'Suits you, sir.'
New kit for crime busting officers

Easy riders, from left, Phil Connor, Rob Mortimer, Pat Jones, Robin Weatherstone

Beware to anybody up to no good around West Swindon. There could be a determined Community Police Officer lurking where you least expect him or her to be.

Kitted out with new safety helmet, dark eye protectors and bright yellow jackets, WPC Pat Jones, PCs Phil Connor, Rob Mortimer and Robin Weatherston are out and about on their bikes cracking down on crime and ensuring the community is safe.

"The new equipment does not actually give us magical powers," said Pat. "We use our knowledge of the patch, our contact with residents and good intelligence to try and make sure the area is safe from those who want to commit crime and cause nuisance."

Robin, who covers Rodbourne and Cheney Manor, reckons the bike is the easiest way to get around in Swindon's snarled up traffic. "Using cycleways and back alleys, I can get to parts cars cannot, and often reach the scene quicker. It's also possible to patrol a much bigger area during a shift."

Getting on their bikes has been a positive move as far as residents are concerned says Phil Connor. "We get a lot of comments about seeing police officers on patrol. The kit gives us a high visibility in our area, but at the same time we're able to stop and chat as necessary.

"I should like to remind people of the story in the March Link about the Crimestoppers hotline. It's not just for reporting big crimes. Crimestoppers applies at a local level. If you think something illegal is taking place, no matter how trivial, let us know. Your suspicions may be right. You may not be aware of it, but every piece of information is followed up because we have to report back to Crimestoppers. Help us press down on crime to maintain a safer community."

The officers can be contacted on 528111. Crimestoppers is on Freephone 0800 555 111.



'Pumper' gets a special send-off from fellow firefighters

John and his wife Brenda, rear, bid farewell to his work mates, with members of his family, from left, son Neil holding Scarlett, daughter Catherine, grandson Josh, daughter Nicola, grandson Christopher. Back, nephew Stephen French

A cavalcade of five fire appliances recently toured West Swindon when firefighters from Westlea, Swindon and Stratton stations bade a fond farewell to long serving colleague John Payne.

'Pumper' as he is known throughout the Wiltshire brigade, was given the special, but surprise, accolade of dismissing a parade of firefighters at Westlea station alongside Deputy Chief Fire Officer Phil Appleby after twenty-three years of service, before being driven home to a noisy welcome in Silchester Way, Westlea from friends, neighbours and colleagues.

"It will be completely different going to work without Pumper there," said sub-officer Martin Lloyd. "He was always first to help out in any situation, a bloke with huge experience and knowledge; you could rely on him every time. John is a great character who will be remembered as an excellent firefighter throughout the brigade. But he is also well known as being a bit slow when it was his round."

Pumper, 55, near to tears as his colleagues drove away, said the send off had left him nearly speechless. "I'll miss the comradeship, the excitement of the job and the mates in the brigade. I've enjoyed every minute. The people I've worked with are mates for life -they can buy me a drink anytime they want to."