Communities safer as crime reduced

The Rochdale Safer Communities Partnership has been hailed a success following a reduction in most crimes. In particular there were considerably less reports of anti-social behaviour, - the number of youngsters committing crimes and adult re-offending significantly dropped too.

The partnership is made up of over 30 local agencies including the police, council, NHS, probation and fire service and for the past three years they have been working to fulfil their statutory Safer Communities Plan 2007/08 – 2010/11.

The number of crimes in 2007/08 was 25,189 and in 2010/11 it was 19,531, showing a reduction of 22.4 per cent.

Criminal damage has also reduced, by 40.3 per cent, in 2007/08 there were 6,560 cases on criminal damage and in 2010/11 there were 3,914.

Last year alone there were over 1500 fewer reports of antisocial behaviour that signifies 9.7 per cent, reduction from the preview year.

There continues to be an increase in the number of users entering effective drug treatment.

More people have said that they are confident and satisfied with the partnership’s efforts to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, less people are worried about anti-social behaviour in their area and similarly, perceptions of drug use/dealing and drunk and rowdy behaviour have also improved.

John O’Hare, Chief Superintendent for Rochdale Division at Greater Manchester Police, said: “Tackling crime and making the borough a safer place cannot be achieved by the Police alone.

“We are lucky in the borough to have such a strong partnership that is committed to making a real difference.

“Together with active volunteers and working with communities, we continue to reduce crime and disorder and take every opportunity for long term problem-solving by dealing with the root causes.”

However there remain some significant challenges ahead for the partnership. For example reducing the number of domestic burglaries remains a priority. But covert policing operations, robust partnership plans alongside increased crime prevention and education are set to reverse the trend.

Roger Ellis, Chief Executive at Rochdale Borough Council, added: “Last year we saw reductions in all crimes, with the exception of burglary but we are committed to turning that around this year.

“We have plans to see reductions across the board over the next 12 months. The partnership is never complacent and will always strive to make major improvements year on year to create a borough that is safer for everyone now and in the future.”

The partnership will now be working towards fulfilling a new three year Safer Communities Plan 2011 – 2014.