New strategy is cutting crime

RESIDENTS in Longford, Warrington are feeling safer than ever following a 15 per cent reduction in crime and disorder in the area over the last six months following a new initiative to tackle crime.
The latest statistics are reward for the efforts of Cheshire Police, Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) and Warrington Borough Council’s Central Neighbourhoods Team who have been working in partnership to tackle crime.
The statistics also show significant reductions in a number of areas, with Anti-Social Behaviour having fallen by 2 per cent in the last 6 months, Criminal Damage having fallen by 25 per cent and Youth Nuisance down by 65 per cent.
A number of initiatives have been introduced in the area over this period, including having up to three dedicated PCSO’s, carrying out increased patrols to raise visibility and increase residents confidence, carrying out joint visits and increased intelligence sharing to identify perpetrators.
The Trust have also worked closely with the Police to shut down a property on Dean Crescent in response to repeated Anti-Social Behavior. The house became the first in Cheshire to be shut down because of Anti-Social Behavior.
GGHT Chair Roy Smith, (pictured) said: “Feeling safe in your home and the local area is important to all our tenants and gives them the confidence to improve their lives. These latest figures are a great reward for the hard work that we have all taken to improve the area in the last year.”
Inspector Neil Drum, of Warrington Central Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “We are committed to working alongside our partners within the community – including Golden Gates Housing Trust – to tackle the issues that are affecting the quality of life of local people. Crime and anti-social behaviour has reduced significantly in the Longford Area over the past 2 years and neighbourhood officers are continuing to work alongside partners – and residents – to identify issues and work out the best long-term solutions to any problems.
“The recent anti-social behaviour closure in Deans Crescent is a great example of partnership working. Central NPU officers worked with GGHT Officers, Warrington Community Safety Partnership and local residents, who were instrumental in coming forward with information regarding problems at the property – it was this information that lead to the file of evidence being compiled and the closure order being granted.
“This case sent out a clear message that we listen to what the local community is telling us and will act robustly in relation to any sort of behaviour that has a negative effect on the quality of life of others. It also focuses on the fact that we will use all the powers at our disposal to deal with any issues within the local community.
“We hope that the continued reductions in crime and anti-social behaviour will have a positive impact on the area and will put a stop to issues that have blighted the lives of local people.”
GGHT have been working with the local Councillors and a number of partners including WBC, Longford RA, Cheshire Police, Long Lane Garden Centre and Apollo Construction for the last 12 months to deliver a project to improve the quality of life of its tenants and other residents in the Longford area. The project has seen the Trust investing to improve tenant’s homes with new drives and perimeter walls, the installation of solar PV panels and loft/cavity wall insulation to reduce energy bills and help tackle fuel poverty.
The Trust have also been working with tenants in the area to improve their health, tackle debts and help them with forthcoming changes to their benefits. Current projects include GGHT Fresh – the Trust’s food club and a Tool Hire scheme for local tenants, with plans to launch a job club on target to start in the January 2013.