Station is on the move (From Barry And District News)

Station is on the move

BARRY police have unveiled a new Mobile Police Station and CCTV van set to smash crime in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The Mercedes van was bought thanks to an £80,000 National Assembly grant to help the division's crime reduction strategy.

It has been fitted with a table and seating allowing officers to hold 'policing surgeries' across the Division.

The unit has been fitted with state of the art CCTV cameras and sound equipment for monitoring public order situations, youth annoyance complaints and large public events.

Acting Superintendent James Moore said: "This is a valuable piece of equipment that has been funded through a National Assembly grant as part of the overall Crime and Disorder Partnership within the Vale of Glamorgan.

"The new Mobile Police Station will be used to allow residents of the Vale to meet with local Community Officers and discuss policing issues within their own areas."

The mobile station has already been used in the rural Vale in the past two months and has had an impact on local residents with many passing positive comments.

Acting Supt Moore added: "I would like to stress that this van is not fitted with cameras to catch speeding vehicles, but is to be used for reassuring residents with its presence, hopefully helping to reduce the fear of crime."

The van will be used over Halloween and Bonfire nights, monitoring criminal offences and general disorder.

Acting Supt Moore said: "The unit will assist in gathering evidence against people who decide to flout the law and will give valuable assistance to officers when arresting people who will be charged and places before the courts."