Another Constable

I have just finished my first stint of 4 nights and I must say how surprised I am at how quiet it was! The area I police is usually quite vibrant and colourful, and I would have expected quite a bit to do even overnight when most sensible people will be in bed.

According to my colleagues, it never used to be quiet on nights, and contributory factors now are “Alley Gates and ASBO’s”.It seems that all of the youngsters that would usually be out causing mayhem are on curfew’s and ASBO’s so they aren’t out and about any more. Also, the introduction of alley gates has served to deprive youngsters of places to hide out of police and public view. Even better is the fact that burglars now have increased difficulty getting into those same areas.

My collague regailed me with stories of going out in the van and having half a dozen bobbies entering the alleyways at different points and doing a “burglar trawl” which was actually quite successful as the burglars had nowhere to run to. This enjoyable pastime was long gone he bemoaned. In fact, he seemed quite despondant that night were now so quiet. I must say that I was impressed to hear that some of the recent measures taken in the area actually seem to have a noticable effect. Of course, it also meant I was able to find the time to have a nice nap