Anthony Frieze writes - I have reported previously (see below) on the Safer Neighbourhood Team initiative that was set up in Avonmore & Brook Green ward in the early summer. Crime statistics for the ward have now been published, allowing comparison between the first full period of SNT operation with the same period in 2005. They show a 32% reduction in overall crime, reported between August and October 2006, compared to a year previously. Between the same periods of 2004 and 2005, crime fell by only 4%. Some individual crime categories show even more striking developments:
- reported motor vehicle crime DOWN by 65%
- reported robbery offences DOWN by 60%
- reported criminal damage offences DOWN by 50%
There should always be health warnings with statistics and the reliability of these is based on victims’ willingness to report crimes. So we do encourage residents to report any and all instances of criminal activity.
Second and more importantly, we do not - and nor do the police - claim these welcome reductions are entirely down to the operation of the SNT. But we believe them to be more than mere coincidence. The SNT together with the Council's Controlled Drinking Area are both steps in the right direction. This way, we are building the safer Avonmore & Brook Green that all residents want to see.
Anthony Frieze is Ward Chairman of Avonmore and Brook Green Conservative Association
Anthony Frieze is Ward Chairman of Avonmore and Brook Green Conservative Association
2 comments:
While these statistics are of course welcome I wonder how accurate they are? In Fitzgeorge/Fitzjames Avenue we are getting increasing reports from residents of youngsters trading and using drugs. They gather in the service roads to this Estate and are quite threatening at times. We are also experiencing car break-ins in the Estate off-street parking areas and these occur at times when youngsters are seen lounging around the area. Usually Police are not interested until something happens and when it does inevitably arrive too late
Gabrielle - I will pass your comments on to the relevant Cabinet member. Any criminal activity should be reported to the police immediately. If you would like to email me on will@willbethell.com, we can discuss further off-line.
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