Annual Report 22/23 Accessible Version
17. My Commitments as PCC (to be responsive to emerging issues and trends part 2)
Safer Streets Fund 4 – Protecting Public Spaces
The HO launched the fourth round of the Safer Streets Fund in March 2022, with a focus on targeting: neighbourhood crimes (domestic burglary, robbery, theft from person, vehicle crime); ASB; VAWG in public places; and improving feelings of safety from VAWG or ASB.
Funding had to be targeted within defined geographic areas where evidence demonstrated a disproportionate impact from the defined crime types.
Following an extensive data review, four districts were identified and evidence-based bids developed. I was successful in securing funding for all four bids, totalling £1.4 million over the period 1 July 2022 to 30 September 2024.
The delivery areas are as follows:
|
Canterbury (£589,042) Dane John Gardens, City centre and main routes into town |
|
Extension of the Safe Zone App 34 x additional CCTV cameras in Parkwood area of the university and City centre Introducing a Safe Haven in Whitefriars open during night-time economy (NTE) and creating a safe space for women and girls Increasing Best Bar None within the NTE Safe Night Out activities to support university students, including provision of Stop Topps, non-alcohol events and Walking Taxis Support to increase number of Street Pastors to provide further patrols in the NTE VAWG survey to understand needs Additional police operations, particularly during refresher days |
|
Gravesham (£74,942) Area around town centre |
|
Installation of eight new CCTV cameras Street lighting improvements in the town centre G-Safe free trial and upgraded radio link to support engagement of new businesses Overgrown vegetation and rubbish cleared at the Overcliffe Thames Way footpath and floodlighting installation NTE Safe Space Scheme with some retailers having later opening hours Active Bystander training |
|
Maidstone (£565,877) Town centre and Brenchley Gardens |
|
Conversion of disused toilet block into outreach hub and associated equipment Summer Warden for Brenchley Gardens Active Bystander Training Shop front wraps installed at key locations Youth Outreach Officers for town centre Best Bar None (Safer Socialising scheme) Safer Streets education / awareness campaign Street Pastor and Urban Blue Bus recruitment Hollie Guard App and Krav Maga self defence classes Two additional CCTV cameras in High Street Extending Maidsafe radios and body warn cameras for NTE support staff |
|
Medway (£203,230) Targeted areas within Chatham, Rochester and Luton |
|
Youth diversionary work in Chatham and Rochester town centre’s, including Medway Night Lights Event - interactive family activity for distribution of crime prevention / safety products and to understand feelings of safety Kick & Connect - Sport on your doorstep, delivering weekly sessions for young people Improvements to Luton Millennium Green including new tarmac area and provision of sports equipment Private Sector Housing Intelligence Database to support identification of risk factors Additional CCTV cameras in Rochester multi story car park Refurbishment of Ball Cage in Ship Wrights Avenue Illicit Tobacco Post to undertake pro-active operations Active Bystander Training Target Hardening through provision of safety and crime prevention equipment Street Scene Improvements, including removal of fly tipping, graffiti and other environmental issues |
Victim Voice
At the beginning of 2023 I launched the Victim Voice scheme to highlight the help and support available to victims of crime in Kent and Medway.
Victim Voice provides information on the Victims’ Code, navigating the CJS and how to access independent advice and support. It also explains how to contact the police, what to expect from the various CJS agencies and what to do if the service received falls short of expectations.
Victims have repeatedly told me they feel their voice is not heard and that reporting a crime often does not lead to appropriate action. Victim satisfaction levels in my Annual Policing Survey showed almost half of those who experienced a crime and reported it to police, were dissatisfied with the service they received; my VAWG survey also found only 37% of victims reported the crime.
I want people to feel confident that when they report crime, they get the information and support they deserve, and are legally entitled to. And to make people aware they can access help, even if they have not reported the incident.
Victim Voice can be accessed via the OPCC website, or as a pamphlet which can also be downloaded.
More than 1,000 copies of the pamphlet have been distributed, the online version has been viewed nearly two thousand times and the Victim Voice presentation on the OPCC YouTube channel has been watched over 500 times. I have also delivered Victim Voice presentations to groups and at meetings all over the county.
Providing accessible information for victims of crime was one of the recommendations from my VAWG Inquiry.