St Edmundsbury takes issues around crime, disorder and community safety very seriously. We want our residents to feel safe where they live, work and relax.
We cannot do this alone and so we work with partners in our community such as the Police, Youth Services, Housing providers, Fire Service, Licensees and Health professionals to solve problems around crime and disorder.
Through the Western Suffolk Crime and Disorder Partnership we tackle issues such as burglary, theft, motor vehicle crime, domestic violence and anti social behaviour. The Partnership produces an annual plan based on an assessment which takes into account crime data but also the issues which are important to the community, the latest one being the Western Suffolk Community Safety Partnership plan 2013-14 (PDF 145Kb).
This plan also reflects that of the Police and Crime Commissioner who has granted funding to the WSCSP to commission projects and initiatives which help to reduce crime and enhance feelings of safety in the community. This funding is available to any group from the statutory or voluntary sector who can deliver positive outcomes against our priorities for 2013-14. Information about our priorities and how to apply for funding (including the expression of interest form) can be found in our Commissioning Pack (Word 401Kb).
The Police and Crime Commissioner Policing plan for 2013 can be found at www.suffolk-pcc.gov.uk
The Safer Neighbourhood teams, led by the Police, has aided partnership working and the community safety officer sits on each team to represent St Edmundsbury Borough Council and the Community Safety Partnership. For further information on the work of Safer Neighbourhood teams go to www.safersuffolk.org.uk
Here are some examples of the kind of projects undertaken with partners which have taken place:
- alcohol campaign around sensible drinking and alcohol retailing, working with the licensees, trading standards, Theatre Royal and West Suffolk College;
- awareness raising campaigns around volume crime issues offering advice around criminal damage, cycle theft, burglary, vehicle crime and personal safety;
- Crucial Crew - an annual personal safety event for ten year olds where they learn how to stay safe in eight different situations they may find themselves;
- provide diversionary activities for young people to reduce antisocial behaviour;
- support for residents who are suffering antisocial behaviour;
SOS bus in Bury St Edmunds on Friday nights helping to keep people safe;
- Support for Town Pastors in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill - volunteers who work in town centres helping to keep people safe on a night out; and
- support for the St Edmundsbury Domestic Violence Forum and survivors group.
