Successful partnership working sees crime fall across Shropshire

Overall crime in Shropshire has fallen again for the seventh year running.  Work by partner agencies under the umbrella of the Safer Stronger Communities Partnership has resulted in a five per cent drop in recorded crime over the last 12 months.

Domestic burglary is down 16 per cent and non-domestic burglary is down by six per cent.  Theft from a motor vehicle is down by 17 per cent, and theft of a motor vehicle has fallen by 22 per cent. Incidents of robbery remained low but increased by 12, which equates to an increase of 24 per cent.  Criminal damage is down by six per cent and there has not been any significant increase in assault causing less serious injury.

Metal thefts, fuel thefts and drive outs from petrol stations are increasing with the rise in the international price of metal and the cost of fuel.

Councillor Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council Cabinet member, welcomed the reduction in overall crime, which is part of a trend that began in 2004.  He said:

“Shropshire continues to be one of the safest places to live and work in the country, and it’s important we do our best to keep it that way.  As a partnership, we are working on a number of initiatives with the police to continue to drive down crime and make Shropshire a safer place for everyone.”

Over the past year (2010-11) the Safer Stronger Communities Partnership has delivered a number of initiatives aimed at reducing crime and disorder and increasing the safety of local people.

The Safer Stronger Communities Partnership is the community safety partnership for Shropshire, made up of the West Mercia Police, Shropshire Council, West Mercia Police Authority, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, Primary Care Trust and the Probation Service.

Here are some examples of recent projects:

L-CAP, Ludlow

Underage drinking and alcohol-related harm to young people has long been a concern in Shropshire.  The West Mercia Police perceptions survey has shown that that underage drinking has remained a concern for residents in Shropshire.

The Community Alcohol Project aimed to address the issue of underage drinking and alcohol-related harm to young people in Shropshire.  The Community Alcohol Project in Ludlow led to the confiscation of alcohol from young people whose parents were then notified of the position.  The project, known as L-CAP, has seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour and lower underage sales at pubs and clubs.

Taxi marshalling scheme – Shrewsbury and Oswestry

Schemes were established in Shrewsbury and Oswestry with funding from the partnership and proved popular with both customers and businesses.  Taxi companies said the scheme made it easier for drivers to pick up their pre-booked customers and the presence of the marshals resulted in fewer problems with queuing customers and helped with the dispersal of customers.