South Norfolk Police news Your new Inspector for Diss
“The NPT work closely with my Response Team at Diss and the Safer Neighbourhood
“My name is Richard Freeman and I’ve been in
Team (SNT) to provide a proactive response
post as Inspector for Diss since January. I have
to local crime concerns.
24 years of policing experience all across
Norfolk and am honoured to lead the local
“I know how important it is for you to
team here as they work hard to keep Diss a
engage with local officers and see a daily
safe and lovely place to live, work and stay.
presence in the community. I believe local community policing is key when it comes to
“The last 13 months have seen unprecedented
keeping our neighbourhoods safe. For now,
change for all of us. COVID-19 has touched
I’m asking the team to be as visible as
every part of our lives and this has been the
possible but keep a safe distance from
same for policing. We’ve seen once busy
members of the public.
roads, towns and workplaces become virtual ghost towns during the various stages of
“We’re particularly keen to support local
lockdown. Last year, we experienced a
businesses as they emerge from the latest
reduction in crime and a change in the
lockdown and start to trade again. And we
demand profile for policing services as our
hope, COVID-19 permitting, that the SNT will
community came to terms with the pandemic
be able to restart face-to-face engagement
and the associated regulations which
later this summer. When this time comes,
impacted us all. I’m extremely proud of the
please do join us (dates to be confirmed
way our local policing team has coped with
soon). We’re also continuing to run online
the unique challenges faced during this
public meetings every three months.
period. And, as we turn a corner, look forward
Thanks to all who joined us online in March
to brighter times for us all.
2021 and for your views and suggestions.
“My predecessor, Inspector Symonds,
“I’d like to close by reassuring you that
introduced a Neighbourhood Policing Team
crime remains low and Diss continues to be
(NPT) focusing on priority crime such as
a safe place to live and work.”
burglaries, motor theft and drug dealing. This team has had success in several key areas since its introduction. Highlights include:
· 10 search warrants carried out at local
premises, leading to the seizure of illegal
drugs and ongoing prosecution of offenders.
· a successful investigation into the farm
Inspector Richard Freeman
arsons causing £750,000 pounds worth of damage and the death of 50 pigs. Diss Matters Summer 2021 13
