Cops are mobile thanks to garage (From Stourbridge News)

Cops are mobile thanks to garage

9:41am Thursday 8th February 2007 in Local

STOURBRIDGE community cops have a new tool to help tackle crime after a garage donated a £13,000 car.

The new Megane from Walker Renault, Norton, will save neighbourhood officers hours every day by providing them with transport to carry out routine duties.

Pc Dean Palmer and PCSO Clare Hall, from Stourbridge police, collected the keys from sales manager Ian Baker at the end of last year and their new wheels are already proving to be a hit.

Pc Palmer said: "The Megane has proved to be an invaluable time management tool to officers when they are called upon to visit home addresses to take statements.

"It has made a massive difference, foot patrols and cycles are still the preferred means of patrolling but the car can save up to three hours a day walking to jobs."

Meanwhile, a new youth group in Norton aims to encourage youngsters to get involved in their community.

The Youth4em initiative, which already has around 200 members in the borough, has been brought to St Michael's Church, Maynard Avenue, by PCSO Hall.

Members, aged ten to 19, take part in projects to benefit their neighbourhood in return for rewards like days out at tourist attractions.

The next meeting of Youth4em will be held at St Michael's on Friday February 16 at 7pm, for more information visit www.youth4em.co.uk, or call in at the meeting.

Cops have also announced the next round of Stourbridge Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meetings, which give people a chance to have their say on crime issues in their area.

The meeting for Kingsway will be at St James's School on Monday April 30, Wollaston at Ridgewood High School on Tuesday May 1, Norton at Gig Mill School on Thursday May 3, Pedmore at St Peter's Church on Tuesday April 24, Amblecote Primary School on Wednesday May 2 and Withymoor Primary School on Thursday May 10.

All meeting start at 7pm except Pedmore which begins at 7.30pm.

LEFT: Pc Dean Palmer, PCSO Clare Hall and Walker Renault general sales manager Ian Baker.