Westcotes Weekly Update

Hello everyone,

Here’s a look at some of the work our neighbourhood team has been carrying out across the Westcotes area this week.

Safeguarding a victim of cuckooing

Officers assisted a resident who had been identified as a victim of cuckooing. Cuckooing is where criminals take over or exploit someone’s home, often using the address to facilitate criminal activity. We supported the resident with securing their property and worked to put appropriate safeguarding measures in place to reduce the risk of further exploitation.

Welfare check

We attended the address of a vulnerable person as part of a welfare check. Officers made sure the individual was safe and well and considered whether any additional support or safeguarding was required.

Missing person search

Our officers supported colleagues from the City Beat team with an area search for a vulnerable missing person. We carried out searches and provided assistance to help locate the individual.

Student Safety Hub – Student Roost, Upperton Road

We also held a Student Safety Hub at Student Roost on Upperton Road. These hubs give students the opportunity to speak directly with police and other partner agencies about any concerns they may have. Officers can provide advice around personal safety, crime prevention, protecting property and staying safe while living and studying in the local area.

Vehicle taken off the road

Officers dealt with a vehicle on the Westcotes beat which was being driven without a valid driving licence and without insurance. The vehicle was taken off the road, helping to prevent an uninsured and unlicensed driver from continuing to use it.

Illegal e-bike seized

Officers also seized an illegal e-bike under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act.

There are specific legal requirements for electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs). Among other things, the motor assistance must cut out at the permitted speed and the cycle must be capable of being operated by pedalling. Bikes fitted with certain throttles which allow the motor to propel the bike without the required pedalling, or bikes capable of providing motor assistance beyond the permitted speed, may be classed as motor vehicles rather than legal e-bikes.

A bike being described as an “e-bike” does not automatically make it legal to use on the road. Where a cycle falls outside the legal requirements, it can require appropriate licensing, insurance and a licence to ride. Failure to meet these requirements can result in enforcement action, including seizure.

If you have concerns about an issue in your local area, please continue to report it to us so we can understand where problems are occurring and take appropriate action.

Thank you for your continued support.

Westcotes Neighbourhood Policing Team