IN AN attempt to beat crime, more police community support officers (PCSOs) are going on patrol. Two new officers will be on the beat in Sandy, Beeston and the surrounding villages from the end of next week. PCSOs Stacey Underwood and Victoria Sneath will

IN AN attempt to beat crime, more police community support officers (PCSOs) are going on patrol.

Two new officers will be on the beat in Sandy, Beeston and the surrounding villages from the end of next week.

PCSOs Stacey Underwood and Victoria Sneath will tackle a number of problems currently plaguing all areas including nuisance youths.

Bedfordshire police say the extra officers will double the PCSO unit working out of Biggleswade and will also raise the visual profile of policing in the area.

Sgt Dave Needham said the PCSOs will be the eyes and ears for his officers and help to identify the policing needs, both small and large.

"PCSOs are vital in all areas of policing and make a tremendous contribution to helping combat all forms of crime," said Sgt Needham.

"In Sandy we do have a current problem that is annoying residents and that is nuisance youths.

"In some areas they gather in streets and near shops and large groups are very intimidating especially to elderly people.

"The PCSOs will also help our drive to combat vehicle crime which is rising again in the area.

"During the past month we have again seen a rise in the theft of satellite navigation equipment and laptops from vehicles parked in front of commercial premises like supermarkets and DIY stores."

Both new PCSOs will visit the major stores and supermarkets in the area in an attempt to reduce car crimes by talking to motorists and checking what personal property is being left in cars while owners shop.

Also as part of the move to reduce car crime, police will continue to mount covert operations at car boot sales in Biggleswade, Sandy and Potton as well as the surrounding villages.

Police believe much of the property stolen from vehicles is sold at car boot sales and last week a house was raided by officers in Biggleswade in the hunt for stolen sat navs but nothing was found.

"Equipment like sat navs and laptops are sold on very quickly at places like car boot sales which is why plain clothes officers will continue to mingle with the crowds at the sales.