New Bridlington Police Inspector on making positive impact in towns
Inspector Andrew Beadman says he is keen for everyone to feel heard
Last updated 28th Jan 2022
The newly appointed inspector for the Bridlington Neighbourhood Policing Team has been speaking about how officers are making a positive impact.
Covering a huge area of the East Riding from Spurn Point to Sledmere and Bainton to Bempton, the Bridlington Neighbourhood Policing Team works down the coast, over the Wolds and in the area’s towns.
Recently appointed inspector Andrew Beadman says he is keen for everyone to feel heard, no matter where they are in the region. With towns including Bridlington, Driffield, Hornsea, Hedon and Withernsea.
He said: "Whilst levels of crime in the East Riding remain relatively low, towns and villages do have their own issues, such as anti-social behaviour and drugs issues. However, we have already been working hard to instigate initiatives to tackle these issues.
"Anti-social behaviour is, generally speaking, the younger generation coming together and causing issues. The impact of these incidents on residents and our communities should not be underestimated and I want to ensure people know and understand just what we are doing to combat ASB.
“We are running operations to deal with anti-social behaviour, but we are also looking at trying to get youth organisations in our area together, and look at a more joined-up approach to engaging young people.”
Insp Beadman has spent 19 of his 21 years’ service working in the East Riding – in Goole and Beverley – but for the past two years he worked as a Detective Inspector in Hull CID.
He added: "Working in CID is about reacting to crimes after they have happened, but neighbourhood policing is trying to stop the issues from happening in the first place. It is the part of policing I love the most and I am delighted to move back into neighbourhood policing in the East Riding.
“Part of proactive policing is engaging with the communities to try to understand their concerns, and this applies to the younger generations, too. We want to avoid kids in our area slipping into criminal activities, so it is important they feel heard. I enjoy working with partner agencies and making a difference by working together as a team to tackle and prevent issues such as anti-social behaviour of drugs.
“Some of our towns do have issues with drug use and related crimes. In December, we had a drugs dog on patrol with us in Driffield – an initiative that was viewed very positively by the public. As a result, a number of people were dealt with for drugs offences and we hope to be able to repeat this measure in the future.”
However, as Insp Beadman is keen to point out, it is not just our towns that should be focused on.
“Our area is beautiful and it is a real privilege to work all across it, but it is important to recognise that rural crime is a big issue. Hare coursing and machinery thefts still occur, but we are fortunate to have the Rural Task Force in our area. They have had a huge impact all across the East Riding, in particular in our area with Op Seabird gaining national recognition for protecting marine wildlife and seabirds up and down our coast. The Rural Task Force has also had a positive impact on hare coursing, cases of which have dwindled thanks to their input in prosecuting offenders and taking dogs and vehicles way from people.
“I moved to the East Riding from Peterborough 26 years ago, so I know what a wonderful area it is to live in. I couldn’t be happier to be back working here and my aim is to be here as long as I can.
“I want to play my part in making this part of the East Riding a nicer place for everyone to live.”
Neighbourhood policing is about working together and building up relationships with all parts of the community – something that Insp Beadman says he recognises in the short and long term.
“It’s about stability and consistency and I plan to be here to make that happen.
“I really want to hear more about the issues that matter most to our residents, whether that is anti-social behaviour or anything else. Ring us and tell us.”
You can call non-emergency number 101 to report an issue, but always call 999 in an emergency or to report a crime in progress.