| REASSURANCE
STATEMENT FROM CHIEF INSPECTOR FOR DACORUM
THE Chief Inspector for Dacorum, Mike Pryce, has issued
the following statement following rumours being spread
via text messages to women in the town after recent
news appeals concerning two separate incidents.
Last Thursday Roziur Choudhury, 39, of Drakes Drive
St Albans was charged with rape of a female which
is alleged to have taken place between 11.30 pm on
Tuesday October 26th and 12.30 am on Wednesday October
27th on Field Road, Hemel Hempstead.
Hertfordshire Constabulary have also issued a separate
appeal for information and asking parents to consider
some safety advice for their children following some
incidents in Hemel Hempstead over recent months.
Officers are investigating the possibility that the
incidents may be linked. The incidents have occurred
since May where a man is approaching young girls between
7 and 12 years old. On some occasions the offender
has exposed himself and on two occasions he has assaulted
the children.
Chief Inspector Mike Pryce said: I would like to
reassure the people of Hemel Hempstead that the text
messages are incorrect and misleading. There is, in
fact, no suggestion that the incidents against the
young girls have involved any kind of serious sexual
assault. The rape reported to us by a female has resulted
in the arrest of a man who is now (off the streets
and) in custody.
In relation to the incidents where a man has been
approaching young girls, we are also taking this extremely
seriously and have a dedicated team of officers and
detectives making numerous inquiries to identify and
apprehend the offender, or offenders.
We are also giving safety advice to young people
through the local schools.
The information contained in the text message circulating
around Hemel Hempstead is inaccurate, frightening
and is not assisting us with our investigation. I
would like to reassure the vast majority of people
in Hemel Hempstead that they should not feel frightened
to go out. However, I would advise parents with young
girls to remind them of our general safety advice.
I am also confident that I can rely on the people
of Hemel Hempstead to assist us with this investigation
and inform us if they know who this man is, or have
any information at all which could assist our inquiries.
If anyone has any concerns they are asked to contact
police via the non-emergency number and ask to speak
with their local Neighbourhood Team.
If you have specific information you can contact the
investigating team on 01442 271062.
Advice to children about personal safety:
If you're worried about someone following you, go
into a shop or busy place and ask to use a phone or
use your mobile
Stay alert
Stick to busy and well-lit areas
Avoid short cuts through quiet, unlit, secluded
or wooded areas and alleyways
Try to keep with friends rather than walk alone
Make sure someone knows where you are going and
tell them when you've arrived
If you believe someone is following you, go to the
nearest busy place, such as a petrol station
Take a mobile phone with you if you have one
November 2010
|
