24 October 2008, 08/241
Criminal damage is not acceptable!
Extra measures are being taken to crack down on criminal damage
across West Lancashire.
As part of a Lancashire-wide campaign to reduce anti social
behaviour, the West Lancashire Community Safety Partnership is
carrying out a number of initiatives to curb mindless vandalism and
nuisance behaviour that causes hurt or injury.
Additional police patrols are taking place across the district,
especially in the run-up to mischief night and Halloween, to put a
stop to any unruly behaviour.
Regular meetings are also taking place between residents and
elected members in parts of Skelmersdale to look at ways to tackle
criminal damage problems.
There is also a positive activity programme aimed at young
people to encourage them not to take part in antics such as
smashing windows or spraying graffiti.
Cllr Paul Greenall, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said:
"It’s things like vandalism to cars, or smashed windows and damage
to properties which is a real threat to residents and is very
upsetting. We have been given a target to reduce criminal damage by
a further 10% because it is an act that blights communities and
that’s what we intend to do. We want to step up actions to show
that we will not tolerate acts of criminal damage!"
Other campaigns will also be running throughout the year to
reduce criminal damage, such as Operation Brightsparx around
Halloween and Bonfire Night and Operation Shepherd in the run-up to
Christmas.
It is hoped that by all the agencies working together, including
the District Council, police, fire and rescue, youth service and
other partners, it will put a stop to acts that can spoil the lives
of individuals or ruin the environment.
Bill Taylor, Chairman of the Community Safety Partnership, said:
"We have worked hard to reduce criminal damage incidents in our
area dramatically over the last few years and we want to continue
the good work and slash the number of cases even further. We want
people to think of the consequences if they commit offences and
that we will take action if they are caught in order to improve the
quality of life for our residents."
Chief Inspector Jon Bullas said: "Criminal damage is an issue
which we have always taken seriously, however we are now stepping
up our efforts in order to further prevent and detect offences.
We’re doing a lot of work to address the issue - including stepping
up patrols in affected areas and taking positive action against
offenders. However, education is also a key part of the campaign;
explaining to youngsters what constitutes criminal damage and what
might happen to them if they are caught damaging homes or cars. Our
message is: Damage is Not Acceptable!"
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