The following is a local policing update for the Rural Flegg Villages neighbourhood
Weekly crime summary 6 September 2016
‘Make the Right Call’
Around 25% of calls Norfolk Police receive each year are inappropriate, either because they simply are not emergencies requiring immediate police assistance or they’re non-police matters.
Now, a campaign called ‘Make the Right Call’ is being launched to remind people to think carefully before dialling 999 and 101 and to consider alternatives for non-police matters.
Norfolk Constabulary’s Contact and Control Room (CCR) deal with an average of approximately 983 calls per day. Common unnecessary 999 calls include noise nuisance, animal/wildlife call outs, utility call outs and highway matters, all of which could have been better dealt with by partner agencies.
The Contact and Control Room’s Superintendent Malcolm Cooke said: “Non-emergency or inappropriate calls tie up our phone lines and can prevent callers with genuine emergencies from getting through – at worst they can put other people’s lives at risk.
“People should only call 999 if there is a direct and immediate threat to life or property or if a crime is in progress. Our staff prioritises people who are in immediate need and if you ring 999 in error you will be directed to call the 101 police non-emergency number or sign-posted to the most appropriate agency.”
People who have questions around policing or non-policing matters can access a range of information on the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Norfolk Police website or via ‘Ask the Police’ which can be found on any search engine.
You can access information and advice using the “FAQ” link on our website at www.norfolk.police.uk
You can also access useful information via the internet using “ask the police” www.askthe.police.uk
Appeal following serious collision
Police are appealing for witnesses to a serious road traffic collision in Cobholm on Thursday 1 September 2016.
A bicycle was travelling from Tyrells Road into Mill Road at approximately 6.50pm when it was involved in a collision with a white Mercedes Vito van.
The male cyclist sustained serious head injuries and was taken to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision should please contact PC Christopher Alexander at Acle Roads Policing on 101.
Wanted Blackpool man has links to Norfolk
We are appealing for help to find a wanted man from Blackpool.
John Hewitt, 46, formerly of Dickson Road, is wanted in connection with a number of offences including rape, false imprisonment, wounding, possession of a firearm, threats to kill and theft. These incidents are reported to have taken place between June 2015 to July this year.
T/DS Ellie Gomerson from Blackpool’s Public Protection Unit said: “We are actively trying to locate Hewitt and so I urge who may have seen him or knows where he is to get in touch with us.
“I would advise anyone who sees him not to approach him but to contact the police immediately.”
He has links to Essex, Portsmouth, Wales, Norfolk in particular Great Yarmouth, Thames Valley, Greater Manchester and London. Other names he uses are John Wilson, Dean McKenzie, John Burton and John Davies.
If you have any information that could help us locate Hewitt, please call us on 101.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111
Further news, appeals and information can also be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week atwww.norfolk.police.uk