THE latest plans to tackle crime and disorder in the Harrogate district have been unveiled today as the Safer Communities Partnership launches its three-year strategy.

 

The Crime Disorder and Drug Reduction strategy 2005/2008 has been developed following a major crime audit carried out last year, which culminated in a very successful community conference.

 

The audit confirmed that the district continues to be a low crime area but there are still pockets of concern about crime and the fear of crime.  However, many communities were equally concerned about more general issues such as noise nuisance, dangerous driving and lack of respect for others.

 

The strategy has therefore been developed around four main themes:

 

 

Detailed action plans, using the skill, expertise and commitment of members of the Partnership, will underpin these themes and targets have been set for the three-year life of the strategy.

 

Nicky Garside, Harrogate Borough Council's Head of Public Protection, who has recently taken on responsibility for the council's Community Safety Team, said:  "The Partnership has developed well over the past few years but if we are to continue to be successful, then we have to depend on the active participation not just of its members but also the local community. 

 

"Residents are now recognising that we all have a part to play.  There are many ways that they can react to reduce the incidences of crime or local disorder.  That could just include taking better care of their property.  Or simply being the eyes and ears in their neighbourhood."

 

 

 

 

Steve Harris, Inspector Community Safety, Western Area of North Yorkshire Police, said:  "We have had some excellent support during the development of this strategy, particularly from the voluntary sector but also from members of the public.  This strategy will now build on the excellent results achieved by the Partnership in reducing crime and the fear of crime particularly house burglary and car crime.  Together we can deliver an even stronger and safer Harrogate district."

 

Plans over the next three years will promote public reassurance.  Jim Fender, Vice Chairman of North Yorkshire Police Authority believes that the strategy will complement the Police Authority's strategic objectives for North Yorkshire Police which are to maintain the excellent results achieved to date in driving down crime levels but also start to embed neighbourhood policing into our communities.

 

As well as focussing on the four main themes, the strategy will also include developing diversionary activities that combat crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour and teams will be working with young people who are at risk of being involved in crime.  Work will also be undertaken to tackle those issues that affect quality of life in our local community including low-level crime, drug and alcohol usage, environmental crime and noise nuisance.  ENDS

 

Inspector Steve Harris is on 01423 539344.

 

Other representatives from the Partnership are available for comment including Peter Hudson, North Yorkshire and Rescue, Jonathan Spencer Policy Development Officer, North Yorkshire County Council; Ron Sneddon, Harrogate and District Neighbourhood Watch, Steve Twynham, Victim Support and Kevin Gay, District Youth and Community Worker.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Julia Stack, Community Safety and CCTV Manager on 01423 556632.  General Enquiries to Lynne Mee, Communications and Media Manager, Harrogate Borough Council on 01423 556022.

 

Copies of the audit, strategy and a summary document are available from Julia Stack as above.  They will also shortly be available via the council's website at www.harrogate.gov.uk.