Increased police patrols will continue along the river path in Hereford over the bank holiday weekend following a series of rapes and sexual assaults in the city.
So far, five people have been arrested in connection with the incidents. Four have been released on police bail and one has been released with no further action.
Specially trained officers are supporting the victims.
Herefordshire Safer Communities Chief Inspector Greg Tudge said:
“We are grateful for the courage of the victims in these attacks in coming forward and sharing the information they have been able to give us so far.
“We are aware there are concerns around why no-one has been charged yet in relation to any of the incidents and I would like to offer my assurances to our local communities that we have a dedicated team of officers working diligently to obtain crucial evidence in relation to each incident.
“Information we receive from members of the public is absolutely vital in helping us secure this evidence and I would once again ask members of the public to come forward with any information you may have. Perhaps something you heard or saw in the area on the days of the incidents. Please think back – you may remember something you think unimportant but which could, in fact, be valuable information.
“We are still appealing for the dog walker to come forward in relation to the assault on 12 August. A man was walking a small dark coloured dog, possibly a poodle, along the footpath and it’s believed he may have seen the suspect in the moments before the incident. If you are this man, or know who he may be, please get in touch.
“We have increased patrols by both plain clothes and uniformed officers during the week and weekends, particularly during the late evening and overnight, and these will continue over the bank holiday weekend.
“Please be assured that we are taking action, not only by increasing our visible presence with additional uniformed officers but by working with partners, including Vennture Street Pastors who play a key role in improving public safety as part of the Safer Streets Project. In the meantime, I would like to encourage the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police.”
Additional Funding for Safer Streets
Chief Inspector Tudge added: “Earlier this year we were successful in securing more than £500,000 of funding as part of a Safer Streets bid in partnership with Herefordshire Council and the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner. The Safer Street project objective is to make public places safer for all.”
The funding secured in Hereford will specifically focus on tackling offences which involve violence against women and girls, with a focus on routes taken home by women when out at night.
The funding will allow the implementation of improved lighting and CCTV, with areas covered including those around both Victoria and Hunderton Bridges, as well as Aylestone, Whitecross Road, Bishops Meadow and Canary Bridge, with plans to improve lighting and CCTV coverage.
The funding will also allow further education to be delivered to schools, as well as a targeted campaign encouraging bystanders as well as women and girls to report concerns. It will also highlight support services available.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “I am aware of the community concerns in relation to these incidents and I am reassured that the police are doing all they can in response and will continue to take action to ensure our communities are safe.”
The government’s new Street Safe tool gives you the power to report areas where you feel unsafe. For further information or to report an area of concern please visit police.uk/streetsafe.
You can contact us in a variety of ways, by coming to Hereford Police Station, by reporting online or calling 101.
Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.
