Christine Calls for Stamp Down on Crime

Too often I hear from people who have been victims of crime or anti-social behaviour. From burglary to vandalism to nuisance neighbours, this has an impact on the lives of many of us.

No-one should have their lives blighted by criminals and vandals. Where there is anti-social behaviour it is crucial that the Council, Police and, where appropriate, Youth Services work together to resolve problems before they escalate.

There is no magic solution that will stop criminals overnight - what is needed is to make tackling crime a priority for the council and much hard work needs to be done on the ground. There are some good examples of things that work, but they are not happening everywhere.

This is why I have put together a 10 point plan to Stamp Down on Crime in Bedford Borough.

As part of my "Stamping Down On Crime" campaign I will be calling on the local councils to make tackling crime a higher priority and work to see these policies put in place. Only with a concerted effort will the necessary changes be made.

Stamping Down on Crime In Bedford Borough

10 POINT PLAN

1.Put a stronger council presence on our streets and in our parks by extending the street ranger and park ranger initiative, first introduced in Bedford by Liberal Democrats in 2000.

2.Support Neighbourhood Watch in its valuable work and help to encourage more streets to become Neighbourhood Watch areas.

3.Design out crime by ensuring new developments are built to crime prevention standards informed by the Police.

4.Nip anti-social behaviour hot spots in the bud. Target hot spots with mobile CCTV and work with the Police to bring in Acceptable Behaviour contracts and ASBOs when needed.

5.Provide more facilities, away from residential areas where young people can let off steam safely without disturbing local residents.

6.Support youth clubs and others working with young people, to give positive alternatives and a constructive environment for children and young people.

7.Make sure that people on ASBOs and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts have support to change their behaviour not just push the problem elsewhere. Far too many ASBOs are broken.

8.Stamp down on distraction burglary and rogue traders through the introduction and promotion of no cold calling zones.

9.Zero tolerance of vandalism. Graffiti must be cleaned and repairs made without delay to avoid a spiral of decline.

10.Work closely with the Police - funding Community Support Officers and co-ordinating the work of Council Rangers and Police on the ground.