MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, Mark Francois, recently spent a Friday evening alongside the Neighbourhood Policing Team on night patrol in Wickford. The patrol, led by PC Julie Dawes and PCSO Ian Grant, took Mark around various locations in Wickford, including local businesses such as the BP garage, the co-op and other local shops.
While visiting the various businesses, Mark learned of the difficulties in combating shoplifting, for example in the local Co-op, which now hosts the Police Neighbourhood Action panel meetings. He also had the opportunity to visit the recently cleared Hovefields site, where he was able to speak to local residents about the situation left behind, now the travellers have been moved on.
Mark has always had a high level of respect for the police, not least because his older brother, Brian Francois, served as a Detective in the Metropolitan Police for many years, so this was an ideal situation to see first hand how the local police work within the town of Wickford.
Commenting on his experience, Mark said:
“It was a real pleasure to be able to join members of the Wickford Police on their night patrol, and I was genuinely impressed by the dedication of officers, both regular and PCSO’s, to their local community, and particularly by their local knowledge. It was clear these people are very familiar with the local scene, and this tour gave me a real opportunity to appreciate the value of PCSO’s acting as the “eyes and ears” in supporting the endeavours of both the special constabulary, and the regular officers to keep the Queen’s peace.”