• Home Page
• -
• News Centre
• -
• News Archive
• -
• 2008
• -
• May
• -
• Knowsley celebrates a reduction in crime

The Safer Knowsley Partnership celebrated its success at a prestigious ceremony held at the Suites Hotel, Kirkby this month.

The evening saw a variety of partner agency representatives and members of the public recognised for their bravery and innovative approaches to reducing crime and disorder across Knowsley. This partnership approach has resulted in a 29% reduction in crime over the last 12 months.

Awards were presented in four categories; Acquisitive Crime Reduction; Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction, Substance Misuse Reduction and Violent Crime Reduction.

An example of the community and partner agencies working together was highlighted by Jane and Philip Close, local residents from Bracknell Avenue who were presented with the Community Representative Award for their tireless work against anti social behaviour in their community. Their contribution helped to secure three Anti Social Behaviour Orders and the eviction of a family in their area.

This is just one of a number of positive initiatives highlighted throughout the evening that are making such a huge difference to the community and has helped the borough see a significant decrease in crime.

Steve Agger, Assistant Chief Executive for Crime and Disorder for Knowsley said of the event: “This event was extremely important to celebrate partnership working but also of the contributions that are made by members of the community in helping reduce crime in the borough.

“The courage, commitment, innovation and professionalism of people who live and work in the borough never fail to inspire. It is right that we take the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the superb achievements of those who have contributed to such significant reductions in crime and have done so much to enhance the reputation of Knowsley.”

“Our aim now is to build on what we have achieved last year and move forward to continue this extremely important work.”

The Awards were presented by Sheena Ramsay, Chief Executive for Knowsley Council, and Chief Superintendent John Young, Area Commander for Knowsley. In addition, Vernon Coaker MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Crime Reduction presented the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Crime and Disorder Reduction’ Award.

In addition to recognising contributions, the Safer Knowsley Partnership* was officially launched, together with the Crime and Disorder Reduction Plan for 2008/2009. The Partnership will address six key priorities over the coming year, namely:

• Reassurance – whilst crime rates are falling, people are still fearful of being the victim of crime. The partnership will encourage members of the public to have their say on the issues that matter to them.
• Offender management – targeting our prolific offenders.
• Substance misuse – preventing and deterring criminal activity as a result of substance misuse and providing support and treatment to those who need it.
• Acquisitive crime – whilst burglary and vehicle crime rates have reduced, we will continue to ensure that this reduction is maintained.
• Violent crime – we will continue to develop services to address serious violence crime, domestic violence and hate crime.
• Young people – development of services for young people and creating a positive environment including a range of activities and suitable programmes for young people and their families.
  

Picture: Vernon Coaker MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Crime Reduction at the awards event.

For more information please call the Knowsley Media Team on 0151 443 3537.