'Time to make a stand' - Prospective Sedgley councillor determined to crack down on crime
A prospective councillor in Sedgley is asking residents of the Northway area to let him know when crimes are committed so he can 'sort it'
Bill Etheridge will stand for the Conservatives in the May elections after previously serving in the area as a borough councillor and member of the European Parliament.
He says it is 'time to make a stand on crime.'
During his campaigning, he said residents have reported to him an increase in crime around the Northway area of the town.
He said incidents include the riding off of road bikes by youths wearing balaclavas and masks, drug dealing around the shops area and damage to property.
"Litter being dropped and dumped around and on the park is another popular complaint," he said
Now he is leafleting the area and encouraging residents to speak to him so he can report it to police as he said many don't get the response they want.
He said: "I get out and about campaigning of course and The Northway has never been considered a hot spot of crime but incidents do seem to be increasing.
"Some residents have tried to contact the police without a satisfactory response.
"Others have information but are worried about retribution and violence if they put their names to a report
"While I am no tough guy or super hero I refuse to be intimidated by anyone .
"Therefore I would like to make an open offer to local residents that if they can contact me I will keep their names anonymous if they wish but I will make sure the correct authorities have the information to help them deal with these issues
"Once I am armed with the facts I will approach the police and the council anti social behaviour (ASB) team and ensure that they are taking the appropriate action to deal with these low life trouble makers.
"We all deserve to live our lives free from the threat of crime and intimidation. Its time to make a stand
But police said the main issue in the area is anti social behaviour and they were responding.
Dudley chief inspector Adam Henderson said: “The Dudley North and Sedgley team carry out regular high-visibility patrols, speak with businesses and residents, and are also out on patrol in plain clothes.
“The teams conduct regular speed watches, dedicated ASB patrols for example targeting off-road bikes, and also work closely with our school’s intervention and prevention officers to identify any children and teenagers known to be carrying out ASB in the area.
“We also monitor reports daily to identify any emerging trends and put plans in place, dedicating resources where appropriate.
“Tackling residents’ concerns remains a priority for us and I can assure residents that we are working hard to tackle neighbourhood crime.
“I would encourage any residents to report crimes and concerns to us. We will follow these lines of enquiry, but it’s important that we have robust information, so we have the best possible chance of identifying and arresting offenders.
“You can make a report by calling 101 or using the Live Chat option on our website but always dial 999 in an emergency.”
