West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin joined police on the beat in Pershore as the local team focuses on combatting a spate of anti-social behaviour in the town.

Harriett joined West Mercia Police on a Friday nightpatrol to gain their insights on the challenges faced by local teams dealing with crime and other issues raised by her constituents.

Late last year, the MP visited Cherry Orchard extra care housing to hear some of the concerns shared by residents and she has also met up with the manager of Asda in Pershore who flagged issues with local policing.

Harriett was invited to head out on patrol in Pershore with Safer Neighbourhood Team members PC Amy Hunt and PC Kevin Johns.

Harriett said:

“I was grateful to be able to accompany Amy and Kevin as they patrolled Pershore and it was really useful to hear their insights on the challenges they face on a daily basis.

“We discussed some of the issues raised by residents in Cherry Orchard and I support the police’s efforts to deter anti-social behaviour there.

“We also discussed some of the issues faced at Asda, particularly in the dark evenings, and I have been briefed on uniform and plain-clothed police initiatives to combat crime.

“I am pleased to report that anti-social behaviour has fallen by 44 per cent after the local policing team upped its work and I am hopeful that this extra effort and increased presence will nip the issues in the bud.

“In my recent letters to the Police and Crime Commissioner, I have stressed the importance of local, visible policing and I was grateful to be able to see this in action.”

Photo: PC Kevin Johns, Harriett Baldwin MP and PC Amy Hunt.