BUILDING links with the hundreds of pupils at Nova Hreod School is one of the priorities for Moredon’s new community beat manager.

PC Michael Ward, who was once a school-based officer in Liverpool, says the school is not a trouble spot but believes close working can help to prevent and reduce crime in the future.

He also hopes to tackle other issues within the area, including speeding and anti-social behaviour.

PC Ward said: “I’m going to use the school as a hub and work outwards from there. The children are the pupils of today and the communities of tomorrow, so I’m looking long term.

“By building these bridges and making these connections, we can prevent things happening in later years.”

PC Ward, who was originally a professional photographer, worked for Merseyside Police for 10 years in different roles, including as a response officer and community beat officer.

He became one of the first school-based officers, under the Safer Schools Partnership, in which post he worked with pupils at school on crime awareness.

Three years ago he joined Wiltshire Police, where he has held several posts, including a response officer, a neighbourhood officer, and most recently a crime investigator.

PC Ward, who is supported by PCSO Elroy Rodriguez, replaces PC Yvonne Ridge, who left Moredon Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) to join the force’s sexual offences investigation team.

The team’s priorities include tackling anti-social behaviour in Akers Way, which follows an incident in which children threw stones at cars from a bridge.

They will also work to reduce speeding on local roads and work with others to prevent people abandoning cars in the car park of the Rodbourne Arms pub in Cheney Manor Road.

PC Ward, who has nicknamed his team ‘The A Team’, said: “I’m pleased to have taken up the role.

“I believe in community policing and that’s certainly what I’m passionate about.

“Although sometimes it’s difficult to see results for your hard work, long term you are going to be making a difference to the quality of people’s lives. A lot of it is about preventative work, not reactionary work.

“I think Moredon is a good area and the people seem to have a nice community.

“Certainly first impressions are it’s going to be a good place to work.”

Moredon NPT holds drop-in surgeries at Moredon and Rodbourne Cheney Library, off Moredon Road, on the first Thursday of each month from 6pm to 7pm.

To contact the team, email moredon.npt@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk