Top county policeman in crime crackdown

3:00pm Sunday 20th July 2008

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SOUTH Herefordshire’s top policeman is overseeing a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Ross-on-Wye.

Inspector Jim McLaughlin was appointed geographic commander for the area two months ago and got to work reducing the levels of anti-social behaviour in Ross straight away.

“I see parental responsibility as being a key factor in resolving this. Where my officers found juveniles behaving anti-socially, they were taken home and the issues addressed with their parents,” he said.

“I work on the ‘educate, then legislate’ principle. If offenders don't heed the first warning, they won't get a second chance with me. I won't tolerate a few individuals spoiling everyone else's enjoyment of this lovely town.”

Insp McLaughlin, who joined West Mercia Constabulary from the Scots Guards in 1988, is also targeting criminals entering Herefordshire through the A40/ M50 corridor.

“Making full use of our two Divisional ANPR-equipped vehicles, which can scan number plates in seconds, at every possible opportunity, my aim is to deter travelling criminals from entering Herefordshire in the first place.

“Another high priority for me is to target those people who manufacture or sell drugs in the area.

“Illegal drugs are the scourge of modern society and they have no place in South Herefordshire.

“Finally, I wish to see local policing in Ross, Ledbury and the Golden Valley flourish still further, with police officers and CSO's developing even stronger links with all those we serve.

“I really want the people of South Herefordshire to feel safe in their communities and for them to have a satisfaction and confidence in the police of which we can all be rightly proud.”