MP Lucy Frazer and police and crime commissioner Jason Ablewhite headed a panel to update villagers on efforts to tackle crime locally that had included a raid on a travellers’ site.
She said that a number of people were arrested, a substantial number of neglected animals were rescued and a stolen caravan, a stolen motor-vehicle, several stolen quad bikes and a number of stolen power tools were recovered.
“This comes as a culmination of two and a half months of concerted police activity and it demonstrated to the local community on Saturday, the police’s commitment to prevention and detection of crime and disorder in Willingham,” said the MP.
The packed public meeting at Willingham heard how police had revisited crime files of incidents that had occurred in the village throughout the summer.
Ms Frazer, the MP for SE Cambs, said the meeting had heard that in the course of recent weeks individuals from two serious crime groups who have been committing crimes in and around the area have been convicted.
She said a marked increase in crime and disorder in Willingham had led to two public meetings with the police in the last few months.
Ms Frazer said that in addition, Operation Redford took place last week at the end of November during which officers entered the Black Pit Drove traveller site in Willingham and searched several caravans under warrant.
At the first meeting in September immediate steps were taken to address the concerns highlighted by the many residents who attended.
At a second public meeting on December 1, the police were able to report back to the community on the significant progress made.
The MP said that due to proactive work, a vehicle connected to burglary offences in the Fenland area has been recovered, and a further vehicle seized that was stolen from the East Cambs district.
In the course of recent weeks individuals from two serious crime groups who have been committing crimes in and around the area have been convicted.
“I was pleased to attend the meeting in Willingham. Crime has had a significant impact on daily life in Willingham in recent months and it is extremely reassuring to see how effectively it is being tackled by everyone working together.
“There has been a very visible police presence in the village and officers are doing an amazing job, assisted by a community that has come together as a well organised force to confront the disturbing volume of crime and anti social behaviour.”
Mr Ablewhite said: “It was good to see so many people attending the meeting in Willingham.
“I am reassured that the Constabulary’s response has had such a positive impact and would like to thank the community for their proactive attitude in supporting our officers to tackle crime.”
Ms Frazer said police rely on continued information and it was reiterated at the meeting that nobody should fear speaking to the police.
“The police have a duty of care to protect all sources of information and care a great deal about this community,” she said.
The MP said the best ways to contact the police with information, or to address concerns, were to dial 101 or in an emergency call 999.
Anyone who is fearful of making reports or providing information to the police can always use the Crimestoppers service in absolute confidence and anonymity – 0800 555 111
Ely police sergeant Phil Priestley also attended the meeting.
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