AS part of Neighbourhood Policing Week, officers have made a concerted efforts to be out and about in Ross-on-Wye.

PC Daryl Kift said that this initiative is aimed at detering people from committing theft offences, anti-social behaviour and other crimes.

PC Kift added: “I have conducted a number of patrols in Ross and it is always lovely to see people and say hello.

“Of course, these patrols continue, even when we are not taking part in the Neighbourhood policing week.

“This week however, I will continue to conduct high visibility patrols and visit areas of high crime and antisocial behaviour concerns.

“I will also be conducting speed checks at various locations, listening to our communities’ concerns.

“One driver was even silly enough to be driving whilst using their mobile phone next to me. The offender has since been reported, and no doubt he will be receiving a surprise in the post in due course.”

The Neighbourhood Policing Week runs from Monday, June 23 to June 29 and is an opportunity to highlight the vital work the local Safer Neighbourhood Teams do.

Assistant Chief Constable Grant Wills, said: “For many in both our rural and urban communities, our Safer Neighbourhood Teams are the face of policing and are vital to us in helping solve community problems.

“As well as being a reassuring presence, they also have a hugely important role in directly tackling crime, campaigns such as knife crime, drug reduction and anti-social behaviour, our Safer Neighbourhood Teams are pivotal in combating issues that often impact most on the community.

“I am extremely proud of the role they perform; of how accessible and visible they are to local people, and we are keen to recognise and celebrate that throughout this week.”