NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch groups are the way to help fight crime on our streets.
That was the view of Humberside's Police And Crime Commissioner Matthew Grove – as he held his first surgery inside Freshney Place Shopping Centre, Grimsby.
He was "delighted" with the questions posed to him during his debut meeting and said he had a lot to go back and work on.
Tom Norris, of Grimsby, was eager to ask Mr Grove about the lack of officers on the streets and discussed crime near his home.
The 67-year-old told Mr Grove he felt there are no police officers around when you actually need them.
Mr Grove said: "I understand why people feel frustrated and want to see more police presence on the streets.
"I certainly want to ensure people that we have the maximum number of police out there, but remember not all crimes can be deterred by their presence.
"My job is about looking at how best I can free up officers to do what they signed up for."
Talking about Mr Norris' particular concerns with crime around his street and home, he added: "If communities believe that the way we win the war over criminals is to leave it to the police, then we won't.
"Neighbourhood Watch is the key to success, we need communities coming together to tackle crime.
"If you put yourself up as a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator, I believe you become an automatic target to criminals.
"I find his words very encouraging and I am glad to see him approaching the public."
Daniel Stewart, of Humberston, raised concerns over speeding in Grimsby and Humberston Road.
The 71-year-old said: "It is a 30mph road and people exceed this everyday."
Although Mr Grove could not give an answer about the particular location, he did have concerns himself.
He said: "My concern is that road safety is dealt with by Safer Roads Humber and road policing is carried out by Humberside Police.
"One of my priorities is to try to arrange a review of them both together.
"I am worried that we have all become over reliant on speed cameras. These will not catch the drink driver or those on drugs – that will be done by having highly trained officers out on the roads.
"I will be looking into this over the coming years."
He said: "I am really pleased with how this first surgery went and the nature of the questions asked.
"Grimsby is a significant town and I expect I will be here regularly.
"If people see me and want to talk about the police, then I am more than happy to listen.
"I have no exact dates set yet for another surgery in Grimsby but I know there will be plenty planned next year."
Get in touch
To contact Matthew Grove, visit www.matthewgrove.org.uk
