Community orientated crime fighting projects short listed for 2008 Problem Solving Awards

07/08
15 February 2008

Eleven projects to promote community safety across London have been short listed to compete for the top prizes in London’s annual Problem Solving Awards this February.

A separate category of award, the Safer Travel Problem Solving Award, will be contested this year with four projects vying for top prize.

The Problem Solving Awards celebrate initiatives that develop problem oriented policing techniques – in essence projects that are responsive to local needs, are people focused and address the causes of crime, not just the consequences. The projects are conceived and put into practice in partnership between local police and communities.

The awards are a collaboration between the Metropolitan Police Authority, the Metropolitan Police Service and the Safer London Foundation, the independent charity that aims to reduce crime, promote community cohesion and develop safer neighbourhoods through innovative community led crime reduction projects.

Among the short listed entries are projects that: reduce the harm of an open cannabis market in a local area; make children’s journeys to school safer and healthier; combat local anti-social behaviour; tackle the problem of robbery at a large central London venue; address the problem of criminal damage on a bus route; and tackle the problem of dangerous and nuisance animals.

Richard Sumray, MPA member leading on problem oriented policing, said:

"The Metropolitan Police Authority welcomes the high quality of the entries from across London. The awards recognise the achievements of partnership projects between the police and local communities to reduce crime and disorder, and by showcasing the most successful we hope to spread effective ideas across the boroughs and contribute towards making the capital a safer place for everyone. I’m pleased the quality of the applications is improving each year as Safer Neighbourhoods policing becomes ever more firmly embedded in communities.

“The whole point of problem oriented policing is that it focuses on addressing the causes of crime rather than just the symptoms, stressing a partnership approach with other agencies and local communities. The MPA is actively encouraging the MPS to develop this proactive, innovative approach even further and looks forward to more of our communities benefiting from the increased sharing of best practice.”

Tony Shepherd, Chief Executive of the Safer London Foundation, said:

“This year we have seen some very exciting and innovative applications which demonstrate the very positive partnerships being developed between police officers and local community groups. The Safer London Foundation is committed to making London a safer place to live, work and visit and we are proud to be involved in the annual Problem Solving Awards.”

Tim Godwin, Assistant Commissioner Territorial Policing, said:

"Following the successful early roll-out of Safer Neighbourhoods teams across London, the MPS is continuing with its firm commitment to problem solving policing by working closely with local communities and our partners to tackle signal crimes and anti-social behaviour to improve the lives of the people of London and reduce the fear of crime. Like last year, the entries for the 2008 Problem Solving Awards provide just some excellent examples of the work that is going on across London to improve the lives of citizens and visitors alike."

Notes to editors

1. Short listed projects for the Safer London Problem Solving Awards:

• ‘PARKLIFE’ - COMBATING DISORDER THROUGH PARTNERSHIP IN LOWER MORDEN: Merton

Analysis of Merton’s 2005 Annual Residents’ Survey identified the Lower Morden ward as having the highest fear of crime in the borough. A consultation exercise to find the cause pointed the finger squarely at King George’s Playing Field, a park situated in the centre of the ward, whose broken down fence allowed access to the park via open, privately-owned alleyways. There was increasing youth disorder in the park and in the streets around it, as it had become a focus for the gathering of local youths to drink and smoke. The quiet residential streets in the vicinity became awash with graffiti and a park ranger living in a tied house in the park was subject to frightening victimisation.

In response, funding was acquired to replace the fence for the 1.5km perimeter of the park with a 5m high ultra-modern version. Resident Action Groups were formed around existing Neighbourhood Watches and alley gates installed. These resident groups were given incident diaries in which to record anti-social behaviour, as there was an issue with under-reporting. Intelligence gathered from these diaries led to the identification of a cannabis factory next to the park, which was selling drugs to the young people in the park. This was raided and an arrest was made.

Diversion and engagement of the youths in the park took place, led by the Safer Neighbourhoods police team but with assistance from youth outreach workers, and ‘Reclaim the Park’ events took place, including several youth football tournaments organised by the local police team.

Fear of crime in the ward dropped: in 2005 75% expressed concern about crime, compared to 58% in 2007; calls to police in the park or its perimeter dropped by 34%; and graffiti callouts to the park dropped by 39%.

• CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO BUSES IN FULLWELL: Redbridge

Fullwell Safer Neighbourhoods team led a project designed to address the disproportionate levels of criminal damage to buses on Route 169 in the ward. This crime trend caused considerable concern because public transport was the only available method of travel for a large proportion of the local community.

The main objective of this project was to address this issue on a long-term basis, and in doing so prevent further bus service withdrawals, whilst also improving safety for bus drivers and members of the public. It was hoped that during, and as a direct result of the initiative, good working relationships would be built with all the partner agencies involved.

A multi-agency partnership was created which implemented several measure including: reglazing the bus shelter; replacing the paving and improving lighting in the area; and tackling the offending behaviour of those believed responsible by way of education as well as enforcement.

The project achieved all of its objectives: dramatically reduced crime levels on the Route 169; improved public confidence in the police and public transport; reduced fear of crime; and excellent professional partnerships.

• ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR BY GROUPS OF YOUTHS ON THE CLEVELAND ESTATE BETHNAL GREEN: Tower Hamlets

In March 2005 the Bethnal Green South Safer Neighbourhoods team (SNT) began a problem solving process to address the twin aims of reducing anti-social behaviour and fear of crime among residents on the Cleveland estate in east London. As the SNT worked with partners and interacted with the young people on the estate it became apparent that there were several underlying community cohesion issues that needed to be addressed. Levels of mistrust between young people and the elderly on the estate, and between young people and the police, were high.

In response the SNT and their partners held a ‘World Café’ event, which brought the residents together and enabled them to bring issues of concern into the open. To demonstrate their commitment to improving their relationships with young people on the estate, the SNT suspended work on Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) and Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) applications.

In January 2006 the police and young people took part in mediation sessions to progress the initiative. A number of these young people began training in community development and some went on to become peer youth workers. The partnership commissioned a community film project to record and publicise the commitment of those living and working on the estate to work together to improve their environment.

This innovative approach to tackling the causes of anti-social behaviour and improving community cohesion has been enormously successful. Between January 2005 and March 2007, recorded crime on the estate fell 49%. The proportion of residents who considered youth-related anti-social behaviour to be a serious problem fell from 100% in August 2005 to 36% in March 2006, and some individuals previously identified as instigators of anti-social behaviour on the estate have become peer youth workers.

• OFFENCES OF ROBBERY ASSOCIATED WITH THE LONDON TROCADERO: Westminster

The London Trocadero, a large shopping mall situated in London’s West End containing 38 separate businesses, around 50 retail stalls and, incorporating a large entertainment complex (Funland) on its upper floors, has for many years been a crime hotspot, the majority of offences being robberies.

Stakeholders in the Trocadero problem solving project included Westminster City Council (WCC), Metropolitan Police Service, the London Trocadero Management Team and the Funland Management Team.

Following consultation the following activities took place in support of the problem-solving initiative:

• A monthly meeting cycle was established to manage the implementation of the crime-prevention measures and monitor process.
• Regime of regular reassurance patrols by Safer Neighbourhoods officers was established.
• A police-supported overhaul of the working practices of both Trocadero and Funland security operations was undertaken.
• Multi-agency truancy patrols took place.
• Information sharing (photographs of suspects) took place.
• A ‘no unaccompanied under-18s’ policy was implemented in Funland (post 6pm Fri/Sat).
• Licensing initiative to change customer profile of Funland was undertaken.
• Extension of ‘no under-18s’ initiative to 7 days per week.

At the conclusion of the 12-month period a WCC analyst undertook an evaluation of the initiative and reported a 59% reduction in offences of robbery.

• BELTWOOD ESTATE - DANGEROUS AND NUISANCE ANIMALS: Southwalk

During the autumn of 2006, residents of Sydenham Hill made 48 reports of problems with animals from the Beltwood Estate. A pack of 25 dogs were allowed to roam free on the 3.5 acre site which had a failing and insecure perimeter fence that enabled the dogs, together with horses and peacocks, to escape. The owner, whose behaviour could not be modified, allowed this to continue.

A multi-agency task force was formed to reduce or stop these alarming incidents.

Actions undertaken included:

• Dog Control Orders were granted by the court on two Alsatians that required leashing, muzzling, chipping and improved perimeters to the estate. Breaches have been prosecuted and these dogs were destroyed.
• A dog was seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act and a destruction order obtained.
• An employee was convicted for allowing this offence. Another was cautioned.
• Service of Environmental Protection Act Notices in relation to noise.
• An interim ASBO obtained prohibiting the owner from keeping animals there or causing nuisance.
• Under power of warrant the entire estate was seized along with all animals (the BBC and ITV filmed the eviction).
• An interim ASBO was granted preventing the owner from keeping animals anywhere.

The success of this project has seen a 100% drop in calls to police and other agencies since July 2007. A recent survey of residents indicates the local community is satisfied that effective action has been taken to eradicate the problem.

• ATTLEE TERRACE - SAFER ESTATE SCHEME: Waltham Forest

In November 2006 Atlee Terrace, a housing estate situated on the Hoe Street Ward in Waltham Forest, was identified as one of Waltham Forest’s most troublesome estates and a focal point for general disorder. Through regular engagement with local residents and partners, including the local councillor, the registered social landlord and Anti-Social Behaviour Coordinators, the following key problems identified were:

• Smoking and selling drugs.
• Daubing graffiti on walls.
• Damaging property.
• Creating a noise nuisance.
• Threatening and intimidating local residents.

It was recognised that the local problems could only be resolved with the full engagement of all partners who had an active interest in reducing crime. The responses included:

• Highlighting the problem and identifying known perpetrators.
• Liaising and engaging with partners, local residents and youths to assess the problem and formulate agreed solutions.
• Providing regular and consistently highly visible policing and enforcing pertinent legislation.

There was a 21% reduction in crime and a 21.4% reduction in the number of calls to police, improving the quality of life for the vast majority of residents living within the identified ‘Hotspot’ area.

• REDUCING THE HARM OF AN OPEN CANNABIS MARKET IN CAMDEN TOWN: Camden

An 18-month problem solving project was undertaken to reduce the harm caused to local communities by an open cannabis market in Inverness Street, Camden Town. Residents and local businesses were suffering from significant levels of intimidation, harassment, nuisance and harm associated with open drug dealing and misuse within the area.

The project undertook to engage with the local community, with an enhanced focus on youth, with the aim of reducing both the levels of, and the fear of, anti-social behaviour and crime. It sought to address the underlying issues at the root of the problem. Various measures were taken including:

• High visibility policing.
• Deployment of Territorial Support Group and Borough Task Force officers.
• Use of passive drugs dogs.
• Community engagement through Street Briefings and Newsletters.
• Use of Dispersal Zone powers.
• Use of ASBO’s.

This resulted in an overall reduction in drugs offences and drug related incidents. The local community also reported an increased perception of safety in the area and a stronger police presence.

• GASCOIGNE ESTATE BURGLARIES: Barking and Dagenham

The Gasgoine Estate was having particular problems with Burglary. Some residents had been burgled as many as five times in the previous 12 months – particularly ground floor flats.

It was discovered that the windows of these flats had numerous weaknesses relating to the locking. Due to lack of community engagement and fear, the residents were unwilling to come forward against the offenders, who in turn took advantage of this situation.

In order to reduce Burglary within the estate, make the estate a safer and cleaner place to live, and to build community engagement, various measures were enacted, including;

• High visibility policing.
• Increasing community involvement in community safety and young people schemes
• Crime prevention work including the installation of new window locks.
• Cleaning teams assigned to remove graffiti and domestic/bulk refuse.

As a result there was a 75% reduction in residential burglary in the three months February to April 2007 compared to the previous three month period (November 2006 to January 2007). This significant trend of burglary reduction has continued. Residents are more forthcoming in reporting crimes, and there is a positive turnaround in residents’ perception and understanding of community engagement.

2. Short listed projects for the Safer Travel Problem Solving Award:

• TEXT RED: Hounslow

Targeting anti-social and criminal behaviour on Hounslow‘s bus network, Text Red utilises existing MPS equipment and Transport for London Code Red systems in a new way to alert local Safer Transport team staff to incidents. Text Red gives bus drivers direct contact with the Safer Transport team. A simple letter code system enables bus drivers to communicate the problem and location quickly and succinctly so that resources can be deployed directly to the scene.

Text Red has successfully reduced crime on Hounslow’s busses, offers a targeted, high visibility police presence and in turn, increased public reassurance.

• GETTING TO SCHOOL THE SAFE AND HEALTHY WAY: Hounslow

There was an increasing problem with traffic congestion outside a local infants and nursery school, drivers often ignoring traffic restrictions and leaving vehicles unattended. This caused potential safety hazards for pedestrians, especially the children. This project works to reduce traffic congestion and encourage children to travel to school in a safe and healthy way. School and police agreed a target to increase the number of children cycling or walking to school by 10%.

The solutions: perceptions of dangerous walking routes through a local park were tackled by providing a visible Safer Neighbourhoods team presence; fixed penalty notices were broadly advertised as the future method to discourage dangerous parking immediately in front of the school; environmental improvements were made to provide waiting parents seating areas and protection from rain; structured lessons tutored children about healthy lifestyles, road safety and environmental issues; road crossing lessons were provided to all children; and the local council introduced traffic calming measures on the adjacent roads.

• PREVENTING THEFT ON BARKING TRANSPORT NETWORK: Barking

Personal theft on the transport system was identified as a major concern for commuters in Barking. Research identified that when removing an Oyster card from either a bag or pocket, commuters were revealing the contents of their bags or the location of their combined wallet/purse/Oyster card.

The local Safer Transport team has developed the concept of the ‘Oyster sleeve’, an easily worn wristband to hold an Oyster card which enabled easy touching in or out without exposing the contents of bags or pockets to potential pickpockets. Advertising the wristband both provided a means to protect commuters’ possessions and reinforce the message to protect valuables.

• CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO BUSES IN FULLWELL: Redbridge

Fullwell Safer Neighbourhoods team led a project designed to address the disproportionate levels of criminal damage to buses on Route 169 in the ward. This crime trend caused considerable concern because public transport was the only available method of travel for a large proportion of the local community.

The main objective of this project was to address this issue on a long-term basis, and in doing so prevent further bus service withdrawals, whilst also improving safety for bus drivers and members of the public. It was hoped that during, and as a direct result of the initiative, good working relationships would be built with all the partner agencies involved.

A multi-agency partnership was created which implemented several measure including: reglazing the bus shelter; replacing the paving and improving lighting in the area; and tackling the offending behaviour of those believed responsible by way of education as well as enforcement.

The project achieved all of its objectives: dramatically reduced crime levels on the Route 169; improved public confidence in the police and public transport; reduced fear of crime; and excellent professional partnerships.

3. This will be the third annual Problem Solving Award to be held specifically for London’s police.

The 2006 winner was the Camberwell Safer Neighbourhoods team in Southwark with an innovative scheme to tackle street drinking. This project went on to win third prize at the national Tilley Awards, organised by the Home Office, and was asked to present at the Goldstein Award for Excellence in Problem-Oriented Policing in the United States.

The 2007 winner was ‘Operation Bustag’, a tailored CCTV response from the Transport Operational Command Unit (TOCU) to tackle the problem of criminal damage on London’s buses (estimated at £10m annually) and reduce the fear of crime for the travelling public.

4. The awards will be presented as part of a one day ‘Safer London Problem Solving Conference’ on 25 February 2008.

5. The MPA Scrutiny on Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs), published in January 2003, included a recommendation to develop the use of problem oriented policing across London (Recommendation 28:The MPA recommends the problem oriented policing model as good practice for boroughs and CDRPs. It recommends that the MPS evaluate how the model works in those boroughs where it has been implemented and considers how it can be developed for use in all London boroughs). The scrutiny report is available at: www.mpa.gov.uk/reports/cdrpscrutiny.htm

6. Formed in 2005, the Safer London Foundation helps to reduce crime in London by supporting and funding innovative community-based crime reduction projects. It works in partnership with the police, government and business to make London's neighbourhoods safer places to live, work and visit. SLF corporate volunteers and mentors work across the capital's diverse communities, providing a unique and valuable link between the people of London and its businesses. More information about the Safer London Foundation is available at: www.saferlondonfoundation.org.uk

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