Last Friday I met with Police & Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford, along with Councillor Nicola Beech, at the Hillside Bistro in St. George. We’d been hoping to do a walkabout in the area to talk to local residents. but unfortunately the terrible weather meant that was rained off!

Instead we spent the time discussing a number of important issues. I was reassured to hear about Avon and Somerset Police’s plans to prevent antisocial behaviour through more community policing, and to provide support for victims of online scams, which is a growing problem. I was also pleased to hear the PCC say he supports my plans to do more to identify and help children affected by parental offending and imprisonment.

Mark also urged me to encourage people to use Crimestoppers, an independent UK charity making it possible for you to report a crime with complete anonymity. Your call will not be recorded, no caller ID will be shown, the call will be free and will not show up on your bill, so there is no danger of the call being traced back to you. Simply call the number below, 0800555111, to a report a crime.