A targeted approach to clamping down on anti-social behaviour and crime problem areas – part of a wealth of community safety interventions taking place across the city, is reaping benefits.
A multi-agency Problem Solving Group, comprising more than 30 organisations including the Council, Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Cardiff Third Sector Council, is successfully steering a co-ordinated response to various issues in a number of hotspots by addressing anti-social behaviour, vandalism and criminal behaviour.
The pilot project, that has focussed on areas in Llanrumney and Splott, has seen reported incidents plummet following the introduction of diversionary and community safety measures, as well as improved community engagement.
In her statement to Full Council on Thursday, November 25, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Lynda Thorne, updated members on the scheme as part of a city-wide round-up on community safety.
Cllr Thorne said: “The potential for this pilot is exciting as we look to build our multi-agency approach to tackling community issues and making a real difference.
“We are also responding to the most difficult and persistent anti-social behaviour hotspots in the city in partnership with South Wales Police. Young people engaged in anti-social behaviour have been redirected into education and training and this has provided resolution for neighbouring residents. This includes a dedicated group responding to anti-social behaviour concerning off-road bikes and the continuation of Operation Red Mana by South Wales Police, which sees bikes confiscated from offenders. A new area-based council officer will also provide additional resource in Cathays and Plasnewydd, which have the highest crime rates, and deliver renewed focus on addressing complex and repeat antisocial behaviour in these parts of Cardiff.”
Cllr Thorne also provided a progress report on the implementation of measures funded under the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, following an award of£432,000 to the Cardiff Community Safety Partnership this summer. The installation ofnew CCTV and other crime reduction infrastructure in Butetown and Grangetown is already underway and is due to be completed over the next few months.
Cardiff Council was also updated on:
- Efforts to support small businesses to tackle shoplifting,
- A programme to prevent, detect and reduce business crime by The Business Crime Reduction Partnership
- The city’s response to a rising national concerns around drink spiking, including plans to trial drink testing kits for licensed premises
- A new SAFE (Safeguarding Adolescents from Exploitation) model for to protecting vulnerable young people from criminal exploitation
- Cardiff is renewing its White Ribbon accreditation for the eighth year – the largest global movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls
- Targeted engagement with students on how they can stay safe and
- A Crimestoppers campaign to encourage increased reporting in communities that may face barriers to engaging, such as a fear of retribution.
Cllr Thorne added: “Residents have a key role to play in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour by providing reports and intelligence to the authorities. Speaking up can be difficult, but Crimestoppers in an independent charity that facilitates safe and anonymous reporting in over 140 languages. Intelligence from residents and the community could be crucial to helping make communities safer so I urge any residents to get in touch with Crimestoppers if they have information.
“All this is part of the considerable amount of work undertaken by the Cardiff Community Safety Partnership in the city over the last few months – and our commitment to creating safe communities across the city.
“I am excited and enthused by the considerable efforts of the Community Safety Partnership. As we move into the New Year, we are keen to reflect on our journey and the challenges we have faced to help strengthen future work to keep our city and communities safe.”
Crime information can be given 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers 365 days of the year, 24/7, by calling our Freephone 0800 555 111.
