Witness line set up to aid local police (From Gazette & Herald)

Witness line set up to aid local police

A DEDICATED phone line has been set up to help North Yorkshire Police deal with information on crimes in Ryedale.

The Ryedale Witness Line has been set up by community safety sergeant Cliff Edens, who is working alongside the Community Safety Partnership.

People with information on crimes which have already been reported to the police are now urged to phone a special number which goes straight to an answer phone.

The system is regularly checked throughout the day by members of the community safety team, who will then contact the officers in charge of each particular incident.

A phone call to individuals will also be made, thanking them for their help.

Sgt Cliff Edens said there were hopes that the new line would mean residents in the area would feel encouraged to come forward with any help they could offer.

"This is to give easy access to people who have bits of information about things that have happened," he explained.

"It's not for reporting incidents, it's purely when we put something out in the press or on the ringmaster scheme and we want some information."

Sgt Edens said the new number would bypass the need for members of the public to go through the call handling centre.

The handling system was roundly criticised when it was brought in earlier this year after callers complained they were left waiting to speak to officers.

Sgt Edens said: "The new system has had teething problems, as with all systems. "Now, instead of going through the call handling centre, which is overworked as it is, people can feel as though they are dealing direct with the police in Ryedale."

He added: "We are hoping that we get more people phoning in regarding witnessing offences."

The new witness line, which costs the price of a local call, is on (01723) 509662.

Updated: 09:05 Wednesday, October 23, 2002