So, we’re now into November and before we know it, it’ll be Christmas.

Sadly, but rightly, the normal celebrations we’d enjoy for bonfire night were cancelled. The second phase of lockdown brings restrictions to our lives once again.

As we know, it’s not just the pubs, restaurants and gyms affected, but sports clubs too. This is a particular shame for all our children that enjoy sporting activities, which play such a big part in their lives and upbringing.

Whilst the England Rugby team can celebrate winning the Six Nations, grass roots rugby has been kicked into touch (forgive the pun!). A shame for all the youngsters around our district that love chasing egg shaped balls, but understandable given what’s happening.

We will of course be out and about as much as possible to serve our communities and do our part to stop the spread of the virus through positive engagement and where appropriate, enforcement.

So please, remember the guidelines. It’s business as usual with our autumn campaigns, Light Up and Cold Mornings, coming soon.

It’s a timely reminder to everyone to leave a light on in the evening and not to leave their car running in the mornings to defrost whilst they’re indoors getting ready to go out. You’d be surprised how many people do it - don’t give criminals a chance!

While in lockdown, it’s really important that we look out for one another. Take time to make a call, message or contact friends, family and neighbours to check on their welfare and emotional wellbeing.

It’s particularly hard for those living on their own, in self-isolation and the vulnerable and elderly.

But there is help out there. Worcestershire County Council has the Here2Help campaign set up to assist. You can visit the website worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help or call on 01905 768053.

There’s lots of advice for those in need of help, such as mental health advice, self-isolation support payment, working from home, parental advice and more - well worth a visit.

By way of an update, last month the team were involved in national campaigns targeting online romance fraud, hate crime awareness, metal theft and the use of a vehicle with no insurance.

We’ve also launched a rural farm watch which we’re trialling in the Chaddesley Corbett area. This has come off the back of theft of plant, farm machinery and livestock and also takes in lamping.

Apart from the poaching aspect, farmers’ fields are being destroyed by criminals driving over them.

So far, the feedback from the farming community has been really positive and I hope this will allow us to grow it and launch it across other parts of the district.

It’s important our farming community don’t feel isolated when it comes to crime. We’re giving them forensic marking and have set up a community message group to share information.

To me, they’re just as much key workers as myself and my colleagues and are out there working long hours to put food onto our tables.

Until the next time, keep safe.