WEST Mercia Police are running a Safer Streets summer crackdown with an increase in patrols and targeted action to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Redditch town centre.
Running until September 30, the nationwide Safer Streets programme will operate in more than 500 town centres and high streets across England and Wales, including Redditch.
It aims to deliver visible policing, tougher enforcement and real partnership working with councils, businesses and community groups to keep local people safe.
The plan for Redditch has been developed with the borough council, retailers and community organisations.
It includes increased police patrols in the town centre and targeted enforcement to ban offenders from known hot-spots, and supporting shop workers and local businesses by cracking down on shoplifting and abuse.
There will also be activities for young people throughout the school holidays, helping prevent crime before it starts plus named, contactable neighbourhood officers and anti-social behaviour leads in every community.
The scheme also forms part of the Government’s wider Plan for Change, which aims to recruit 13,000 new neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs nationwide.
West Mercia Police will receive 31 new officers, 20 additional PCSOs and 15 more Special Constables this year.
“Redditch town centre is the heart of our community and everyone deserves to feel safe when shopping, working or spending time with family and friends,” said Redditch MP Chris Bloore.
“Together, we can reclaim our town centre and send a clear message that crime and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas added: “Having been out on patrol with our local police officers, I fully support West Mercia Police’s Safer Streets summer crackdown.
“However, I remain concerned that the level of funding allocated for the recruitment and training of these staff will not be sufficient to retain headcount, which leaves me concerned that there will be a reduction in numbers.”
