Could you spare two hours a week to help reduce crime in your area whilst taking your horse out on your daily hack?
Humberside Police is keen to recruit more Rural Community Safety Volunteers across the force area to provide a highly visible deterrent to criminals and bring the latest crime prevention and safety advice to those living and working in the area.
The aim of the scheme – which is open to competent riders over the age of 18, who own a horse of at least four years old and 15hh – is to build up a team of volunteers who can go on at least two hour long horseback patrols a week in order to:
• Reduce the fear of crime in their area
• Identify and highlight environmental features that could contribute to crime or anti-social behaviour
• Engage with isolated and potentially vulnerable groups in remote areas
• Report suspicious activity to police
• Support the volunteers partnership with Humberside Fire and Rescue by highlighting any potential fire safety issues.
Volunteers passing the vetting procedure will be given full training by the force. They will not be deployed to policing incidents, nor will they have powers of arrest. Any expenses incurred will be reimbursed.
Volunteer Josie Foster said:
“Since starting volunteer patrolling last year, I have come to appreciate different people’s perception of the police. Most say they like the idea of having someone around that is observing the everyday things in the rural areas. I enjoy patrolling and hope that others will see this as a way of helping their community as well as enjoying their horse riding.”
GM Allen Cunningham of Humberside Fire and Rescue welcomed the scheme:
“Whilst our Community Safety advocates do sterling work across problem areas of towns and villages, this scheme will reach some of the more rural areas of the East Riding and Northern Lincolnshire which our staff visit less frequently. The mounted volunteers may help to spot hazards such as fly tipping or water pollution and even be able to identify vulnerable people living in remote areas. Any opportunity to reduce the risk of deliberate fires as summer approaches is also always welcome.”
For further information on how to become a Rural Community Safety Volunteer, please contact Joy Harvie on 01482 220723 or email Joy.Harvie@humberside.pnn.police.uk