Spring 2014 Welcome Welcome our spring Partnership Update for Lichfield District, produced by Lichfield District Council on behalf of Lichfield District Safer Community Partnership.
In this issue we welcome the latest crime figures, the launch of the new skatepark in Lichfield and much more. To contribute to the next issue of Partnership Update, due out in July, please contact us.
Contact Tel: 01543 308777 Email: community.safety@lichfielddc.gov.uk To find out more, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/communitysafety
Crime and anti‐social behaviour figures fall again! The number of crimes recorded across the district has reduced significantly in recent years. In the Lichfield District Community Safety Profile, produced by the Staffordshire Observatory, it shows that crime reports have fallen by 13%, or 556 crimes, from 2011/12 to 2012/13. And, when compared with 2007/08’s figures, reported crime has fallen by an impressive 35%.
The district’s recorded crime rate (37 crimes per 1,000 population) is lower than the Staffordshire rate (45 crimes per 1,000 residents). It also compares favourably with a rate of 66 crimes per 1,000 residents across England and Wales.
Levels of anti‐social behaviour have also reduced considerably in recent years. The number of anti‐social behaviour incidents recorded across the district (1,754 incidents in 2012/13) has reduced by 3% compared with last year and has more than halved over six years with a 52% reduction.
While the risk of crime will vary from location to location, the profile highlights Lichfield District is becoming a safer place to live, work and socialise.
There have been reductions in serious acquisitive crime (domestic burglary, vehicle crime and personal robbery) and violence in 2012/13 (by 6% and 13% respectively). Domestic burglary reduced by 10% in 2012/13.
While vehicle crime has reduced, we’ve experienced a higher rate than Staffordshire for both domestic burglary and vehicle crime. Consequently the rate of serious acquisitive offences recorded in the district was higher.
In 2012/13 there was also an increase in theft of pedal cycles with 81 reported thefts (an increase of 23’% on the previous year), which may in part be due to metal thefts.
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It’s on your bike for the police thanks to funding
Lichfield District Police team were let loose on eight new bikes in March.
Seven of the bikes were funded by the Joint Operations Group, which is part of Lichfield District Community Safety Partnership. The Townsafe Partnership also funded one. The manufacturer, Dawes Cycles, together with the local retailer, Grahams Cycles, also generously sponsored the project.
The new bikes will make the police officers more visible, approachable and accessible in their communities.
OWL An award‐winning Communications network is keeping thousands of residents and businesses in the Lichfield District alert to crimes, suspicious incidents and scams.
The OWL network (which stands for Online Watch Link) is used by Staffordshire Police and Neighbourhood Watch to send alerts to anyone who is registered.
At present, more than 3,000 addresses in the district are registered, with over 100 added in January alone.
Alerts are sent to members, informing them of crimes, such as burglaries and thefts of vehicles. It also alerts them to suspicious incidents, such as those cold‐calling and scams.
Messages are targeted to local areas and can, if necessary, be sent to residents in a single road, meaning the information is always relevant.
OWL is managed by Rob Nunn, the Community Engagement Officer for Lichfield Police, who said: “OWL has had a great impact locally, keeping residents informed and aware.
“We do not want to cause alarm, but simply want to let people know what is going on, and to encourage them to keep in touch with their neighbours and keep an eye on their neighbourhood.
“The fear of crime is often worse than actual crime, and hopefully we can reassure people and keep this in perspective.”
Membership is free, and anyone can register. Messages are sent via email, telephone, fax or text message.
Pictured above: PCSO Craig Carroll, Inspector Rachel Joyce, PCSO Danielle Brannan and Graham Roberts from Grahams Cycles.
To be kept informed about crime, suspicious incidents and scams in your local area, register with OWL. Either go to www.owl.co.uk and enter your details, or call Staffordshire Police on 01785 235616.
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OPCC funding The introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in November 2012 brought about significant changes to police and community safety funding, with all related funding streams being brought together under the PCC’s control.
The total amount of funding available across Staffordshire in 2013/14 is £1.3 million and will increase significantly to £2.5 million in 2014/15.
No cold calling update This spring Lichfield District Council’s community safety team joined forces with Staffordshire Police and Trading Standards to launch ‘no cold calling’ zones across the district. The zones are designed to deter cold callers that claim to be selling goods or offering services around the house or garden, and to combat distraction burglaries.
Participating residents are given a pack that includes no cold calling signs and contact numbers to report any bogus callers that ignore the signs.
Since launching the initiative, we’ve had more than 20 residents from across the district showing an interest in the scheme. This is on top of the 15 or so streets that the police have already been in contact with.
Matthew Ellis, Staffordshire’s PCC, is to commission outcomes to support his priorities within the context of his Safer, Fairer, United Communities strategy.
There are three funding streams: The Local Deal Fund (working title): total £1.75 million, available on an on‐going cycle although the amount available may vary. More information, including the process to apply for this funding, should be available soon with projects starting in April 2014. The Local Policing Fund: £250,000: current
bidding round closed. People Power Fund: £500,000 available from April 2014, maximum bid £3,000.
We’re all really pleased it’s is proving popular and we will be spending the next few months instigating the scheme. For more information email: local.policingfund Find out more by calling community safety on 01543 @staffordshire.pcc.pnn.gov.uk 308777.
Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill The aim of the Bill (passed on 13 March 2014) is to put victims first, giving power to local people and enabling professionals to find the best solutions for their local area.
The Bill will streamline and simplify 19 existing powers, replacing them with six new ones. This will enable the police, local authorities and other organisations to respond quickly and effectively to antisocial behaviour.
The six new powers are: Injunction to Prevent Nuisance and Annoyance (IPNA) Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBO) Community Protection Notices (CBO) Public Space Protection Orders Closure Notices and Closure Orders Dispersal Powers.
Over the next few weeks the Community and Safety Partnership will be working together to look at how we are going to implement these changes.
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Ryecroft shopping centre improvements Traders and project partners gathered in April to raise a glass and unveil the newly improved Ryecroft Shopping Centre in Burntwood. Building work started in March to resurface the shopping centre’s front car park, refurbish the back car park, smarten up the forecourt area, and upgrade and reconnect the lights.
The improvements came about after local traders formed the Ryecroft Traders Association, to address the shopping centre’s rundown outside space.
Jenni Coleman, Community Safety Manager at Lichfield District Council, said: “The improvements make such a difference to the shopping centre. It’s fantastic how everyone has come together on this project, and shows what can be done when working in partnership for one goal. As part of Lichfield District Safer Community Partnership and Burntwood Business Crew, we’re proud to be involved in this scheme and hope it will make the area safer and more pleasant for traders, shoppers and residents alike.”
The repairs were funded by Burntwood Town Council, Burntwood Business Crew (with High Street Innovation funding), Lichfield District Safer Community Partnership, and Staffordshire Local Community Fund. Local traders are also contributing to ongoing maintenance of the shopping centre’s public areas.
Pro‐skaters showcase new skatepark Project partners and supporters, as well as keen skaters, assembled at Beacon Park’s new skatepark this April to see the district Chairman cut the ribbon to officially open the facility.
Following the ribbon cutting, the crowd was treated to a skating display by Gravity pro skaters.
Councillor Andy Smith, Cabinet Member for Leisure & Parks, commented: “The skating was amazing and really showed what can be achieved after plenty of practice! We’d like to once again thank everyone who has helped to fund the skatepark and supported the project. We hope everyone enjoys using it and takes pride in it, helping us to keep a pleasant place to for all.”
The skatepark is regularly checked, but if you have any concerns, please contact the council’s parks team on 01543 308867 or email parks@lichfielddc.gov.uk
The £145,900 skatepark was funded by section 106 capital and contributions, The Veolia Environmental Trust, Lichfield City Council, Staffordshire Local Community Fund, and Lichfield District Safer Community Partnership. Lichfield District Council also contributed towards the landscaping.
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