New attack on Strait Bargate "to fight crime"

A reader took us to task the other day after our piece in which we criticised what we thought was the sledgehammer approach to policing in Boston in the run-up to Christmas .
"Whilst I agree with your opinions and articles 99% of the time," he wrote, "all I hear from people, almost daily is we don't see enough police in Boston. I would be interested to listen to what people say leading up to Xmas about the high visibility policing in Boston. There are many times I try to do my job as a citizen reporting groups of drunks in the park or in alleyways, etc, to the police. Half an hour later I walk or drive past and nothing has been done. So, personally I'm in favour if indeed all it does is send out a message of zero tolerance."
We replied saying that we were actually singing from the same hymn sheet. "Our constant complaint is also the absence of officers on the street.
What we're saying here is that the police response to Christmas is disproportionate, and treats ordinary folk as potential criminals. What the police are doing is making the traditional seasonal noises expected of them at this time of year. It's largely a PR stunt in our view. It the same with homeless people - we only ever hear about their
plight at Christmas. The question we asked at the end of the piece is the key. If the cops can muster all this visibility for two weeks of the year, why can't they do it the rest of the time?"
We stand by this. In fact we feel that that the police have underlined their often quirky approach to crime prevention in recent days.
Under the headline "Police determined to combat criminals this Christmas," the Boston Standard told us: ""Badger Bill has been out and about helping to promote
Boston Police's new safer Christmas shopping campaign. PCSO Paul Lote donned the badger outfit to help draw attention to shoppers in Asda to the help and advice that was given for the festive period."
So for "combating criminals," read "dressing up as a giant badger."
It's obvious when you think about it, isn't it?
And pity poor Strait Bargate.
After the news that CCTV cameras in Boston have helped the police to make 709 arrests in the past 12 months, we're told that to ensure a good level of coverage a number of trees will be pruned in Strait Bargate, which will improve the line of sight for CCTV cameras.
First the Into Town buses render the shopping centre hostile to shoppers.
Now attractive trees are to be mutilated to make life easier for our deskbound bobbies.
Whatever your view on crime prevention, surely, you must agree that this is a step too far.
We think it's time to argue the case against policing by cliche, and ask Boston's invisible (for most of the year) force to do what everyone wants them to do ....
Does it not occur to them that what people want to see is an increased street presence?

You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.

PS We haven't forgotten the Audit Commission's "Oneplace" report on Boston. Check out our blog on Monday.