Within
the team there have been a few changes, PC Simon Bawler has
now been promoted to Weston-super-Mare and his replacement is
eagerly awaited. Simon managed to kick-start the Business Watch
Scheme back into life and I am grateful for his efforts and
hope that his successor can move it forward. PC Elaine Linham
is with us until the end of the summer when she takes up a post
in the HQ Crime Reduction Unit, she has already had an impact
on the criminals in the town. PC Jasmine Graham is returning
to duty after her minor operation. PC Jon Bartlett is remaining
in his role as Team Support Officer, he is not designated to
any beat and I utilise Jon to address crime issues, keeping
him free from the partnership side of things.
Party Plans!
Despite the changes and resource issues, the team has worked
very hard over the last few months with a high number of arrests.
We have executed drug and theft warrants, have been responsible
for the recovery of drugs and stolen DVD’s, mobile phones and
clothing. Following a recent burglary where spirits were stolen
we caught the culprits loading the booty into a car, recovering
it all and spoiling the thieves party plans! You may have read
in the local press about recent drug warrants and the high number
of arrests in the area. This was as a direct result of PC Jon
Bartlett stopping a well-known drug dealer in the town, searching
him and recovering a quantity of drugs and leading to further
investigations.
Officers on the Street
However with every arrest there is the inevitable paperwork
to be done and so if you have not seen as many officers out
on the street as we would all wish perhaps the above account
goes some way to explaining the reasons why. Unlike our colleagues
at ‘Sunhill Police Station’, it takes longer than thirty minutes
and one commercial break to complete the job!
Crime Surgery
We recently held a successful Crime Surgery at Sainsbury’s involving
the security marking of car audio systems and placing stickers
in the windows sending out the message “Don’t Bother”. The stickers
were produced locally and the funding came from the Bridgwater
Business Security Group (BBSG) and the police, such was their
impact that Cheddar police requested some stickers and information
to help tackle theft from cars in their area. In the near future
we will be running surgeries to help prevent mobile phone and
car audio system theft.
FingerPrint Scheme
You should also see the “Thumbprint” Scheme start to kick in
as we hopefully get everyone on board. The scheme tackles the
high level of fraudulent cheque transactions that take place
in shops and if we get everyone on board we will make a difference.
It is down to you from store manager to shop assistant to help
make it work. Please contact the team for further information
on this scheme. I hope you all have a sunny and profitable summer.
PS
Andy Smith
Tel: 01823 363330 Box Number 72270 |
| F & A HOOK
Ltd. |
Hooks, who celebrate their 75th
Anniversary this year, are enjoying a successful year
in common with most other businesses in Bridgwater.
By working hard to bring names such as French Connection,
Levi, Dockers, Ben Sherman and Pierre Cardin whilst
maintaining the usual collection of classic clothing,
Bridgwater shoppers have no need to go outside the town
for this seasons fashions.
Ralph Winsbrow says, “the support
that Hooks has always enjoyed from Bridgwater people
means that we will continue to develop our service offering,
for example, school shoes. I can only reiterate the
statement I made at the Bridgwater Business Security
Group award ceremony when the town achieved the Safer
Shopping Award, that Bridgwater is a great place to
live, shop and run a business”.
|
| Wilkins Jewellers |
This year Wilkins Jewellers will
be celebrating 36 years of successful trading in Bridgwater.
During this time we have witnessed many changes in consumer
trends and demands. We continue to adapt to meet these
challenges, especially in customer service. Our policy
has, and always will be, to provide a friendly and personal
customer service. The Town Centre Partnership Customer
Service training provision has proved invaluable.
Whilst we draw many customers
from wider areas we as all local businesses do, rely
on local shoppers and trade. We endeavour to attract
these customers and encourage them to return in future.
During the last year we have noticed an increase in
local people returning to Bridgwater to shop.
With Christmas just around the
corner, our minds are beginning to formulate plans and
hopes for Christmas trade. We are looking forward to
a busy trading period with local people supporting their
Town Centre. In an effort to try to encourage and promote
Bridgwater for shopping, Helen Wilkins says, “I have
joined the Bridgwater Christmas Committee. We have room
for more members on the Committee, who share an interest
in the well being and success that Bridgwater deserves.
If anyone feels that they have something to offer and
wishes to join they would be very welcome”.
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