POLICE and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer has commended local policing teams following a decrease in anti-social behaviour crimes, which has continued following the lifting of lockdown restrictions.
Despite the lockdown restrictions easing, Cheshire saw a decrease in anti-social behaviour (ASB), especially over the summer months.
One of the responsibilities of the Commissioner is to hold the Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary to account on behalf of residents, to ensure that the Constabulary provides an efficient and effective police service.
The main vehicle for this process is the Scrutiny Board. These quarterly meetings consider the Constabulary’s performance against the priorities identified in the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan as well as a wide range of performance information relating to all aspects of policing.
During the most recent meeting, the Commissioner delved into the figures for ASB across the county and wanted to identify the reasons for the decrease.
Although it was identified that the pandemic restrictions would have played some part in lower figures, once the restrictions were lifted ASB figures haven’t risen back to pre-COVID levels. This was attributed to the hard work and problem-solving attitudes of the local policing teams who get to know their communities and provide solutions to deter those who would commit ASB.
Mr Dwyer said: “Persistent anti-social behaviour can have a devastating effect on local areas. Every person living in Cheshire has the right to feel safe and protected by the law, particularly within their home, their street and local community.
“I commend the work of local policing teams who have shown determination in ensuring that we have been able to make progress in tackling ASB in Cheshire.
“In my Police and Crime Plan, I made clear my commitment to develop an Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy which will identify how the Police and partners such as Neighbourhood Watch can work together to reduce ASB across the county.”
The Commissioner has been helping communities help themselves when it comes to tackling anti-social behaviour. This has been done through his Community Action Fund which backs initiatives that work to prevent and tackle crime.
Mr Dwyer added: “I place £100,000 in a pot each year and encourage local community groups to apply for a maximum of £5,000, which is match funded to help combat issues such as anti-social behaviour in their area.
“By getting the money match-funded I can ensure more groups are helped as my £100,000 then becomes £200,000.”
More information about the Community Action Fund is available here: https://www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/what-i-do/making-cheshire-safer/community-action-fund/
You can read more about the Commissioner’s scrutiny process at https://www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/what-i-do/holding-the-chief-constable-to-account/
