Primary outcome: All crime levels (ie, burglary, theft, arson, criminal damage and violent crime) will be reduced to match or fall below the borough average by 2011 NDC is closing the gap with the borough
From 37 per 1000 crimes recorded (2001) to 19 per 1000 (2008 police statistics).
Crime and fear of crime statistics show beneficial changes occurring in the NDC area since 2001.
Dramatic reductions in those who ‘were very worried’ about the following situations were particularly pronounced from 2002 to 2008 (Mori)
Having your home broken into and something stolen – 36% down to 17%
Being mugged or robbed – 29% down to 12%
Being sexually assaulted – 22% down to 7%
Being physically attacked by strangers – 27% down to 11%
Vandalism to home or car – 27% down to 12%
Views on what was judged ‘not a problem in this area’ from 2002 to 2008 showed significant improvement for:
Abandoned burnt out cars – improved from 53% to 70%
Vandalism, graffiti and deliberate damage to property - improved from 28% to 54%
Property set on fire – improved from 26% to 72%
This multi-agency group, which includes the police, Knowsley Housing Trust, Knowsley MBC, and NDC is developing a crime and community safety strategy under the banner ‘Chameleon’ aimed at preventing and tackling crime and disorder. An early success is the ‘SmartWater’ project, below.
A Chameleon initiative to reduce crime by deterring thieves, this marking-system uses an invisible solution with a DNA code unique to the householder so that recovered valuables can be traced and returned. Goods and window stickers act as a warning to would-be thieves. In May 2007 over 800 free ‘SmartWater’ kits were offered to NDC householders. Take-up was good, encouraged by a 50% reduction in thefts from Knowsley schools using the kit.
Raising awareness of domestic violence issues amongst residents, community organisations and relevant partner agencies, this project provides support, information and signposting.
A direct problem-solving approach funded by NDC, Knowsley Housing Trust, Knowsley MBC and the police
A youth development programme designed to reduce the risk and likelihood of offending by young people. It provides secure learning opportunities, challenging the attitudes and core beliefs of young people.
This resident-led project in Finch House that provides resources and activities for young people on the estate, centred on the L14 Community House. Projects include: street cage soccer, FA Coaching, after school club, trips out. The project also supports residents living with the Finch House estate demolition and clearance programme.
Three cameras were provided for mobile use across the area. These are a proven deterrent to crime and anti-social behaviour.
Installation of new ‘white’ lights in the NDC area has provided better illumination, reducing both actual crime and fear of crime.
Other commissions have included a series of engineering-based ‘designing out’ crime initiatives and additional estate based CCTV installations.
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