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Help shop vandals, say police
From the Amesbury Journal, first published Friday 3rd Aug 2001.
POLICE have warned that the war against Amesbury vandals can only be won if people overcome their fear of reporting crime.
In recent weeks rampaging yobs have stoned an elderly couple's house, shot dead a kestrel with an airgun, smashed windows and vandalised numerous cars.
Residents fear that the battle against louts is being lost.
Many are now too frightened to give their names to the police or give evidence against town criminals.
District and county councillor Allan Peach said that the perception of policing in the town was that it was "a joke".
But Amesbury Insp Tim Richards said he felt that was "very unfair".
"People must accept we are a set number and that Amesbury can only have the officers that are paid for," he said.
Insp Richards has promised a zero tolerance approach to loutish behaviour, but also appealed for help from residents in their battle against the vandals.
He said: "We need support with the problem. People must be brave enough to report problems, as sometimes this is not the case.
"Often people tell us things but are too scared to actually give evidence.
"They then expect us to pick up the pieces. I appeal to the people of Amesbury to help us."
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