Police team's vow on crime

Sep 13 2007 By Emma Cullwick, Birmingham Mail

WORRIED families are being encouraged to attend a host of meetings which are aimed at combating crime in their area.

Officers based at Shard End police station have organised four Neighbourhood Watch and Residents' Association meetings in a bid to root out the crimes and issues causing misery for residents in the ward.

Sgt Nicola Court, who is in charge of policing in Shard End, said: "Our role is to bring neighbourhood policing to the Shard End and Tile Cross areas and communicate with the community and residents.

"By identifying and dealing with problems, we can make a real difference and improve the quality of life for those in our community.

"We will deal with issues like graffiti, anti social behaviour, off-road motorbikes, nuisance neighbours, under age drinking and drug dealing."

She said the Shard End team, which is made up of seven police constables and three community support officers, worked closely with a number of agencies to tackle crime.

Sgt Court is encouraging as many people as possible to go along.

"Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings and it will give them an ideal opportunity to meet me and the team to discuss any issues that they may have," she said.

Each meeting will take place at 7pm at Aylesford Hall, in Packington Avenue, Shard End, on September 20, October 18, November 15 and December 20.

Anyone wishing to contact Sgt Court can e-mail shardend_ nhp@west-midlands.pnn. police.uk or call 0845 113 5000 and ask for extension 7601 6372.