Charity boss slams police response after mini-bus “shot at” in Harlow
Crime / Fri 22nd Jul 2022 at 08:00am
THE BOSSES of an award winning charity has slammed police response after their mini-bus was “shot at” on Thursday morning.
The windows of a Changing Lives mini-bus was smashed as it was being driven down First Avenue in Harlow.
Changing Lives director, David Simmons told YH that he was less than impressed with the police response telling us that they rang 999 but the “police were not taking it seriously”
The driver, who was shaken up, was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
David said: “I was not only concerned for my colleague but also concerned that there was someone out there shooting at vehicles.”
An Essex Police spokesperson said: “We received a call at around 9.05am today (Thursday 21 July) reporting a bus had been damaged in The Dashes, Harlow.
If you saw anything, or have any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage we need you to contact us.
Please quote incident 289 of 21 July.
“You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm”.
Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.
Alternatively you can call us on 101.
In an emergency always call 999.
“If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111”.
Linda
2022-07-22 10:24:57
So it has now become acceptable for a 'nut job' to shoot at passing vehicles!! I know we follow USA in most things so is this the beginning of another trend we are to follow - random shootings???
Bob Cryer
2022-07-22 11:26:46
How does the driver know they were shot at? Which window was it? Could it have been a flicked up pebble? An air gun pellet?
Kay Morrison
2022-07-22 11:32:20
Terrifying for those on the receiving end! Why haven't police taken it seriously? That's shocking, too. Best wishes for the driver's speedy recovery. We need information from the public now.
Pop
2022-07-22 12:21:35
Sounds like some nutter took "changing lives" literally. Hope they are all ok.
Mike
2022-07-22 14:29:50
Omg!! Stop slamming the police, they can only do something if there is evidence or witnesses, its been recorded by the police as a crime but unless the driver saw someone do it or someone else did what seriously do you expect the police to do. Hope the driver is OK though it can be a traumatic event being shot at
David Carter
2022-07-22 16:05:21
Things seem to be getting worse No real law and order Sentences too weak Troublemakers getting away with holding up motorways Dealing with criminals should be tough
Theman
2022-07-22 16:37:18
It would appear that the police no longer enforce the law, but will ensure order is maintained. I actually caught a thief, he admitted his crimes, I called the police. The police response was” we have no one available to respond, but you can use our website”. The next day the we got a false burglar alarm at our factory and the police were there in 10 minutes( alarm is linked to the police). When I asked the officers why they can get to an alarm call quickly but not an active crime, they just looked embarrassed and could not answer. The case with the thief is still being investigated( 3 months have passed) even though the police have conclusive evidence and the name and address of the individual.
TJ
2022-07-22 18:52:54
Why don't thr police take this seriously? Let's consider the facts. The Tory government cut 21,000 police officers. They cut 23,000 support staff including community PCSOs. Boris said he was recruiting 20,000 ne police officers so not even matching the number available in 2010. Police minisrer Malthouse said when you take in retirements and people lea ing the job in reality they need to recruit 45,000 officers! So does that explain why they always say they have no offices to send? I think it does. Keep voting Tory I say!
P
2022-07-25 06:39:13
Mike, people should indeed slam the police when there IS indeed EVIDENCE. A bullet hole in the side of a vehicle is usually a giveaway. The police are there to INVESTIGATE and draw a conclusion based on their findings. If you think they should be absolved of any responsibility in preventing and/or fighting criminal behaviour then you are an idiot.
Stan
2022-07-31 12:59:25
Stones thrown up by vehicles can look like bullet holes but forensics would be able to confirm. This is where the police should investigate - otherwise expect more?
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