Crimes uncovered as victims get listening ear

Mark Branagan

NEW crimes have come to light in a community after North Yorkshire Police called in volunteers to provide an extra listening ear to victims.

The new front counter at Acomb Police Station in York is being staffed by civilians who have given up their time to listen to more than 100 inquiries from local people over the past six months.

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The front desk is open for two hours per day, five days a week, allowing residents to make contact with their local Safer Neighbourhood Team officers without having to travel to the main police station on Fulford Road.

As a result, incidents that may have gone unreported in the past are now being communicated, police say.

Volunteers have dealt with a wide range of enquiries, from lost property to someone wanting to report an assault.

They have also received important information which has helped officers with their investigations – and were recently faced with a man who wanted to hand himself in.

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The success means that extra volunteers are now being sought for duty on the front desk, which will enable the station to extend its opening hours.

Insp Phil Cain, of York South Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “The new front counter has been very well received by residents and I am delighted that they are making good use of the service. What we are seeing is a positive relationship developing where we are working together with residents to tackle their issues.

“The volunteers are regularly passing on information that we may not have received had the front desk not been there and we are able to offer people sound crime prevention advice in return.

“Although there are certain things we can’t deal with at Acomb, I would like to think that we are offering a facility that has made life easier for the community. I would also like to thank the volunteers for all their hard work.”

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Anyone interested in volunteering at Acomb or for anything else should contact volunteers coordinator Sharon Tyler on 0845 60 60 24 7.

For information on volunteering go to http://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/index.aspx?articleid=451.