10 October 2008, 08/233
Have no fear with new crime partnership action
plan
New ideas have been launched to reduce crime in West Lancashire
with top priorities focusing on violent offences and increasing
community confidence.
The West Lancashire Community Safety Partnership has just
unveiled its partnership action plan for 2008 to ensure the
district remains one of the safest in the country to live, work and
visit.
It outlines what the partnership intends to do to reduce crime
and the fear of crime and, unlike the previous three-year
strategies, this one will be updated yearly to reflect local
concerns and issues.
The Government has set up new targets, which are reflected in
West Lancashire’s plan, such as a stronger focus on more serious
violence. There is also greater emphasis on reducing the fear of
crime and increasing community confidence because despite the low
levels of crime, people still worry.
Cllr Paul Greenall, Portfolio Holder for Community Services,
said:"We are keen to listen to the needs of our communities and we
know that the fear of crime is a big concern for local people, so
this is something we want to focus on to ensure their quality of
life. We also have lots of plans in the pipeline to keep West
Lancashire a safe place and to protect the public."
The partnership is working hard to reduce things that matter to
local communities such as anti social behaviour, criminal damage,
domestic violence and alcohol-related incidents. There will also be
a focus on reducing fires, road traffic collisions, and substance
misuse, re-offending and providing diversionary activities for
young people.
Bill Taylor, Chairman of the West Lancashire Community Safety
Partnership, said:"Our top priority is reducing crime and the fear
of crime. We want to reassure the public that we are taking their
fears and concerns very seriously and will do all that we can to
improve their quality of life by tackling issues that affect their
safety and well-being. West Lancashire’s performance in this area
is second to none but far from resting on our laurels we the
Council, police and other partners intend to make life even tougher
for those who create havoc within communities by cracking down yobs
and taking a zero-tolerance approach on the issues that matter the
most to local people."
If you would like to read the action plan in full, visit our
community
safety pages. Alternatively, contact Cliff Owens on 01695
585394 for a hard copy.
Related information
> Community
safety
> Anti
social behaviour