Column | PCC Mark Shelford – 28/02/2023

Next week (6th March) will be the start of UK Says No More week.

This is an awareness campaign around tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence against women.

To mark the week I am sending a letter to all local pharmacies about the Ask for ANI scheme.

The scheme, which stands for Action Needed Immediately, was launched by the Government to help victims of domestic abuse who need access to emergency support but find it hard to safely ask for help without their abuser’s knowledge.

The idea is that the victim can use the coded phrase and the staff in the pharmacy will immediately know that the person is in need of help and will take steps to get them the right support.

My letter gives my personal thanks for those who already take part in the initiative and encourages those who don’t to find out more and sign up.

I was pleased to hear the Government announce last week that it is also seeking to support the expansion of the Ask for ANI scheme to places like job centres, so that more people can access it as well as tougher measures in the management of those convicted of domestic abuse offences.

As a commissioner, I want to ensure the police and all our partner agencies work together to do all we can to support and protect vulnerable victims.

This month Crimestoppers has launched a year-long national campaign warning people about buying fake goods online. The criminals behind this crime intend to deceive and exploit consumers into buying fake products, they believe are from a genuinely established brand, thinking they’ve bagged themselves a bargain.

I also want people to be aware that intentionally buying a fake product means they are committing a crime, as are the criminals behind the manufacture, procurement, and sale of counterfeit goods.

Counterfeit goods fraud causes a £9 billion annual loss to the UK economy while contributing to 80,500 UK job losses every year. The campaign also encourages people to report what they know about the criminals behind counterfeit fraud by using their unique anonymous reporting service, which can be found on their website.

Finally, I would like to remind cyclists and scooterists around Bath to make sure they are using the roads considerately and respect the highway code. I was cycling home after a meeting recently and was horrified to see another cyclist go straight through a red light at the junction of North Parade causing a car to swerve out of the way.

Road safety is a key priority for policing, and I would urge those on two wheels to also adhere to the rules of the road to prevent road traffic accidents.