Menu
17/05/2006
Street cleaners urged to fight crime
Street cleaners and other street workers have been urged to help fight crime by becoming the eyes and ears of a community.
A report by the Audit Commission said that street workers employed by councils to observe low-level criminal activity in a community would not place an extra burden on them or the police.
The report suggested that low-level crime - such as graffiti, abandoned cars and noisy neighbours - were often factors which influenced how safe people felt in the area they lived.
The Audit Commission said that many people believed that crime was rising, even though national statistics show that crime has been falling for the last 11 years.
However, the report said that the figures did not take into account pockets of low-level disorder and anti-social behaviour.
The report said that councils and police forces were not fully exploiting their combined intelligence or the knowledge, skills and resources of frontline workers like housing managers, police community support officers and neighbourhood wardens to identify, analyse and respond to local issues.
Zoe Billingham, director of community, safety and environment at the Audit Commission, said that reducing crime was "absolutely crucial" to making neighbourhoods better places to live.
She also said that local street workers were also perfectly placed to observe what was happening in neighbourhoods.
Sir Michael Lyons, acting chairman of the Audit Commission, said: "Crime has been falling since 1995, but what is being measured does not always match the experience of people when they walk down their own street. Local partnerships must focus on neighbourhood areas and work better together to collect, collate and evaluate data more effectively to ensure money is being spent where it is most needed.
"In addition, they must empower frontline workers to identify and address particular issues and they must talk to and work with their residents to build confidence that action is leading to results."
(KMcA)
A report by the Audit Commission said that street workers employed by councils to observe low-level criminal activity in a community would not place an extra burden on them or the police.
The report suggested that low-level crime - such as graffiti, abandoned cars and noisy neighbours - were often factors which influenced how safe people felt in the area they lived.
The Audit Commission said that many people believed that crime was rising, even though national statistics show that crime has been falling for the last 11 years.
However, the report said that the figures did not take into account pockets of low-level disorder and anti-social behaviour.
The report said that councils and police forces were not fully exploiting their combined intelligence or the knowledge, skills and resources of frontline workers like housing managers, police community support officers and neighbourhood wardens to identify, analyse and respond to local issues.
Zoe Billingham, director of community, safety and environment at the Audit Commission, said that reducing crime was "absolutely crucial" to making neighbourhoods better places to live.
She also said that local street workers were also perfectly placed to observe what was happening in neighbourhoods.
Sir Michael Lyons, acting chairman of the Audit Commission, said: "Crime has been falling since 1995, but what is being measured does not always match the experience of people when they walk down their own street. Local partnerships must focus on neighbourhood areas and work better together to collect, collate and evaluate data more effectively to ensure money is being spent where it is most needed.
"In addition, they must empower frontline workers to identify and address particular issues and they must talk to and work with their residents to build confidence that action is leading to results."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 January 2005
Survey reveals falling level of some crimes
The overall crime rate in England and Wales is continuing to fall, according to the results of the British Crime Survey (BCS). The survey showed that the overall crime rate fell by 11%, in the year ending September 2004.
Survey reveals falling level of some crimes
The overall crime rate in England and Wales is continuing to fall, according to the results of the British Crime Survey (BCS). The survey showed that the overall crime rate fell by 11%, in the year ending September 2004.
29 July 2003
Street crime strategy reaps results
Responding to the publication today of Streets Ahead, the joint inspectorate report on the Street Crime Initiative, the Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "The Street Crime Initiative is an outstanding success. The results speak for themselves - robbery cut by 17 per cent in the ten street crime areas, meaning 17,000 fewer victims.
Street crime strategy reaps results
Responding to the publication today of Streets Ahead, the joint inspectorate report on the Street Crime Initiative, the Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "The Street Crime Initiative is an outstanding success. The results speak for themselves - robbery cut by 17 per cent in the ten street crime areas, meaning 17,000 fewer victims.
26 January 2006
Report reveals increase in violent crime
The Home Office has today released a report revealing that violent crime particularly gun crime and robbery are all on the increase in the UK. The report states that violent crime is on the increase, despite a fall in the total amount of criminal behaviour recorded.
Report reveals increase in violent crime
The Home Office has today released a report revealing that violent crime particularly gun crime and robbery are all on the increase in the UK. The report states that violent crime is on the increase, despite a fall in the total amount of criminal behaviour recorded.
05 August 2009
Awards For Tackling Crime And Anti-Social Behaviour Launched
An awards scheme to recognise people who have been at the forefront of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities was launched yesterday by the Government's Crime and Justice Adviser Lousie Casey and Policing Minister David Hanson.
Awards For Tackling Crime And Anti-Social Behaviour Launched
An awards scheme to recognise people who have been at the forefront of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities was launched yesterday by the Government's Crime and Justice Adviser Lousie Casey and Policing Minister David Hanson.
14 October 2015
NCA Warn UK Internet Users Of 'Significant' New Malware Threat
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has urged UK internet users to protect themselves against a "significant strain of malicious software" that has enabled criminals to steal millions of pounds from UK bank accounts.
NCA Warn UK Internet Users Of 'Significant' New Malware Threat
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has urged UK internet users to protect themselves against a "significant strain of malicious software" that has enabled criminals to steal millions of pounds from UK bank accounts.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
