Achievements in Crime Reduction Recognised

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26th March 2008

The Board of the Crewe and Nantwich Safer Communities Partnership have welcomed the news that its work has been recognised in the Annual Audit and Inspection of the Borough Council.

The Audit Commission noted that one of the key achievements for the council in the last few years has been the reduction in crime by 9% in 2006/7 and a further 21% to December last year.  This has been achieved, it says, through working with its partners in the Safer Communities Partnership. Reductions in anti-social behaviour are as a result of targeted youth diversionary work in ‘hotspot’ areas.

Councillor Maureen Grant, Chair of the Partnership said:  “I am pleased to see that the achievements of this partnership are being noticed.  We are not that good at celebrating our successes, and it is difficult to challenge the impression that crime and disorder is always getting worse.  I am particularly pleased to see that work we have supported in youth diversionary activity and in specific neighbourhoods is having an effect.”

The Partnership Board agreed its plan for the coming year based on a comprehensive analysis of crime and disorder trends in 2007.  Key areas identified were concerned with Anti-Social Behaviour, theft from vehicle crime - an area also identified by the commission - violent crime associated with alcohol, and domestic abuse.

The commission report also noted that fear of crime remained a concern for local people and is a key priority for the council and its partners.

Councillor John Dwyer, Council Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities said:  “This is good news for the Borough and shows that the investments that have been made over the years are paying off.  We are committed to making our residents feel safer and we have looked at priorities for the coming year and will be working hard to build on our achievements.”
 

ENDS

For Media enquiries contact:
Ian Richardson - 01270 537018

ian.richardson@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk