The first meeting was held in May 2005, attending were the Police, Welcome Break head of Security, the manager at the site, Mark Thompson Head of Housing and Community Services and Rebecca Strutt the Community Development Officer for the Area. Ideas that were discussed were:
1. Sponsorship of PCSO
2. Introduction of Night Security Officer
3. Appropriate signage relating to lorry thefts
4. Barriers to back exits
5. Improving Lighting
6. CCTV / ANPR
Following the meeting Welcome Break have offered to fund a PCSO on a 50/50 basis with police funding. The PCSO would be dedicated to the service station. Allowing for recruitment and training, the officer should be on site early next year. In addition £2250 funding has been agreed through Brighouse and Rastrick Action Planning Team for four lorry park signs encompassing different languages and monoliths on the entry and exit signs, these all carry the police and Calderdale Council/Safer Communities Partnership logo. These should be in place in October.
A further meeting was held on 28 September 2005. Making off without payment for petrol account for approximately 75% of the crime at the service station in the last three months. Consequently digital cameras are being introduced on the East Side of the motorway and further discussions are being held regarding the introduction of ANPR not only on the forecourt but also on entry and exit to link closely with the police. The police will loan a trial kit to them as soon as practicable.
The Police Intelligence Officer for Brighouse also attended the meeting and highlighted the need for a close relationship to improve information being received from the service station. A bi monthly meeting was agreed with the police to share information and a single point of contact was confirmed.
It has been agreed that the Partnership so far has been very worthwhile and a further meeting has been set for December to update any progress that has been made.
