'We can't be everywhere at once'

Chief Constable John Burbeck told a meeting of parish council chairmen: "We can't be everywhere at once."

And he said members of the public would not be prosecuted for using 'only reasonable force' to catch someone committing a crime, but stressed he was not advocating vigilantism.

His call has had a mixed reaction from parish and district councillors, some of whom had fears for the public's safety.

Alcester Mayor John Hill said: "Alcester has always been credited for its community spirit and we still have a strong community sense.

"But I think the idea of tackling someone causing antisocial behaviour would be very dangerous."

District councillor Pam Price said: "In an ideal situation residents, if they see this kind of behaviour, should call the police.

"If they don't, they could be asking for trouble and I would be concerned about their personal safety."

She added: "But I realise the police are in great demand."

County councillor Susan Juned said the community did have a responsibility, as well as the police.

She added: "Alcester does have a very strong community but we do have to work in partnership with the police and visa versa.

"I fully endorse community police officers who are widening the police presence.

"Although residents can do it themselves, these people are much better equipped.

"Residents need to be willing to work with police and they need to work with us as well.

"We pay council tax in order to have an adequate service so the police do have a responsibility - but so do the residents."

Kim James, Bidford district councillor and chairman of Salford Priors Parish Council, said: "I think what our village needs is a greater police presence.

"Communities can help themselves tackling crime and disorder and build more of a community spirit - but dealing with a criminal issue really does need to be dealt with by the police.

"One way in which communities can help is by educating young children and giving them more to do."

Mr Burbeck made his comments at a meeting of parish council chairmen and said police and other agencies were working hard to create a safer environment for people - but they could not do it alone.

He said: "However many police officers we have on the streets, we can't be everywhere at once.

"I'd like to see a return to old community values, where if you see someone doing something wrong, you try to stop them.

"For example, we get a number of complaints about youths causing a nuisance or vandalism.

"I would encourage people who see that sort of behaviour to intervene and to tell them to stop.

"I am not saying that people should always intervene at the time but perhaps take other action that will help to solve the problem.

"Intervening where there is nuisance or a crime taking place could put a person at risk and there have been some high-profile cases where things have gone tragically wrong.

"But in the vast majority of cases, good citizenship does not pose a risk to the individual who is in the right place at the right time to make a difference."

"Members of the public are regularly commended for intervening in this way," added Mr Burbeck.

Alcester Inspector Tim Bailey endorsed Mr Burbeck's comments.

He said: "There are things we can all do to help each other. It might not be dramatic but if people do see something antisocial, then rather than turning the other way, tackling them about it."

Mr Bailey also said the support of neighbourhood watch, technological developments, new community support officers for the district and special constables who in Alcester give a widespread visible police presence, will continue to deter criminals.