POLICE met with residents to discuss concerns about a rise in crime in Bourton-on-the-Water.

The meeting was called by Paul Hodgkinson, Gloucestershire County Councillor for Bourton-on-the-Water, over concerns about crime and particularly after the post office ram-raid.

Around 70 people attended the meeting on October 21, held at the George Moore Community Centre and among those in attendance were Martin Surl, Police and Crime Commissioner, Inspector Simon Ellson and representatives from the parish council.

During the meeting police reported that the Cotswold District, and Bourton-on-the Water in particular, has one of the lowest crime rates in the country. However it was stressed no crime is acceptable and people have a need to feel safe.

Those in attendance heard anti-social behaviour had increased in the last three months in various places in the Cotswolds, with effective neighbourhood policing one way of combatting this.

And many welcomed the news an extra police officer specifically for Bourton is to recruited in January 2020.

Meanwhile it was noted police have had few reports of drug use, universal cuts in youth provision had contributed to challenges with parish councils now funding local youth clubs, and PCSO Charlie Symes’ community alerts were very helpful so it was also agreed to increase his visibility in the village.

In August the Journal reported on the extensive damage inflicted on Bourton Post Office and shop in the attempted ram-raid. On the post office raid the crime commissioner said only one person had been caught for the last five cash point raids, so it was clear more police success was needed in catching criminals.

After the meeting Cllr Hodgkinson said: “I’m glad so many people came along to the meeting.

"It showed that calling it was the right decision and that residents do feel strongly about this issue. Lots of positive actions came out of it.”

Residents are reminded to report crimes by calling 101, the non emergency police number, 999 in an emergency, or email 101@gloucestershire.police.uk, or by raising a 'community concern' via the Gloucestershire Constabulary website https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or at https://crimestoppers-uk.org.