on Old Office Road in Dawley.

Beers was subsequently charged with dazzling or distracting a pilot the following day.

On Friday 27th March he was given a 12-month conditional discharge, and was also ordered to forfeit the laser pen.

Man sentenced for shoplifting offences and breach of Criminal Behaviour Order

Jonathan Beatty-Thomas, of no fixed abode, was sentenced on Tuesday 24th March at Telford Magistrates Court. He pleaded guilty to three counts of theft and two counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

The court heard how the 36-year-old had stolen from stores in Telford between February and March 2026.

He was ordered to pay £231.50 compensation.

He was acquitted of other charges put to him.

A teenager has been arrested in connection with dangerous driving relating to illegal car meets in Telford. The arrest forms part of ongoing enquiries into illegal car meets in Telford, particularly around Mossey Green Way and Donnington areas, which leads to anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving.

Sergeant Richard Jones, from Telford’s safer neighbourhood team, said: “Illegal car meets and the dangerous driving linked to them put lives at risk.

We continue to work closely with Telford & Wrekin Council, and our roads policing officers regularly attend car cruising meets across the force area as part of Operation Chicane to deter those who plan to race, and to crack down on any behaviour that could cause harm on the roads.”

Virtual Ride Along Scheme

We have launched a virtual ride‑along experience, giving the public an unprecedented real‑time insight into frontline policing.

For the first time, viewers will be able to step inside an officer’s shift without leaving the room, watching a controlled live feed from body‑worn video as officers respond to incidents across West Mercia.

The virtual format removes barriers, allowing viewers to experience more of the fast‑paced and unpredictable nature of policing, while ensuring sensitive or high‑risk situations can be paused or withheld where appropriate. The scheme is open to anyone aged 18 or over, and you must live in Herefordshire, Shropshire or Worcestershire. For more information about the virtual scheme, and the Ride Along Scheme, head to: www.westmerciapolice.co.uk 

Personal safety app launched across West Mercia

WalkSafe is available to people across Shropshire and provides users with a list of safety-trained venues, including bars, restaurants and other premises that meet recognised standards through schemes such as Licensed Security & Vulnerability Initiative (LSAVI) and Best Bar None.

The app also allows people to plan their route home, share their journey with trusted friends or family and make use of an SOS alert button if they feel unsafe.

The introduction of WalkSafe supports ongoing work to improve safety in public spaces, particularly for women and girls. WalkSafe is backed by West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner and is funded through the Home Office. It will be available all year round.

The number of safety-trained venues featured on the app is continuing to grow as more premises come on board. If licensed venues are already accredited through Best Bar None or LSAVI, or would like more information about being included, please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Sign up to Neighbourhood Matters … your community messaging service
	The service allows the public to keep in touch with their local policing teams. You can choose exactly what type of alert you wish to receive and how you receive them, whether that be by email, text or telephone. Sign up now at: www.neighbourhoodmatters.co.uk