Commissioning Annual Report

Safer Streets Round Two

The Home Office launched Round 2 of the Safer Streets Fund in February 2021 and this was the second round of this fund, totalling £20 million. The fund focusses on designing and delivering crime prevention activities in hotspot areas with the aim of reducing neighbourhood crimes (burglary, vehicle related theft, theft from the person, robbery). Following an extensive data review, I worked with districts to identify the target areas and worked with them to develop an evidence-based response to the issues identified. This information supported the submission of 3 bids, and I was successful in being awarded 2 of those bids. The Home Office specifically stated they were impressed with our bids as they effectively demonstrated the analysis and drivers of the problems and identified a suitable response to tackling the issues, deliverable within the 2021/22 financial year. 

The total funding awarded was,

Total Awarded to Ramsgate (Harbour and Town Centre): £280,611.85

Total Awarded to Canterbury Whitefriars & John Dane Gardens): £382,358.00

 

Both bids delivered targeted crime prevention activity which included the following,

Provision of additional CCTV, including setting up a CCTV viewing suite to support Police investigations

Creation of a neighbourhood watch scheme

Provision of a range of safety and security advice to residents through a multi partnership approach, community signposting and referring.

Graffiti and waste removal

Installation of street lighting

Alleygating, to secure alleyways

Community safety events

Positive outcomes achieved as a result of this funding include,

Ramsgate

6 new CCTV cameras have been installed.

Alleygating has been installed to prevent the alleyways being used for drug use, littering and to help with crime reduction.

200 moped locks were given out to moped owners as part of “Thanet lock it or lose it” community event.

 

Canterbury

300 households were visited in Canterbury and engaged with during February 2022. Crime prevention advice and kits were supplied and of those surveyed 53% reported an improved feeling of safety during the day.

Community engagement events took place in the city centre throughout the year to provide crime prevention products to the visitors and residents of Canterbury.

Improved CCTV has been installed around the city.

Safer Streets Round 3

Following on from round 2 the Home Office released a subsequent funding round in June 2021. Following an extensive data review, I worked with districts to identify the target areas and worked with them to develop an evidence-based response to the issues identified. This information supported the submission of 3 bids, and I was successful in being awarded 2 of those bids. The Home Office specifically highlighted on that they were impressed with Kent’s as these demonstrated an understanding of the problems and identified suitable responses to tackling the identified issues.

The total funding award was,

Total Awarded to Ashford (Town Centre) - £215,404.03 

Total Awarded to Medway (Rochester / Chatham) - £193,251

 

Both bids delivered targeted crime prevention activity which included the following,

Installation of CCTV

Creating Safe spaces within the town and street scene improvement

Provision of bystander training.

Improvement of the street scene

Provision of a range of safety and security advice to residents through a multi partnership approach, community signposting and referring.  

Development of a digital safety app

Provision of equipment to Street Pastors

Installation of street lighting

4 short high impact films to discuss safety awareness

Community engagement sessions to improve community cohesion.

Extension of the shop watch radio system

Engagement with sex workers around health, safety and support

Positive outcomes achieved as a result of this funding include,

Ashford

140 professionals attended Active Bystander training

The Memorial Garden fencing has been replaced to improve feelings of safety within the area.

CCTV has been installed at Edinburgh Road carpark

Safe Spaces have been created in Ashford to support people who feel vulnerable or unwell and need support

Educational inputs have been delivered to Year 6 primary school children in Ashford around personal safety and online safety.

Additional equipment has been supplied to the volunteer Street Pastors to support their work in the night-time economy.

 

Medway

Additional shop watch radios have been purchased and distributed to enhance communications as part of Safer Medway.

Active Bystander training has been to approximately 112 people.

lighting projects have been undertaken in Victoria Gardens, the Brook to Rope Walk, Gas House Lane and Hills Terrace.

A community friends event took place on international women’s day as part of the “This Girl Can” programme. To build confidence through sporting taster sessions and using peer role models.

Regular street scene improvements have taken place to remove graffiti, rubbish clearance and foliage cutback.

Joint work has taken place between Medway Task Force and Hollie Guard during Stalking Awareness week in April within the night-time economy.